Explore beaches, wetlands, and lagoons on the north shore of Lake Macquarie.
Just a half-hour drive from Newcastle’s CBD, lakeside Belmont is a suburban town with magnificent lake views and a sense of adventure. Escape the city to cruise Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, and try kayaking, windsurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding. Along the seashore, head to the pristine sands of Redhead Beach or Nine Mile Beach to swim, surf, or drive along the sands in a 4WD. The nearby Belmont Wetlands State Park is a vast natural playground for birdwatchers, mountain bikers, and fishers, and there are plans to reopen the park’s hugely popular beach campground in future years. Alternatively, check into one of Belmont’s lakeside holiday parks, which have spacious powered sites and cabin rentals, or seek out a local Hipcamp along the coast. Further south, you can spot migrating whales, enjoy coastal hikes, and take your pick of two family campgrounds at Munmorah State Conservation Area.