Newcastle Memorial Walk

About Newcastle Memorial Walk

In 2015, the Newcastle Memorial Walk was inaugurated to pay tribute to the centenary of the ANZAC landing in Gallipoli. This special occasion not only commemorates the bravery of Australian soldiers in World War I but also signifies the beginning of steel production in Newcastle. In fact, 64 tonnes of stainless steel were utilized to construct the ANZAC memorial walk, serving as a symbolic representation of this historical milestone.

The Newcastle Memorial Walk, one of Newcastle’s recent developments, is an impressive walkway adorned with steel silhouettes of soldiers and the names of almost 11,000 Hunter Valley men and women who served in World War I. It consists of two sections: a 160-metre-long bridge that starts at Strzelecki Lookout and leads to a breathtaking viewing platform, and a stairway that connects the memorial walk to Bathers Way, a six-kilometre coastal walk from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach. With its stunning cliff-top views and a significant message for younger generations, this memorial walk welcomes visitors 24/7, thanks to the path being illuminated by lights after dark.

What to do at Newcastle Memorial Walk

The walkway, constructed with 64 tonnes of stainless steel, meanders along the edge of the cliff, providing unparalleled vistas of the coastline, city, and the Hunter Valley. Adorned with steel silhouettes of soldiers, the 160-meter cliff-top bridge showcases the names of nearly 11,000 Hunter Valley men and women who served in World War I, totalling close to 4,000 family names. Additionally, it connects to Council’s Bathers Way promenade project, a six-kilometre coastal pathway that joins Newcastle’s beaches, spanning from Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobbys Beach.

Constructed over a cliff top, the Newcastle Memorial pedestrian bridge is considered one of Australia’s most remarkable coastal walks. To identify fallen soldiers on the European battlefield, the structural design was developed in collaboration with EJE Architecture and reflects the double helix of human DNA. Despite a limited budget, Northrop managed to create a high-quality structural product. The top bridge showcases steel silhouettes of soldiers, effectively conveying the project theme. Due to its close proximity to the harsh marine environment and strong winds, the durability of the infrastructure was of utmost importance.