Top 10 Things to do in Lake Macquarie, NSW
From coastal walking trails to sailing, Lake Macquarie has an abundant range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. It is the perfect destination to sit back, relax and take in the views from the cliffs to the lake and everything in between.
1. Discover Redhead Beach
Redhead Beach is famous for two things: cliffs, and its legendary shark watchtower. The beginning of a nine-mile stretch of coastline between Redhead Beach in the north and Blacksmith’s Beach in the South, Redhead is also the perfect spot to hit the beach in your 4WD as long as you have a permit. The Redhead shark watchtower was constructed in the early 1900s during the Depression.
2. Walking trails around the lake
Lake Macquarie has many amazing walking trails – with car parking all around the lake, the decision as to where to start your walk is simple. While walking around the lake, there are plenty of wonderful places to stop for a quick photo, like the one above at Belmont.
3. Sailing on the lake
As the largest permanent saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is the perfect place to learn to sail. The Lake has a long sailing history, and is the absolute perfect destination to begin sailing on flat water.
4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding/Scuba Diving
Start your SUP adventure on Lake Macquarie by paddling along the stunning waterfront. Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a great way to experience Lake Macquarie on those hot summer days. The Lake provides many great water activities including Scuba Diving — whether it be a drift dive along the Swansea Channel, under the jetty at Catherine Hill Bay, or directly under the Swansea Bridge.
5. Walk through the sea caves at Caves Beach
Believed to be evidence of the Gondwana breakup roughly 130 million years ago, the sea caves located at Caves Beach are a popular destination for locals. On low tide, these caves become an adventure playground for children and adults alike!
6. Explore Catherine Hill Bay
As a state heritage listed historic mining village, with just a few hundred residents, Catherine Hill Bay is a beautiful beachside town. Named after the shipwreck which landed in the bay back in 1867, it has since been twice named in ‘Australia’s 101 Best Beaches’. Catherine Hill Bay is often most recognised by its remarkable 250m long jetty. You are able to get up close to the Catherine Hill Bay jetty on our Ocean Explorer Tour or Adventure Tour! CoastXP’s tours have been recognised as one of the nine highlights of Lake Macquarie!
7. Visit Speers Point Park
With climbing towers, kid’s road/cycleways and full water play area, Speers Point Park provides great entertainment for families looking to have an enjoyable day by the lake. The Park is absolutely huge and caters for children of all ages. Take your own picnic or pick up a tasty treat from the local cafe.
8. Ride the Fernleigh Track
Along the old rail corridor lies the Fernleigh Track, the 16km track features a number of slight inclines, and is the perfect way to travel between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie by bike. Along the track, you will find some secluded places to stop or exercise using the new outdoor exercise equipment. The track connects Adamstown in the north with Belmont in the south.
9. Bushwalking Gap Creek Waterfall
Located in the beautiful Watagans National Park, Gap Creek waterfall is arguably one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Hunter. The walk travels through dense rainforest, before descending to an inspiring amphitheatre of rock with the dramatic Gap Creek Falls. The falls are a fantastic spot to be on a hot summer’s day while listening to the abundant sounds of the rainforest surrounds.
10. Picnic at Pelican Foreshore or Pirrita Island Foreshore
These are two hidden gems of Lake Macquarie. Whether it be swimming, boating, stand-up paddleboarding or any activity by the water, Pelican Foreshore or Swansea Bay Beach are two perfect spots to experience the broader Swansea Channel. Spend a day with the family, set up a picnic and grab your own spot by the water. Both locations regularly have beautiful, clear water making for a perfect swimming spot for kids too!
Looking for somewhere to stay while you’re in Lake Macquarie? Check out Lakeshores or Lake Mac Holiday Parks!
