Murrays Beach Jetty is located in the tucked-away suburb of Murrays Beach on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Driving to this jetty, you know it will make for a beautiful photography location, as the area has a gorgeous serenity to it. This is due to the surrounding bushland and stunning picturesque lake views.

I enjoy how quiet it is as it connects you with nature.

Yes, you can sometimes hear the soft hum of traffic running along the highway. But the sounds of birds and water are more vibrant and plentiful. It’s pretty calming as you capture your landscape photos of this long jetty.

I must admit, the first time I visited this jetty to take landscape photos, I wasn’t that fascinated by it… However, I am a fan of the cafe and, as you can probably guess, the area. I have been to the cafe with friends and taken my son to play here several times.

I decided to return to this jetty as there are only a few sunset photography locations in Lake Macquarie that aren’t teeming with activity. Plus, I felt like this location had more to offer, so I was keen to give it another try.

I am glad I did!

I have enjoyed photographing Murrays Beach Jetty and have returned twice in quick succession. The last time, I was rewarded with a stunning sunset!

Murrays Beach Jetty through the trees

I captured this image to the left of Murrays Beach Jetty behind a few trees. I enjoyed exploring this area of Murrays Beach as you can use the trees to frame the jetty or look for other creative compositions to include the surroundings. (HDR Image, 23mm focal length | Sunset | October 2022)

How to photograph Murrays Beach Jetty

Photographing the jetty up close

There is something truly nice about photographing a jetty up close. This could be due to the leading lines that make up a jetty in the walkway and handrails. If the walkway is made of timber, particularly if this timber is weathered, it will contain great details and textures that look fantastic in your photos.

Murrays Beach Jetty does have the weathered grey timber boards that run along the initial part of the jetty that leads out into the water. The railings on either side have been painted white and contrast beautifully with the timber slates. Then to complete this fabulous look, three appealing street lights have been installed on the right-hand side of the jetty, which adds further charm to this place. These details are emphasised further when photographing this jetty front-on or just off to the right or left.

The jetty widens as you reach the end of the initial wooden walkway and into an ‘L’ shape. I am also pretty sure that this area of the jetty is made of some type of metal.

When writing this, I realised that I am yet to walk to the end of the jetty. I always stay at the start of the jetty or hunt along the shoreline, looking for great compositions. I will have to make sure to do that, just so that I can say that I have, when I next visit.

Left of the Jetty

The left side of Murrays Beach Jetty might have been what endeared this photography location to me.

There are a few trees and shrubs on this side of the jetty, and much of the beach consists of small pebbles. I enjoyed working with these elements to come up with different compositions of how I could capture Murrays Beach Jetty in a unique way.

The rock shelf to this side of the jetty is also considerably larger. It runs from the jetty and curls its way around and out into the lake. If you were to follow the rock shelf around, you could get a side-on shot of the jetty if you wanted.

Right of the Jetty

Shooting just to the right of the jetty can also make for some excellent compositions. However, it is more difficult than the left, especially if you want to get close to the jetty.

On this side of the jetty, if you use a wide-angle lens, you may need to stand precariously on some medium-sized rocks (at least this is what I have heard) or a small rock shelf just in front of that. There is little room to maneuver and get the angle you want.

However, with a zoom lens, you should be able to take the photo from the path that leads away from the jetty. From here, you can zoom in and capture the frame you want. Hopefully, without the need for doing a stunt, that wouldn’t be out of place in Australia’s Got Talent. 😉

The best time to photograph Murrays Beach Jetty

Murrays Beach Jetty is one of Lake Macquarie’s best sunset photography locations. Simple as that! 🙂

In the evening, the sun will set in front of the jetty across the other side of the lake. If Mother Nature is smiling on you and the clouds light up with yellows, reds and pinks, you are in for a treat.

Getting to Murrays Beach Jetty

As mentioned, Murrays Beach is located in Lake Macquarie, part of the Hunter Region. You can expect to drive approximately 50 minutes south from the Newcastle CBD to this location. If you were driving up the M1 from Sydney, you are looking at roughly a 2-hour car trip.

Once there, I have not had a problem finding a parking spot. Several small car parks are scattered around the area, most located a short distance from the jetty.

There are paths leading down to the jetty, with only a few steps here and there. This makes Murrays Beach Jetty a very accessible photography location for everyone to enjoy.

As mentioned, there is a restaurant here, and it has always been excellent whenever I have grabbed some breakfast or a coffee. I am not the only one who thinks this, so if you do go, I recommend making a reservation.

There is also a nice picnic and play area if you want to bring your family along.

Murrays Beach Jetty on a stormy afternoon.

On my first visit to Murrays Beach Jetty, I took this photo on an overcast afternoon. When I took this image, I was standing to the right of the jetty, on the path or just in front of it. The reflections you can get off the lake when there is little to no breeze around are amazing. That and the dramatic sky greatly help to improve this image. Oh, a cute little boat with a red roof also helps. (HDR Image | Sunset | March 2016)

My final verdict

Out of 10, I rate Murrays Beach Jetty an 8 as a landscape photography location.

The jetty stretches a good way out into Lake Macquarie and contains a lot of character and charm. Plus, the surrounding bushland is stunning and adds extra layers that you can work into your images.

If you are looking for a great sunset photography location in Lake Macquarie, I recommend this jetty. I enjoy photographing it the more I get to know it.

Now grab your camera and take some incredible photos! 🙂