With plenty of sunshine, beaches, and outdoor spaces, plus many high-energy activity options, Lake Macquarie is the perfect destination for an adventurous weekend, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney.
Day one
Start your day at the Yoga Place Café at Blacksmiths beach. You can either join a yoga class next door to the café before breakfast, or tuck straight in to smashed avo, buckwheat pancakes or a tasty toastie.
Once you’ve refuelled, head to Jet Buzz Watersports at Raffertys Resort and jump on a jet boat to hoon around Lake Macquarie’s beautiful namesake. This thrilling tour will see you spin 360 degrees, fishtail, and power brake from 42 knots. Alternatively, you can opt for the tour that progresses to the ocean so you can also surf some waves while on board. Jet Buzz offers boat, kayak and SUP hire too so you can explore Cams Wharf at your leisure.
Once you’re done on the water, pop up to the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club for lunch at Crusoe’s on the Lake. The views of the lake are spectacular and the seafood is excellent.
After lunch, head inland to the Glenrock State Conservation Area and either jump on a mountain bike to traverse 34 kilometres of trails or lace up your hiking boots. Track lengths vary and popular hikes include the Bombala, Leggy Point loop and Yuelarbah walking tracks.
Hiking and biking should have you hungry, so, after the sun goes down, make your way to the Royal Crown Hotel in Dudley for dinner.
Day two
Grab breakfast at Table One Espresso in Warners Bay. Warners is a bustling waterfront area where you’ll also find a sculpture trail along the shoreline.
Make sure you don’t eat anything too heavy, because day two is the perfect time to take to the skies. Take your pick from an aerobatic thrill flight with Matt Hall Racing with a flight designed and performed by Hall himself – a Red Bull Air Race world champ, or jump out of a plane with Skydive Australia. The views of Lake Macquarie as you drift to the ground are magnificent.
Calm the post-flight/dive adrenaline with lunch at Toronto's superb Toronthai restaurant, which is a favourite amongst the locals. Given you probably saved your stomach at breakfast, now is also the time to indulge in a sweet treat at the nearby American-inspired Greg & Audreys.
After lunch, head west to Watagans National Park. Here you can do a 1.5-kilometre return hike to Gap Creek Falls to see one of the Hunter region’s most beautiful waterfalls. There are also mountain bike trails through the area.
For a more thrilling option, abseil down the park’s steep cliffs guided by the folk from Out and About Adventures. You can start with a small training cliff to build your confidence before taking on the Watagans’ steep but incredible rock formations.
Note: restoration works are being completed in parts of the Watagans National Park. Please refer to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for road closures and safety alerts.
In the park, you can also follow the easy one-kilometre circuit track at Boarding House Dam to see an incredible Insta-worthy moss wall.
After a busy day, enjoy a waterfront dinner and drinks at Pippi’s at the Point for a beautiful view across the lake.
If you’ve still got some energy in the tank, five kilometres down the road is Dullboy's Social Co, where you can spend the night ten-pin bowling or playing putt putt and arcade games.
Where to stay in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie has accommodation options to suit all budgets and styles.
- For casual comfort try the Macquarie 4-Star in Argenton, Best Western Plus Apollo International in Charlestown or the Esplanade Motel in Warners Bay.
- For beach house vibes, try Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows in Caves Beach.
- For exceptional lake views, book an apartment at The Brighton.
- Choose from beach houses, tree houses and cottages at Raffertys Resort.
Places to eat in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie has plenty of good food. In addition to the places mentioned above, here are some other favourites:
- The Grand Pavilion – Indian restaurant in Warners Bay
- Canon – a cute café on the esplanade at Warners Bay
- Babbington’s Bar & Grill – overlooking bushland in Charlestown
- The Captain and Crew – relaxed dining at Marks Point
- Belmont 16s – one of the Hunter region’s iconic sailing clubs
For more ideas on what to do with your family in Lake Macquarie view our Visitor Guide and Map for free online here.