10 of the best things to do in Lake Macquarie with kids

Get out on the water on a cruise

As the largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie promises plenty of on-water action. Hop on board one of Coast XP’s custom-built adventure boats for a Lake Cruise & Nature Walk. It’s perfect for families with older kids (the minimum age is eight) and will take you around the lake’s beautiful bays and beaches, before a two-kilometre walk through the bush. If you prefer a slower pace, Lake Macquarie Cruises operates larger boats and their tours include a barbecue lunch or dinner.

Parent’s tip: During the school holidays, little ones can ride along in the boom net off the back of the boat on the Boom Net Cruise (which comes complete with a sausage sizzle and icy pole).

While away a morning or afternoon at a playground

Burn some energy at one of the two playgrounds in Speers Point Park, at the very north of the lake. The Lake Macquarie Variety Playground here has been named among the best in Australia – for good reason. Kids can clamber up a rock-climbing wall, zip around on a flying fox, speed down a nine-metre serpentine tube slide, splash through water zones, scale a 12-metre climbing tower, get tangled in a spiderweb net… phew! The best bit? It has been designed to accommodate children with special needs, so features include wheelchair accessibility, tactile orientation totem poles and a quiet zone retreat.  

Parent’s tip: The park is fenced, so you can relax while the little ones explore. Bring a picnic lunch, and fire up one of the barbecues.  

Become an artist for a day at Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC)

Built to inspire and engage creative minds of all ages, the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC) is the kind of place your family could easily lose a whole day in. A jam-packed roster of events – like the free ‘Family Artmaking’ sessions every Sunday – complement its dynamic and diverse exhibitions.   

Parent’s tip: The alfresco sculpture garden is a leafy spot to spread a picnic rug while kids run amok completing the Discovery Trail – a fun and interactive way to learn about art while seeking clues. 

Hike through lush rainforest 

Covering 8,000 hectares, Watagans National Park combines hiking with Aboriginal artefacts. Explore streams and rainforest trails, but watch for signs of ancient Awabakal and Darkinjung Aboriginal art – more than 40 sites have been identified here. What a way to learn about the world’s oldest living culture amid nature.    

Parent’s tip: The Boarding House Dam Circuit walk is an easy 30-minute loop, passing a staggering moss-covered cliff.  

Cycle around the lake

Stretching between Speers Point and Warners Bay, Watagans Cycle Track is relatively flat and family-friendly. The shared walking and cycling pathway wraps around the edge of Lake Macquarie, offering incredible water views, and also features scenic bridge crossings. 

Parent’s tip: Along the way, explore nearby parks and playgrounds, including Speers Point Park and Lake Macquarie Variety Playground.

Cool off in protected swimming spots

Did you know you can swim in Lake Macquarie? Do so safely in the Belmont Baths’ netted swimming enclosure. You’ll hear the action before you see it, with kids screeching down the 70-metre-long jetty, dive-bombing off the end. A wheelchair ramp gives access to children of all abilities, and grassy picnic areas enable parents to have a rest and watch from the shoreline.   

Parent’s tip: If you’re visiting with tots, try Grannies Pool at Blacksmiths Beach instead. Shallow areas let young ones splash about safely, with a wide pathway for prams and wheelchairs.  

Explore the rock pools and sand dunes of Caves Beach

Swansea’s Caves Beach deserves its name. Stretching 300 metres, it’s as popular among serious surfers as with families. The latter arrive at low tide to spot sea critters trapped in rock pools and to explore those namesake sea caves at the southern end. Have your camera poised – photo ops abound. Don’t forget boogie boards, too. Some epic sand dunes lead toward the sea.   

Parent’s tip: While picnic tables are available, a family favourite is Boffee Cafe. Just try and convince hungry little explorers not to order the fairy bread pancake stack.     

Enjoy a delicious meal for all ages

If you’re still lazing around Caves Beach come dinner time, opt for a more substantial meal at Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows. The breezy establishment has a dedicated kids’ menu and a wide range of pizzas. The staff do their best to expedite young meals to avoid boredom, while you devour salt-and-pepper calamari and arancini balls.   

Parent’s tip: Can’t bear to leave? Try the establishment’s light-filled accommodation, including the four-bedroom Beach House with private waterside patio. 

Check out street art and take a tasty break  

While in Belmont, pose for photos at eye-popping Block-by-Block street murals, fusing creations by artists from across Australia and New Zealand. One such project decorates the outside of Cafe Macquarie, a perennially popular family hangout thanks to the dedicated kids’ menu. Think milkshakes in jars and oozy ham-and-cheese toasties – with pimped-up versions available for mum and dad.  

Parent’s tip: If you can’t tear the kids away from the Belmont Baths, pick up takeaway wraps, sandwiches and cakes. 

Check into a family-friendly holiday park 

Not ready to leave? You’ll find holiday parks dotted all around the shore of Lake Macquarie, offering everything from basic tent camping to cabins and even safari tents. All have kid-friendly features like swimming pools, playgrounds, jump pads, barbecues and camp kitchens. It’s just a short stroll to the lake or beach and many even have a boat ramp for direct water access. Try Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park, Wangi Point Holiday Park, Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie, Sails Holiday Park, Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park or Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park. 

Parent’s tip: Many of the holiday parks have pet-friendly options – including Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park, Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie and Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park – so pooch can come along too.