Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia, and its shores are lined with some of the best family walking tracks in the region. There are lakeside foreshore paths with sculptures and playgrounds, coastal bush trails with ocean views, wetland boardwalks and tucked-away nature reserves that most visitors haven’t heard of.
Whether you’re looking for something flat and easy with a pram, a magical waterfall circuit for little ones, a proper bush adventure for school-aged kids or a scenic loop that finishes at a playground, Lake Mac delivers. Here are 21 of our favourite family walks — covering all corners of the lake and all ages.
Also exploring nearby areas? See our guides to Newcastle walks, Maitland walks and Cessnock walks. For pram-only recommendations across the region, see our pram-friendly walks guide. Walking with your dog? See our dog-friendly walks guide.
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Foreshore & Lake Walks
Warners Bay Sculpture Walk
One of the most enjoyable family walks in Lake Macquarie. The 2km foreshore path from Eleebana Boat Ramp to Warners Bay is part of the Creative LAKE Sculpture Trail, and along the way you’ll encounter a permanent collection of sculptures by national and international artists — a flying pig, an oversized Buddhist monk-child, a mauve bust of Charles Darwin and more. It’s our own permanent version of Sculpture by the Sea, and both kids and adults genuinely enjoy it.
- Distance: 2km one-way (Eleebana to Warners Bay); further to Speers Point
- Suitability: Flat, paved and wheelchair accessible throughout. Pram-friendly. All ages.
- Dogs: On-leash. Off-leash dog exercise area at nearby Speers Point Park.
- Parking: Thomas H Halton / Croudace Bay Park, Bareki Road, Eleebana. Toilets at car park.
- Tip: Finish the walk at Warners Bay with a coffee at one of the waterfront cafes while the kids play at Warner Park playground.
For more information, read our guide to the Warners Bay Sculpture Walk.
Cooranbong Swing Bridge Walk
One of the most quietly popular family walks in Lake Macquarie — and one that consistently surprises people with how good it is. The Sandy Creek Track at Cooranbong follows Dora Creek through beautiful, peaceful bushland and passes a wobbly wooden swing bridge that kids inevitably want to cross about six times. The former Sanitarium factory where Weet-Bix were made is along the route too, which sparks surprisingly good conversations. About 3km return, flat and suitable for a sturdy pram in dry conditions.
- Distance: ~3km return
- Suitability: Flat dirt and gravel path. Suitable for sturdy prams in dry conditions. Good for all ages.
- Dogs: On-leash.
- Parking: Sandy Creek Track car park, Cooranbong.
- Tip: Avoid after heavy rain — the path can get muddy and the swing bridge crossing is trickier with a pram in wet conditions.
For more information, read our guide to the Cooranbong Swing Bridge Walk.
Green Point Foreshore Walk
Connecting Belmont and Valentine, the Green Point Foreshore Reserve is one of Lake Mac’s best-loved family walking spots. Formerly a coal mine from 1863 to 1982, it’s now a beautiful lakefront reserve with something for everyone. The main sealed concrete pathway is flat, pram-friendly and good for bikes and scooters. Venture off the main path onto the dirt trails and you’ll find bush, lakeside views, the Sea Eagle Lookout at Cardiff Point and quiet fishing spots. Picnic and barbecue areas throughout.
- Distance: Various — from 1km to several kilometres depending on which trails you take
- Suitability: Main sealed path is pram and wheelchair friendly. Dirt side trails are not suitable for prams. Good for all ages.
- Dogs: On-leash.
- Parking: Green Point Reserve car park, Dilkera Avenue, Valentine.
- Tip: The Sea Eagle Lookout at Cardiff Point is worth the short detour — the views over the lake are outstanding.
For more information, read our guide to Green Point Walk.
Pirrita Island Boardwalk, Swansea
Pirrita Island — actually the northern tip of the Swansea peninsula, not an island at all — has a short boardwalk that punches well above its weight for scenery. Flat, accessible with prams and wheelchairs, and with stunning views of Lake Macquarie, Swansea Channel and Elizabeth Island. A great option when you only have 30–40 minutes and want to get outside somewhere beautiful.
- Distance: Approx 1km short loop
- Suitability: Flat boardwalk. Pram and wheelchair accessible throughout. All ages including babies and toddlers.
- Dogs: No dogs.
- Parking: Pirrita Island car park, Swansea.
- Tip: Combine with a visit to the Swansea waterfront for a coffee afterwards.
For more information, read our guide to Pirrita Island.
Murrays Beach Walk
The quiet lake shoreline at Murrays Beach has a flat, well-maintained walking and bike track that winds gently around the lake through natural bush. It’s peaceful, lightly used and one of those walks where spotting an echidna or a blue-tongue lizard going about their business is a genuine possibility. Dogs are welcome on a short lead — keep them away from native wildlife.
- Distance: ~3.9km one-way
- Suitability: Flat, sealed path. Pram-friendly. All ages.
- Dogs: On-leash (short lead). Native wildlife present — keep dogs under close control.
- Parking: Murrays Beach car park.
- Tip: A good weekday walk when you want the track to yourselves.
Galgabba Point Walk, Swansea
A tucked-away gem on the Lake Macquarie side of Swansea. The 3.2km return walk through a beautiful nature reserve is flat and mostly linear, with just a few small rocks underfoot — manageable with a pram or stroller in good conditions. The lakeside path meanders through woodland full of birds. Don’t forget to look up into the tree canopy — the light through the branches is something special. Note: dogs are not permitted here.
- Distance: 3.2km return
- Suitability: Mostly flat dirt path with a few small rocks. Manageable with a sturdy pram in good conditions. All ages.
- Dogs: No dogs permitted.
- Parking: Street parking opposite the intersection of Nioka Place and Old Pacific Highway, Swansea.
- Tip: Best avoided after rain when the rocks underfoot can be slippery.
Distance: 3.2km return
Best for: All ages; pram can manage in good conditions
Suitability: Mostly flat dirt path; a few rocks underfoot. No dogs.
Tip: Entry is opposite the intersection of Nioka Place and Old Pacific Highway in Swansea.
For more information, read our guide to Galgabba Point Walk.
Belmont Lagoon Walk
Belmont Lagoon sits halfway between Lake Macquarie and the ocean, connected to the lake via Cold Tea Creek. The walk around the lagoon is a lovely family outing with nature, birdlife and history. The lagoon has deep cultural significance to the Awabakal people — known as The Teardrop of the Moon, it sits at the end of a Dreaming track.
- Distance: ~4.3km one-way
- Suitability: Mixed path surfaces. Best for school-age kids. Not suitable for prams throughout.
- Dogs: On-leash. Keep dogs away from native wildlife.
- Parking: Belmont Lagoon Reserve car park, Belmont.
- Tip: Continue on to Belmont Wetlands State Park to extend the outing.
For more information, read our guide to Belmont Lagoon Walk.
Belmont Wetlands State Park
Multiple walking trails through beautiful coastal bushland and wetlands at Belmont. For families with young kids, the flat and sandy Wildflower Walk (running parallel to the Fernleigh Track) and the short Gilbey Loop Walk are the best bets. For older kids looking for more challenge, the Jewells to Dunes walk extends up into the dunes with views of Nine Mile Beach. Dogs are allowed throughout the park on leash.
- Distance: Various — Wildflower Walk and Gilbey Loop are short and flat; Jewells to Dunes is more challenging
- Suitability: Shorter flat walks suit all ages and young kids. Dune walks better for school-age kids. Not suitable for prams on dune sections.
- Dogs: On-leash throughout. During peak times there can be 4WDs in the park — keep dogs close.
- Parking: Main entrance off Kalaroo Road, Redhead.
- Tip: The Wildflower Walk is at its best between August and October when the coastal wildflowers are in bloom.
For more information, read our guide to Belmont Wetlands State Park Walks.
Coastal & Bush Walks
Yuelarbah Walk at Glenrock Lagoon
Part of the Great North Walk, the Yuelarbah Walk in Glenrock State Conservation Area is widely regarded as one of the best family bush walks in the region. The track takes you along raised wooden boardwalks, over bridges, past two waterfalls and through beautiful rainforest to Glenrock Lagoon. Leichhardt’s Lookout at the halfway point delivers stunning views of the lagoon and out to the ocean. Recommended for families with kids aged four and up.
If little ones tend to run out of steam, the boardwalk section and the lookout are both worth reaching even if you don’t do the full distance. The area was once Burwood Colliery, and remnants of the 1860s mine and railway are visible along the route. The walk begins at Yuelarbah car park on Burwood Road in Kahibah. No toilet facilities at the trailhead — go before you arrive.
- Distance: 3.4km each way (2.3km to lagoon, 3.4km to Burwood Beach)
- Suitability: Hilly — not suitable for prams. Best for kids aged 4 and up. Use a carrier for babies.
- Dogs: No dogs in Glenrock State Conservation Area.
- Parking: Yuelarbah car park, Burwood Road, Kahibah.
- Tip: Bring mozzie repellent in summer. At low tide you can walk from Burwood Beach towards Merewether and stop at Surfhouse for food on the way back.
For more information, read our guide to the Yuelarbah Walk at Glenrock Lagoon.
Fernleigh Track
The 15.5km Fernleigh Track connects Lake Macquarie and Newcastle along a former rail line. Because it has multiple entry and exit points you can do as much or as little as you like — most families walk a section. The track is flat and well-maintained with very gentle grades, making it pram-friendly throughout. The rail tunnel under the Pacific Highway is a highlight for kids. Watch for cyclists on shared sections. Dogs on leash are permitted away from picnic areas and play areas.
Distance: Up to 15.5km one-way — do as much as suits your family
Best for: All ages, pram-friendly, dogs on leash
Suitability: Sealed, well-maintained path; very gentle grades
Tip: For full details, read our Fernleigh Track guide.
Awabakal Walk, Dudley to Redhead
A 5km hike through coastal heath in Awabakal Nature Reserve between Dudley and Redhead, with spectacular ocean views throughout. Most tracks are clear but a few sections are a little overgrown — which adds to the adventure with kids. Between July and October the bush is full of wildflowers. Take a side trip off the main path to see Redhead Lagoon, and look back towards Newcastle from the Awabakal Viewpoint for one of the best views in the region. You can start from either Ocean Street in Dudley or Collier Street in Redhead.
- Distance: 5km one-way
- Suitability: Sandy and uneven in places. Not suitable for prams. Best for school-age kids and up.
- Dogs: No dogs in Awabakal Nature Reserve.
- Parking: Ocean Street, Dudley, or Redhead SLSC, Beach Road, Redhead. Toilets at Redhead SLSC.
- Tip: If you don’t want to do the full return trip, park at Redhead SLSC and catch the 48 bus on Steel Street to Ocean Street — it drops off near the start of the trail.
For more information, read our guide to the Awabakal Walk.
Ken & Audrey Owens Walk, Redhead
Starting from the excellent Webb Park playground & pump track at Redhead, this flat coastal walk winds through coastal vegetation and wetlands to Redhead Beach. The main section from Webb Park to the duck pond and back is about 2.5km return. Flat, pram-friendly and perfect for combining with a beach visit. Exits along the way mean you can cut it short if needed. Dogs are welcome on leash, with an off-leash area at the southern end of Redhead Beach (south of Second Creek).
- Distance: 2.5km return (Webb Park to duck pond)
- Suitability: Flat mix of path and boardwalk. Pram-friendly throughout. All ages.
- Dogs: On-leash along the walk. Off-leash at southern Redhead Beach (south of Second Creek).
- Parking: Webb Park, Cain Street, Redhead. Toilets at Webb Park.
- Tip: Start at Webb Park playground so the kids get a run before the walk — much easier than promising a playground at the end.
For more information, read our guide to the Ken & Audrey Owens Walk.
Caves Beach to Pinny Beach Walk
A more adventurous walk suited to families with older kids. The 5.2km return walk from Caves Beach to the southern headland of Pinny Beach takes you through coastal heathland, down a staircase, along fire trails and to the stunning and semi-secret Spoon Rocks beach. Named for the spoon-shaped rocky headland, Spoon Rocks faces northeast and is sheltered from the prevailing winds — well worth the effort to reach. You can shorten the walk at any point. At low tide before or after, explore the sea caves at Caves Beach.
- Distance: 5.2km return
- Suitability: Steep in places. Not suitable for prams. Best for kids aged 8 and up. Proper footwear recommended.
- Dogs: On-leash.
- Parking: Caves Beach car park. Toilets and picnic facilities at Caves Beach.
- Tip: Check tide times if you want to explore the caves. No facilities between Caves Beach and Pinny Beach — bring water.
For more information, read our guide to the Caves Beach to Pinny Beach Walk.
Moonee Beach Trail
Technically in the Central Coast Council LGA, but close enough to Lake Macquarie that we had to include it. Moonee Beach near Catherine Hill Bay is only accessible on foot — one of the best ways in is the Moonee Beach Trail from Snapper Point Road in Munmorah State Conservation Area. The 4km return track begins at the top of a hill and meanders down through beautiful coastal heath to a gorgeous, secluded beach with rock pools and calm swimming spots. An easy walk on the way down but all uphill on the return.
- Distance: 4km return
- Suitability: Too rugged for prams. Best for families who enjoy walking. All uphill on return — be prepared.
- Dogs: Check current rules with NSW National Parks.
- Parking: Snapper Point Road, Munmorah State Conservation Area.
- Tip: Bring swimmers — the beach and rock pools are worth a proper stop. Check tide times for the best rock pool exploration.
For more information, read our guide to the Moonee Beach Trail.
Western Lake Macquarie Walks
Glendale to Wallsend Tramway Track
A 3.9km off-road walk and cycleway following the route of a former steam tram line connecting Glendale in Lake Macquarie to Wallsend in Newcastle. The steady 3% gradient was specifically designed for steam trams — meaning it’s a consistent gentle slope rather than flat. Keep an eye out for horses, ducks and the occasional kangaroo. The track starts at Frederick Street in Glendale and finishes at the corner of Cowper Road and Lake Road in Wallsend.
- Distance: 3.9km one-way
- Suitability: Paved throughout. Manageable for prams but consistently hilly. Best for kids with some endurance.
- Dogs: On-leash.
- Parking: Frederick Street, Glendale (southern end) or Cowper Road and Lake Road, Wallsend (northern end).
- Tip: Walk one way and arrange a pickup at the other end rather than asking tired legs to do the return trip.
For more information, read our guide to the Wallsend to Glendale Tramway Track.
Kilaben Bay Nature Walk
An easy bush walk on the western side of the lake. The walk starts opposite Toronto Fire Station on Ridge Road — young fire truck enthusiasts might spot the engines on the way past. The trail winds through bush along a wide fire trail, crosses lovely Kilaben Creek via boardwalks, and finishes at the lake’s edge. About 1.5km each way and manageable for most kids. The section from Kilaben Park end is flatter and more pram-accessible.
- Distance: ~1.5km each way
- Suitability: Gravel fire trail. Flatter and more pram-accessible from Kilaben Park end, though some bumpy patches from tree roots. Good for all ages.
- Dogs: On-leash.
- Parking: Street parking near Toronto Fire Station on Ridge Road, or Kilaben Park on Kilaben Road. Nearest toilets at Kilaben Bay Reserve Playground on Toronto Road.
- Tip: Bring swimmers for a splash at the lake’s edge at the end of the walk.
For more information, read our guide to the Kilaben Bay Nature Walk.
Wangi Point Walk
Wangi Point has four main walking tracks through pristine bushland with beautiful water views on the western side of the lake. The Wangi Circuit Track (1.7km) follows the perimeter of the point — uneven in places and a fun challenge for school-age kids. The shorter Botany Track (800m return) is more scenic and better suited to younger kids who need something manageable. A genuinely beautiful spot that most people drive straight past.
- Distance: 800m–1.7km depending on track chosen
- Suitability: Uneven bush tracks throughout. Not suitable for prams. Botany Track better for younger kids; Wangi Circuit for school-age and up.
- Dogs: On-leash.
- Parking: Wangi Point car park, Wangi Wangi.
- Tip: Do the Botany Track first with younger kids and save the Circuit for another visit when they’re older.
For more information, read our guide to Wangi Point Walk.
Munibung Hill Walk
If your family wants a proper viewpoint, Munibung Hill in Macquarie Hills is worth the effort. At around 160 metres high, the walk to the summit rewards you with panoramic views of the northern end of Lake Macquarie and the surrounding suburbs. There are several trails of varying difficulty — the track from Lucilla Ridge in Macquarie Hills is a good starting point.
- Distance: Various
- Suitability: Hilly bush tracks. Not suitable for prams. Best for kids aged 7 and up.
- Dogs: On-leash.
- Parking: Lucilla Ridge, Macquarie Hills.
- Tip: Go on a clear morning for the best views across the lake.
For more information, read our guide to Munibung Hill Walk.
Mount Sugarloaf Walk
Visible from much of Newcastle and the lower Hunter, Mount Sugarloaf (412m) is the hill topped with radio and TV transmitters at West Wallsend. Drive up to the top car park and the summit walk is a short but steep 10-minute climb. Views at the top take in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the surrounding Hunter areas. There’s also a grassy slope below the parking area that kids have turned into an unofficial tobogganing hill — bring a piece of cardboard or a plastic toboggan.
- Distance: 275m to 1.6km depending on route chosen
- Suitability: Steel and rock steps near the summit — not suitable for prams. Picnic area at the top car park is accessible. Best for kids aged 5 and up for the summit walk.
- Dogs: On-leash.
- Parking: Top car park — follow George Booth Drive to Sugarloaf Road, West Wallsend, all the way to the top.
- Tip: Bring cardboard for tobogganing down the grassy slope below the car park — a local tradition and genuinely great fun.
For more information, read our guide to Mount Sugarloaf.
Watagans National Park Walks
About an hour from Newcastle, Watagans National Park is worth every minute of the drive. These are two of the most-visited walk pages on Newy with Kids — your fellow families have clearly discovered something special up here.
Boarding House Dam Walk
This is the walk we recommend most often to families with young kids — and judging by how often it gets visited on this site, we’re not alone. Hidden in the heart of Watagans National Park, the 700m circuit is genuinely magical: a beautiful wooden bridge, a 120-metre wall of vivid green moss draped over rock, and a clear creek running through the middle of it all. Toddlers love it. School-age kids love it. Adults love it. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the Hunter region and one of the easiest walks to do with little ones. The picnic area here is lovely for lunch after the walk.
- Distance: 700m circuit
- Suitability: Suitable for all ages including toddlers. Some muddy patches — supervise near the creek. Not suitable for prams.
- Dogs: No dogs in Watagans National Park.
- Parking: Boarding House Dam picnic area car park, Watagans National Park. Check road access at npws.nsw.gov.au before visiting — some roads may be unsuitable for 2WD vehicles.
- Tip: Go early to have the moss wall to yourselves. It photographs best in softer morning or overcast light.
For more information, read our guide to the Boarding House Dam Walk.
Gap Creek Falls Walk — PARTIALLY CLOSED
One of the most searched-for walks on this site, Gap Creek Falls is a firm favourite for families with older kids who enjoy a real adventure. The walk starts with the mostly flat Gap Creek Walking Track — about 20 minutes return and a gentle taste of the Watagans. Further along you reach a fork: go left to Gap Creek Falls (450m, steep descent to the waterfall) or right to Gap Creek Forest Walk (400m). The falls are spectacular and well worth the effort — just be prepared for the steep climb back up. Younger kids are sometimes carried on the return, so factor that in before you set off.
Update: Gap Creek Forest Walk is currently partially closed due to landslip and rockfall risk. Check npws.nsw.gov.au for current status before visiting.
- Distance: Gap Creek Walking Track approx 1km return; Gap Creek Falls adds 450m each way
- Suitability: Best for kids aged 8 and up. Steep on the falls section — not suitable for prams. Proper footwear essential.
- Dogs: No dogs in Watagans National Park.
- Parking: Gap Creek Day Use Area car park. Check road access at npws.nsw.gov.au before visiting.
- Tip: Pack plenty of water and snacks. The flat section at the start is deceptively easy — save energy for the climb back up from the falls.
For more information, read our guide to Gap Creek Falls.
A Few Tips for Walking Around Lake Mac
Lake Macquarie is a big region and the walks are spread out across the lake, so it pays to plan your day before you head off. Many of the best spots are on opposite sides of the lake, and driving around can take longer than you expect — check travel times on Google Maps before you set out.
For bush walks in the Watagans, always check road conditions on the NSW National Parks website before you travel. Some roads require 4WD and conditions change after heavy rain. Some tracks are also subject to closures due to landslip — the NPWS website is the most reliable source for current information.
Sun protection is non-negotiable even in cooler months, and several of the foreshore walks have very little shade. Bring sunscreen, hats and water for everyone in the group — including the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best Lake Macquarie walks for young kids include the Boarding House Dam Walk in Watagans National Park (700m magical circuit, perfect for toddlers), the Cooranbong Swing Bridge Walk (3km return, flat, pram-friendly in dry conditions), the Warners Bay Sculpture Walk (2km flat foreshore with sculptures and a lake boardwalk), Green Point Foreshore Walk (sealed path with lake views), Ken & Audrey Owens Walk at Redhead (2.5km return, flat, playground at the start) and Pirrita Island Boardwalk in Swansea (short, flat and beautiful).
Yes — Lake Macquarie has excellent pram-friendly walking options. The best include the Warners Bay Sculpture Walk, Green Point Walk (main sealed path), Ken & Audrey Owens Walk at Redhead, Pirrita Island Boardwalk in Swansea, Galgabba Point Walk in Swansea (in good conditions), Murrays Beach Walk and the Cooranbong Swing Bridge Walk (when dry). See our dedicated pram-friendly walks guide for the complete regional list.
The Yuelarbah Walk at Glenrock Lagoon is a favourite — rainforest, bridges, and a stunning lagoon destination. Best for kids aged four and up. The Awabakal Walk between Dudley and Redhead is excellent for older kids with spectacular coastal views. For younger kids, the Boarding House Dam Walk in the Watagans is a magical 700m circuit that suits even toddlers.
Dog-friendly walks in Lake Macquarie include the Ken & Audrey Owens Walk at Redhead (on leash along the walk; off-leash at southern Redhead Beach south of Second Creek), Belmont Lagoon Walk (on leash), Belmont Wetlands State Park (on leash), Warners Bay Sculpture Walk (on leash), Murrays Beach Walk (on leash) and the Fernleigh Track. See our full dog-friendly walks guide for details.
Yes — the Boarding House Dam Walk is one of the best walks in the region for young children. The 700m circuit is gentle, fascinating (a 120m moss wall and a wooden bridge that kids absolutely love) and manageable for toddlers. Always check road conditions at npws.nsw.gov.au before you visit, as some access roads can be affected by wet weather. See our full Boarding House Dam walk guide for all the details.
The two most popular Watagans walks for families are the Boarding House Dam Walk (700m circuit, perfect for toddlers and young kids) and the Gap Creek Falls Walk (better for kids 8 and up who can manage a steep descent and return). Both are in Watagans National Park about an hour from Newcastle. Always check road conditions and any track closures at npws.nsw.gov.au before visiting — some access roads may be unsuitable for 2WD vehicles after rain.
Header Photo: Sea Eagle Lookout on Green Point Walk
Find a Lake Macquarie walk on a map
Also exploring nearby areas? See our guides to Newcastle walks, Maitland walks and Cessnock walks. For pram-only recommendations across the region, see our pram-friendly walks guide. Walking with your dog? See our dog-friendly walks guide.