Considered one of Australia’s best aquatic playgrounds, Lake Macquarie is the country’s largest saltwater lake. It includes an array of water-based activities, from sailing and kayaking to fishing and dolphin spotting. The lake’s banks also yield idyllic beaches perfect for sunbathing and picnics.

Looking for holiday thrills? Try your hand a water skiing or wakeboarding on Lake Macquarie. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, charter a houseboat or yacht and spend a few nights on the water.

Lake Macquarie is encircled by a range of Heritage-listed towns and hamlets, such as Warners Bay, Swansea and Toronto. Each one boasts its own unique charms, like Charlestown, which is considered the best spot for boutique and designer shopping.

Active adventurers will love the walking trails around the lake, including Awaba Bay Foreshore walk and the Wangi circuit, which reveal native wildlife and towering forest. For a perfect day of leisure make a day trip to Hunter Valley, about two hours away, and sample some of the region’s award-winning wine.

Getting there

Lake Macquarie is best explored on a self-drive holiday; however, you can catch buses from Newcastle to the City of Lake Macquarie. Expect to take 35 minutes if you’re driving from Newcastle or almost two hours if you’re visiting from Sydney.