The calm, tranquil waters of Lake Macquarie are just a hop, skip and a jump away from the centre of Newcastle. The area has a never-ending list of spots to visit, places to stay, things to do and cafes and restaurants to check out; why not take some time out from the daily grind and explore the best of Lake Macquarie.

6am | Ghosties Beach sea caves via Moonee Beach

Start your day with a sunrise stroll along Moonee Beach to the Ghosties Beach sea caves, just south of Catherine Hill Bay. Keep a close eye out for dolphins riding the morning waves or whales hitting the humpback highway. Time your visit with low tide for the best opportunity to snap that picture-perfect shot of sunrise from inside the caves. Get your early morning caffeine hit at the nearby container coffee bar, Coastal Haze Cafe. 

9am | Morning Skydive with Skydive Australia

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, swing by Lake Macquarie Airport for skydiving with Skydive Australia, aerobatic thrill flights with Matt Hall, or scenic helicopter flights with Skyline Aviation. You can even learn to fly with Airborne Flight Training. Find out more here. 

11am | Stretch those legs along Warners Bay Foreshore

Still got shaky legs after those adrenaline-pumping activities? Stretch it out along the Warners Bay Foreshore Shared Pathway. Start at Eleebana’s boat ramp and head over the Red Bluff Boardwalk before reaching Warners Bay. While you’re there, take some time to check out the various sculptures dotted along the foreshore. If you've still got some energy, hire yourselves a bike from Boomerang Bikes located across the road from Warners Bay Esplanade.

12pm | Experience the Museum of Art & Culture (MAC) as you wander through the latest exhibition

MAC is the perfect spot to slow your day down and take in the many culturally significant works from national, international, and Hunter-based artists. Click here to learn more about the museum's current exhibitions. On your way out, take the time to wander around the gardens and explore the museum’s sculpture walk.

From August, you’ll be able to experience the Lake from a different perspective when Lake Macquarie Cruises boat trips recommence. Visit their website for the latest schedule.

MAC
Open: Tue-Sun | 10am-4.30pm

1pm | Drop by Maddz on York for lunch 

Located on the main road in Teralba, is the quietly bustling café space that is Maddz on York. The pastel pink front door and soft furnishings invite you in to enjoy a warm cup of coffee and one of their delicious dishes from their menu or treat yourself to something sweet from their bakery cabinet.

Maddz on York
Open: Mon-Fri | 7am-3pm
Sat | 8am-3pm
Sun | 8am-2pm

2pm | Pick-up some fresh seafood

Seafood lovers planning on cooking up a storm need to make a visit to Carey Bay’s best-kept secret; Shane’s Seafood. Operating for over 35 years, the retail space is home to some of the best fishmongers in the seafood game and offers shoppers a huge range of quality fresh and frozen seafood.

Shane's Seafood
Open: Tue-Fri | 11am-5pm
Sat | 9am-3pm

3pm | Check in to your accommodation

Make the most of exploring Lake Macquarie and book yourself in for a night (or two) for an easy local getaway. There’s plenty of options to choose from around the Lake - enjoy a romantic getaway at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows (Caves Beach) or BULC Boutique Bed & Breakfast (Belmont), the best of lakefront living at The Brighton Apartments (Toronto), or a relaxed camping getaway at Wangi Point Holiday Park (Wangi Wangi).

4pm | Enjoy an afternoon drink at The Mulberry

Finish your day off by pulling up a chair at Toronto’s tapas bar, The Mulberry. Sit out on the wrap-around deck and overlook the lake, pointing out all the spots you spent the day visiting.

The Mulberry
Open: Fri-Sat | From 5pm

Looking for something more? Click here and start planning your next visit to Lake Macquarie.