The Bogey Hole

Newcastle, New South Wales

The Bogey Hole is a historical reminder of the excesses that come from having both too much power, a love of water, and too much idle time on your hands. This little pool was cut from a coastal rock shelf in the early 19th century by convict labour for a local military commandant. It was not built for its strategic value in warfare, but rather simply so that the local commandant could take a bath. Above: The platform at the edge of the Bogey Hole in Newcastle (Order this image)

According to a plaque on site, the Bogey Hole was originally known as the Commandant's Bath. Built between 1819 and 1822, it was transferred to the public in 1863. This makes it one of Australia's oldest constructed public pools.

What is it like to swim in the Bogey Hole? It all depends on the swell. On my visit the surf was up and the Bogey Hole was being battered by waves that slammed into the back wall, with water shooting up through the platform grate like a fountain. Quite frankly it was a little bit scary, with very little visibility in the water due to the froth on the surface and loose sand and seaweed being stirred up from the bottom. I managed a few brave, short dashes to various sides of the pool, in between the larger sets of waves. Above: Waves approaching the Bogey Hole in Newcastle (Order this image)

Little did I know that the waves would be the least of my problems. When I jumped onto the platform and scurried up the steps from my first dash across the water, I encountered a staff member from Sea Shelter, a local marine wildlife rescue organisation, coming down the steps. She casually mentioned that "We've had reports on our social media pages of a shark being washed into the pool - did you happen to see it in the water?" Gulp. Did she just say shark? "It might be injured so it would be great if you could look around for it," she continued. It was only when she saw the shocked expression on my face that she clarified that it was a Port Jackson shark. Phew! For anyone who does not know, Port Jackson sharks are toothless and are often used in the petting zoos in aquariums. My last encounter with a Port Jackson shark was actually at the Southland shopping centre, where they had one in a tank that you could pat. Needless to say, after a few more dashes into the turbid water, I did not find any sharks and my potential career as a wildlife rescuer was cut short before it began. Above: The rocky headland at the Bogey Hole in Newcastle (Order this image)

For the thrillseekers, apparently people cling to the chains when they know that waves are going to overtop the pool. On my visit that would have meant being totally submerged for maybe 10-15 seconds at a time, which was too dangerous for my liking. Designed as a bath, the pool is relatively narrow and shallow (I could stand up everywhere I needed to), so not well suited to lap swimming if others are in the water. I think it would be fun to explore with a snorkel when the seas are calm and for hanging out with friends.

There are no facilities and no space at the water's edge of the Bogey Hole, with any picnics needing to happen back in King Edward Park.

Here is a video of swimming at the Bogey Hole in rough seas, including waves hitting the back wall of the pool with quite a force.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information. Specific to this site, the managing authority advises that there is high surf, submerged rocks, falling rocks, shallow water, slippery surface, slippery stairs, dangerous tides, unstable cliff, and marine stingers. The marker indicates the approximate location of the Bogey Hole. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
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