In 1904, Newcastle council decided to commence ‘beach improvements’ along Newcastle Beach to update existing shelters and build new shelters at both ends of the beach.

Finished in 1907, the stone shelter sheds at South Newcastle Beach were built to provide extra amenities for women and children at what was then known as ‘the ladies’ reserve or ladies’ bathing place’.

With the closure of the Corporation Baths in Newcomen Street, some of the 80 dressing boxes were moved from the baths to the beaches.

Near the refreshment stall, occupied by Mrs. Jetson, a large shelter shed is in course of erection, about 70ft in length, built of bluestone cubes, of which the corporation has a large number on hand, with no prospect of their immediate use for any other purpose. A red-tiled roof will be supported by stone arches springing from granite piers, and when finished should provide a cool and attractive retreat for pleasure-seekers.

Newcastle morning herald 1907

As part of the significant Bathers Way project which, when complete, will create 14 kilometres of continuous accessible pathway from Merewether Beach to Carrington, work was undertaken to preserve the 1907 stone shelter sheds after initial investigations revealed the foundations of the structure to be vulnerable.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, South Newcastle Beach was the preferred bathing and ‘promenading’ location for visitors to the beach.

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Stone Shelter Sheds Newcastle Beach – 12 February 1912 | Retro Postcard

Stone Shelter Sheds Newcastle Beach Retro Postcard – 12 February 1912 | Ralph Snowball Collection – University of Newcastle Library photo reproduction

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