Lake Macquarie allows visitors to escape from their everyday to whatever they love – lake, beach, mountains. An easy 90 minute drive north of Sydney, Lake Macquarie offers a range of experiences...
An easy 90 minute drive north of Sydney, Lake Macquarie offers a range of experiences – tranquil lake cruising on an expanse of water four times the size of Sydney Harbour, golden surfing beaches, untouched mountain wildernesswalks and quaint waterfront towns.
The city boasts one of the largest coastal salt-water lakes in the southern hemisphere, stretches of sandy beaches and kilometres of untouched coastline.
Lake Macquarie is popular with water enthusiasts, offering the perfect environment for fishing, swimming, water skiing, surfing and boating.
The backdrop to this water wonderland is the Watagan mountain wilderness area, a pristine environment that offers an abundance of flora and fauna, as well as a bird’s eye view of the lower Hunter region. The unique natural environment is the perfect location for a relaxing walk, an afternoon of hiking or horseback riding.
Lake Macquarie provides idyllic scenery for picnics by the foreshore or fine dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants. There is accommodation for every budget, so whether you stay for a day, a weekend or a holiday, drop in for a refreshing break and fall in love with the Lake.
Things to do.....
Experience the thrill of a high speed jet boat ride, or a day of learning how to kayak or waterski.
Explore the sea caves on Caves Beach, venture into the open waters with a deep sea fishing adventure, or catch a wave at the patrolled beaches.
Then enjoy lunch at one of the picnic areas around the lake, with playground equipment for the kids.
For a more relaxed adventure enjoy a scenic drive with spectacular views of the coastline and the lake. Take a stroll along the foreshore at Warners Bay, and end the day at a lakeside restaurant on The Esplanade, the perfect place to indulge over a meal and take in the magical view of the lake.
Nature
Reconnect with nature at Lake Macquarie where kilometres of walking tracks allow you to experience the pristine wilderness of the Watagan Mountains, see swans and pelicans near the natural bushland areas on the shore of the lake and take in spectacular views along the coastline.
Watagan Mountain National Park and State Forest covers 7751 ha of extensive mountain range that is a must see for nature lovers.
The Watagan Mountains is home to Boarding House Dam that features a 110 metre long, moss covered rock wall and unusual sculptured rock formations in the creek, all situated within a pristine rainforest environment. The area has several well defined walking trails to explore the mountains, the creeks, and the lookouts that have stunning views across the Hunter Region.
Lake Macquarie is blessed with some of the best restaurants, cafés and entertainment venues in the Hunter. Indulge your tastebuds at the award winning eateries dotted around the Lake or sip on a glass of Hunter wine and take in the scenery.
From á la carte dining to friendly bistros and casual café, or a romantic restaurant for two, waterside dining is in abundance. Fresh seafood, the best of local produce and superb Hunter wines are on the menu when you dine in Lake Macquarie.
Not only can you enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the water, you can also dine on the lake, with Lake Macquarie offering a range of lunch and dinner cruises. These daily cruises are the perfect venue for group dinners, private parties, functions and weddings.
Natural Attractions
Experience the sparkling beaches of Lake Macquarie, dotted along thirty kilometres of largely undeveloped coastline.
Explore the sea caves at low tide on Caves Beach or view the stunning rock cliffs at Redhead Beach.
Lake Macquarie beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing or a relaxing and fun day out for the family.
Arts & Culture
Lake Macquarie is home to the Lake Macquarie Art Gallery prides itself on hosting an exciting and changing program of nationally significant touring exhibitions alongside the work of local artists. The gallery also includes a waterfront sculpture garden and the perfect place for a relaxing coffee, the historic Awaba House Restaurant Cafe.
Markets
WEDDINGS
Lake Macquarie provides a picturesque setting for your wedding day, perfect for photos with a backdrop of spectacular scenery. There are function facilities throughout the area that provide a variety of packages, many with breathtaking waterfront views.
January
Catho Classic – Catherine Hill Bay
Lake Macquarie Festival – Speers Point
February
Morisset Annual Agricultural Show – Morisset
March
Loop the Lake (A charity bicycle challenge) – Warners Bay
Jazz in the Pines – Caves Beach
Lakefest – Belmont
April
Warners Bay Food and Wine Festival – Warners Bay
Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest – Toronto
May
Dobell Festival of Arts and Crafts – Rathmines
October
Catalina Memorial Festival – Rathmines
November – March
Music in the Podium – Warners Bay
