After the perfect short break with a range of experiences then look no further than Lake Macquarie. From golden surfing beaches and tranquil lake cruising to untouched mountain wilderness and quaint waterfront towns, Lake Macquarie invites you to enjoy it all. Located in the Hunter Region and only a little over an hour's drive north from Sydney is where you will discover the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie.
This vast blue saltwater expanse is one of the largest lakes in the Southern Hemisphere and at four times the size of Sydney Harbour is perfect for sailing, fishing, swimming, cruising and scuba diving. Enjoy peaceful strolls around the lake foreshore, or take a swim at one of the many sun-drenched beaches that dot the coastline. From sheltered sandy coves to rock pools and sea caves, the beaches of Lake Macquarie are there to discover and explore.
If you're chasing the perfect wave, escape to the coast, where the water is crystal clear, the sand is golden and the beaches are endless. The coastline of Lake Macquarie is a hotspot for surfers and swimmers alike. Favourite spots for board riders and body surfers include Blacksmiths, Caves, Catherine Hill Bay and Dudley.
Alternatively if lapping waters and gentle shorelines are more your style, relax at the beaches dotted around the Lake itself. Sandy inlets, secluded bays and protected foreshores feature around the Lake, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing. Wangi Point, Pelican, Cam's Wharf and Shingle Splitter's Point come highly recommended. The Watagan Mountains are a stunning backdrop to the Lake and well worth visiting for the panoramic views. Take one of the many hiking tracks, or traverse the mountains by bike, horseback or four-wheel drive.
Stay for a day or a week. Lake Macquarie offers a range of accommodation from absolute indulgence escapes to hosted and budget-friendly getaways. Indulge your taste buds at the award winning eateries dotted around the Lake, or sip on a glass of Hunter wine and take in the scenery.
Purchase this DVD that captures the sweeping contrasts of New South Wales. Includes footage of the Great Dividing Range to Bathurst, Goulburn and Albury, through the rich grazing lands.
Marvel at Dubbo's Western Plain Zoo and discover the rare opal at Lightning Ridge. Explore the Ghost Towns and outback city of Broken Hill and admire the splendour of the Menindee Lakes in the Kinchega National Park.
Investigate the Minnamurra Rainforest and enjoy the waterfalls of the Illawarra Plateau. Explore the snowfields of the Snowy Mountains, Mt Kosciusko and traverse the Murray River from the Alpine headwaters to Lake Hume. Moving on to the Southern Coast of New South Wales and the panoramic vistas's of Jervis Bay, the famous Blow Hole at Kiama and north to Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.
PLEASE NOTE: The New South Wales travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for New South Wales Holidays can be found on the main New South Wales Holidays location guide.
