Memorial Walk
Central Coast & Hunter - NSW
Newcastle
KEY INFO
Distance (kms):
1 km
Time (hrs):
Allow 30 mins
Elevation gain (m):
16 m
Max. elevation (m):
64 m
Difficulty (Grade):
Easy (Grade 2)
Route type:
Out-and-back
Traffic:
Heavy
Access:
2WD Sufficient
Coastal views
The soldier silhouettes
The bridge section from below
Coastal views
Click to see full image.
A lovely walk along the clifftop, with stunning coastal views and informative signage honouring the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during World War I.
This heavily trafficked walk starts from either the car park for Strzelecki Lookout on High Street in Newcastle, or from the Bar Beach car park on Memorial Drive (with a little additional walking).
The Memorial Walk was opened in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing in Gallipoli.
The walk honours the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during World War I, with the names of almost 11,000 soldiers from the Hunter Valley listed along the 160m bridge from Strzelecki Lookout to another viewing platform.
From all along the walk, there are stunning coastal views. It is also advised to look inland from the bridge for views to Newcastle’s city centre.
The opening of the walk also coincides with the commencement of steel making in Newcastle, which is part of the reason that the walk was built using 64 tonnes of stainless steel, including steel silhouettes of soldiers along the bridge.
The walk then descends a staircase via a staircase and connects to Bathers Way, a 6 km coastal walk from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach. From the stairs there are spectacular views towards Merewether Beach.
The walk is illuminated at night, meaning the walk can be visited 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dogs are not allowed on the Memorial Walk, for ease of cleaning.
Track: The walk consists of a steel bridge, followed by a steel staircase. It is well-signed and easy to follow.
Difficulty: The walk is suitable for all fitness levels, with the 160m bridge section from Strzelecki Lookout to another viewing platform being wheelchair accessible. While the entire walk has guardrails, young children should still be supervised at all times.
Direction: The walk is an out-and-back track that returns the way it came.
getting there
The walk starts from either the car park for Strzelecki Lookout on High Street in Newcastle, or from the Bar Beach car park on Memorial Drive (with a little additional walking up the hill), 8.5 hours drive south of Brisbane or 2.5 hours drive north-east of Sydney.
Parking is relatively limited at Strzelecki Lookout but ample at the Bar Beach car park. Both spots become very busy during weekends and holidays.
best time to go
The walk can be completed year-round.
Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure.
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.