Get out into nature with Lake Macquarie’s eight best walking trails

Home to the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, the Lake Macquarie region is filled with breathtaking natural beauty – and no shortage of avenues from which to experience and admire it.

If you’re looking to hit the hiking trails, we’ve put together eight of the best walking tracks for lovers of all things nature!

Lake Cruise & Nature Walk – Wangi Peninsula

Jutting out into the geographical centre of Lake Macquarie, the Wangi Peninsula boasts some of the best panoramic views the lake has to offer. 

Want to make a day of it? The team at CoastXP can give you the chance to enjoy the peninsula from the land and sea, with an all-inclusive lake cruise starting at Speers Point, a guided 2km bushwalking tour through the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, and a catered lunch with stunning views at Dobell Park – named after William Dobell, one of Wangi’s most famous inhabitants.  

Swansea – Pirrita Island walk

Directly across the water from the Wangi Peninsula sits the lake entrance and Swansea, and a unique walk that allows you to see the lake up close, located at the Pirrita Island Nature Reserve.

A relaxing 2km loop around the reserve, the Swansea Boardwalk allows you to experience life on the lake in all its forms, from the wide variety of flora and fauna in the reserve both above and below the surface, to experiencing the tides and the hustle and bustle of fishing boats and kayakers passing through the Swansea Channel. 

Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track 

Connecting with the Fernleigh Track to form 27km of pathways from Adamstown to Murrays Beach, this is one of the most popular walking and cycling tracks in Lake Macquarie – and for good reason.

Passing through incredible nature reserves including the Belmont Wetlands State Park and Lagoon Reserve a joy of this track is the history walkers will learn of its past as a major artery of the previous coal mining along old tracks. The Belmont Lagoon section offers elevated boardwalks and a birdwatching loop and look.

Green Point Reserve

A beautiful reserve nestled between Valentine and Belmont, Green Point boasts a 7.7km circuit walk that covers nearly all biomes the lake supports. From eucalyptus forests to stunning foreshores at Green Point, this region showcases what makes Lake Macquarie so unique.

Keep a special eye out for Sea Eagle Lookout, named after the white-bellied sea eagle, which is known to frequently breed in the region from May to October.

Creative Lake Trail

A contender for one of the most popular walks and bike rides in the region, this 8.8.km (one-way) track has something for everyone.

Fully paved and accessible, and able to be split into smaller sections, the trail features over 20 art installations from local and international artists, with plenty of places to stop for a coffee and relax at Warners Bay Foreshore, Speers Point Park and MAC yapang. 

From the over-the-water board walk at Eleebana, to the free digital exhibitions at Multi-Arts Pavilion mima at Speers Point Park, and impressive MAC yapang Sculpture Park this is an absolute must for those visiting Lake Macquarie.  

Caves Beach to Pinny Beach

Located on the ocean side of the lake, Caves Beach has become a popular spot thanks to its eponymous sea caves. However, you would be amiss to stop there, with the walk between the sea caves and Pinny Beach a must-do during spring and summer.

A 5km round trip, highlights include beautiful views from Stinky Point (in name only) and beautiful geological marvels at Quarry Beach and Split Rock, complete with swimming at the secluded Pinny Beach. 

Catherine Hill Bay Jetty/Moonee Beach track 

Looking for something a little more challenging? Catherine Hill Bay and the surrounding region boast several stunning walks: most notably, the Moonee Beach Track, leading to Flat Rocks Point and Ghosties Beach Caves.

Hikers can also enjoy walks along Hales Bluff, with breathtaking views of Deep Cave Bay, as well as a look into the region’s coal mining history with the eponymous jetty. Bring sturdy walking shoes for this one.

Woods Point Loop Trail

A hidden gem located at the southern end of the lake near Morriset, the 3km Woods Point Loop Trail around Bird Cage Point showcases Lake Macquarie a little more off the beaten path, with gorgeous lake views of Wyee and Summerland Point.

A must for birdwatchers, the trail also sees hikers enjoy a stunning eucalyptus canopy and the peaceful mouth of Pourmalong Creek.

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