From golden sand beaches, to the 174kms of lake shoreline, and one of the largest saltwater lakes in the southern hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is an incredible aquatic playground with adventure experiences to be enjoyed on and off the water. From kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and surfing to boating and fishing, there are endless ways to uncover this coastal destination, just 90 minute from Sydney. 

Explore Best Beaches Winner Caves Beach  

Caves Beach, named one of the 10 best beaches in Australia in 2025, is famous for its eponymous series of coastal caves that have framed countless sunrise photos and Instagram reels. However, beyond a great photo shoot locations there is much more to this coastal hotspot. 

Kick of the day with a sunrise surf lesson from, Learn to Surf Newcastle or Women Soulful Surf, which both operate at Caves Beach and Blacksmiths Beach, or grab a coffee and brunch at popular local hotspot Mylo's. Enjoy your favourite breakfast classic with your feet on the sand and admiring the larger-than-life public artwork, Norfolk by renowned artist Kelly Ann Lees and part of the Cultural Trail. 

To see the caves from the ocean, book in a trip with Coast XP on an Ocean Explorer trip from Swansea to Catherine Hill Bay, or sign-up for a deep fishing charter with Day Trippin Charters and try your hand at reeling in a trophy winning catch.   

Leave the everyday in your wake 

Enjoy the freedom of exploring the lake at your own pace by hiring a runabout, day boat or wheelchair-accessible pontoon boat from Lake Mac Watersports Cams Wharf also home to the newly opened Cams Wharf Tavern, or from Trinity Point Marina on the western-side of Lake Macquarie which also features the breathtaking 8 at Trinity Restaurant. Both just 90 minutes from Sydney.

Wake up to absolute lakefront views on a houseboat from Lake Macquarie Houseboats in Kilaben Bay, outside Toronto – it's perfect for families, friends and couples looking for a unique experience, or explore the waterways on the new luxury Watershed. 

Join a lake cruise combined with a guided bushwalking tour or a luxury dining experience at Tinta with CoastXP, or slow down and discover the hidden waterways of the lake on a Loop the Lake cruise from Booragul with Lake Macquarie Cruises – you can also savour a memorable meal on the water during its Lunch on the Lake and Sunset Dinner tours. 

Or make your way around the lake in style on a sailing yacht with Sail Lake Macquarie, departing from Trinity Point Marina near Morisset, Silver Sun Sailing in Belmont, or Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours from Summerland Point. 

Paddle around the shore 

With plenty of sheltered inlets and creek mouths dotted along the seemingly endless shoreline, it's easy to see why Lake Macquarie is a magnet for stand-up paddleboarders and kayakers. Plan your kayaking adventure with our Kayaking Trails e-brochure and launch into the water from one of the public boat ramps around the lake. Popular spots include the ramps at the Thomas H Halton Park at Croudace Bay; Warners Bay Lions Park in Eleebana; and at Speers Point Park. Or head out on your SUP from the shallows of sheltered Swansea Bay Beach at Swansea, Naru Beach Reserve in Marks Point or the foreshore opposite Valentine Bowling Club in Valentine, between Eleebana and Belmont. 

Travelling light? You  can hire a SUP or kayak from Lake Mac Watersports at Cams Wharf, or Kite and SUP at Warners Bay. Kite and SUP also offers SUP lessons, and rents out wind wings and wind-surfing gear if your prefer the breeze to do most of the hard work. 

If it's speed you're after, visit Trinity Marina and pick up a e-Flight Board for thrilling way to explore and experience the lake, or meet the team from Propel Flights at Speers Point Park to try electric foilboarding.  

The adventure doesn't have to stop when the sunsets though, Showtime Kayaking runs small group, night-time tours in clear illuminated kayaks, allowing you to see the lake sealife come alive after dark around Naru and Marks Point.  

Tackle the surf or dip your toes in the lake 

Cool off on a warm day with a dip in the lake or on one of the spectacular beaches on Lake Macquarie's more than 30 kilometers of coastline. Swim between the flags at one of the four patrolled beaches up and down the coast: Redhead Beach, Blacksmiths Beach, Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay. 

Enjoy a more calm dip at Belmont Baths or newly renovated Toronto Baths, both are  netted swimming enclosures with accessible ramps, or take a dip at one of the shallow lake beaches such as Naru Beach at Marks Point; Pelican Foreshore Park, just south of Naru Beach; and Swansea Bay Beach, on the other side of Swansea Channel near the Pirrita Island boardwalk. 

Seek out the perfect break at renowned surfing spots like Redhead Beach, Blacksmiths Beach and Nine Mile Beach, as well as at Hams Beach, Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay south of the Swansea Channel.

Watch the sun set from your dinner table

Lake Macquarie is known for it epic sunsets, and as the sunsets sailing and community clubs come alive with great dining options and waterfront views.

New kid on block, Cams Wharf Tavern is the ideal 'locals pub' on the water. While in Belmont, revel in the warmth of a balmy evening from the outdoor seating and lawn session at Tinta Belmont or feast on a seafood platter and modern Australian pub fare at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club's Crusoe's on the Lake. At nearby Belmont 16s sailing club, dine on bistro favourites such as daily roasts at Sails Eatery, tuck into a steak or a big salad at Salt Kitchen, or grab a burger at the Boat Shed bar. If your looking more fine dining, head upstairs to enjoy a Mediterranean feast and cocktails with a view at Martha. 

Nestled within Toronto, NSW, Emersons on the Lake beckons with its epic lake views and delectable seafood menu by renowed chef Emerson Rodriguez. While nearby Toronto Hotel will delight with live music and a large outdoor beer garden with lake views. 

Watch the last rays of sunlight bounce off the water from your table at the impressive 8 at Trinity restaurant at Trinity Point Marina in Morisset Park. Or soak up the ocean vista as you sip a cocktail and nibble on ocean-to-plate dishes in the waterfront restaurant at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows at Caves Beach.