The Brighton Apartments
Toronto
Modern apartments located in the heart of Toronto, close to dining and the beautiful foreshore.
from $198
The ultimate three-day guide to Lake Macquarie
Day 1
Morning
Navigate to Wahroonga and head north on the M1 Pacific Motorway. From here, it’s an easy 90-minute drive to the northern shores of Lake Macquarie where your trip begins.
Brunch or lunch at Warners Bay
Connect with friends over delicious food at Warners Bay, one of Lake Macquarie’s vibrant dining hubs. Indulge in classy modern Australian at Caléo, or gourmet woodfired pizzas with a view at Canon Food, Bar and Espresso. Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss Table 1 Espresso, known for their decadent desserts.
Afternoon
Time to explore the foreshore!
Grab your adventurous spirit and head across from Warners Bay dining strip to Boomerang Bikes automatic bike hire station. The shared pathway (suitable for walking, cycling, scooters, prams and more) hugs the lake for nine kilometres and links some of Lake Macquarie’s most popular attractions.
Families will want to make a beeline for the Lake Macquarie Variety Playground, a huge play space suitable for all ages and abilities, and a cafe next door to keep mum and dad happy too. Coffee lovers can also make a slight detour to the uber-stylish Mr Sister Coffee, or Maddz on York in Teralba; their Heart Attack Slice is a local favourite treat for a reason!
Venture around the foreshore, to the Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, or MAC for short. Check out their ever-changing roster of exhibitions, participate in an art class, or wander around their leafy Sculpture Park, complete with stunning lake view. Did you know? MAC is the only waterfront gallery in the Greater Hunter region.
Evening
Dinner at Toronto
The vibrant dining hub of Toronto boasts a beautifully manicured foreshore perfect for a post-meal stroll. Toronthai serves up some of the most delicious Thai food in the region, while The Mulberry at Toronto Hotel is the locals’ go-to for tasty tapas and cocktails.Greg and Audrey’s is an American-style diner that specialises in homemade ice-cream – experience the joy of an after-dinner sweet treat!
Where to Stay
Day 2
Morning
Breakfast at The Captain and Crew
Feel the casual coastal vibe at The Captain & Crew just moments from the shores of Lake Macquarie.
See Lake Macquarie from the water
There are many adventures to be had on Lake Macquarie. Did you know it measures twice the size of Sydney Harbour?
Chart your own adventure by hiring a kayak, SUP or runabout (no boat license required!) from JetBuzz Watersports, or let someone else do the driving on a sightseeing cruise with Lake Macquarie Cruises.
Afternoon
Lunch onboard Lake Macquarie Cruises’ Lunch on the Lake tour, or at The Yoga Place Cafe
Step on board Lady Mac and devour a delicious barbeque or settle in the sun-soaked garden at Yoga Place Cafe for a wholesome, plant-based meal.
Take in one of the best views in Lake Macquarie
Redhead Beach is one of Lake Macquarie’s most popular, with its unique natural beauty and impressive namesake headland. Buy a coffee from Cargo Espresso Bar at the surf club and journey up Redhead Bluff to take in the panoramic views over Nile Mile Beach. Afterwards, browse the beautiful homewares at Seamaiden Coffee + Home and pick up a treasure or two!
Evening
Sunset and dinner at Belmont
Watch the sunset over the lake at Belmont with its stunning west-facing outlook, then settle in for a drink or two at one of the town’s waterfront sailing clubs.
Lake Macquarie Yacht Club is known for their fresh seafood platters (remember to order ahead of time!), while Belmont 16s is the perfect place to go when you don’t know what you want eat – they’re home to five different dining outlets, including Salt Steak & Seafood and Burger Bros. at the Boatshed.
Late-night fun at Dullboy’s Social Co
Eat, drink, bowl, party, and play at Dullboy’s Social Co – home to Palm Springs-inspired mini-golf, tenpin bowling, dodgem cars, karaoke and arcade games.
Where to stay
Best Western Plus Apollo International Hotel
Charlestown ★ ★ ★ ★
4.5-star hotel featuring sun-drenched swimming pool, peaceful bushland outlook and the award-winning Babbington’s Bar and Grill.
from $194
Raffertys Resort
Swansea ★ ★ ★ ★
Self-contained accommodation on the shores of Lake Macquarie, complete with boat ramp, jetty, resort swimming pools and tennis courts.
from $245
Day 3
Morning
Sunrise at Caves Beach
Begin your day with a magical sunrise. Watch the sky come alive from inside the ancient sea caves at Caves Beach – sure to light up your Instagram feed. For the safest access to the caves, try to time your visit with low tide.
Breakfast at Caves Beach
Fuel up post sunrise with a delicious breakfast. You’ll love the coffee and the plant-filled interior at Boffee Cafe, a classic Aussie breakfast from Mawson or breakfast with an ocean-view at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows.
Get a birds’ eye view of Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie Airport has an aerial activity to suit every level of adventurous appetite. Choose from scenic helicopter flights, skydiving, learn to fly lessons and aerobatic thrill flights with 2019 Red Bull Air Race World Champion Matt Hall. Joy Air also offer floatplane flights taking off and landing on the glassy waters of Lake Macquarie, with a ‘doors-off’ option for those who are brave enough! For beach lovers we recommend the Coastal Hugger route departing from Raffertys Resort. This flight will take you over Catherine Hill Bay and along the coastline. Keep an eye out for dolphins, and if you’re lucky, even whales – whale watching season has just begun.
Afternoon
Lunch at Common Circus
Common Circus is Lake Macquarie’s lifestyle destination, serving simple, quality light bites amongst trendy homewares on Belmont Foreshore
Sunset sailing with Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours
Feel the light fading on your final Lake Mac sunset aboard Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours’ 28ft yacht. This relaxing tour is perfect for couples, friends and families. Sail around the majestic Pulbah Island while grazing from a savoury platter. Non-alcoholic beverages are provided, or BYO alcoholic drinks.
Evening
Dinner at 8 at Trinity
Finish off your Lake Macquarie trip at one of its premier dining destinations. 8 at Trinity offers modern Italian, right on the lakefront at Trinity Point.
Travelling to Lake Macquarie by Air
Travelling by air to Lake Macquarie is a breeze. Hire a car at Newcastle Airport and take an easy 40 minute drive to the the northern shores of Lake Macquarie. Domestic flights to Newcastle are operated by Jetstar, Virgin Australia, FlyPelican, Link Airways and QantasLink.
