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Toronto

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Fast facts

  • Vibrant township and commercial hub for Westlakes region
  • On a peninsula on the western side of Lake Macquarie
  • 132 km north of Sydney, population 32,500

Why go there

Just an hour north of Sydney on the F3 Freeway, Toronto is an aquatic paradise, yet it also comes with an attractive array of activities, including ready access to cultural amenities.

Lake Macquarie is the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere. Four times the size of Sydney Harbour, it has more than 170 km of foreshore to explore – with coves, great fishing spots and excellent sailing and boating facilities.

The City Art Gallery is one of the finest regional galleries in the country, with a reputation for its challenging, innovative approach to contemporary works. The gallery precinct consists of a new gallery, historic Awaba House, a sculpture garden, mosaic pathway, extensive picnic grounds and restaurant/cafe.

Warners Bay, at the northern end of Lake Macquarie, has a lakefront esplanade with a number of cafes and restaurants – ideal for outside dining.

History

It was named in honour of world-champion sculler Edward Hanlan who hailed from Toronto in Canada and who competed in Australia in the 1880s. The area was the site of an Aboriginal mission from 1829. Coal was later mined on the peninsula. The town developed with the completion of the railway line in the 1880s and in the aftermath of World War II, Toronto became known as a tourist resort area.

Things to do

  • Take a trip to the Hunter Valley wineries – just a 30-minute drive away.
  • Enjoy the live music and entertainment on Toronto's foreshore every Sunday afternoon.
  • Head for Rathmines, on the other side of Kilaben Bay and enjoy the leisure facilities.

Events

  • Toronto Village Fair in November is a day of fun and entertainment by the waterfront that all the family can enjoy.

Don’t miss

  • Dobell House, the residence and studio of renowned Australian painter William Dobell.
  • The Catalina Memorial at Rathmines.
  • The Westlake Retired Mineworkers Museum.
  • Penny Davis Mudlark Studio Pottery.
  • The Watagan Inn and Gallery.

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  • Toronto, Lake Macquarie

    Toronto, Lake Macquarie

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