The Ocean Baths were constructed and in use before World War One, though not formally opened until the 1920s. The baths' popularity has never waned throughout the ensuing decades, and thousands of Novocastrians remember it fondly as the place where they first learned to swim. Construction began in 1910 with the construction of the pavilion beginning in 1922.

The Newcastle Ocean Baths are open all year round, subject to maintenance and cleaning. Cleaning is done every Wednesday and the Baths are closed to the public.