Cams Wharf Holiday Guide
Planning a lakeside escape to Cams Wharf? This peaceful resort-style pocket sits on the eastern shore of Lake Macquarie, home to Raffertys Resort, leafy foreshore reserves and holiday villas tucked between the lake and the coast. Discover what to do, where to eat and why booking your Cams Wharf accommodation with Lakeshores Accommodation makes your stay easy from the moment you arrive.
Cams Wharf at a glance
Cams Wharf is a lakeside locality on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie, set on the Wallarah Peninsula between the lake and the Pacific Ocean. It is home to Raffertys Resort and a collection of holiday villas, lakefront homes and leafy foreshore reserves.
Guests love the mix of calm water, resort-style pools, shaded lawns and easy access to nearby surf beaches, all within a short drive of supermarkets, cafés and services in Swansea, Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay. It is the kind of place where you can paddle on the lake in the morning, head to the beach in the afternoon and finish the day with sunset drinks on the deck.
Quick facts
- Location: Lakeside village on the Wallarah Peninsula, on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie between Caves Beach and Nords Wharf.
- Driving time: approx. 30 minutes from Newcastle and around 1.5 to 2 hours from Sydney, depending on traffic.
- Closest swimming spots: Lakeside swimming areas and resort pools at Raffertys Resort, with Caves Beach, Catherine Hill Bay and Pinny Beach a short drive away.
- Closest boat ramp: Boat ramp and jetty within Raffertys Resort for eligible guests, plus public ramps nearby at Nords Wharf and Swansea.
- Local supermarket and shops: Everyday groceries, bottle shops and services in Swansea, with cafés and eateries in Caves Beach, Catherine Hill Bay and surrounding suburbs.
Best for
- Lakeside holidays with kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, boating and fishing on Lake Macquarie.
- Families who want calm water access, resort pools and safe grounds for kids to explore (for eligible Raffertys Resort stays).
- Couples’ getaways with peaceful surroundings, water views and nearby coastal walks.
- Groups seeking multi-bedroom villas and holiday homes in a resort-style setting.
- Day trips to surrounding Lake Macquarie foreshore villages, Caves Beach, Catherine Hill Bay, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
Top things to do in and around Cams Wharf
From relaxed days by the lake and resort pools to coastal adventures and national park walks, there is plenty to keep you as active or as laid-back as you like in Cams Wharf.
On the beach and in the water
- Launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the lakeside and explore the sheltered bays around Cams Wharf and Nords Wharf.
- Make use of the resort’s boat ramp and jetty (for eligible stays) and spend the day cruising, skiing or fishing on Lake Macquarie.
- Drive a few minutes to Caves Beach for patrolled ocean swimming, beach walks and exploring the famous sea caves at low tide.
- Head to Catherine Hill Bay or Pinny Beach for more wild-feeling stretches of coastline, surfing and coastal photography.
Lake, walks and coastal views
- Stroll along the internal paths and foreshore at Raffertys Resort, enjoying lake views and shady trees.
- Explore nearby Wallarah National Park for coastal lookouts, bush tracks and seasonal whale watching.
- Visit Murrays Beach and other nearby lakeside communities for more walking paths, jetties and picnic spots.
Family-friendly activities
- Spend relaxed days rotating between the lake, resort pools and your villa’s deck for games, BBQs and shared meals.
- Let the kids ride scooters or bikes on suitable paths and enjoy open lawns and playgrounds within the resort (where available).
- Plan a beach day at Caves Beach or Catherine Hill Bay, combining swimming with rockpool exploring and sandcastle building.
Easy day trips
- Newcastle: beaches, harbour precinct, cafés and galleries roughly 30–40 minutes’ drive north.
- Hunter Valley: wineries, restaurants and family attractions about an hour to ninety minutes away by car.
- Central Coast: more beaches, shopping and attractions around an hour south via the M1 and Pacific Highway.
Where to eat and drink around Cams Wharf
Cams Wharf is a quiet, resort-focused locality, so most guests shop on the way in and then top up supplies in Swansea. There are, however, convenient spots nearby for meals out, lakeside drinks and easy family dining.
Cafés and coffee
- Cafés in Swansea and Caves Beach for coffee, breakfast and brunch before or after a swim.
- Lakeside cafés in nearby Murrays Beach, Belmont and Warners Bay for meals and drinks with views over Lake Macquarie.
- Beachside kiosks and takeaway coffee spots at Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay, ideal for a quick stop on the way to or from the sand.
Pubs, bistros and nearby dining
- Family-friendly clubs and taverns in Swansea and Belmont offering classic pub meals and kids’ menus.
- Beachside hotels and eateries in Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay, perfect for combining with a day by the ocean.
- Takeaway options such as fish and chips, pizza and casual dining throughout Swansea, Caves Beach and Belmont for easy nights in at your villa.
Opening days and times can change seasonally, so it is always worth checking current hours online or on social media before you head out.
Getting to Cams Wharf and getting around
Cams Wharf is easy to reach by car via the Pacific Highway on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie, turning off near Swansea and Caves Beach. Most Lakeshores guests arrive by car, which also makes it simple to explore nearby beaches, lakeside towns and regional attractions.
- Driving from Sydney: around 1.5 to 2 hours north via the M1 Pacific Motorway and Pacific Highway, depending on traffic.
- Driving from Newcastle: about 30 minutes south via the Pacific Highway and local connecting roads.
- Public transport: train to Newcastle or nearby stations, then limited local bus services; a car is recommended for getting to and from Cams Wharf and exploring the area.
- Parking: on-site parking at most resort villas and holiday homes, plus visitor parking within Raffertys Resort; check individual listings for specific parking info.
- EV charging: public chargers are available in the wider Lake Macquarie and Newcastle area and along the M1, so check ahead if you are travelling in an electric vehicle.
Holiday accommodation in Cams Wharf with Lakeshores
As a family-owned local manager based in Lake Macquarie since 1996, Lakeshores offers a hand-picked selection of Cams Wharf holiday villas and lakeside homes. From cosy terraces to spacious family houses with water views, our properties are chosen for comfort, practicality and a relaxed lake-holiday feel.
- Villas and holiday homes within or near Raffertys Resort, many within a short walk of the lakefront.
- Many properties with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and outdoor decks or courtyards for alfresco dining.
- Options with multiple living areas, extra bathrooms and off-street parking that suit families and groups.
- Selected properties in the wider Lake Macquarie area are pet-friendly, ideal if you would like to bring the dog on your getaway (check individual listings).
- Local team on hand for support before, during and after your stay, plus loyalty benefits for returning direct guests.
When you book direct through our website or with our office, you get clearer communication, access to any current specials and the peace of mind of dealing directly with the local team who cares for the home.
Is Cams Wharf right for your next trip?
Cams Wharf is a great choice if you love the idea of a relaxed, resort-style lakefront holiday with easy access to beaches, bushland and nearby towns. It offers a tucked-away feel while still being well connected to Swansea, Caves Beach and the rest of Lake Macquarie.
Great choice if you:
- Want to stay close to Lake Macquarie with easy access to calm water, jetties and nearby boat ramps.
- Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing or simply relaxing by the water.
- Like having supermarkets, cafés and restaurants a short drive away in Swansea, Caves Beach and Belmont.
- Prefer self-contained villas and holiday homes with resort-style facilities and space for family, friends and all your lake and beach gear.
Good to know
- Cams Wharf is peaceful and resort-oriented, so shops and services are a short drive away rather than on your doorstep.
- A car is recommended for exploring the wider Lake Macquarie region, including beaches, foreshore towns and hinterland attractions.
- Summer, school holidays and long weekends can book out early, especially lakefront and resort villas, so it pays to secure your accommodation in advance.