Swansea

Nestled between the sparkling waters of Lake Macquarie and the open expanse of the Pacific, Swansea beautifully captures the sun-kissed magic of the surrounding region. Just moments from ocean beaches, famous sea caves, Wallarah National Park and the historic mining village of Catherine Hill Bay (home to a patrolled beach named twice as one of 'Australia's 101 Best Beaches'), Swansea invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature, whether you're paddling across glassy lake shores, hiking along windswept coastal trails or simply sinking your toes into a pretty stretch of sand.

Highlights

Beaches and surf

Surrounded by water, Swansea is a great place to spend the day swimming, surfing, sailing or fishing. Caves Beach is located just south of Swansea and is named after the ancient sea caves you can explore at low tide on the southern end. Join a class with Women Soulful Surf, a supportive environment for women to connect through surfing and yoga.

Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie

North across the Swansea Bridge is Blacksmiths Beach, offering picnic tables and barbecue facilities, making it popular with families. At the southern end, take a dip at Grannies Pool, a protected, shallow tidal pool perfect for toddlers.

Catherine Hill Bay is a little further south and named after a two-masted schooner shipwrecked in the area in 1867. Weatherboard coal miners’ cottages still stand in the heritage-listed beachside township, lending it a step-back-in-time atmosphere. Popular for swimming, surfing and fishing, the beach features a former coal-loading jetty which is a popular photo spot, and the bay is great for snorkelling and diving.

Catherine Hill Bay, Lake Macquarie

Aquatic adventures

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for hire from Lake Mac Watersports, or take a closer look at the region's underwater world on a tour with Dive Newcastle. For a unique experience, join one of CoastXP's Lake Macquarie tours, from thrilling coastline adventures spotting dolphins, seabirds and turtles to a breathtaking sunrise whale photography experience.

Coast XP, Lake Macquarie

Hiking and national parks

The Coastal walking track in Wallarah National Park connects Caves Beach with a rugged headland just south of Pinny Beach, a dark sand beach with excellent surfing and fishing. The ocean views along the 5km-return trail are spectacular – keep an eye out for humpback and southern right whales during winter.

Friends enjoying a coastal walk through Wallarah National Park, Lake Macquarie

Coastal walking track at Wallarah National Park, Lake Macquarie

Crossing over Pirrita Island's mangroves and overlooking the turquoise waters of the Swansea Channel, the accessible 250m Pirrita Island Boardwalk makes for an enjoyable stroll. Interpretive signage along the way showcases the heritage of the area, as well as the unique flora and fauna that call the island home.

Aerial view of Pirrita Island Boardwalk, Swansea

Pirrita Island Boardwalk, Swansea - Credit: Neil Keene/Lake Macquarie Tourism

Where to stay

There are a variety of accommodation options in the Swansea region, including hotels, holiday parks and villas for rent. Enjoy a family-friendly experience at Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park, which features spacious cabins, camping sites and safari tents – as well as an on-site splash park. Meanwhile, Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows boasts an enviable waterside location. Choose from bungalows, villas, townhouses and a four-bedroom beach house – all accessed by timber boardwalks – and be sure to book into the venue's restaurant for lunch or dinner; the enormous patio looks out to Caves Beach.

Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows, Lake Macquarie

Getting there

By car, Swansea is one hour and 45 minutes north of Sydney and about a 40-minute drive south of Newcastle. Follow our guide on the best stops between Sydney and the Hunter Valley to make a road trip of your journey. Trains run regularly from Sydney to Newcastle, which takes around 2.5 hours, or you can fly into Newcastle Airport. 