Lake Macquarie isn’t just the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere—it’s a holiday destination brimming with beaches, bushwalks, lakefront villages, and hidden gems. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape or a longer coastal retreat, here’s your ultimate guide to the must-visit spots around Lake Macquarie.
1. Caves Beach – Sea Caves & Coastal Walks
Known for its stunning sea caves (best explored at low tide), Caves Beach is a family favourite. Wander through natural rock formations, enjoy a surf or swim, and grab a bite from the beachside café. The headland walk offers breathtaking coastal views.
2. Catherine Hill Bay – Historic Coastal Charm
This heritage-listed mining village features a dramatic timber jetty, rolling surf, and a relaxed vibe. Ideal for photographers, surfers, and beach lovers, it’s also home to the popular Catho Tavern, perfect for a laid-back lunch with ocean views.
3. Warners Bay – Dining & Lakeside Strolls
This lively lakeside town is packed with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and an art trail along the foreshore. Hire bikes, enjoy the Warners Bay to Booragul shared path, or simply relax with a coffee by the water.
4. Speers Point Park – One of NSW’s Best Playgrounds
Families will love Speers Point Park, home to one of the state’s largest all-abilities playgrounds. The area also includes picnic spots, a skate park, weekend markets, and the Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP) showcasing exhibitions and performances.
5. Swansea & Belmont – Gateway to the Lake & Ocean
These twin towns are perfect for water activities, fishing, and dining. Swansea’s channel is popular for boat watching, and Belmont offers jet boating, sailing, and lakeside walks.
6. Blacksmiths Beach & Grannies Pool
Blacksmiths Beach is a patrolled, family-friendly beach with wide open sands and great surf. Nearby, Grannies Pool is a calm, protected swimming area ideal for little ones and relaxed dips.
7. Wangi Wangi & Rathmines – Laidback Lakeside Life
These quiet lakeside villages offer peaceful settings for kayaking, fishing, and sunset watching. Visit Dobell House in Wangi, once home to renowned artist Sir William Dobell, or explore Rathmines’ WWII heritage sites.
8. Toronto – Boutique Shopping & Marina Vibes
Toronto features lakeside dining, charming shops, and a welcoming foreshore. It’s a great place to enjoy lunch, explore local markets, or take a leisurely Lake Macquarie cruise.
9. Redhead Beach & Nine Mile Beach
Redhead’s striking cliffs and surf-friendly waves are a must-see. Adventurous visitors can access the expansive Nine Mile Beach via Belmont Wetlands, ideal for walking, fishing, or 4WD access.
10. Munmorah State Conservation Area
Located near Catherine Hill Bay, this park features rugged coastline, quiet beaches, Snapper Point Lookout, and Wybung Head. It’s perfect for bushwalking, whale watching, or a scenic coastal picnic.
11. Watagans National Park & Mount Sugarloaf
For inland exploration, the Watagans offer rainforest walks, lookouts, waterfalls, and 4WD trails. Mount Sugarloaf delivers sweeping views over Lake Macquarie and beyond—great for a day trip with a nature fix.
12. Blackbutt Reserve – Wildlife & Walks (Newcastle Side)
Just north of the lake in New Lambton, Blackbutt Reserve is a fantastic wildlife and nature park. Free to enter, it’s home to kangaroos, emus, koalas, wombats, and walking tracks through lush bushland. A great family day out just 30 minutes from Lake Macquarie.
13. Lake Macquarie Cruises & Water Activities
Take a scenic lake cruise from Belmont or Toronto, or try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, or fishing. With calm waters and stunning surrounds, there’s no better way to explore the lake itself.
14. Morisset Park & the Western Shore
Morisset Park and the lake’s western areas offer tranquil foreshore spots ideal for picnics, paddleboarding, and unwinding away from crowds. While the former kangaroo area at Morisset Hospital is now closed, nearby reserves still offer peaceful nature escapes.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to discover all that Lake Macquarie has to offer.