Lake Macquarie is a hotspot for silly season hangouts, where visitors can enjoy the sand, sea, sun and so much more! Although known as a year-round destination, Lake Macquarie is in its prime during the warmer months. Only 90 minutes north of Sydney, it’s the perfect weekend destination for anyone looking for a festive season escape.
With plenty to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start, so here are some of the top spots to visit in Lake Macquarie this summer:
Santa’s Spot: Speers Point Park
On 8 December, catch the Lake Mac Carols in Speers Point Park and enjoy an evening of fireworks, entertainment and special guests (including the one and only Santa Claus!) in the countdown to Christmas. During the day, Speers Point Park will keep the kids entertained for hours with a top-notch variety playground – featuring a flying fox, water play and a bike circuit with two intersecting tracks. There’s even a huge fenced dog park for the fur baby that’s sure to get tails wagging!
Serene Spot: Gap Creek Falls
The Watagans Mountains are always a firm favourite for nature lovers, dotted with a myriad of walking trails, lookouts and campgrounds. Wander from the Gap Creek picnic area at the end of Bangalow Road through lush rainforest, past regal red cedars and a massive Illawarra flame tree, to the majestic Gap Creek Falls. Featuring a sheer 40-metre drop over a cliff face, the beauty of the falls will help you to reconnect with, and get back to nature.
Swim Spot: Belmont Baths
Belmont Baths is the perfect spot for a splash during a sunny weekend. Recently reopened at the end of last year after a $850,000 renovation, the Baths now feature a new jetty (perfect for practicing big splash bombs), a large, netted swimming area, a brand-new amenities block, change rooms and foreshore landscaping. If all that swimming gets your tummy rumbling, just a short walk down the road you’ll find Deck 56, known for its stunning lake views and fresh, delicious cuisine.
Secret Spot: Glenrock State Conservation Area
Escape to Glenrock State Conservation Area and enjoy your breathing space in this secret hideaway. This place is nature’s playground, and if you pay it a visit, you’ll soon understand why. Enjoy beach activities, bushwalking, mountain bike riding, hang gliding and horse-riding, all while feasting on spectacular coastal views along the way. Spanning over 500 hectares, this stunning landscape boasts headlands, beaches, rainforests and the picturesque Glenrock Lagoon.
Safe Spot: Caves Beach
Lake Macquarie’s iconic Caves Beach and its extensive network of sea caves and rock pools are ideal for low-tide exploration. Crawl through tight holes, hang out in shady caves or soak up the sunshine on the beach’s sandy shores. Home to the Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club, a kiosk, bathrooms, barbeques and picnic tables, it’s easy to see why Caves Beach is a firm family favourite.
Sensational Spot: Lake Macquarie Sand Islands
Is your idea of heaven bobbing around beautiful blue waters, hopping from one white sandy island to another? And no, this is not Fiji we are talking about – it’s lovely Lake Macquarie. The Lake Macquarie sand islands are a firm favourite with the locals and it’s easy to see why. Whether you explore by boat or choose to swim, just clock onto island time and get lost in the tranquillity.
It’s easy to see why Lake Macquarie is a favourite for family, friends, adventurers and anyone in between. To learn more about what’s going on in Lake Macquarie this silly season and find where to stay when you visit, please visit: http://www.visitlakemac.com.au
