Home to fantastic family-friendly accommodation, plus a multitude of outdoor activities and ways for parents to escape, families will love Lake Macquarie.
Located on the NSW Central Coast only a 90-minute drive north of Sydney and 45 minutes south of Newcastle Airport, Lake Macquarie is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle.
At twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere. The immense size often surprises first time visitors! It also means Lake Macquarie is a family-friendly aquatic playground – a haven for boaties and fisherman.
Read on to discover why Lake Macquarie is the perfect getaway for parents and kids alike.
5 things to do in Lake Macquarie with kids
1. Water activities on Lake Mac
Pick up a kayak or SUP from Lake Mac Kayak and Bike Hire and hit the water, or take on bigger thrills with JetBuzz‘s exhilarating jet boat rides. Or you can simply sit back and soak up the tranquillity of the lake and beaches.
2. Enjoy Lake Macquarie's beaches
Check out the great surfing at nearby Catherine Hill Bay or explore the caves and rockpools at Caves Beach on the Swansea Peninsula.
3. Outdoor activities for families
Get out and enjoying sight seeing around Lake Macquarie with Treetops Adventure Central Coast or explore the bush on walking tracks in the Watagans National Park. Ride your bike or scooter along the abundance of family-friendly shared pathways.
4. Epic Speers Point adventure playground
Don’t miss the award-winning Lake Macquarie Variety Playground at Speers Point. The two-hectare, fully fenced playground is highlighted by an epic 9m giant slide.
5. Shop up a storm at Charlestown Square
A visit to the shopping mecca of Charlestown Square will delight any mum. Browse the shops for hours while the kids head to the cinema, go ten pin bowling or play laser tag. A Charlie’s Little Entertainer Pass offers great value on kids’ activities, meals and drinks.
Kid-friendly restaurants in Lake Macquarie
While the kids are busy burning energy at Speers Point Park, parents can grab a coffee at one of the many fantastic cafes around the lake. Try Table 1 Espresso right near the playground or Harry & Lola’s in the Multi-Arts Pavilion.
Families will also love the the many trendy eateries at Warners Bay, from waterfront dining at Brown Sugar Restaurant to sandwich shop Mr Schnitzel. Grab fish and chips from The Swordfish Co and head across to the foreshore for a delicious meal by the water.
Dining options at Charlestown Square include Cajun seafood restaurant Kickin’Inn, where under-eights eat free from Monday to Wednesday with a paying adult. The lunch specials are great value too!
To eat like the Lake Macquarie locals, head to The Grateful Thai or popular local chicken joint Rascals. There’s also a a G-Free Donuts outlet for allergy-friendly treats.
Where to stay in Lake Macquarie with kids
Situated right on the water’s edge at Lake Macquarie, Raffertys Resort features plenty of fun for the whole family. Between the four resort pools, four tennis courts, two playgrounds and all the fun out on the lake, there’s never a chance to get bored!
Set on 35 acres of tranquil bushland, self-contained accommodation options include beach homes, resort cottages and terraces. Mum and dad can relax and put their feet up as kids enjoy everything the resort has to offer. Sample the house wines from Hungerford Hill Winery or be adventurous and try stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking.
Learn more: visitlakemac.com.au
Opening image: Family cycling on the Watagans Cycle Track between Speers Point and Warners Bay, Lake Macquarie. © Destination NSW
