Home to the largest coastal salt-water lake in the southern hemisphere and more than 30 kilometres of pristine coastline, Lake Macquarie is one of the East Coast’s hidden treasures. Just 90 minutes from Sydney, it boasts something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoorsy type, history buff, or simply seeking relaxation. And with the New Year now upon us, what better reason to get out and explore!
20 reasons to put Lake Macquarie at the top of your holiday list for 2020 are:
1. Lake Macquarie sand islands
Lake Macquarie’s sand islands are a firm favourite with the locals and it’s easy to see why. With pristine white sand and turquoise water, you can explore by boat or choose to swim – just clock on to island time and get lost in the tranquillity.
2. Caves Beach
Lake Macquarie’s iconic Caves Beach, with its extensive network of sea caves and rock pools are ideal for low-tide exploration. Crawl through tight holes, hang out in shady caves or sun yourself on the beach’s sandy shores.
3. Speers Point Park
Often referred to as Australia’s best play space, the kids won’t want to leave award-winning Speers Point Park, with its fantastic flying fox, water play zones, bike paths and climbing frames. There’s even a huge fenced dog park for the fur baby that’s sure to get tails wagging!
4. MAC
Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) Lake Macquarie is home to an impressive collection of travelling and permanent exhibitions. After undergoing a $2.3 million transformation in 2019, MAC is a cultural hotspot where visitors can be inspired by arts, culture and fresh ideas.
5. Gap Creek Falls, Watagan Mountains
The Watagan Mountains are well known, but many visitors are entirely unaware of the stunning Gap Creek Falls, hidden deep within the rainforest. These striking falls are accessible for keen hikers via the spectacular Gap Creek Falls Trail.
6. Belmont Baths
Belmont Baths is the perfect spot for lazy laps or a swim during a sunny weekend. The Baths boast a new jetty (perfect for practicing splash bombs), a large netted swimming area, a brand-new amenities block, change rooms and foreshore landscaping.
7. Creative LAKE
Creative LAKE sculpture trail contains several unique artworks including a bronze sky pig, a young monk, a dingy and a granite hibiscus. Each of the artworks can be discovered in popular locations on the Eleebana, Warners Bay and Speers Point foreshores.
8. Redhead Beach
Redhead Beach is renowned for its red, rocky headland, iconic shark tower and timber boardwalk. This pretty beach features Cargo Espresso Bar – located moments from the sand.
9. Float Your Boat
Every June, dozens of boats light up the night skies and calm waters of Lake Macquarie during the region’s perennial favourite boating regatta Float Your Boat – an event where passionate boat owners are encouraged to decorate their vessels in lights and take part in a parade around the Lake.
10. Warners Bay
One of the City’s most popular areas, walk or cycle the nine kilometre Warner’s Bay Foreshore Shared Pathway, or take it easy and roll up for a lazy lunch at one of The Esplanade’s many cafes serving delicious, in-season local produce.
11. Catherine Hill Bay
Set on the shores of a picturesque historical mining town, Catherine Hill Bay is the perfect spot for snorkelling and diving to view local shipwrecks, as well as offering some amazing surf breaks.
12. JetBuzz
For thrill seekers JetBuzz is a must – get the adrenalin pumping with JetBuzz’s famous 360° spins, power brake stops and fish tails. Or head out to the ocean to ride some waves.
13. Dora Creek
Located on the southern side of the Lake, the peaceful Dora Creek is ideal for kayaking trips, and is home to perfect picnic spots along its banks. Don’t miss ‘The Swinging Bridge’, a well-kept local secret spot for family fun.
14. Skydiving over Lake Macquarie
If you fancy an entirely different view of Lake Macquarie, why not take flight at Newcastle’s nearby beach skydive, enjoying stunning coastal views as you leap from 15,000 feet with Skydiving Newcastle.
15. Blacksmiths Beach
One of the local coastline’s top swimming beaches, thanks to protection from the Swansea Channel Breakwall, Blacksmiths Beach is a fabulous family playground, famed for its nearby ‘Grannies Pool’ – a sheltered inlet loved by local toddlers – and their grannies!
16. Glenrock State Forest
Escape to Glenrock State Conservation Area and revel in your breathing space in this secret hideaway. Enjoy beach activities, bushwalking, mountain bike riding and hang gliding, all while feasting on spectacular views along the way.
17. Fernleigh Track
Fernleigh Track snakes along a restored heritage railway corridor, bypassing stunning wetlands and bush landscapes between Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
18. Matt Hall Racing
Experience the ride of your life with a joyride or acrobatic flight reaching speeds of up to 400km/h with the original speed demon, Matt Hall, from Matt Hall Racing.
19. Pulbah Island
Only accessible by boat, Pulbah is Lake Macquarie’s largest island and is favoured by locals for its tranquil picnic spots and idyllic bushwalking pathways.
20. Rathmines
Aviation Heritage at Rathmines is a historical hotspot! The park was used as an important Catalina Sea Plane base during World War II, was the largest seaplane base in the Southern Hemisphere and was the longest serving during the war.
It’s easy to see why Lake Macquarie is a favourite for family, friends, adventurers and anyone in between. To start planning you 2020 trip to Lake Macquarie and find where to stay when you visit, please visit the revamped website: http://www.visitlakemac.com.au
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