9 incredible outdoor adventures in Lake Macquarie

Abseil down a waterfall 

Watagans National Park is a tranquil oasis of blue gums, blackbutt trees, brush cherries and tree ferns. But among all this sweetly-scented serenity, there’s outdoor adventure to be found. Hike through cool rainforest to reach the dramatic Gap Creek Falls, where water tumbles 45 metres over sandstone cliffs. Out and About Adventures will show you how to abseil over the cliff and down the rockface into the stunning natural amphitheatre below. 

Watagans National Park, Lake Macquarie

Watch the sun rise at Caves Beach 

Visit Caves Beach at low tide and you’ll be in for an awe-inspiring hour or two of exploring the network of caves. It’s also a spectacular spot to watch the sun rise. As the light shifts and casts shadows over the sand, the east coast of Australia begins to glow. Be sure to snap a shot of the sea from inside one of the caverns or wade out to rocky outcrops.    

Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie

Explore the lake at your own pace 

Lake Macquarie is twice the size of Sydney Harbour, so there’s a lot of water to explore. Take things slowly with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard – Lake Mac Kayak and Bike Hire can bring you a boat or a board wherever you are. You can also join a guided tour in a glass-bottomed kayak with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures. For something a little faster, Lake Mac Watersports has a range of runabouts and barbecue pontoon boats that don’t require a license. If you are more experienced and hold a boat license, try one of their high-powered sport boats that are fast enough for wakeboarding and tubing. 

Kayaking on Lake Macquarie

Hike to the top of Mount Sugarloaf 

The highest peak in the Lake Macquarie area, Mount Sugarloaf stands at just over 400 metres. From the summit, you’ll have 360-degree views across the lake, the Hunter region and all the way to Newcastle. The path to the top is around 1.6 kilometres and has some steep steps, but there are also shorter, easier paths that loop around the mountain and are suitable for prams or wheelchairs. 

Mt Sugarloaf Range, Keepa Keepa, Sugarloaf Range Road - Credit: Michael Van Ewijk | DCCEEW

Dive into the blue 

Explore the underwater world off the coast of Lake Macquarie on a scuba dive. Beneath Swansea Bridge, the ocean meets the lake, creating a unique environment with an incredible diversity of marine life. Join Dive Newcastle for a guided dive around the artificial reef that has been created around the bridge’s pylons. Catherine Hill Bay is also a popular dive site, with the remains of the old coal loader and the SS Wallarah shipwreck enticing fish. Look for rays hiding in the sandy sea floor.  

Diving off the coast of Lake Macquarie with Dive Newcastle - Credit: Dive Newcastle

Get a bird’s-eye view 

The only way to truly appreciate the size of Lake Macquarie is from the air. Skyline Aviation can take you high above in a helicopter for a scenic flight around the lake and surrounds. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset. Feel the wind in your hair on a microlight flight with Airborne Flight Training. Or strap in for a true aerial adventure with an aerobatic flight from the elite pilots of Matt Hall Racing – you can even experience the twists, turns and high speeds of the Red Bull Air Race. 

Scenic sunset flight with Skyline Aviation Group over the Lake Macquarie region

Set out on two wheels 

Bring your mountain bike and explore some of Lake Macquarie’s rugged wilderness at speed. The Awaba Mountain Bike Park is in the foothills of the Watagans Mountains and is spread across 200 hectares of untouched bushland. Trails are maintained by volunteers from the Hunter Mountain Bike Club and range from easy loops to the epic double black diamond downhill track. In the Glenrock State Conservation Area you’ll find 14 kilometres of purpose0built mountain biking trails and another 20 kilometres of managed trails covering everything from beginners to advanced. 

Mountain biking in Glenrock State Conservation Area - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

Take an adventure boat cruise 

With their custom-built rigid inflatable boats, CoastXP offers the most exciting way to zip through the waters around Lake Macquarie. On the Ocean Explorer Tour, you’ll feel the water spray as you cruise through the Swansea Channel that connects the lake to the sea, then explore Moon Island, the sea caves at Caves Beach and the beautiful Catherine Hill Bay. You’ll also learn about marine life, geology and Aboriginal heritage. During winter, swap the adventure tour for a thrilling whale-watching cruise. 

Lake Explorer tour in Lake Macquarie with CoastXP - Credit: CoastXP

Search for grey nurse sharks at Moon Island 

Grey nurse sharks are one of Australia’s most critically endangered marine species and it’s estimated that as few as 2,000 remain along the east coast. Moon Island off the coast of Swansea Heads is one of the best places to find them. Though they can reach over three metres in length, they are not a threat to humans and make for a fascinating diving companion. Dive Swansea runs regular boat dives out to Moon Island in winter, when the crisp, clear waters are a magnet for grey nurse sharks.