Destination's Journey

Category: Beach

  • Ghosties Beach and the Rainbow Cave

    Ghosties Beach and the Rainbow Cave

    Ghosties Beach and the Rainbow Cave

    Getting There and Parking

    Located in Catherine Hill Bay South of Newcastle, Ghosties Beach and the Rainbow Cave (also called Ghosties Beach Cave) are an amazing place to visit, because of their beautiful colours and setting. We parked near Moonee Beach, as we were also visiting the Pink Cave. Parking is limited near the beach access trail, as the road is narrow. However, a small area of the one-way road is wider to allow cars to park. A sign indicates the way to the beach.

    Moonee Beach

    At the end of the track, you come out at Moonee Beach, an 800m long sandy beach with rock platforms at each end. At 800m long, there is plenty of room for everyone, so it’s unlikely to get crowded. Swimming is not advised, because the beach is not patrolled. While there we saw a lot of marine stingers washed up on the sand, which we were careful not to step on. Be careful, as the sting can still work even if they are dead. This is another reason to be careful swimming here.

    • Portuguese Man o' War or Marine Stinger
      Portuguese Man o’ War or Marine Stinger
    • The Track Down to Moonee Beach
      The Track Down to Moonee Beach

    Ghosties Beach

    Ghosties Beach is to the south of Moonee Beach, which is an enjoyable walk, being 1600m to the cave entrance. At the south end of Moonee Beach is Flat Rocks Point, which has some interesting rock formations near the water’s edge. Walk over the sand dunes and down to Ghosties on the other side. Here you will find a lovely, secluded beach, with tree covered cliffs. One section of the beach has green algae covered boulders, which look amazing.

    Next to the boulders, is a small rock outcrop has a coal seam exposed, with its black colour contrasting to the yellow sand.

    • Ghosties Beach
      Ghosties Beach
    • Ghosties Beach Looking Towards the Rainbow Cave Entrance
      Looking towards the Rainbow Cave Entrance on Ghosties Beach
    • An Exposed Coal Seam on Ghosties Beach
      An Exposed Coal Seam on Ghosties Beach
    • Rocks on Ghosties Beach
      Rocks on Ghosties Beach

    The Rainbow Cave

    A fissure in the cliff at the south end of the beach marks the entrance to the Rainbow Cave, making it easy to find. Only access the cave at low tide, otherwise it is too dangerous to enter. Check the tide times before you go, to make sure the tide it low.

    The fissure leads into a sea cave with amazing rock colours, because of the way they have been eroded. From inside the cave, you are able to look out of the sea cave over the ocean and the nearby cliffs.

    There is another sea cave further to the south but even at low tide it was too dangerous to enter.

    • Entrance to Rainbow Cave
      Entrance to Rainbow Cave
    • Looking Out the Sea Cave Entrance
      Looking Out the Sea Cave Entrance
    • Inside the Rainbow Cave
      Inside the Rainbow Cave
    • Entrance to Rainbow Cave
      Looking Out Of the Entrance to Rainbow Cave

    What Did We Think?

    This was a great place to visit, because of the amazing colours of the cave and the beautiful views along the beach. Remember to only visit at low tide.

    Another great place to visit is the Pink Cave on the Moonee Beach Rock Platform

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Moonee Beach and the Pink Cave

    Moonee Beach and the Pink Cave

    Moonee Beach and the Pink Cave

    Getting There and Parking

    Located in Catherine Hill Bay South of Newcastle, Moonee Beach and the Pink Cave (also called Deep Cave Bay) are an amazing place to visit, because of their beautiful colours and setting. Parking is limited near the beach access trail, as the road is narrow. However, a small area of the one-way road is wider to allow cars to park. A sign indicates the way to the beach.

    The Track Down to the Beach

    A sandy trail leads down to the beach, winding through bush until it reaches the beach. The beach is beautiful and quiet, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the sand and waves.

    • The Track Down to Moonee Beach
      The Track Down to Moonee Beach
    • The Track Down to Moonee Beach
      Sandy Track Down to Moonee Beach

    Moonee Beach

    At the end of the track, you come out at Moonee Beach, an 800m long sandy beach with rock platforms at each end. At 800m long, there is plenty of room for everyone, so it’s unlikely to get crowded. Swimming is not advised, because the beach is not patrolled. While there we saw a lot of marine stingers washed up on the sand, which we were careful not to step on. Be careful, as the sting can still work even if they are dead. This is another reason to be careful swimming here.

    • Moonee Beach
      Moonee Beach
    • Portuguese Man o' War or Marine Stinger
      Portuguese Man o’ War or Marine Stinger

    Rock Platform

    The rock platform on the north end of the beach is where you will find the pink cave. Access to the cave is only safe at low tide, so make sure you check tide times before you go. Walking across the rock platform can be slippery, so have good footwear and take care.

    On your 700m walk to the cave, take time to look at some of the wonderful rock pools, as some are very colourful. Also look at the algae and seaweed growing on the exposed rocks, many of them are also brightly coloured.

    • The Rock Platform Looking Towards Moonee Beach
      Rock Platform Looking at Moonee Beach
    • A Rock Pool on the Rock Platform
      A Rock Pool on the Rock Platform
    • The Rock Platform
      Small Bay on the Rock Platform
    • The Rock Platform
      Small Bay on the Rock Platform

    The Pink Cave

    Remember to only go here at low tide, because this is the safest period, as well as ensuring you see the pink rocks. The rocks are wet and slippery, because the cave is tidal, so take care.

    Inside the cave, where the waves wash in, you will see the amazing pink rocks. Fully exposed at low tide, they make a great sight.

    • The Pink Cave
      The Pink Cave
    • The Pink Cave
      Inside The Pink Cave
    • A Small Pool in the Pink Cave
      A Small Pool in the Pink Cave
    • The Pink Cave
      The Pink Cave
    • Entrance to the Pink Cave
      Entrance to the Pink Cave
    • Entrance to the Pink Cave
      Looking out of the Cave

    What Did We Think?

    This was a great place to visit, because of the amazing colours of the cave. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy you surrounding, either before or after the walk along the rock platform.

    A great addition to this visit is the Ghosties Beach Cave, which is only 1600m away along the beach.

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Terrigal on the Central Coast

    Terrigal on the Central Coast

    Terrigal

    Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Terrigal is a coastal town situated halfway between Sydney and Newcastle (90 minutes from both). Public transport connects via the train to Gosford and a connecting bus to Terrigal.

    We parked near the skillion, because it allowed easy access to the places we wanted to see.

    The Skillion

    Overlooking Terrigal and the surrounding coastline, the Skillion provides amazing views of the surrounding coastline and town. A walkway runs up the left side, making access easy, or you can walk on the grassed surface. At the top, a fenced lookout provides a safe place for viewing, because the nearby cliff is very high.

    At the base of the Skillion is a rock platform where the waves constantly splash and look amazing. Signs warn of the danger of walking in the area, not only from the waves, but from rocks falling off the cliff. A great way to see the rock platform is from Kurrawyba Lookout, which is safe and also gives a good view.

    • The Grassed Surface of the Skillion Terrigal
      The Grassed Surface of the Skillion
    • Looking Down From the Skillion Towards Terrigal
      Looking Down From the Skillion Towards Terrigal
    • View From the Skillion Towards Terrigal Lagoon
      View From the Skillion Towards Terrigal Lagoon
    • View From the Skillion Over Kurrawyba
      View From the Skillion Over Kurrawyba
    • View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
      Looking Towards Avoca From the Skillion
    • View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
      View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
    • Rocks at the Base of the Skillion
      Rocks at the Base of the Skillion
    • Rocks at the Base of The Skillion
      Rocks at the Base of The Skillion
    • Waves Crashing Over Rocks on the Rock Platform
      Waves Crashing Over Rocks on the Rock Platform

    Kurrawyba Lookout

    Situated on the headland opposite the Skillion, Kurrawyba Lookout is an easy five minute walk from the car park. This is the best place to get a safe view of the Skillion and the rock platform, because the platform itself is subject to falling rocks.

    • The Skillion and Rock Platform
      , The Skillion and Rock Platform
    • The Skillion and Rock Platform
      The Skillion and Rock Platform

    Terrigal Boat Harbour

    We bought a coffee at the Cove Cafe and sat on a bench in the park next door, watching the boats in the harbour and a group of swimmers while we drank it. It was very relaxing, as everyone else there was relaxing and enjoying the morning as well.

    On our walk around the area, we noticed a lot of pelicans, including some on the powerpoles, watching everyone else.

    • The Harbour at Terrigal
      The Harbour
    • Pelicans
      Pelicans

    Terrigal Lagoon and Beach

    The Terrigal Lagoon, is a safe place where families can enjoy the day near the water. Protected from the surf, this tidal area had people paddle boarding, swimming, or just relaxing.

    At the end of the lagoon, was an interesting sculpture, adding to the interest in the area.

    Past the lagoon is the magnificent sandy Terrigal Beach. The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break, but remember to swim between the flags.

    • Terrigal Lagoon
      Terrigal Lagoon
    • Sculpture in Terrigal Lagoon
      Sculpture in the Lagoon