Newcastle is chockfull of attractions and activities to do for a holiday. But there is another place you can visit while in Newcastle that you can really dip into. And that is the Bogey Hole.

What is the Bogey Hole?

The name is from the Dharwal word: “Bogie”. It means “a place to bathe” or “to bathe”. The Bogey Hole is a sea bath at the foot of Shepherds Hill in Newcastle, South Wales. And it is  10 metres long, 6.5metres wide, with an average depth of 1.5m.

It is the oldest European construction in the area. Today, it serves as a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike. The New South Wales State Heritage Register added The Bogey Hole in 2003.

History and current state

The Bogey Hole was once called the Commandant’s Baths. Lieutenant Colonel James Thomas Morisset ordered its construction in 1820 and utilised convict labour.

There is no official timeline for construction. Construction took three to four years to complete. It had undergone a lot of changes over the years since its original inception.

The sea bath ownership moved to the state in 1863. And later opened for public use. The Hole was made bigger to accommodate the influx of visitors.

A fun fact about the Bogey Hole is that men and women weren’t allowed to bathe together at first. Men mostly used it back in the day, and women were only allowed access at certain times of the day.

It underwent another renovation in 1884 where it was expanded to the size tourists enjoy today. Today, everyone can swim together in the Hole without prejudice.

Vacationers and Instagrammers aren’t the only ones who are attracted by the waters. It has also attracted a lot of daredevils. A lot of people like to climb the cliff and jump into the bath, which can cause injuries for the unexperienced cliff diver.

In fact, a few people have died in the Bogey Hole over the years. One of the most prominent of which is Welsh poet and Newcastle Lecturer T. Harri Jones who drowned in the pool in 1965.

To keep up with safety standards and to prevent accidents among others, state officials are making it a point to continuously work oInstagrammersn the Bogey Hole to address safety hazards and make it a more tourist-friendly attraction for everyone to enjoy.

Reasons to visit the Bogey Hole

With the continued efforts of the Newcastle Council, the Bogey Hole has become a lot more popular over the years. In fact, it has become a right of passage for Newcastle residents to take a dip in the Hole. Now, whether you’re from the area or not, it is still worth paying a visit. Here are a few reasons:

  • Historical swimming hole. When you come to Newcastle and visit the Bogey Hole, you get to experience a piece of history in real time. Think about it: the rocks lining the hole has been there since 1884. If those rocks could talk, the stories they could tell!
  • Great ocean view. Imagine sitting on rocks, listening to the waves crash onto the cliffs, the smell of the ocean filling your lungs as you enjoy an ocean view that promises a great day.
  • A warm drink after a dip. After your swim, a warm drink with your buddies is the next best thing. Pack up your car, and drive back to the CBD and enjoy delicious coffee and tea at one of Newcastle’s many cafes. A great way to end a day by the ocean.

To get the best experience at the Bogey Hole, time your trip on a calm day at low tide. You should also expect to be in the company of a lot of people, so consider visiting the area early if you want to beat the crowds.

Visit the Bogey Hole today and cross it off your bucket list. Rent a car from Alpha Car Hire’s Newcastle location to make your stay more comfortable.

If you book your vehicle early, you can save more on costs, and use that money for other things during your trip. So, don’t hesitate and give them a call today.