Lake Macquarie, Hunter Region — New South Wales

Lake Macquarie is a city in eastern New South Wales, located at the coast north of Sydney. The city is fairly large, surrounding a body of water also known as Lake Macquarie. Connected to the ocean by a narrow channel, this saltwater lake is a favorite recreation destination of the city’s residents and that of nearby metropolitan Newcastle.

In fact, there are several yacht clubs found in the area, where sailing and boating is an everyday occurrence. The lake is also known for fishing, with increasing number of fish stocks attesting to the efforts of the surrounding communities to improve water quality.

Swimming is also a popular activity, both in the lake and in swim centers in six different locations, several of them having heated pools that are open to the public the whole year through.

Many visitors come to Lake Macquarie to escape the hectic life of nearby Newcastle. Many accommodations around the lake offer a chance to relax and unwind in beaches, some of which are secluded enough to afford complete peace and privacy. Water-based recreations include paddle-boating, surfing, and snorkeling. The lake also boasts of several excellent artificial reefs for scuba diving enthusiasts. For those not wishing to get wet, there are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and four-wheel drives.

Most of the city’s visitors, particularly in areas around the lake, are composed of families seeking to spend some fun times together. There is also another popular family destination found in the suburb of Warners Bay, the Megamania. Located on Macquarie Road, this facility is actually one giant playground for children, complete with slides and carousels, while a nearby café caters to parents taking snack breaks.

The AAA Horse Riding and More, located on Mount Nellinda Road in Coorambong, is also a good place for family outing. Horseback riding, camping, and bushwalking are just few of the activities done, with the nearby Watagan Mountains providing the perfect backdrop.

A little bit inland, in the suburb of Charlestown, is the Charlestown Square, considered a major shopping center in the area. With nearly 200 stores, it is a haven for dedicated shoppers and those seeking urban forms of entertainment.

Art lovers should head out to the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, in the suburb of Booragul. Apart from showcasing several beautiful art works, the gallery itself is housed in the historic Awaba House, on First Street, where visitors can get to explore its sculpture garden and extensive grounds.

Another structure of interest is located in Wangi Wangi, the former abode of artist William Dobell. Located on Dobell Drive, the Dobell House showcases furniture, mementos, and printed works of the artist.

The city also boasts of several holiday parks, namely the lakeside Swansea Gardens, Belmont Pines, and Wangi Point, as well as the beachside Blacksmiths.

And for the dedicated nature lovers, Lake Macquarie has several nature reserves and parks that will surely provide hours of enjoyment and communing with Mother Nature. The Wallarah National Park, situated between Catherine Hill Bay and Caves Beach, affords lucky visitors with glimpses of whales and dolphins frolicking near the shore. At the Wangi Wangi Flora and Fauna Reserve, hiking and bushwalking are the primary activities offered. On the other hand, exploring swampy areas is possible at the Belmont Lagoon Reserve, while birds and waterfalls are the main attractions at the Watagan Mountains National Park State Forest Area.