Toronto
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC)
Toronto
The largest town on the western side of Lake Macquarie, Toronto is a picturesque waterside getaway that throws the doors open to aquatic adventures, seafood dining and spectacular natural wonders. Close to Watagans National Park and the famed Hunter Valley wine region, Toronto is a great base for exploring the Lake Macquarie area.
Highlights
Lakeside lifestyle
The western side of Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake is a popular spot for sailing, rowing, fishing and cycling. Join locals on the 3.6km cycling and walking path between the Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto and Fassifern Railway Station to discover a petrified forest with trees created by volcanic ash 250 million years ago.
Lake Macquarie Cruises offers a fantastic way to explore the stunning waterways surrounding Toronto, with scheduled public cruises and private charters allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking views and spot local wildlife.
Mark your calendars for Lakefest, which celebrates the area's aquatic lifestyle every summer. Food and wine enthusiasts won't want to miss the Lake Mac Festival, featuring a series of exciting events and activities for the whole family, including community gatherings, sailing regattas, live entertainment and outdoor adventures.
Lakefest, Lake Macquarie
Culture and heritage
The Kurra Kurrin fossilised pines in Blackalls Park are culturally significant to the local Aboriginal people, who have Dreaming stories about the ancient stone forest. You can learn more about local Aboriginal history and cultural heritage by visiting the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC)’s fine Indigenous collection.
Art lovers should visit Dobell House, the former home and studio of William Dobell, a famous local artist who won the Archibald Prize for portraiture three times. Take a detour to Rathmines to visit the Catalina Memorial Park – once the largest seaplane military base in the Southern Hemisphere and a World War II base for Catalina flying boats.
Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC), Lake Macquarie
Outdoor adventure
Mount Sugarloaf Lookout, located just a short drive from Toronto, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Macquarie and the surrounding Hunter Region. Visitors can choose from several walking tracks to the summit and longer loop walks, and picnic facilities and barbecue spots are available.
Mt Sugarloaf Range, Keepa Keepa, Sugarloaf Range Road - Credit: Michael Van Ewijk | DCCEEW
Where to eat and drink
Toronto offers a delightful range of dining options suitable for all visitors. Casa Nova Italian Restaurant serves handmade pasta and woodfired pizza in a cosy setting perfect for families. For modern Australian cuisine paired with stunning lakeside views, head to Emerson's on the Lake at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, where you can also enjoy stunning sunsets. Additionally, don’t miss the bustling Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market, held on the first Saturday of each month, where you can sample local produce and artisanal goods.
The Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto, Toronto - Credit: Ron Bouhan
Getting there and where to stay
Toronto is a two-hour drive north of Sydney and around 40 minutes from Newcastle. You can also take the train up the coast to nearby Fassifern Station, which takes just under three hours, or fly into Newcastle Airport. Accommodation options in Toronto include a variety of hotels, motels, apartments and lakeside holiday parks to suit every traveller.
