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Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, Lake Macquarie is the ideal destination for a family day trip or mini-break. With the great outdoors being top of the agenda for many visitors, Visit Lake Macquarie is sharing the ultimate family road trip itinerary for cruising over 60 kilometres of easy road. Travellers can take in breathtaking views during a 90-minute circumnavigation of the Lake – the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia – as well as stopping to explore the very best this regional gem has to offer.

Family Stop: Caves Beach

Drive time from Sydney – 90 minutes, travelling 139kms

Lake Macquarie’s iconic Caves Beach is a family favourite. Its extensive network of sea caves and rock pools are ideal for low-tide exploration and are guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. Visitors can also enjoy the Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club – featuring facilities including a kiosk, bathrooms, barbeques, and picnic tables. Caves Beach is a must-visit attraction, so pack your sunnies, hat and sunscreen, get your swimmers on and enjoy a beach visit to remember.

Dad’s Stop: Redhead Beach

Drive time from Caves Beach – 22 minutes, travelling 16.1kms

Stick to the sea-nic route for Dad… this stop explains why his surfboard was sneakily strapped to the roof during the crazy rush out the front door. Situated in an idyllic location at the northern end of a stunning nine-mile coastal stretch, Redhead Beach backs onto magnificent red cliffs and is renowned for its historic wooden shark tower. With plenty to see and do, why not take a dip, try your hand at fishing or join the local surfers. Redhead Beach’s Cargo Espresso Bar is also well worth visiting for an early morning coffee, homemade botanical soda or delicious bite to eat.

Family Stop: Warners Bay Foreshore

Drive time from Redhead Beach – 16 minutes, travelling 11.5kms

You can’t say you have been to Lake Macquarie without visiting Warners Bay. This lively lakeside town has everything from boutique shops to quirky eateries and a fabulous foreshore perfect for post-meal family strolls. With cafes aplenty, this is a foodie’s haven. If picnics are more your style, head over the road to the foreshore and pick a nice spot to enjoy the afternoon.

Kids Stop: Speers Point Park

Drive time from Warners Bay Foreshore – 5 minutes, travelling 3.1kms

Let the kids run wild at the Lake Macquarie Variety Playground at Speers Point Park. At just under two hectares, the Variety Playground will keep the kids entertained for hours with a flying fox, water play area and a bike circuit with two intersecting tracks. There’s even a huge, fenced dog park nearby for your fur baby that’s sure to get tails wagging!

Family Stop: Toronto

Drive time from Speers Point Park – 13 minutes, travelling 10.4kms

Lakeside relaxation and waterfront dining are a few of the pleasures you can expect to enjoy when visiting Toronto Foreshore. The vibrant sailing scene is clearly evident with a yacht club and marina loved by locals. Don’t forget to stop by one of the most talked about locations to get a bite in Lake Mac, Greg and Audreys. The delicious American style food, including their raved-about range of ice creams all made in-house (sundaes served with a mini umbrella!), will have the whole family drooling.

Mum’s Stop: Watagan Mountains

Drive time from Toronto – 22 minutes, travelling 25.5kms

We know mums often put themselves last, but fear not, we’ve saved the best stop for you. The Watagan Mountains are a fabulous favourite of nature-lovers, dotted with a myriad of walking trails, lookouts and campgrounds. The glorious mountain foothills are perfect to explore on horseback with AAA Horse Riding. Discover incredible trails that take you through lush rainforest and past scenery guaranteed to take your breath away.

With the school holidays on the horizon and many sunny weekends ahead, there’s never been a better time to pack up the car and head on a family road trip around lovely Lake Macquarie – we hope to sea you soon!