Feel connected to nature in Lake Macquarie, an aquatic playground with verdant rainforest, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest coastal saltwater lake and tranquil beaches. To immerse yourself in the natural beauty, take a walking trail to discover secret corners of the lake, spectacular views, wildlife and of course the region’s delicious local produce along the way.
Here are our top five walking trails around Lake Macquarie:
Getting to Lake Macquarie
By Car: Approximately 90 minutes from Sydney, via the M1 Pacific Motorway starting at Wahroonga.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Lake Macquarie is Newcastle Airport, about 40 minutes to Lake Macquarie’s northern shores (Warners Bay) Fly direct from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Canberra.and Sydney
By Train: Approximately two hours and 20 minutes from Sydney, departing from Central Station and alighting at Fassifern Station.
Book flights to Newcastle Airport*
1. Yuelarbah Track
Located within the sprawling Glenrock State Conservation Area, the Yuelarbah Track is a 6.8-kilometre-return trail boasting waterfalls, beaches and rainforest. Don’t miss Leichardt’s Lookout for incredible views over the ocean and Glenrock Lagoon.
The walking track begins with a 600m wheelchair-friendly boardwalk past gullies and coastal rainforest. Along the way, the track crosses two picturesque waterfalls, before finishing on Glenrock Beach, where you can picnic on the sand, cast a line out from the beach or surf the northern breaks. Alternatively, there’s a great picnic spot with tables, at Flaggy Creek.
Things to do near the Yuelarbah Track
- Indulge in the Moroccan-inspired ‘Feed Me’ package at Pegs Cafe, a cosy community hub.
- Stand in awe admiring the impressive views from Redhead Bluff, an ideal whale-watching location during the cooler months.
- Go bowling, play laser tag or sing karaoke at Strike Bowling, or challenge your mates to a game of mini golf at Holey Moley, all located at Charlestown Square.
Where to stay – Best Western Plus Apollo International Hotel
Yuelarbah Track, Lake Macquarie | DESTINATION NSW
2. Warners Bay Foreshore Shared Pathway
Hugging the lake’s edge for just under nine kilometres one way, the Warners Bay Foreshore trail is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. There’s plenty of space for hikers, walkers and cyclists and it’s a trail where you can take things slowly, feeling connected to nature along the way.
There are plenty of tempting cafes and restaurants at Warners Bay, along with the Warners Bay Theatre and lovely boutiques brimming with antiques and art. Don’t have your own bike? Just hire one from Boomerang Bikes. The trail begins at Lions Park in Eleebana and finishes at the Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) in Booragul, but you can choose your own adventure along this vibrant trail. Take it slow, admire the scenery and don’t forget to feel refreshed with an Apple Pie smoothie at Caléo.
Things to do near the Warners Bay Foreshore Shared Pathway
- Feel a sense of adventure along the overwater Red Bluff Boardwalk and soak up the views!
- Gather supplies for a tasty picnic by the lake from authentic Italian deli, Fredeli.
- Browse the unique boutiques of Warners Bay, or head to Shop MAC located in MAC for Australian and locally produced artisan gifts and homewares.
Where to stay – The Esplanade Motel
Warners Bay Foreshore Shared Pathway, Lake Macquarie | DESTINATION NSW
3. Fernleigh Track
Connecting the city of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle, the Fernleigh Track is a former railway line transformed into a popular shared pathway. Perfect for walking or cycling, the path connects you to a unique transport history with former railway stations, signage and old sleepers adapted into interesting features and rest stops.
It’s accessible from a variety of points, but visitors to Lake Macquarie typically begin in Belmont. Belmont is a peaceful Lake Macquarie town nestled between the lake and sandy Nine Mile Beach. You’ll find welcoming cafes in Belmont for some food and drinks before embarking on the 15-kilometre trail. It takes you through Belmont Wetlands State Park.
This is a unique journey through beautiful and diverse coastal environments with dunes, quiet rainforests and wetland scenery. Keep an eye out for native birds along the way and why not pack a picnic and venture down to one of the many beaches for a sun-lit, seaside lunch?
Things to do near the Fernleigh Track
- Photograph a majestic sunset over Lake Macquarie from Belmont Jetty.
- Shop for the latest trends in homewares at Common Circus Belmont.
- Surf or go fishing at Nine Mile Beach.
Where to stay – BULC Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Fernleigh Track, Lake Macquarie | DESTINATION NSW
4. Caves Beach Walk
The Caves Beach Walk takes you past diverse aquatic wonderlands from the lake to some of NSW’s most popular beaches. The trail is around six kilometres long and leads you past a break wall at Spoon Rocks that was originally built for coal transportation. There are plenty of Instagrammable ocean scenes as you stroll closer to Pinny Beach in Wallarah National Park. In winter and spring, you can fish, surf or spot whales.
Some of the best photo opportunities await back at Caves Beach, which is renowned for its sea caves right on the edge of the Tasman Sea. Caves Beach is also a great spot to break for some fish and chips from the local takeaway.
Things to do near the Caves Beach Walk
- Discover incredible ocean vistas from Spoon Rocks Lookout.
- Enjoy all-day breakfast with fresh local ingredients at Boffee Café.
- Feel a moment of joy while catching the sunrise from inside the sea caves. Don’t forget to time your visit with low tide for the best access to explore the sea caves.
Where to stay – Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
Caves Beach Walk, Lake Macquarie | DESTINATION NSW
5. Watagans National Park (Gap Creek Falls and Boarding House Dam trails)
Watagans National Park in the west of Lake Macquarie is threaded with beautiful walking tracks, with the Gap Creek Falls and Boarding House Dam boasting waterfalls and peaceful rainforest.
On the 1.5-kilometre-return Gap Creek Falls, venture through lush rainforest before feeling awe as you spy the stunning waterfall. Take a moment of rest and snap some unique photographs.
Boarding House Dam is around 700 metres long with a scenic picnic area at the start and end. Discover peaceful cascades, an impressive mossy rock wall, towering gum trees and a dam to paddle in.
Things to do near Watagans National Park
- Go abseiling with Out and About Adventures.
- Test your mountain biking skills at the Awaba Mountain Bike (MTB) Park.
- Admire sweeping views of the Martinsville Valley while enjoying a picnic at Monkey Face lookout.
Watagans National Park, Lake Macquarie | DESTINATION NSW
Feel a sense of adventure in Lake Macquarie
From the placid lake to the rugged ocean and wild wetlands, Lake Macquarie’s walking trails welcome you into pristine Australian nature. Feel a sense of adventure with myriad water sports, enjoy the joy of dining with friends in relaxed cafes and pick up local treasures at boutiques in nearby towns.
Book your next Lake Macquarie getaway through KAYAK for the best deals on hotels.
