Local Areas

Discover popular locations ! We love Lake Macquarie and the surrounding areas.

Explore the locations

Caves Beach

Caves Beach is a picturesque coastal destination located in New South Wales, Australia. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations. The beach features a series of sea caves carved into the sandstone cliffs along the shoreline. These caves are accessible during low tide and offer visitors a chance to explore the fascinating rock formations and tidal pools.

Blacksmiths Beach

Blacksmiths Beach is a stunning coastal destination located in New South Wales, Australia. Known for its wide stretch of golden sands and clear blue waters, it is a popular spot for beachgoers of all ages. The beach is well-loved for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Catherine Hill Bay

Catherine Hill Bay is a charming coastal village and beach located in New South Wales, Australia. Known for its pristine stretch of sandy shore and crystal-clear waters, it is a picturesque destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The beach is surrounded by dramatic headlands and features an iconic heritage-listed jetty, adding to its unique character and scenic appeal.

Wangi Wangi

Wangi Wangi Point offers a scenic vantage point ideal for photography and relaxation. The adjacent foreshore reserve features picnic areas, walking trails, and a playground for families to enjoy.

Raffertys Resort

Unwind in our spacious and comfortable accommodations, ranging from cozy cottages to luxurious lakeside villas. Each unit is designed to provide you with a home-away-from-home experience, complete with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, laundry facilities, and stunning lake or bushland views

Newcastle

Murrays Beach

Murrays Beach is renowned for its commitment to sustainable living. Featuring walking trails, jetty and communal spaces that encourage outdoor activities and foster a strong sense of community. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the lakeside, take a dip in the community swimming pool, or gather with friends and family for a barbecue in one of the many picnic areas.

Caves Beach

 Caves Beach is a picturesque coastal destination located in New South Wales, Australia. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations. The beach features a series of sea caves carved into the sandstone cliffs along the shoreline. These caves are accessible during low tide and offer visitors a chance to explore the fascinating rock formations and tidal pools.

Caves Beach is popular among locals and tourists alike for its scenic beauty, sandy shores, and clear blue waters. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, and beachcombing. In addition to its natural attractions, Caves Beach has amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and a lifeguard service for the safety of visitors.

Caves Beach is a great day out for the whole family. The coastal headline is littered with rock pools, weathered rocks and small caves. If you head up the stairs to the lookout, you can walk down a path to the secluded Spoons Rock beach along Wallarah walking track (keep an eye out for whales during May-November).

We recommend grabbing a coffee from the Mylo’s the the Surf Life Saving Club, the Mawson cafe or enjoy a meal at the Caves Coastal Bar.

Blacksmiths Beach

Blacksmiths Beach is a stunning coastal destination located in New South Wales, Australia. Known for its wide stretch of golden sands and clear blue waters, it is a popular spot for beachgoers of all ages. The beach is well-loved for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

The beach’s gentle waves are perfect for swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding, making it a great destination for both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts. Blacksmiths Beach also features a break wall that provides a calm, sheltered area for children to play in the water.

Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including picnic areas, barbecue facilities, restrooms, and a designated dog-friendly area. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during peak seasons, ensuring the safety of beachgoers.

It is also the only beach in the area that allows 4WD access (permit required). Take a walk or bike ride along the pathed break-wall or down to Grannies Pool – a shallow tidal pool perfect for the children to swim.

There is a playground opposite the beach and we thoroughly recommend grabbing a pie or two from the local favourite pie shop, Barry’s Pies, while you’re visiting!

Catherine Hill Bay

Catherine Hill Bay is a charming coastal village and beach located in New South Wales, Australia. Known for its pristine stretch of sandy shore and crystal-clear waters, it is a picturesque destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The beach is surrounded by dramatic headlands and features an iconic heritage-listed jetty, adding to its unique character and scenic appeal.

Catherine Hill Bay offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxing walks along the shore or simply taking in the stunning ocean views. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, with a mix of waves suitable for different skill levels.

The village itself boasts a rich history, with heritage-listed buildings and charming homes that reflect its past as a coal mining settlement. Visitors can explore the area’s heritage or simply enjoy a meal at the local “Catho Pub”  for a great Aussie feed and entertainment.

There is also new developments in the south area of Catherine Hill Bay providing modern architecture and access to Moonee Beach and Little Beach

 

Swansea

Located at the mouth of Lake Macquarie, Swansea is a small city centre with everything you need to enjoy a day out. The town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting an array of activities that cater to all interests.

Enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing at the beautiful nearby beaches such as Caves Beach and Blacksmiths Beach, known for their pristine sands and excellent surf conditions.

Lake Macquarie offers opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and fishing, providing endless hours of water-based fun. For those who prefer to stay on land, Swansea features scenic walking and cycling trails that showcase the region’s stunning landscapes.

A notable feature of Swansea is the iconic Swansea Bridge, an opening bridge that spans the channel between Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean. This engineering marvel is not only a vital transportation link but also a fascinating sight, drawing visitors to watch as it opens to allow boats to pass through

There is a public pool open during the summer season. 

Wangi Wangi

Wangi Wangi, situated on the shores of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia, is a charming lakeside suburb renowned for its picturesque landscapes, recreational activities, and rich history. The word Wangi has been translated as water, night owl or dark green tree so Wangi Wangi would mean place of much water, many night owls or many dark green trees. Early settlers and fishermen used the word to mean peninsula and Point Wolstoncroft was called “Little Wangi”.

Wangi Wangi Point offers a scenic vantage point ideal for photography and relaxation. The adjacent foreshore reserve features picnic areas, walking trails, and a playground for families to enjoy.

Discover Wangi Wangi’s railway heritage at the historic railway station, which served as a vital transportation hub in the early 20th century. The station building, constructed in 1914, is a testament to the area’s rich industrial past. Use the walking trail to visit the railway historical society

Immerse yourself in Wangi Wangi’s vibrant arts scene by visiting local galleries, studios, and cultural events. The suburb’s artistic community celebrates its natural surroundings through various forms of visual and performing arts. The artist William Dobell lived in Wangi Wangi and you can view Dobell House on Wednesdays and weekends.

Tanilba Bay

Tanilba Bay, situated to the west of Lemon Tree Passage on the Tilligerry Peninsula, derives its name from “place of white flowers,” likely a nod to the flannel flowers once abundant in the region.

In this quaint town, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Take a guided koala walk through the bushland to witness these iconic creatures in their natural habitat. The shopping centre in Tanilba Bay has gained popularity in recent years, offering a range of amenities.

Down by the waterfront, an array of water sports awaits, including swimming, water skiing, and fishing. Families can relish in a picnic by the bay while children frolic in the adjacent playground, all amidst breath-taking scenery.

At the heart of Tanilba Bay lies Tanilba House, originally built for Lieutenant William Caswell, a distinguished naval officer. Dating back to 1829 with expansions commencing in 1837, this historical landmark offers insights into the area’s rich heritage.

Visitors can explore Tanilba House during scheduled inspections on Wednesdays, weekends, and daily during school and public holidays.

 

Murrays Beach

Murrays Beach is a picturesque coastal gem nestled along the shores of Lake Macquarie. Framed by lush vegetation and dotted with native flora, Murrays Beach exudes a sense of seclusion and tranquillity, making it a favourite destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Wangi Wangi Point offers a scenic vantage point ideal for photography and relaxation. The adjacent foreshore reserve features picnic areas, walking trails, and a playground for families to enjoy.

The surrounding area offers ample amenities for visitors, including picnic areas with barbecue facilities, walking trails, and playgrounds, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

With its natural charm and recreational offerings, Murrays Beach presents a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, inviting visitors to unwind and connect with the beauty of nature.

Murrays Restuarant/Cafe is the ideal dining experience. Their menu has something for everyone including gluten free, dairy free, vegan & vegetarian. The skilful chefs at Murrays have selected meals and sweets that will make your mouth water. They are open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch with dinner on Friday and Saturday nights

Newcastle

Newcastle, situated on the east coast of New South Wales, Australia, is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history, stunning coastline, and bustling urban culture. Known for its industrial heritage, Newcastle has transformed into a modern hub that seamlessly blends its historic charm with contemporary amenities..

The city is renowned for its picturesque beaches, including the iconic Newcastle Beach, which offers pristine sands and excellent surf conditions, attracting both locals and tourists year-round. Nobbys Beach, with its iconic lighthouse and panoramic views of the coastline, is another popular destination for sun-seekers and surfers alike.

Newcastle boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and music venues showcasing local talent and international acts. The Newcastle Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of Australian art, while the Civic Theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, from live music to theatrical productions.

For those interested in history and heritage, Newcastle offers a wealth of attractions, including Fort Scratchley, a coastal defence fortification with panoramic views of the city and coastline, and the Newcastle Museum, which showcases the city’s industrial past and Aboriginal heritage

 

 

Raffertys Resort (cams wharf)

Surrounded by natural beauty, the resort is perfect for family holidays, romantic getaways, and corporate retreats. The resort also hosts many wedding events with accommodation available for these special occasions.

Unwind in our spacious and comfortable accommodations, ranging from cozy cottages to lakeside villas. Each unit is designed to provide you with a home-away-from-home experience, complete with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, laundry facilities, surrounded by stunning lake or bushland views.

Enjoy a variety of on-site activities including four outdoor swimming pools, an undercover heated pool, tennis and volleyball courts, kayaking, sailing, and fishing on Lake Macquarie, as well as kids’ playgrounds and water activities.

The area is renowned for its picturesque beaches, including the iconic Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay, which offer pristine sands and excellent surf conditions.

Discover local wineries, national parks, and other regional attractions, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie. 

Murrays Beach

This idyllic coastal community is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat, with a range of stylish and eco-friendly accommodations that blend seamlessly with the stunning natural surroundings.

Murrays Beach is renowned for its commitment to sustainable living, with thoughtfully designed homes that prioritize energy efficiency and environmental harmony. The suburb features beautifully landscaped parks, walking trails, jetty and communal spaces that encourage outdoor activities and foster a strong sense of community. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the lakeside, take a dip in the community swimming pool, or gather with friends and family for a barbecue in one of the many picnic areas.

For water enthusiasts, Lake Macquarie provides ample opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and fishing, allowing visitors to fully embrace the lakeside lifestyle. The nearby Wallarah National Park offers additional recreational activities such as bushwalking and birdwatching, with its diverse flora and fauna providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures

Murrays Beach also boasts a charming café, where you can enjoy delicious meals and refreshments while taking in the breathtaking lake views. The suburb’s close proximity to Swansea and Caves Beach ensures that residents have easy access to a wider range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options

 

 

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