Last verified 03/26
Soldiers Beach is a wide surf beach beside Norah Head Lighthouse.
The beach feels open and natural. Headlands rise at both ends and the surf club overlooks the sand.
It’s one of my favourite beaches on the northern Central Coast. Come here for swimming, surfing or a long walk beside the water.
Is Soldiers Beach Worth Visiting?
- Best for: Surfing, swimming and beach walks
- Great if you want: An open beach with cafés and facilities nearby
- Not ideal for: Calm water or swimming outside patrol times
Soldiers Beach is worth visiting if you enjoy surf beaches. You can also combine it with Norah Head Lighthouse and Cabbage Tree Harbour.
What Soldiers Beach Is Like
Soldiers Beach stretches for about 900 metres between two rocky headlands.
It’s an exposed surf beach with strong waves and several rips. The surf club and main facilities sit near the southern end.
The beach has toilets, showers, drinking water, parking and places to eat nearby.
Local tip: The headland can provide some protection when summer north-easterly winds arrive.
Swimming at Soldiers Beach
Soldiers Beach is popular for swimming during the warmer months. It’s an exposed ocean beach with stronger surf than nearby Cabbage Tree Harbour. Soldiers Beach is patrolled from the September school holidays until April.
For a more sheltered setting, visit Cabbage Tree Harbour or Norah Head Rockpool.
Surfing at Soldiers Beach
Soldiers Beach is popular with local surfers.
The open beach receives regular ocean swell. Conditions suit experienced surfers more than complete beginners when the waves are strong.
Where to Eat and Drink
You’ll find food and coffee at both ends of the beach.
Surfside Snax overlooks the northern end. Dunes by Dish sits inside Soldiers Beach Surf Club.
Dunes at Soldiers Beach Surf Club sits inside Soldiers Beach Surf Club.
The listings below show more places to eat around Soldiers Beach and Norah Head.
Visit Norah Head Lighthouse
Norah Head Lighthouse sits on the headland beside Soldiers Beach.
You can explore the reserve, join a lighthouse tour or walk around the headland.
The area is also good for whale watching between May and November.
You can take a 30-minute guided tour for around $10, where volunteers take visitors up the 96 steps to the top balcony while sharing stories about the history of the lighthouse.
From the top you’ll enjoy panoramic views along the coastline.
Explore the Norah Head Coast
Walk or drive from Soldiers Beach to Norah Head Lighthouse.
From the lighthouse, you can continue around the headland towards Cabbage Tree Harbour and the rockpool.
The coastal route includes steps and uneven sections.
Accommodation Near Soldiers Beach
NRMA Norah Head Holiday Park has cabins, caravan sites and camping sites near the beach. It also has a pool, splash area, playground and jumping pillow.
Norah Head Lighthouse has three historic lighthouse keeper cottages.
Private holiday homes are also available around Norah Head and Noraville.
How to Spend Half a Day at Soldiers Beach
Start with coffee overlooking the beach. Then spend the morning swimming, surfing or walking along the sand.
Have lunch near the surf club. Afterwards, visit Norah Head Lighthouse and walk around the headland.
Finish at Cabbage Tree Harbour or Norah Head Rockpool.
Getting to Soldiers Beach
Soldiers Beach is about one hour and 45 minutes north of Sydney via the M1.
Parking is available off Soldiers Point Drive near the surf club and beach access.
The closest spaces can fill on warm weekends and during school holidays.
Find Out More Beaches Nearby
Central Coast Beaches
Discover the best beaches across the Central Coast.
Frazer Beach
A secluded beach surrounded by Munmorah State Conservation Area.
The Entrance Beach
A popular beach close to shops cafés and attractions.
Caves Beach
Famous for its sea caves and stunning coastal scenery.
Norah Head
Visit the lighthouse, coastal walks and whale-watching areas.
Canton Beach
A calm lakeside beach perfect for families and sunsets.