• Enjoy romantic strolls along the shores of Lake Macquarie or take in the ambience of the local alfresco dining at coffee shops and restaurants

Lake Macquarie has a variety of malls and central shopping strips. Visit any of the City's 92 townships and hamlets where you will find a range of antique stores and galleries all within easy reach of leading attractions.

• Lake cruises accessed from Toronto
• Boat hire for fishing or cruising on the lake

There are sand islands and blue water for swimming fun and lots of bays for safe night time anchorage’s as well as plenty of waterfront accessible clubs, restaurants, marinas and shops. Perhaps a trip to see wildlife of Pulbah Island.

• Beautiful walks and picnics in the Watagan Mountains, only a short drive to reach.

• Newcastle foreshore and beaches, an easy 30 minute drive into Newcastle CBD

Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery (right) is located on five hectares on the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie. The Gallery precinct consists of a new purpose-built gallery, historic Awaba House, a sculpture garden, mosaic pathway, extensive picnic grounds, and restaurant/café in historic Awaba House.

The gallery offers the visitor a changing program of locally and nationally significant exhibitions with related educational and public programs, tours of the gallery, a gallery retail outlet, and a range of theatrical and musical performances.

Art Galleries, two within 20 minutes drive

Photograph of the Lake Macquarie Art Gallery. Architect Colin Still from Cox Richardson. Photographer: Izabella Pluta

• Walking paths and cycleways around the lake

Eleebana to Toronto via Fassifern
35kms. This leisurely rides takes you past the stunning Kooroora Bay Foreshore area, an off-road unformed track that provides a scenic lakeside diversion. (Touring)

Wangi Wangi
2.2kms. The Wangi ride offers families a safe bike path that follows the lake foreshore around Wangi Bay and through to the town centre. (Family/Short Break)

Click here for more ride information

There is a great variety of walking tracks, paths, cycleways and quiet roads which are ideal fo leisurely rides or all day cycling trips.

• Kayaking, canoeing and fishing just minutes from your doorstep

Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia, with 174 km of foreshore. If fishing is your thing, then be sure to bring along a rod and reel - you won't be disappointed, with whiting, bream and flathead all common catches.

The still, deep waters, safe anchorages and consistent winds make Lake Macquarie an excellent boating destination. Boats of all shapes and sizes can be hired whether you want to kayak for an hour or take a houseboat trip over a couple of days.

Recreational and sport anglers looking for an adventure willl find the tranquil waters of Lake Macquarie a great destination. It is one of NSW biggest fish nurseries, has lots of great fishing to experience, regardless of your skill level.

Lake Macquarie has long been a favourite with local anglers fishing for flathead, whiting, taylor and bream. The lake is four times the size of Sydney Harbour with a large fish stock dedicated to recreational fishing and sport.

• Port Stephens - about an hours drive north

Lots of Bottle Nose Dolphins live in the harbour of Port Stephens, a great spectacle not to be missed. Common Dolphins also frequent the surrounding coastline of Port Stephens. They are usually seen in large pods and they love to take chase and perform for boats.

Experience the marvel of whale watching from a luxury spotting boat or tour catamaran.

• Visit the vineyards - Cessnock
  30 min drive

There is nothing like spending a day or two discovering the beautiful areas of the Hunter Valley then settling in for a night of quiet moments and a glass of Hunter Shiraz.

• Visit historic town of morpeth
  40 min drive

Relive our colonial days in the bush at by the river in Morpeth, a historical town seemingly unchanged by time.

Picnic by the river, laze in the summer sunny afternoons and bask in the friendly local atmosphere provided.

• 3 golf courses within 30 minutes

Play a round of golf with friends at one of our local golf courses. There is a range of courses and locations to suit varying tastes and abilities. Enjoy the crisp mornings and glorious sunshine that the Lake has to offer.

Make the most of the abundance of water activities including fishing, boating, jetskiing, swimming, canoeing, skiing and scuba diving. If you are feeling more adventurous, abseiling, rock climbing and skydiving are samples of the more daring activities all within one hours drive from the Lake.