The largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, beachside Lake Macquarie is an idyllic destination for all kinds of water sports, from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to sailing and surfing. The surrounding mountains and coastal parks make for great mountain biking and bushwalking too. Best of all? It's only 90 minutes from Sydney, making it perfect for an adventure-filled mini-break. 

Launch yourself into the water 

Make a splash as you enjoy a watery adventure in Lake Macquarie. There are plenty of ways to get out on the water, including taking the wheel of a yacht or letting the skipper set the course for an unforgettable day of sailing with Sail Lake Macquarie or Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours. 

Work up a sweat as you explore the lake on a kayak or a stand-up paddle board from Lake Mac Watersports at Cams Wharf. Marvel at the colourful fish flitting beneath Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures' Perspex-floored kayaks – you can hire these unique craft by the hour, or join a two-hour guided eco-adventure departing from the shores Swansea Heads. Alternatively, venture out onto the lake in the evening with Showtime Kayaking on a transparent, LED-festooned kayak that lights up the dark waters to reveal all sorts of marine life. 

Looking to delve deeper? Wriggle into a wetsuit and slip under the waves to explore the depths of the lake with Dive Swansea. Follow the flippers of your guide on lake dives around the Swansea Bridge and nearby Flagstaff, or wade into the ocean at Catherine Hill Bay for a guided tour of the ocean shoreline. 

Feel the power of the sea as you learn to catch waves at Blacksmiths Beach or Caves Beach with seasoned surfers from Newcastle Surf School – or take a private surf lesson with a female instructor from Caves Beach-based Women Soulful Surf. 

Take to the air 

Be awed by the breadth and the beauty of the lake on a helicopter joy ride with Skyline Aviation. Drink in your bird's eye view of golden beaches and the intricate inlets of the Lake Macquarie shoreline as you take a 30-minute Lap of the Lake, or board the Skyline chopper as the sky begins to darken for a romantic sunset flight. 

Buckle up for a joy flight with a difference when you opt for an aerobatic experience with Matt Hall Racing. Enjoy the Ride of Your Life as your pilot loops, rolls and flies upside down over the lake, or indulge in an exclusive package with former RAAF fight pilot Matt Hall – you'll reach speeds of up to 370km/h during an Air Race simulation, and cling on as Matt performs high-G turns, barrel rolls and spins. 

Chasing more adrenaline rushes? Take in glorious views of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle as you freefall at more than 200km/h during a Skydive tandem beach sky-dive. After freefalling from around 4,500 metres you'll release your canopy and float back to solid ground in five to seven minutes.

Hit the ground walking

Stretch your legs on one of the many walking tracks meandering along the foreshore of the lake, including the popular shoreline trail that runs from Speers Point Park to Eleebana via the café strip at Warners Bay. 

Lace up your hiking boots to tackle the Circuit walking track in Watagans National Park, a short drive from the western shore of the lake – this half-hour circuit takes in a creek, moss walls, sections of rainforest and a dam. 

Breathe in the salty air and gaze out at the vastness of the ocean as you follow the Coastal walking track in Wallarah National Park; in winter you're likely to spot passing humpback and southern right whales. 

Head to the bush or the beach 

Bring your mountain bike for a day of downhill delights at Awaba Mountain Bike Park, one of the premier tracks in the country. Tackle the Monkey Face downhill track, a technical descent known for being one of the most challenging in Australia, or simply enjoy the main track of this 12km loop on the fringes of Watagans National Park. Make the most of day on the mountain by booking Granted Ride's shuttle service and be whisked from the main car park to the upper levels of the trails.

Brace for an adventure of a different kind as you take your four-wheel-drive vehicle to the beach for the day. Grab a weekly permit from the Belmont Wetlands State Park website and the stretch of Nine Mile Beach between Redhead and Blacksmiths beaches is yours to explore.

And find yourself a base 

After a day of aquatic adventures, retreat to Raffertys Resort, at Murrays Beach between Catherine Hill Bay and Caves Beach. Freshen up in your upscale self-contained cottage before settling into your lakeside seat at the resort's Cams Wharf Tavern for a char-grilled steak or just-caught seafood. 

Rise early in your private beach bungalow at Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows and catch the sunrise from inside the beach caves at Caves Beach. As night falls, head to the Caves Coastal's beachside bistro for modern Australian cuisine with endless ocean views.

Or settle into one of the comfortable rooms at Squid's Ink Motel, on the lakefront side of Belmont, before strolling over to the Belmont 16s Sailing Club for cocktails and elevated Mediterranean-inspired fare at the club's upscale restaurant Martha Drink & Dine. 

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