Located 30 minutes south of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie is centred around the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia and it’s an outstanding destination for families. Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure or visiting for the first time, there’s no shortage of things to do, and most of them won’t cost you a cent.
From beaches and bushwalks to playgrounds, water sports, and a thriving cafe scene, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Lake Macquarie with kids.
Jump to: Beaches & Water | Parks & Playgrounds | Picnic Spots | Walks & Outdoor Activities | Bike Rides | Pump Tracks | Skate Parks | Attractions | History & Culture | Rainy Day Options | Plan Your Visit | FAQs
Beaches & Water in Lake Macquarie
Blacksmiths Beach
Of all the Lake Macquarie beaches, Blacksmiths beach is consistently the most family-friendly. Its east-facing aspect and sheltered position near the Swansea Channel breakwall mean calmer conditions than neighbouring beaches, making it ideal for younger swimmers. Patrolled by Swansea Belmont SLSC during the season.
Caves Beach
Caves Beach is one of the region’s most unique spots. At low tide, a network of sea caves opens up for exploration, from wide caverns to narrow openings to crawl through. Check tide times before you visit. There’s also a patrolled swimming beach (during the season), rock pools, and a picnic area near the surf club. Read more about Caves Beach.
Redhead Beach
A beautiful east-facing beach with a surf break for older kids and teens, plus a sheltered creek and rock pools for younger ones. Redhead is home to the iconic Shark Tower and the Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club. Patrolled from the September school holidays through April. Free. From here you can also walk the Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway or the Awabakal Walk.
Grannies Pool, Blacksmiths
One of Lake Macquarie’s most loved sheltered swimming spots. Grannies Pool is a tidal pool facing the Swansea Channel, accessed via Blacksmiths Beach. A level pathway and platform makes it accessible for prams and wheelchairs. Best suited to kids under 5 for safe, calm-water swimming.
Belmont Baths
For a swim in the lake itself, Belmont Baths is the pick on the east side of Lake Macquarie. The netted swimming enclosure is 70 metres long with a jetty that’s popular for jumping. Plenty of room for inflatables and younger kids.
Toronto Baths
On the west side of the lake, head to Toronto Baths, a council-run swimming baths since 1925. The historic baths is now fully enclosed, with new ramps, jetty decking, and netting for a safer, more inclusive experience. There’s plenty of room for people to swim and there’s multiple entry points around the baths.
Parks & Playgrounds in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie has some of the best playgrounds in the Hunter region. Here are the standouts. For our full guide, see Best Playgrounds in Lake Macquarie.
Speers Point Park, Speers Point
The biggest and most impressive playground in Lake Macquarie, Speers Point Park is a two-hectare fully fenced park on the lake foreshore. The centrepiece is a 12-metre climbing tower with a 9-metre spiral slide, alongside flying foxes, water play, swings, and inclusive equipment. There are multiple covered picnic shelters and barbecues on site, plus two cafes nearby.
Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Fully fenced with lake views, Thomas H Halton Park is centred around a massive pirate ship that kids love. The playground is divided into natural zones with sandstone rocks and grassed areas, making it easy for parents to keep an eye on kids. Covered picnic areas with barbecues are located inside the playground fence.
Warner Park, Warners Bay
A fully fenced playground right across from the Warners Bay Foreshore cafes, Warner Park is well set up for younger kids. It has lake views, covered picnic shelters, and is walkable from the Lake Macquarie Sculpture Walk.
Webb Park, Redhead
A beach-themed playground near Redhead Beach with a wave-shaped climbing structure, flying fox, barbecue, and plenty of grass. A great base for a morning at the beach followed by a barbecue lunch.
Rathmines Park, Rathmines
A plane-themed playground with a strong history story to tell. The site was once home to Australia’s largest flying boat base and the play equipment reflects that. Four signs around the park mark the actual footprint of a Catalina flying boat. Stunning lake views and a covered barbecue area on site.
Picnic Spots in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie has some of the best picnic spots in the region, most with lake views, barbecues, and playgrounds nearby. For our full guide, see Best Picnic Spots in Lake Macquarie.
Speers Point Park, Speers Point
One of the region’s largest playgrounds doubles as a great picnic base. Multiple covered shelters with barbecues, lake views, and a cafe on site.
Warners Bay Foreshore
The Esplanade at Warners Bay is one of the most popular picnic settings in Lake Macquarie, with lake views, sheltered and unsheltered tables, and barbecues. Grab takeaway from one of the many cafes along The Esplanade and combine with a walk along the Sculpture Trail.
Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Fully fenced playground with two covered picnic areas and barbecues inside the fence, a great setup so you can cook while keeping an eye on the kids.
Green Point Foreshore, Valentine
Two very different picnic experiences in one spot. Sea Eagle Park has covered shelters, barbecues, and open space by the lake. Follow the side track to Sea Eagle Lookout for a quieter, more secluded spot with sweeping lake panoramas.
Reids Reserve, Swansea Heads
Grassed picnic area with benches, a playground, and views over the Swansea Channel. At low tide the rock shelf reveals remnants of a petrified forest from a volcanic eruption 250 million years ago, worth timing your visit around the tides.
Walks in Lake Macquarie
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’s our guide to best walks in Lake Macquarie.
Eleebana to Speers Point Walk
A flat, easy lakeside walk the whole family can enjoy. The route takes in the Red Bluff Boardwalk, sculptures, waterfront cafes, Warner Park playground, and ends at Speers Point Park. Can be done in sections. Free.
Awabakal Walk, Dudley to Redhead
A 5km clifftop walk through Awabakal Nature Reserve with spectacular coastal views, wildflowers (best July to October), and a side track to Redhead Lagoon. Suits families with older kids and confident walkers.
Ken and Audrey Owens Walk, Redhead
A flat 2.5km coastal walk alongside Redhead Beach through coastal vegetation and wetlands. Easy for most ages with ocean views, birdlife, and lizards to spot along the way.
Pirrita Island Boardwalk, Swansea
A short, flat walk with big views, perfect for prams and wheelchairs. The 230-metre accessible boardwalk winds through mangroves with views over the Swansea Channel, Lake Macquarie, and Elizabeth Island. Dogs welcome. Free.
Belmont Wetlands State Park
Short family-friendly walks through coastal bushland and wetland, including the Wildflower Walk and the Gilbey Loop Walk from Redhead.
Mount Sugarloaf
Drive up and walk the short but steep 10-minute path to the summit at 412 metres. The views across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, and the Hunter are worth the effort. Picnic facilities, barbecues, and toilets on site.
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.
For families who like to get moving, the region also has a great line-up of fun runs and walks, including the scenic Lake Mac Run along the foreshore and the Fernleigh15 on the old rail trail. Our full guide to family-friendly fun runs across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter has options for all ages, including dedicated kids runs.
Bike Rides in Lake Macquarie
The Lake Macquarie region is a great one to get on your bike. There are lots of cycle trails to enjoy with your kids to suit a variety of ages and abilities. Explore historical and cultural sites, experience nature or enjoy stunning views of the lake. For our full guide, see Best Bike Rides in Lake Macquarie for Families.
Fernleigh Track
The 15.9km Fernleigh Track from Adamstown to Belmont is the standout cycling route in Lake Macquarie. Sealed, flat, and wide, it suits kids on bikes and scooters of most ages. The former rail corridor passes through bush and wetland with tunnels, bridges, and heritage features to spot along the way. You can join at multiple access points so there’s no need to do the full length. Free.
Eleebana to Speers Point Shared Path
The flat lakeside shared path from Eleebana through to Speers Point and on to Booragul is ideal for families with younger riders. The route is sealed, largely flat, and passes parks, playgrounds, waterfront cafes, and the Red Bluff Boardwalk. Easy to do in sections and very pram-friendly too.
Warners Bay Foreshore
The foreshore path along the Warners Bay Esplanade is a popular and easy ride for young kids, with lake views the whole way and cafes at either end. Combine with a visit to Warner Park playground or the Sculpture Walk.
Mount Sugarloaf
For families with older and more confident riders, there are trails around Mount Sugarloaf suitable for mountain biking. The drive-up road also makes it accessible for younger kids who want to ride around the summit area. Free.
Pump Tracks in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie has two excellent pump tracks built by world-renowned Velosolutions, both suitable for bikes, skateboards, and scooters. For our full regional guide, see Pump Tracks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Redhead Pump Track
The first of its kind in Lake Macquarie, the Redhead pump track overlooks Redhead Beach. Designed by industry leaders, Velosolutions, the track design features different routes. The shortest route is 134 metres while the longer route on the circuit measures 158 metres. As well as the track, the facility features shaded seating, a water station and a bike repair station with a pump and various tools.
Rathmines Youth Hub Pump Track
Located at Rathmines Youth Hub, on Stilling Street, Rathmines is the Rathmines pump track, Lake Macquarie’s second pump track. World-renowned Velosolutions, who delivered the city’s first pump track at Redhead, constructed the 120 metre Rathmines circuit, which features multiple line options, rollers, berms and doubles. This pump track is for beginners to intermediate riders, and is suitable for bikes, skateboards and scooters.
Skate Parks in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie has a strong network of skate parks spread across the LGA, from beginner-friendly street plazas to larger parks with bowls and transitions. Here are the standouts for families. For the full regional guide, see Skate Parks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Rathmines Youth Hub Skate Park, Rathmines
The Rathmines Youth Hub skate park is a street-scape style park featuring ledges, banks, quarters, and rails. It sits alongside the pump track and multi-court, making Rathmines Youth Hub one of the most complete active facilities in the LGA. Lake views and a barbecue area nearby make it easy to spend a half-day here with kids of different ages and interests.
Croudace Bay Skate Park, Croudace Bay
One of the larger skate parks in Lake Macquarie, Croudace Bay has a street plaza-style layout with a mix of elements for younger and more experienced riders. It sits close to Thomas H Halton Park, making it easy to combine with the playground and a barbecue lunch.
Swansea Skate Park, Swansea
Positioned along the Swansea Channel with playing fields, a playground, and water views nearby. A well-placed option for families visiting the southern end of the lake.
Attractions in Lake Macquarie
Edgeworth Trains
A Lake Macquarie institution. On the last Sunday of every month (excluding December), the Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society runs miniature train rides for the public between 12:15pm and 3:30pm. Steam, diesel, elevated, and ground-level routes are all on offer. There’s space to set up a picnic and barbecues on site. A brilliant outing for young train fans. Cost: $3 per ride, under 2s free. Read more about Edgeworth Trains.
Cooranbong Swing Bridge
Where in the world can you find a wobbly swing bridge and an old Weet-Bix factory? You might be surprised to learn that you can see both at Cooranbong in western Lake Macquarie while walking along the banks of peaceful Dora Creek. 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. Read more about the Cooranbong Swing Bridge.
Museum of Art and Culture (MAC), Booragul
Located lakeside at Booragul, MAC is a genuinely impressive free attraction for families. It features regularly changing contemporary art and Aboriginal exhibitions, a dedicated Aboriginal program space (yapang), and a 5-hectare outdoor sculpture park with a free Discovery Trail map available at the front desk. Visit on Sunday morning for free Art Space activities for young children. Free entry.
MAP Mima, Speers Point Park
If you’re looking for something a little different to do with the kids, head to MAP mima (Multi-Arts Pavilion Lake Macquarie, mima). Run by Lake Macquarie City Council, MAP mima in Speers Point Park is more than just a gallery. It’s a vibrant, welcoming space designed for kids to explore, create and be themselves, whether that’s through hands-on art, sensory experiences, storytelling, or simply exploring the sculpture garden with a coffee stop along the way. Free entry. Read more about MAP mima.
Lake Macquarie Sculpture Walk, Warners Bay
A foreshore art trail stretching from Belmont to Toronto featuring sculptures by nationally and internationally renowned artists, including a flying pig, an oversized Buddhist monk-child, and a mauve bust of Charles Darwin. Combine with a coffee stop along the Warners Bay Esplanade. Read more about the Sculpture Walk.
Swansea Headland Petrified Forest
For something a bit different, take your kids to Swansea Headland and search for fossils at low tide. Here, you’ll find remnants of a petrified forest in this interesting geological spot from a volcano eruption 250 million years ago off the Swansea coast. You can take a self-guided walk to explore the area yourself and discover remnants of this long-ago natural phenomenon. It’s a fun activity for kids who are interested in nature and geology. Read more about Swansea Headland Petrified Forest.
Myuna Bay
Myuna Bay on the western side of the lake is a gem for families with young children. Sheltered and shallow, it’s ideal for paddling, and from the lakeside playground a short 15-minute walk leads to the Eraring Power Station Outlet Canal, one of the best spots in the region to see freshwater turtles, rays, and birdlife. Read more about Myuna Bay.
History & Culture in Lake Macquarie
Catherine Hill Bay
The heritage-listed village of Catherine Hill Bay is one of the region’s most photogenic spots. The former coal-loading jetty and historic mining cottages tell the story of the area’s coal mining past, and the beach is patrolled by the Catherine Hill Bay SLSC. A beautiful and unhurried place for a family outing. Read more about Catherine Hill Bay.
Rathmines RAAF Flying Boat Base
The park at Rathmines was once home to the largest flying boat base in Australia during World War II. Interpretive signage throughout the park tells the story of the 14 Catalina flying boats and almost 3,000 officers stationed here at its peak. A fascinating piece of local history for curious kids and adults.
Pirrita Island, Swansea
Pirrita Island takes its name from the Awabakal word for oysters from the mangrove tree. The island and its boardwalk connect to a broader story of the Awabakal people’s connection to Lake Macquarie’s waterways.
If you want more fun, Newy with Kids has created two free downloadable scavenger hunts specifically for Lake Macquarie — one for Rathmines and one for Pirrita Island in Swansea. Print them out before you go and let the kids lead the way.
Rainy Day Options in Lake Macquarie
When the weather turns, Lake Macquarie has a handful of solid indoor options. The Museum of Art and Culture at Booragul is a top wet weather choice with free entry and regular family programs. For indoor play, check out Chipmunks Playland & Cafe in Belmont or Pixie Play Cafe in Rathmines.
For movies, Reading Cinemas Charlestown and Event Cinemas Glendale are both well-placed for the Lake Mac area. The Lake Macquarie City Library branches at Charlestown, Morisset, Toronto, and Swansea also run regular school holiday programs worth checking.
Plan Your Visit
Lake Macquarie also has a great calendar of family-friendly events throughout the year. Float Your Boat, the Living Smart Festival, and Lake Mac Festival are among the annual highlights worth planning around. See our events guide for what’s coming up.
In October and November, keep an eye out for the jacarandas in bloom, with Main Road in Cardiff turning a lovely shade of purple. Our full guide to where to see jacarandas across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter rounds up the best local streets for a spring family outing.
Use these guides to help plan your time in Lake Macquarie:
- Best Playgrounds in Lake Macquarie
- Best Picnic Spots in Lake Macquarie
- Best Lake Macquarie Walks to Do with Kids
- Best Bike Rides in Lake Macquarie
- Best Beaches for Families
- Family-Friendly Dining around the Region
- Free & Low-Cost Things to Do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- School Holiday Activities in Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
- Best Camping & Holiday Parks Within 3 Hours of Newcastle
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Macquarie is known for being Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, offering beaches, water sports, walking tracks, and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. It sits 30 minutes south of Newcastle and is a popular destination for families, boaties, and nature lovers.
Yes. Lake Macquarie is one of the best family destinations in NSW. Most beaches, playgrounds, and walking tracks are free, and the region has a strong range of options for all ages from toddlers to teens.
Top free activities include Speers Point Park, Caves Beach sea caves, Grannies Pool, the Myuna Bay turtle walk, the Fernleigh Track, the Sculpture Walk at Warners Bay, MAC at Booragul, and the Eleebana to Speers Point Walk.
Blacksmiths Beach is the most family-friendly, with calm conditions, and a tidal creek for little ones (Grannies Pool). Caves Beach is great for adventurous families who want to explore the sea caves at low tide.
The closest parts of Lake Macquarie, including Warners Bay and Speers Point, are about 15km and 20 minutes from Newcastle CBD. The southern end around Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay is around 45 minutes.
Lake Macquarie is approximately 130km north of Sydney, around 90 minutes by car via the M1. It’s a popular weekend and school holiday destination for Sydney families.
Exploring More of the Hunter Region Lake Macquarie is a great base for families, but there’s plenty more to discover nearby. Check out our guides to Newcastle, Maitland and Hunter Valley and Port Stephens for even more family-friendly ideas across the region.