Enjoy a picnic in Lake Macquarie! We’ve put together a guide to the best Lake Macquarie picnic spots including those with barbecues, playgrounds and amenities. If there are any other picnic spots in Lake Macquarie you can recommend, let us know and we’ll add them to the list.
Bennett Park, Valentine
We love a playground with lake views and Bennett Park delivers. Located lakeside, Bennett Park is a top spot for a catch up with friends or family. As well as a playground, there’s a covered barbecue and a picnic table. Lay out a picnic blanket under the shade provided by one of the many mature trees. Read more about Bennett Park.
Caves Beach, Caves Beach
Enjoy a picnic with friends or family at Caves Beach. The area near the Surf Life Saving Club has picnic tables, barbecue facilities and amenities, plus an amazing view of the beach. Explore the caves at low tide, before or after your picnic. Read more about Caves Beach.
Green Point Foreshore, Valentine
At Green Point Foreshore, between Belmont and Valentine, you’re spoilt fir choice when it comes to picnic spots. Sea Eagle Park is a large, grassy space with covered shelters, barbecues and amenities, perfect for families who want plenty of room to run around by the lake. For a more secluded experience with stunning panoramic views of the lake , take the side track to Sea Eagle Lookout (follow the Lookout sign), an ideal spot for a quiet picnic. Read more about Green Point Foreshore.
Pelican Foreshore, Pelican
Pelican Foreshore Park, with a fenced playground, is a lovely spot for a picnic. It features barbecues, picnic tables and a lot of space for kids to run around. On a warm day, wander down to the gentle lakeside beach to spot pelicans and take a dip. Read more about Pelican Foreshore Park.
Rathmines Park, Rathmines
Enjoy some history with your picnic. Rathmines Park was home to the RAAF Catalina Flying Boat Base, with 14 Catalinas and almost 3000 officers at its peak, making it the largest flying boat base in Australia. As a result, there’s lots of plane-themed play equipment. It’s a great spot for a picnic with amazing views of Lake Macquarie. If you feel like cooking, there’s also a covered seating area behind the park with a barbecue. There’s also plenty of grass to kick a ball and the wide paths are perfect for scooters and bikes. Read more about Rathmines Park.
Reids Reserve, Swansea
Head to Reids Reserve at Swansea Heads for a large, grassed space perfect for picnics. There are picnic benches spaced out along the reserve, as well as a playground. Enjoy views of the Swansea Channel and beyond. If you’re visiting in low tide, check out the rock shelf. As well as a gorgeous little secluded beach, you’ll find remnants of a petrified forest from a volcano eruption 250 million years ago on the rock shelf. Read more about Reids Reserve.
Speers Point Park, Speers Point
Head for a picnic at one of the region’s largest playgrounds, Speers Point Park. While the kids play, you can relax at one of the many covered picnic shelters. If you feel like cooking, grab one that has barbecue facilities. If you prefer more peace and quiet, choose a spot at the back of the park. Read more about Speers Point Park.
Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Another area with great playground and lake views is Thomas H Halton Park (also known as Croudace Bay Park). There are so many things to love about this playground, but we love the scenic lakeside location and the fact that it’s fully-fenced. Plus, it has a pirate ship! There’s also two covered picnic areas with barbecues, located within the playground area. Bring some sausages and cook them on the barbecue while the kids play. Read more about Thomas H Halton Park.
Toronto Foreshore, Toronto
For a picnic spot with lake views on the western side of Lake Macquarie, head to Toronto Foreshore. Bring some snags to cook as there’s a barbecue within the park. There is also a fenced playground for the kids to enjoy with amenities located just outside the fence. Read more about Toronto Foreshore.
Warner Park, Warners Bay
For those with young kids, a fenced playground brings peace of mind. Warner Park, across the street from Warners Bay Foreshore, is a good choice. You’ll find covered picnic shelters and a large playground to keep little ones happy happy. You can still enjoy views of the lake from Warner Park. Read more about Warner Park.
Warners Bay Foreshore, Warners Bay
Enjoy a picnic along the Esplanade at Warners Bay. You’ll have stunning lake views and, once you’ve finished your picnic, you can go for a wander and check out the sculptures along Lake Macquarie’s Sculpture Walk. There’s barbecues, plus sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables. Either bring food with you or grab some takeaway from one of the many cafes on The Esplanade. Read more about Lake Macquarie’s Sculpture Walk.
Webb Park, Redhead
Organise a picnic at Webb Park in Redhead. As well as a fantastic beach-themed playground, it’s close to Redhead Beach and the Redhead Pump Track. A covered barbecue is near the playground, so you can cook up some lunch or dinner while keeping an eye on kids. There’s also plenty of grass for kids to run around or kick a ball. After your picnic, head for a walk along the Ken & Audrey Owens Walkway which starts from the playground. It’s a pleasant stroll through the trees to Redhead beach. Read more about Webb Park.
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