Blacksmiths is a quiet beach-side suburb of Lake Macquarie and is surrounded
by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the mouth to the beautiful Lake Macquarie
on another. Situated
north of Swansea (Just near the Swansea opening bridge) it is only half an hour
from Newcastle, or an hour and a half from Sydney.
The area was originally called
Kahibah and developed as a depot for the first Swansea Bridge (built
in 1877). The area later became known as "the Depot" but only informally. It is
rumoured that the area became known as Blacksmiths due to the Blacksmiths shop
that was located on the channel (approximately where the Pacific Highway turns
towards the bridge). People referred to the "Blacksmiths" when giving directions
and the name stuck.
Blacksmiths Beach is easy to find
and is found just off the Pacific Highway. The main entrance is located at the
southern end of Nine Mile Beach (a 16km beach that stretches from Redhead to
Blacksmiths). The beach is home of the Swansea-Belmont Surf Club which patrols
the main beach in the warmer months of the year. It is also host to the Junior
and Senior Surf Life Saving Championships in February and March. There is a
Kiosk at the beach and full amenities as well as BBQ facilities
Blacksmiths also hosts excellent
boat launching facilities which provide access to either the open sea or the
vast expanse of the beautiful Lake Macquarie. Many fishing spots and picnic
areas can be located around the foreshores of Lake Macquarie, or alternatively
take a cruise on the lake itself.
You can bring your golf clubs and
have a friendly round of golf at the Belmont Golf Course (only a short drive
away), Scuba dive under the Swansea Bridge (Tide dependant) or relax and enjoy
the beachside atmosphere. Blacksmiths and its famous beach provide a
wonderful atmosphere for you to experience your own temporary sea-change.
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