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Wallarah National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Wallarah National Park

Wallarah National Park makes for a great day trip from Newcastle, Gosford, or Sydney. This tiny park offers mountain biking through the hills and forests of Yondeo trail or Scenic trail, hiking along rugged cliff tops on Coastal walking track, and the chance to reel in a big one from the rock platform at Pinny Beach. Located east of Lake Macquarie, and 2km from Swansea, Wallarah gives you the sense of a remote wilderness setting with the convenience of a nearby fish and chip shop if that big one gets away. Why not spend a few days doing it all here? You can enjoy whale watching (July and August), birdwatching, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, searching for spring wildflowers, or exploring Wallarah's different types of forest. Home to powerful owls, bentwing bats, and squirrel gliders, Wallarah is also important for conservation reasons. To enjoy this coastal area longer than a day book a spot at Freemans campground or Frazer campground, just 15 minutes away at Munmorah State Conservation Area.

Pinny Beach NSW

2.2 km away

Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area

National Parks and Reserves

Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area

Come and enjoy the blissful lake lifestyle at Lake Macquarie. Twice the size of Sydney Harbour, it's the biggest permanent saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere and provides stunning views, countless opportunities for boating, fishing and water sports, and is a haven for birdwatchers and nature-lovers. Whether you like to bushwalk with only the lapping of water on the shore for company, enjoy long relaxed family picnics, or prefer to kayak with a line off the side to catch dinner, this park is very accessible it's nestled between Newcastle and the Central Coast. You can explore the coves and headlands in any season, and the water is lovely in summer if you need to cool off after a long walk.

Nords Wharf NSW

2.8 km away

Catherine Hill Bay Beach

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Catherine Hill Bay Beach

Catherine Hill Bay is a State Heritage-listed historic coal mining village featuring a stunning patrolled beach, named twice as one of 'Australia's 101 Best Beaches'. Popular for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and fishing, the beach also features an iconic former coal-loading jetty, evidence of the area's mining history and a popular photography spot. With a lifeguard service operating on the beach between October and April, this is one of Lake Macquarie's four patrolled beaches. Taking its name from the ship which ran aground here in 1867, Catherine Hill Bay is nestled in the hinterland just south of Swansea. Its 19th-century miners' cottages mark the oldest continuous settlement in the City of Lake Macquarie. The resulting scenery is astoundingly beautiful; Catherine Hill Bay is at once home to a long, beautiful stretch of sand, surrounded by verdant hills and bushland, and dotted with rusted iron machinery and wildflowers. This sleepy town is home to barely 500 permanent residents, yet its natural attractions are worthy of a much busier holiday destination. You'll find a number of lookouts and viewing platforms overlooking Catherine Hill Bay Beach, and views from the nearby picnic area at Crangan Bay reach to the tall chimneys of Eraring Power Station, as well as the mountains just beyond.

Catherine Hill Bay NSW

3.1 km away

Caves Beach

Natural Attractions

Caves Beach

Caves Beach is the name of both a suburb and beach on the Swansea peninsula, roughly 30 kilometres south of Newcastle and just to the east of Lake Macquarie. The beach is named for the network of sculptural sea caves spread along its southern end, which are wondrous to explore, especially for kids. But a caveat: they can only be accessed at low tide. The beach was named in the 2025 top 10 beaches of Australia. The beach is patrolled, and is ideal for both swimmers and surfers.

Caves Beach NSW

3.9 km away

Wangi Circuit Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Susan Davis/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Wangi Circuit Walking Track

This serene bushwalk through towering trees gives you the feeling you’re a million miles away from the suburbs, though it’s not too far away at all. Listening to the birds feeding on the eucalypt blossoms, looking up at the huge eucalypts, and seeing the lake shimmer in the sunshine is a wonderfully relaxing experience. Birdwatchers will also enjoy admiring the waterbirds along the way, such as cormorants, white-faced herons, and white-breasted sea eagles. Wildflower-lovers should come in spring or in winter to look for orchids. And when you’re on the shores of the lake, look carefully for sea turtles swimming around in the shallows.

Wangi Wangi NSW

5.4 km away

Moonee Beach trail

Natural Attractions

Moonee Beach trail

Dotted with grass trees and with myriad birds winging across your path, this walk through coastal heathland is a delight. The paths are wide and offer sweeping views over Timber Beach, Ghosties Beach and Moonee Beach – bring the camera for some picture-perfect shots. In late winter and early spring, you'll also witness a blaze of colour as wildflowers bloom across the heath. The real highlight of this walk reveals itself as you descend onto spectacular Moonee Beach. You'll feel far from the madding crowds on this private sandy shoreline. Spend the day swimming or snorkelling in the turquoise water and don't forget to explore the protected rockpool area.

Moonee NSW

5.9 km away

Salts Bay — Image credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Natural Attractions

Salts Bay

Salts Bay is a tranquil pocket of Lake Macquarie, located on the southern shore of the Swansea Channel, between Blacksmiths and Caves Beach. Sheltered and scenic, the bay is surrounded by wetlands, mangroves and littoral rainforest, offering calm waters and peaceful lake views away from busier foreshore areas. The bay is rich in birdlife, with Black Neds Walking Trail and foreshore areas ideal for relaxed strolls, quiet picnics or simply taking in the surroundings. The protected bays make it a perfect opportunity for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and fishing. Salts Bay has a quiet historical charm as well. The area was once the site of small‑scale salt works in the mid‑1800s, a reminder of Lake Macquarie's long connection to industry and maritime life, before nature reclaimed the shoreline and shaped the peaceful landscape seen today.

Swansea Heads NSW

5.9 km away

Munmorah State Conservation Area

National Parks and Reserves

Munmorah State Conservation Area

Munmorah State Conservation Area is a park for all seasons. Beautiful craggy coastlines, tranquil bays, and dazzling ocean views make this a place to return to time and again. Bushwalking, camping, fishing, surfing and swimming are just some of the activities you can enjoy at Munmorah. Frazer beach is only patrolled during Christmas and Easter school holidays though so please be cautious when swimming there as the surf can be unpredictable. You might like to bring your binoculars to spot passing whales in winter and keep an eye out for some of the incredible bird species that call this park home. You might see a bar-shouldered dove in the coastal dunes or the southern emu wren on the low coastal heaths. Part of the Sydney Basin, Munmorah State Conservation Area illustrates the impressive geology of the region. The views are spectacular and it's no wonder, they've been millions of years in the making.

Wybung NSW

6.0 km away

Palms picnic area

Natural Attractions

Palms picnic area

While away a couple of hours in this shady, secluded Munmorah haven. With cabbage tree palms enclosing the area, it's a peaceful and intimate setting for a barbecue or picnic. Before you settle in, or after you've lunched, why not explore the surrounding rainforest with an amble along the pretty Palms loop track? The short loop walk starts and finishes right here at the picnic area. Free gas barbecues and several picnic tables add to the appeal of this delightfully positioned picnic spot.

Frazer Park NSW

6.3 km away

Arial shot Wangi

Natural Attractions

Wangi Wangi Point

This reserve is a peaceful natural area designed for passive recreation, with walking trails that protect the environment while showcasing diverse vegetation and scenic viewpoints. Two lookouts provide expansive views over Lake Macquarie, adding beautiful stops along the way. The tracks wind through bushland filled with wattles, coastal banksia and orchids, leading to lookouts across to Pulbah Island. Wildlife is abundant, visitors may spot green sea turtles, dolphins, sea eagles, squirrel gliders, kangaroos, lorikeets and even the threatened pied oystercatcher. There are four walks to choose from, offered as both linear and loop tracks. They range from 20 minutes to one hour, covering 500 metres to 2.2 kilometres, with easy to moderate grades. All walks begin at the main car park, and as part of the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, pets and open fires are not permitted. Please note, there are no toilets or drinking water, so prepare before you arrive. Wangi Point Holiday Park, boat ramp and jetty are in close proximity.

Wangi Wangi NSW

6.3 km away

Palms circuit track

Natural Attractions

Palms circuit track

Re-energise under a canopy of cabbage tree palms on this meandering, short loop through the rainforest of Munmorah. You’ll feel revived in the cool forest air surrounded by lush vegetation with shafts of sunlight streaming through palm fronds to guide your way. This enchanting walk is a visual feast, and isn’t too challenging on the legs either. Look carefully and you may even spot some grey-headed flying foxes that feed in the cabbage tree palm forest during the summer. Bring along supplies and take advantage of the tables at Palms picnic area, where the track begins and loops back to.

Frazer Park NSW

6.4 km away

Grannies Pool

Natural Attractions

Grannies Pool

Grannies Pool is a sheltered, shallow tidal pool, paired with a small sandy beach area, making it an ideal spot for families with young children or elderly. Located on Swansea Channel at the southern end of Blacksmiths Beach. The pool has a unique history, formed when a gap in the breakwall allowed water from Swansea Channel to flow in, creating a natural pool. Its name reflects generations of memories, as parents and grandparents have long brought their children here to learn how to swim. Highly accessible for wheelchairs, featuring a 50-metre, all-abilities pathway from the parking area to the sand. The area includes accessible parking, a concrete viewing platform, and beach matting that extends to the hard sand for easier access. Grannies Pool fills with the incoming tide, offering deeper water at high tide and much shallower conditions at low tide, so it's best to plan your visit around the tides. From the pool, you can follow the walking path to the Blacksmiths Breakwall for sweeping views of Swansea Channel. Blacksmiths Beach is also close by, with access less than a 400‑metre walk away.

Blacksmiths NSW

6.5 km away

Pirrita Island Boardwalk — Image credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Pirrita Island Boardwalk

The lakeside boardwalk on Pirrita Island showcases the unique landscape and heritage of Swansea foreshore. The 250-metre boardwalk crosses Pirrita Island's mangroves and looks out over the turquoise waters of Swansea Channel. 'Pirrita' is the Awabakal word for oysters from the mangroves, while Miners Point references the coal mining families who lived on the island throughout the 1900s. Interpretive signage has been installed along the boardwalk, showcasing the heritage of the area, as well as the unique flora and fauna that call the island home. As well as this new edition, the existing car park on the western side of Pirrita Island has been upgraded to improve access. A new outdoor fitness trail has also been installed along Channel Street between Swansea Swim Centre and Thomas Humphreys Reserve.

Swansea NSW

6.5 km away

Discovering Blacksmiths Beach — Image credit: Lake Macquarie Tourism

Natural Attractions

Blacksmiths Beach

Blacksmiths Beach is a beautiful, family‑friendly stretch of golden sand at the southern end of Lake Macquarie's nine‑mile coastline. Enjoy safe, patrolled swimming during the warmer months (September - April), stroll or fish off the scenic Swansea Channel break wall, or relax in the shaded picnic areas near the Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club. The beach offers convenient facilities including toilets, showers, ample free parking, picnic tables, barbeques, a nearby playground, and easy access to a takeaway shop just across the road, making it the perfect spot for a carefree coastal day out. If you have children or want a shallow calm swim spot, walk around to the tidal Granny's Pool. If you have a four-wheel drive, vehicles are permitted within Belmont Wetlands State Park for 4WD Access to Nine Mile Beach. Permits are only available online. The beach features accessible parking, toilets (MLAK), a ramp, and beach wheelchairs available during patrol season.

Blacksmiths NSW

6.8 km away

Sir William Dobell Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Sir William Dobell Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Sir William Dobell, a painter best known for his expressive and unique portraits, who is still remembered today as one of Australia's best-known artists.

Wangi Wangi NSW

6.9 km away

Pelican Foreshore Park

Natural Attractions

Pelican Foreshore Park

Pelican Foreshore Park is a popular family‑friendly destination. The park features a fully fenced playground, grassy picnic areas, covered picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and easy access to toilets, making it a convenient spot for day trips and gatherings. Its sandy lakeside beach provides opportunities for swimming, paddling, and sandcastle building, though visitors should be mindful that currents near the Swansea Channel can become strong, especially for young or inexperienced swimmers. The foreshore also offers scenic views of the Lake with the chance to spot the pelicans that give the area its name.

Pelican NSW

7.0 km away

Arial Shot Kayaking Naru Beach — Image credit: Lake Macquarie Tourism

Natural Attractions

Naru Beach

Known for its stunning beauty and tranquillity, Naru Beach is a hidden gem on the shores of Lake Macquarie with its white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Take a dip in the calm waters, perfect for swimming and cooling off on a hot day. Paddleboarding is also a popular pastime here, allowing you to explore the serene lake while taking in the breathtaking views. If you have a boat or kayak, you can even venture out to the nearby uninhabited sand islands for a unique island-hopping experience. Use Marks Point Boat Ramp located next to the beach to launch your boat. Naru Beach is a haven for families, offering shallow swimming areas that are ideal for kids. However, it's important to note that there are often strong currents in the channels and there have been sightings of the blue-ringed octopus, so supervision is advised. While the beach is relatively small, there is ample space to relax and unwind. Just be sure to bring your own shade, as there are no picnic facilities or amenities available on-site.

Marks Point NSW

7.9 km away

Tea Tree picnic area and lookout

Natural Attractions

Tea Tree picnic area and lookout

Keen surfers will appreciate the sweeping views from the lookout at Tea Tree picnic area. Inspect the waves and then decide whether to head down to the boardwalk and paddle out or have a relaxed barbie while you wait for the conditions to change. During winter, the lookout is an excellent spot to station yourself with the binoculars and spot whales passing by on their epic migration. You can even record your sighting online. Tea trees surround a quiet picnic area where there are free gas barbecues and picnic tables.

Wybung NSW

8.7 km away

Elizabeth Bay picnic area

Natural Attractions

Elizabeth Bay picnic area

It doesn’t get much better than this. Pack the hamper and enjoy a long, leisurely barbecue lunch with friends and family in the beautiful surrounds of Munmorah State Conservation Area. Spread your picnic blanket by the shore or set up at one of the picnic tables on the grassy expanse and take in the tranquil views over the sparkling sand and calm blue waters of Elizabeth Bay. It’s a great place for a swim on a hot day. If you’re keen to get out on the water, you can launch your boat from the ramp here too – be sure to pack the fishing gear.

Lake Munmorah NSW

9.1 km away

Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba

Entertainment Venues

Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba

This beautiful heritage venue is brimming with character and history. In 2019 Rathmines Theatre – along with Rathmines Heritage Centre – was refurbished as a unique and memorable space for live performances, exhibitions, festivals and as well as corporate events and private functions. The old boiler room has been repurposed as a charismatic bar space where audiences love to grab a drink before the show. The Rathmines Theatre is a 200-capacity theatre available for professional and amateur musical, theatre, dance, and cultural groups to host and perform quality stage productions.

Rathmines NSW

9.7 km away

Inside our Rathmines Heritage Centre on Opening Night — Image credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Rathmines Heritage Centre

Based in Rathmines Theatre, Rathmines Heritage Centre hosts a range of exhibitions focused on the history of Rathmines RAAF base and the wider story of Lake Mac during World War II. Rathmines RAAF seaplane base played an essential role in the defence of Australia during WWII. From 1939 – 1962 thousands of people and hundreds of seaplanes operated and trained at the base. Rathmines RAAF seaplane base is the most intact surviving example of its type in Australia. Established in 1939 the base was the main centre for training during World War II. It was the largest flying boat base established in Australia and considered to be the ‘headquarters’ of flying boat operations during the war. Rathmines Heritage Centre tours are by appointment only. Explore the history of Rathmines further along the Rathmines RAAF Base Heritage Trail, a 1.1 kilometrem trail through Rathmines Park and along the foreshore of Catalina Bay. For further information about the importance of Rathmines RAAF base please visit the Lake Mac History website, which has a large and comprehensive archive of oral histories, photographs and documents.

Rathmines NSW

9.7 km away

Chipmunks Playland & Cafe - Entrance — Image credit: Chipmunks Playland & Cafe

Amusement and Theme Parks

Chipmunks Playland and Cafe Belmont

Chipmunks Playland and Café Belmont is a vibrant indoor play centre designed for children aged 0–11, offering a safe, fun and engaging environment for families in the Lake Macquarie region. The centre is thoughtfully divided into three age-appropriate zones: a Baby Zone for little ones aged 0–2, a Mini Zone for toddlers aged 0–4, and a large Main Zone for older children up to 11. Each space is packed with colourful play equipment, climbing structures and a giant ball pit that keeps kids entertained for hours. One of the standout features of Chipmunks Belmont is its flexibility - there are no time limits on play, so families can stay as long as they like without feeling rushed. The venue is fully enclosed, air-conditioned and designed with safety in mind, giving parents peace of mind while their children explore and play. Chipmunks Belmont is also a popular destination for birthday parties, offering packages to suit every celebration style, including Basic, Bash and Bonanza options. With a variety of fun themes available, families can create a memorable party experience with minimal stress. For larger celebrations, private venue hire is available, giving guests exclusive access to the entire centre. Alongside the play areas, the on-site café serves freshly made food and barista-quality coffee, making it just as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids.

Belmont NSW

11 km away

Belmont Baths

Natural Attractions

Belmont Baths

The baths are a great facility for people who enjoy swimming or simply relaxing by the beautiful lake. The facility incorporates protective mesh on all three sides, which encourages people to use the area for swimming. The area includes a new jetty that is 70 metres long, with a 45-metre-wide swimming enclosure and an access ramp to a deep-water platform for people with mobility restrictions. There are toilet facilities, cold showers, picnic tables and undercover areas. The amenities building also stores a mobi aquatic chair to borrow for wheelchair access into the baths (available upon council request). Nearby is a playground, ping pong table and cafes.

Belmont NSW

11 km away

Green Point Foreshore Reserve

Natural Attractions

Green Point Foreshore Reserve

Green Point Foreshore Reserve is a scenic lakeside destination connecting Belmont and Valentine, offering a mix of easy foreshore walks, bushland trails, picnic areas, and stunning lake views. Visitors can enjoy a flat, shared pathway suitable for prams, wheelchairs, bikes, and scooters, or explore bush tracks with stairs and boardwalks winding through eucalyptus forest and small rainforest pockets. Highlights include the grassy lakeside point, a public jetty, and elevated lookouts such as Sea Eagle Lookout and Rocky High, which provide panoramic views across Lake Macquarie and are known for sightings of white‑bellied sea eagles. With picnic shelters, barbecues, toilets, calm waters for fishing and paddling, and interpretive signage sharing the area's coal‑mining and timber history, Green Point is an ideal destination for families, walkers, and nature lovers seeking a relaxed outdoor experience by the lake. Dogs are not permitted in the reserve or along the walking track.

Belmont NSW

11 km away

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