How to spend the weekend in Lake Macquarie
Written by: Odette Tonkin
There's a long list of reasons to explore and enjoy the incredible Lake Macquarie region. From the natural splendour of the lake itself, to the 32km of pristine coastline and all the amazing restaurants and cafes, bursts of culture and art and outdoor activities in between, there's something for everyone.
Read our guide to the top 30 attractions and activities that will keep the whole family happy.
1. Get out on the water
Lake Macquarie is a playground for water sports – the options are endless! Take your own boat out and cast a line, go paddle boarding, learn to sail, hire a houseboat or a tinnie for the day, or take a tour with a company like CoastXP, and enjoy the beauty of the lake.
2. Take a dip in the lake
When the warm weather hits, there’s plenty of spots to cool off. Try Belmont Baths for an accessible swimming spot, Naru Beach for crystal-clear water and white sandy beach, or Pelican Foreshore for a family-friendly swimming and picnicking spot.
3. Visit the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima (MAP mima)
Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima (MAP mima) is a cutting-edge venue right on the shores of Speers Point, offering a high-tech creative canvas for contemporary art. Open Friday to Sunday with extended hours in school holidays, MAP mima is perfect for a dose of culture.
Where: 96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point
4. Sample the coffee scene
Lake Macquarie is gaining a reputation for its quality coffee haunts. Our favourites include The Villa Cafe, Mr Sister, The Pavement Society, Cargo Espresso, Maddz on York, The Yoga Place Cafe, Harry & Lola's, and Pegs for a good brekky or lunch and a quality cuppa. You’re spoilt for choice!
5. Immerse yourself in art and culture
Located on five hectares of leafy grounds on the shore of Lake Macquarie, the Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) yapang offers art exhibitions, cafe, retail shop, and a sculpture park. Leave plenty of time to wander the grounds and take in views of the lake. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am - 3pm.
Where: 1A First St, Booragul
6. Picnic up a storm
With plenty of beaches and lakeside parks, Lake Macquarie offers ample locations for a picnic. Pack a basket of goodies or grab takeaway from your favourite spot (we love Grand Pavilion in Warners Bay and Sesame's on the Lake at Belmont) and head to one of these picturesque picnic spots.
7. Go for a walk on one of Lake Mac's many walking trails
Want to get active? Lake Macquarie has stacks of walks that will immerse you in nature and provide excellent views. We love the Green Point circuit walk and the walk from Warners Bay to Speers Point, which is great for bikes too. Discover more in our guide to the best walking trails in Lake Mac.
8. Hit the beach
Lake Macquarie is home to stunning beaches, whether you're looking for a surf spot or a chilled-out patch of sand where the kids can play. Blacksmiths Beach is great for families, Caves Beach has a network of sea caves to be explored on low tide, and Redhead Beach is where the waves are at.
9. Indulge in some retail therapy
Take a trip to the cosy little community of Cooranbong and get lost in Peggy Bee Shoppe. For homewares, pop into Lure Home at Wangi Wangi and support local.
10. Play old school games
Embrace your inner child and try bowling, hit the arcade or mini-golf, or go wild on the dodgem cars at Dullboy’s Social Co. Then, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a few beers or cocktails. There is a day or evening full of seriously fun activities for all ages at Dullboy’s.
Where: 326 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay
11. Enjoy an ice cream
Nothing beats an ice cream enjoyed by the lake when the weather warms up. Our guide to ice cream and gelato spots in the region covers spots in Lake Mac, including Greg & Audreys, Gelato Cove and Kiwi Waffle & Cones. The hardest part is deciding on the flavour!
12. Skydive over the lake
Want to get the heart pumping? Adrenaline junkies will love taking in all the views of Lake Macquarie as they jump out of a plane at 15,000ft from Belmont Airport. It's certainly a unique way to see all the scenery the region has to offer!
13. Tuck into some fresh seafood
When you've got access to as many lake-side vantage points as you do in Lake Macquarie, buying some fresh seafood to eat by the water is a must.
Dawson's Oyster Supplies is located in the center of Warners Bay and has been selling freshly shucked oysters and seafood for decades so you know it’s as good as it gets.
Shane’s Seafood in Carey Bay is another local gem. Head in to pick from their range of sustainably sourced ocean delights including fish, prawns, oysters, crab, lobster, and scallops.
14. Play at Speers Point Park Playground
If you have little ones, you'll be amazed by what you'll find at Speers Point Park playground. Fully enclosed, the park has a 12-metre climbing tower and 9-metre spiral slide, bike tracks, mazes and a water play area, plus coffee for the big kids at Harry & Lola’s.
Where: Park Rd, Speers Point
15. Dine around the lake
Make the most of the waterfront views when planning your next dining out experience in Lake Macquarie. There are plenty of waterside restaurants and watering holes to choose from including Crusoe's on the Lake, Martha, 8 at Trinity, and TINTA Belmont..
16. Buckle up for an aerobatic flight
We've got another experience for those who love a thrill – take the ultimate adrenaline ride with an aerobatic flight from Marks Point. Designed by Red Bull Air Race World Champion Matt Hall, the Red Bull Aerobatic Experience is no ordinary joy flight!
17. Explore Dobell House
Explore the home and studio of the late artist Sir William Dobell. The property is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and reflects the life and artistic genius of its owner. Wander through the exhibitions and grounds or visit in June for the Dobell Festival. Open Wednesday 10am – 3pm, Saturday & Sunday 1pm – 4pm.
Where: 47 Dobell Dr, Wangi Wangi
18. Walk through a tiny forest
Booragal is home to Lake Macquarie’s first tiny forest, planted by ReLeaf Lake Mac in 2023. Over 750 native plants have created a thriving ecosystem for visitors to explore, then pop next door to the Lake Macquarie Landcare Centre for plant sales and local greening events.
Where: Access via Lake Crescent, Teralba.
19. Wander around a waterfall
Take a trip to the Watagan’s National Park for pristine bushwalking tracks and access to stunning lookouts over rainforest scenery. Pack a backpack and enjoy the Gap Creek area with a walk to the impressive 40-meter waterfall. Check the National Parks website for closures and advice.
20. Discover Lake Mac's local markets
Lake Macquarie’s markets are where the community comes alive. Think fresh produce, handmade gifts, vintage finds, and local eats. Speers Point Homegrown Markets bring over 100 stalls and live music twice a month. Pelican Foreshore Markets are perfect for a lakeside stroll with food, fashion, and family-friendly vibes. And at Glendale Farmers & Artisan Market, you’ll find fresh seasonal produce and artisan goodies. Coffee in hand, sun on your face - this is Lake Mac at its best.
21. Ride downhill on a mountain bike
If a dose of adrenaline is your thing, grab your mountain bike and hit the trails at the Awaba Mountain Bike Park. The park is open year-round and is free to explore, with plenty of trails for all skill levels, offering all the twists, turns and jumps you could ask for.
Where: Mount Faulk Rd, Awaba
22. Paddle around paradise
Kayaking is one of the easiest ways to get up close and personal with the incredible waterways of Lake Macquarie. Launch your own kayak from hundreds of vantage points around the lake, take a guided tour with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, Out and About Adventures or The School of Yak Kayak Training and Tours or for something different, try kayaking at night with Showtime Kayaking.
Photo Credit: Newy Digital
23. Enjoy history by the beach
You’ll feel miles away from anywhere with a visit to the State-Heritage-listed historic coal mining village of Catherine Hill Bay. With its stunning patrolled beach and iconic former coal-loading jetty, spend a day surfing, swimming and fishing in this sleepy seaside spot.
24. Swim in the Toronto Baths
Take a picnic and set up on the Toronto foreshore, where the iconic baths have had a revamp, with new ramps and jetty decking, making swimming even more fun. Here, you’ll find terraced lawns perfect for a lazy day by the lake, a playground for the kids and plenty of café choices within an easy walk.
Where: Victory Parade, Toronto
25. Find your flow on the pump track
Whether you’re a big kid at heart or you’d rather sit back and watch the younger generation ride the bumps, Redhead’s pump track is the perfect place to take scooters, bikes and skateboards for a little fun in the sun. Fuel up on snacks from nearby Cargo Expresso Bar then cool off with a beach swim afterwards!
Where: 38 Alison Street, Redhead
26. Watch the sunset at Belmont Foreshore
If you haven’t caught a sunset from the grass on the Belmont Foreshore, well, you really haven’t seen Belmont at its best. Find a spot under the trees and meet friends for a picnic by the lake, enjoy a dip in the beautiful Belmont Baths or dine at one of the waterfront sailing clubs or cafes.
27. Reset and relax at Murray’s Beach
If fishing is your thing, or simply setting up water-side for a day of rest and relaxation, try Murray’s Beach in East Lake Macquarie. With a public wharf where you can throw a line in, a natural playground and BBQs and toilets, Murray’s Beach may not be your standard ‘beach’ but it’s a lakeside location worth a visit.
28. Experience luxury at Trinity Point
If you’re looking for a way to combine the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie with a touch of 5-star flair, a visit to Trinity Point won’t disappoint. With a world-class marina, boat, paddleboard and kayak hire and the incredible 8 at Trinity 350 seat restaurant, this place has to be seen to be believed.
29. Embrace your inner kid at Rathmines Park
Whether it’s a skateboard on the skate park, a scoot on the pump track, an exploration of the aeroplane themed playground or a few rounds on the basketball court, there’s so much to keep the kids entertained at the upgraded Rathmines Youth Hub.
Where: Dorrington Road, Rathmines
30. Wander the Lake Sculpture Trail
See the lake through a different lens and plan a trip to Lake Macquarie based around the Creative Lake Sculpture Trail. With outdoor art scattered along 5km of the foreshore of Speers Point, Warners Bay, and Eleebana, connected by an accessible pathway, this is the perfect destination for a bike ride or walking visit.
There’s something for everyone on Lake Macquarie
Whether you’re looking for a water adventure or retail therapy, a dose of nature or some tasty delights, there’s no better time to get out there and enjoy all the amazing things to do in Lake Macquarie.
