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It’s Official: Winter Weekend Trips Are In & This Coastal Destination Is at the Top of Our List
With hidden beaches, a serene lake, and lively festivals, this is your cue to plan the perfect winter escape.
Home to the largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is one of those places you just can’t help but fall in love with. With hidden beaches to explore and caves waiting to be discovered, it’s hard to believe that this understated coastal gem is just 90 minutes away from Sydney. Situated between Newcastle and the Central Coast, it’s far enough to feel like a getaway yet close enough for a fuss-free escape.
While road trips are often reserved for the warmer months, winter is when Lake Macquarie shows off its laid-back charm. Fewer crowds, misty mornings, and quieter beaches—it’s the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating escape.
If cultural festivals and adventure-filled activities are more your style, there are also plenty of winter events to keep you booked and busy. From captivating boat festivals to serene twilight kayaking and immersive art workshops, there’s something for everyone. So, whether you’re a nature lover or simply craving some time to unwind, the crisp Lake Macquarie air is calling.
Ready to see what the fuss is about? A little planning goes a long way, which is why we’ve curated the ultimate winter trip itinerary for your next visit to Lake Macquarie. Plus, we’ve got the inside scoop on some special winter deals to make your visit even better!
The Ultimate Winter Weekend Trip to Lake Macquarie
Catch The Sunrise At One Of Australia’s Top 10 Beaches
Rise and shine! There’s no better way to start your day than by catching a breathtaking sunrise at the iconic Caves Beach. Named one of Australia’s top 10 beaches, this stunning coastal spot is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Winter is the perfect time to visit Caves Beach—you’ll enjoy the same breathtaking views but with fewer crowds. Take the perfect Instagram shot, looking out to the caves as you wake up with the rest of the city.
Sail the Waters of Lake Macquarie
After a leisurely start to your day, it’s time to set sail on the stunning namesake lake. Book a luxurious French Beneteau yacht and soak in the panoramic views of the soft morning light as it dances against the water. Pack a cooler bag filled with your favourite fresh charcuterie ingredients to enjoy on board, or if you’d prefer to leave the catering to someone else, light canapes and refreshments are available on board, too.
Silver Sun Sailings offers a range of tailored sailing experiences to choose from. You can enjoy morning or evening sailing experiences or even stay overnight with their Marina Luxe package. Book a Marina Luxe accommodation experience between 1st June and 31st August, and you can stay for three nights for the price of two with the code WINTERDEAL.
Take Your Day to New Heights with Matt Hall Racing
For those craving a thrill, why not take your adventure to the skies? Take the front seat and join Matt Hall, Red Bull Air Race World Champion, and his team of aerobatic pilots for an adrenaline-fueled adventure through aerobatic stunts and loops mid-air. Plus, the view of Lake Macquarie from the aircraft is simply unrivalled. For the bold at heart, pre-book a joy flight at Matt Hall Racing for your next visit, and use the promo code, WINTERDEAL, for 20% off.
Refuel at Speers Point Park
After an exhilarating experience at Matt Hall Racing, slow things down a little with a stop at Speers Point Park, where you’ll find Harry & Lola’s—a picturesque cafe for a quick bite. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, try their silky maqui bowls (similar to acai bowls but creamier with more antioxidants), or if you’re craving a bit of spice, go for the mouth-watering kimchi toastie. They’ve even got homemade dog biscuits for your furry friend, too! And if you’re particular with your coffee, be sure to stop by Mister Sister Coffee, where they serve the town’s most delicious brew using none other than Coffee Supreme beans.
Unleash Your Creativity With an Art Workshop
Feeling inspired? Take some time to explore the immersive art exhibitions at the Multi-Arts Pavillion (MAP mima) or walk along the Creative Lake Sculpture Trail that links larger-than-life artworks along the Lake’s foreshore. And if you like to get hands-on, unleash your inner artist at Allettare Dezigns with a creative workshop—take your pick from resin art to paint pouring to alcohol ink projects. You can also save 10% on your workshop booking with the code WINTERDEAL.
Enjoy a Sunset Cocktail (Or Two)
Catch your breath with a cocktail in hand as you unwind on the waterfront deck at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. Watch the sun dip over the ever-so-gorgeous Belmont Bay, but be warned, the delicious cocktails from LMYC Bar may keep you lingering a little longer…
Spend the Night On Deck With an Evening Kayak Tour
As the evening sets in, embark on one last adventure with an evening kayak tour. The perfect way to discover the magical local marine life with illuminated, see-through kayaks, you’ll have front-row seats to nature’s nighttime spectacle beneath. Looking for one more reason to add this to your itinerary? This winter, you can save 20% on a two-hour Naru Beach Night Kayak tour with Showtime Kayaking, using the code WINTERDEAL.
Don’t Miss This Winter-Exclusive Boat Parade
Cap off your night with a dazzling display at Lake Macquarie’s iconic ‘Float Your Boat‘ parade. Running in June, the mesmerising parade will light up local shores with boats adorned in a multitude of lights, colours, and designs. Don’t forget to bring a cosy blanket and an appetite, as you’ll be greeted with live music, performances and delicious food trucks at three live sites: Toronto Foreshore, Warners Bay Foreshore and Brooks Parade Belmont. With the Lake sparkling and festivities booming, there’s no better way to wrap up your trip.
For two nights only, Float Your Boat will light up the shores of Lake Macquarie on Saturday 20th to 21st June, 4:30pm – 8:30pm.
Extend Your Stay with Caves Beach Villas
If one day just isn’t enough, Caves Beach Villas is here to save the day. Offering you your very own slice of paradise—unwind at your home away from home within the Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows Resort. Think: private balconies with ocean views, direct beach access for refreshing morning swims, calming pools (heated all year round) for poolside R&R, and even play areas to keep the young ones entertained.
Book your stay between 1st June and 31st August 2025, and save 15% using the code WINTERDEAL.
End Your Trip With a Stay at This Charming Boutique Hotel
If a charming boutique hotel is more to your style, unwind after a full day of exploring at Mercure Charlestown. Take in the leafy treetop surroundings and relax in one of 53 elegant rooms—and, if you just need a day of doing nothing, take a dip in the capacious outdoor swimming pool or stay dry on one of the many sun loungers that’s calling your name…
Book two nights or more in winter and receive 20% off—use code WINTERDEAL at checkout. T&C’s and date restrictions apply.
With natural wonders to explore, exclusive winter events and festivals, and plenty of winter travel deals on offer, it’s with good reason that Lake Macquarie is at the top of our winter day trip list. Ready to start planning your getaway? Make sure you take advantage of all the amazing winter travel deals at Lake Macquarie. Click here for all the details.
We’ve partnered with Visit Lake Macquarie to share why Lake Macquarie is the ideal weekend destination this winter.
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