Best of Newcastle
Lake Macquarie Guide: What to Do on Australia's Largest Coastal Saltwater Lake
Lake Macquarie, immediately south of Newcastle, is one of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in Australia and a defining feature of the region's geography and lifestyle. The lake is encircled by suburbs and towns on both shores, connected by a bridge at Swansea Heads near the ocean entrance. Popular activities include sailing, kayaking, fishing, cycling the lake-edge paths and swimming at sheltered beach areas including Speers Point Park and Marmong Point. The Fernleigh Track, a 15-kilometre shared walking and cycling path on a converted rail corridor, runs inland between Adamstown and Belmont along the lake's northern edge. The lake foreshore is largely public land and accessible by foot and bike across multiple entry points.
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Lake Macquarie, Swansea and Belmont
Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake, south of Newcastle, with dozens of foreshore parks, marinas, boat ramps and calm swimming beaches along 174km of shoreline.
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Morisset Park Koala Sanctuary
A free park on the western shores of Lake Macquarie where wild koalas regularly descend to the ground in the mornings, one of Australia's best free wildlife experiences.
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Valentine and Warners Bay Foreshore
Popular foreshore suburbs on the lake's western edge with kayak hire, cafes, walking tracks and calm water for swimming.
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Lake Macquarie Variety Playground
One of the largest accessible playgrounds in Australia at Lake Macquarie, designed for children of all abilities, with multiple play zones.
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Fernleigh Track (Bike Trail)
A 15km shared cycling and walking trail along an old rail corridor from Adamstown to Belmont, connecting residential suburbs to the lake foreshore.
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