Lake Macquarie Attractions

Lake Macquarie is a popular holiday destination as equally famous for its relaxation as it is for its adventure activities. A coastal leisure hub and water sports playground, some of the most popular Lake Macquarie attractions include the beautiful beaches, swimming, surfing, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, rowing, boating, wake boarding, jet boating, learning to sail and relaxing lake cruises. Nearby, the Watagan Mountains National Park offers stunning hinterland and is popular for bushwalks, horse riding, 4WDing and bike riding.

Lake Macquarie itself is the region's most significant attraction, an aquatic playground that is Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake. There are a number of cruises that operate on the Lake which are a wonderful way to take in the sights however there is also plenty of fantastic shopping and lakeside dining to be had by Lake Macquarie. Caves Beach is another popular Lake Macquarie attraction, named after the sea caves that are networked at the southern end of the beach. The caves are great to explore at low tide and the beach offers a picnic area and BBQ facilities.

Catherine Hill Bay is also a lovely place to visit, offering a patrolled beach and the unique icon of the big coal-loading jetty. However, perhaps its biggest attraction is its stunning coastline which as remain largely untouched, offering an insight into the land from 100 years ago. The Watagans National Park is also a popular attraction and, covering 7751 hectares, the park is steeped in ancient Aboriginal and European history. There are plenty of great trails to discover that range in fitness level and length including Gap Creek, Wishing Well and Boarding House Dam. Trails include rainforest, waterfalls, gullies, picnic areas, rock formations and moss-covered walls.

There are a number of nearby local towns that are worth a visit as well including Belmont, Charlestown, Morriset, Swansea, Toronto and Warners Bay. Belmont is home to the Belmont Golf Club, Charlestown is a major town centre at the northern end of Lake Macquarie, Morriset is a gateway to the Watagan Mountains, Swansea is an energetic town popular for boating, Toronto is the commercial hub of the Westlakes region and Warners Bay is a pretty lakeside suburb offering a great lifestyle with a vibrant cultural precinct.