The Best Things to Do in Lake Macquarie: Your Ultimate Guide
Whether it's water sports on the lake or a leisurely brunch and coffee, these are the best things to do in Lake Macquarie.
Bordered by Newcastle and the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie is an easy 90-minute drive from Sydney. Named after its main attraction - which happens to be the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere - it’s the perfect base for all kinds of water sports from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to jet boating.
Close to Watagans National Park and Wallarah National Park, it’s ideal for mountain biking, hiking the walking tracks and 4WD touring. From the coast to the bush, the Lake Macquarie region boasts beautiful natural surroundings for a tranquil escape. Whether it's the shore of Lake Macquarie, the foreshore reserve or a museum of art and culture, you are spoilt for choice.
Are you heading there soon? We have the best things to do in Lake Macquarie for your next visit. Enjoy!
Best Things to Do in Lake Macquarie: Cafes
The Villa Cafe
This Insta-worthy cafe serves delectable modern Australian brunch fare that tastes as good as it looks. Villa Cafe is the perfect sanctuary to enjoy local coffee, fresh juices and a light lunch.
We love the avocado toast and their epic acai bowls. Better still, you can order a half-serve or full-serve on select dishes. Love a bit of savoury and sweet? Order half serves so you get the best of both worlds!
2/105 Cowlishaw Street, Redhead
Mr. Sister Coffee
If you're wondering where the best coffee in Lake Macquarie is, look no further than Mr. Sister Coffee. Open since 2021, this Spears Point fave serves up top-notch coffee by none other than Coffee Supreme roasters, as well as simple but delicious baked goods. The fit-out is understated yet trendy, and the vibe is always buzzing.
177 Main Road, Speers Point
The Yoga Place Cafe
The Yoga Place Cafe is the perfect place to head to after a class next door at The Yoga Place Blacksmiths. This plant-based destination is all about nourishing your body and soul through beautifully crafted food.
The all-day brunch options are so diverse and flavourful that even the most discerning carnivore will find something to feast on. We recommend the Berry Bliss Pancakes - a stack of fluffy gluten-free pancakes topped with chia berry jam, granola, seasonal fruit and coconut ice cream or yogurt, drizzled with berry coulis and maple syrup; simply sublime!
6 Mitti Street, Blacksmiths
Best Things to Do in Lake Macquarie: Restaurants
Martha Drink & Dine
Taking it back to basics, Martha Drink & Dine is bringing a taste of authentic Mediterranean to Lake Macquarie. Using a traditional method of cooking in Mibrasa ovens, each dish is prepared with fire and hot coals, resulting in smokey and simple food.
With a beverage list that pays homage to the nearby Hunter Valley wineries, you will have no trouble finding the perfect pairing for your meal.
Level 1 Belmon 16s, The Parade, Belmont
8 at Trinity
On the foreshore of Lake Macquarie, you'll find the local gem, 8 at Trinity. Embrace the breathtaking views as you enjoy their modern Australian menu that champions the best locally sourced produce, served in an approachable, non-pretentious setting.
Try the East Coast’s best seafood platter, Wagyu Tomahawk, the famous Singapore chilli prawns, authentic pizzas and delicate delicious desserts. Their drinks list is just as impressive with cocktails, an extensive wine list, and imported tap beers.
81 Trinity Point Drive, Morisset Park
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
Located just off Caves Beach, Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows is perfect for a long lunch and cocktails as you soak up the stunning views. The food here showcases the paddock and ocean-to-plate ethos and delivers the best local produce within a Balinese-inspired, casual chic indoor and outdoor setting.
They do everything from duck spring rolls, slow-cooked beef nachos, seafood platters and prawn pasta to tacos and pizzas. Yum.
27 Mawson Close, Caves Beach
Best Things to Do in Lake Macquarie: Explore
Redhead Beach
Before breakfast, soak up the first rays with a sunrise walk at Redhead Beach. Located at the northern end of a nine-mile stretch of coastline, it is known for its stunning cliffs, rocky outcrops and shark tower.
Conditions are ideal for surfing, swimming and fishing, and you can view the natural landscape by taking the boardwalk to the beach.
Redhead Beach, Swansea
Speers Point Homegrown Market
Bursting with community spirit and good vibes, Homegrown Markets at Speers Point Park is the largest market in Lake Macquarie. Held on the first and third Sunday of every month, Speers Point Park provides the perfect outdoor location for a stroll through the 120+ stalls.
From food and live entertainment to local produce and handmade trinkets to buy, this is one of the best things to do in Lake Macquarie.
Speers Point Park, Park Road, Speers Point
Caves Beach
With Lake Macquarie to one side and the Pacific Ocean to the other, Caves Beach nabs first prize for chilled-out vibes and breathtaking scenery.
Located on the Swansea Peninsula, Caves Beach has a year-round holiday feel that plays to the nostalgic Aussie beach town. The rugged coastline has sea caves that long for exploration, dog-friendly beaches and scenic lookouts with uninterrupted views.
Caves Beach Road, Caves Beach
Spend a Day on the Lake
A day on Lake Macquarie will satisfy a thirst for water-based fun. From kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddle boarding to jumping off a jetty, you'd be kicking yourself if you forgot to pack your togs.
If you'd rather stay lakeside, there are many spots to perch, from Naru Beach to Warners Bay Foreshore, while nature lovers can go inland to explore hiking trails and natural wonders like Gap Creek Falls.
Best Things to Do in Lake Macquarie: Stay
Caves Coastal Bungalows
We previously highlighted their food establishment, but did we mention you can stay in a cosy bungalow or luxe villa at the Caves Coastal Bungalows?
Located steps from the beautiful Lake Macquarie and nearby attractions, this stylish yet relaxed luxury stay is ideal for families or friends to relax and unwind. With all the creature comforts of home plus remarkable views and an unbeatable location, this is a perfect base to explore all the fun in Lake Macquarie.
27 Mawson Close, Caves Beach
Rengor Executive Retreat
If you're heading to Port Macquarie for a week or two and are after a family home, then look no further. Rengor Executive Retreat in Belmont has a sprawling garden, a private pool, and private parking. Inside, there are four bedrooms as well as all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay at your home away from home.
5 Rengor Close, Belmont
Did you enjoy our roundup of the best things to do in Lake Macquarie and after more travel inspo? Read our edit of the best luxury stays on the Central Coast then check out the best restaurants in Newcastle.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
