Bar Beach is a popular surf spot located in Greater Newcastle, known for its beach breaks and a vibrant local surf scene. It caters to a mix of surfers, from city slickers to those looking for some fun waves. The beach is often lively, so expect to share the waves with other locals and visitors alike.

The surf here generally works best with southeast swells, handling sizes around 1ft (0.3m) and up. You’ll find both left and right waves breaking over sand, which can be fun for intermediate surfers. While the area can offer some decent barrels on good days, even smaller and bumpier conditions can provide enough push for surfers to get their turns in. The spot likes a northwesterly wind and can be surfed at low, mid, and high tides, with optimal conditions usually lining up beautifully when the swell is just right.

If you're looking for a quieter spot, hanging inside for the shorey section or drifting toward Dixon Park might be your best bet; just keep in mind that many others have the same thought, so be prepared to share. Overall, Bar Beach offers a good mix of waves, but it can be competitive especially with local surfers, so don’t hesitate to paddle out!