Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie is often considered part of its immediate neighbour, Newcastle, but is in fact a separate city with a much larger area and a population of 190,000. It has a number of suburbs including:

• Belmont is largely centred around the lake foreshore and the Pacific Highway. The southern suburbs (Belmont South, Marks Point) are rather flat and only a few metres above sea level. The northern suburbs (Belmont North, Floraville, Jewells) are very hilly and are a challenging bicycle ride.
• Charlestown is the self-proclaimed CBD of Lake Macquarie with the region's largest shopping centre, Charlestown Square.
• Morisset is a small suburb. A few thousand people turn up each week to see the wild kangaroos from the grounds of a local hospital – but these are wild animals and, if disturbed, may inflict injury by scratching or kicking with their large hind legs. Look and see, but do not feed or disturb the wildlife.
• Swansea is located on a peninsula. It has two waterfronts – one on Lake Macquarie and one on the Pacific Ocean, with a population of around 5,000.
• Warners Bay is at the north eastern end of Lake Macquarie and is home to a sizeable population and many decent cafes on The Esplanade.
• Toronto is the main centre of the western side of the lake.

It is easiest to get to Lake Macquarie by car. Take the F3 freeway from Sydney.
The closest airport is Newcastle Airport.

By train

Lake Macquarie is not directly connected to the main train line running parallel to it on the other side of the actual Lake itself. Wyee train station is closest in proximity to the Morisset area, whilst Fassifern is popular amongst those travelling into Toronto. There is no track on the eastern side.

A car is your best option for getting around, although many people use the area for cycling.

By bus

Information on buses for the Lake Macquarie area are available from the Lake Macquarie City Council website.

• Fernleigh Track

  address: Railway Parade, Belmont
  This 15km (8mi) asphalt/concrete path starts in Belmont and connects Newcastle (Adamstown) to eastern Lake Macquarie. An ideallic shared riding/walking path with wonderful bush scenery.

• Strike Charlestown

  phone: 1300 787 453 (local rate)
  address: Level 1, South Piazza, Charlestown Square
  Features a bowling alley, karaoke rooms, laser tag arena, and cocktail bar.

• Fishingboth on the beaches and throughout Lake Macquarie. A popular spot for kingfish is under the Swansea bridge over the Swansea channel.

• Beaches in Swansea, including Catherine Hill Bay Beach, Redhead Beach, Blacksmiths Beach and Caves Beach (walk through the natural caves on low tide)

• Lake Macquarie Variety PlaygroundA 2-hectare playground in Speers Point Park, the Lake Macquarie Variety Playground has a maze, a wheelchair-accessible play boat, climbing structures, swings, a bike circuit, and a "quiet zone" retreat. It was awarded "Best Play Space in Australia" in 2011.

• Belmont 16ft Sailing Club

  phone: +61 2 4945 0888
  address: The Parade, Belmont NSW 2280
  Lunch or dinner pretty much on the lake

• Babbingtons

  phone: +61 2 4943 6733
  address: 290 Pacific Highway

• Vistana Malaysian Restaurant

  address: 115 Pacific Highway

• C Restaurant

  phone: +61 2 4980 9999
  address: 7 Mawson St, Caves Beach.
  A la carte seafood and ocean views.

• Squid's Ink Hotel

  phone: +61 2 4947 7223
  address: 690 Pacific Highway Belmont
  Has views of the lake.

• Best Western Plus Apollo International

  address: 290 Pacific Highway

• Charlestown Executive Apartments

  phone: +61 2 4941 6688
  address: 45-47 Dickinson Street, Charlestown
  Amenities include free parking, microwave, coffee maker and free wifi.

• Blue Pacific Swansea

  phone: +61 2 4971 1055
  has a pool, spa, sauna, restaurant and 28 rooms.

• Caves Beach Hotel And Resort

  phone: +61 2 4980 9999
  address: 7 Mawson Street, Caves Beach.
  Ocean views from every suite. King size beds. Free beverage package and light breakfast.

• Newcastle