Southern Lake Macquarie

Welcome to Australia’s largest saltwater lake

Lake Macquarie: 32km of coastlines and good times

Twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Lake Macquarie is the largest saltwater lake in Australia. Its nine billion litres of water holds 249 fish species, as well as other wonders. It’s an epicentre for water activities and happy days! Approximately 15% of the southern catchment is located within the Central Coast Council area including the suburbs of Mannering Park, Kingfisher Shores, Chain Valley Bay, Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Point Wolstonecroft and Crangan Bay.

_{Words: Lyndsey Douglas of WritersWho in collaboration with Love Our Waterways.}

Image: Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours

Credit: Rosemary Metcalfe 2023, via AllTrails

Our lake edge neighbourhoods

Chain Valley Bay
Chain Valley Bay has some great short bushwalks and is a great location to spot Powerful Owls. Go to the edge of the lake where Tiembula Creek feeds into Lake Macquarie and enjoy the bird life in this quiet forested area. Enjoy the flowering bottlebrush and other flowers in autumn and spring in the Tiembula Creek wetland. Join one of the walking tracks that takes you to Gwandalan or Summerland Point.

Point Wolstoncroft
Access to Point Wolstoncroft is by boat to the headland or via the Sport and Recreation Centre. You can fish, picnic, enjoy a short bushwalk, bird watch (Whistling Kites can sometimes carry out aerial acrobatics over the foreshore forest!), or keep an eye open for green sea turtles swimming in the lake.

Crangan Bay
Crangan Bay offers visitors some fire trails suitable for bushwalking. A lake shore walking track is planned to link Crangan Bay with some other new reserve sections, eventually allowing visitors to travel from Nords Wharf around the lake to Gwandalan.

Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area

Managed by NSW Parks and Wildlife Service this SCA lines 16 km of Lake Macquarie’s foreshore and encompasses some scenic lake edge Central Coast suburbs ideal for fishing, boating, picnicking, bushwalking and observing wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, gliders and many birds .

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Unspoken 'no shoes required' mantra

Lake Macquarie supports a diversity of habitat types throughout its many sections, including seagrass meadows, mangroves, saltmarsh, rocky reefs, oyster reefs, sand flats, mud flats and deep open waters. It’s also a firm favourite when it comes to water-based activities with its holiday vibes and relaxation in nature with an unspoken “no shoes required” mantra. But while you’re kicking up the heels and enjoying Lake Macquarie, remember it’s up to us all to protect this dynamic lake for generations to come. And you don’t have to have your toes in the sand to do it – what we do at home makes a difference too.

Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours_Summerland Point

Image: Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours

Sailing from Summerland Point

Sharing the love of the lake

Lake Macquarie City Council and Central Coast Council have a great relationship based on the same goal – to protect and ensure the lake’s longevity and sustainability. The two councils are working together to develop the new Coastal Management Program which provides a clear and strategic direction for the management of Lake Macquarie’s coastal zone for the next 10 years and a pathway to achieve its vision of “a healthy, resilient coastal zone”.

Now that's something we can all get onboard with!

Responsible fishing

There’s few joys that come close to casting a line and waiting for the magic to happen. But like all magic, it doesn’t happen without effort. It’s all of our responsibility to ensure our enjoyment doesn’t come at the cost of the lakes and their vibrant aquatic life.

Reel ways to love Lake Macquarie

Ensure that any fish that are heading home with you in the esky are of legal size. There are clear rules regarding the legal sizes and bag limits of the different fish species and it is an offence to not adhere to them. It is extremely important to know these limits as they protect the fish in our lakes from being overfished and depleted. When you’re ready to call it a day, gather all your litter including good containers, plastic bags and fishing lines and dispose of them properly. Plastic and other rubbish left behind will soon take the deadly form of choking, digestive or entrapment hazard to our Lake Macquarie marine species.

Credit: David Ross x Destination Central Coast

Things to do on South Lake Macquarie...

Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours

Take your sunset viewing to the next level sailing across the serene waters of Lake Macquarie, guided by an experienced pro skipper. A family-run business, Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours is passionate about providing you with an unforgettable experience.

JetBuzz Watersports

Are you a heart pounding, adrenaline seeking kind of holidayer? JetBuzz is the only jet boat operator in New South Wales which offers ocean rides and a spicy way to explore Lake Macquarie. Whether it’s the thrill ride, ocean extreme, or a little kayaking.

Gwandalan Bowling Club

Located on the border between the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie, this club features spacious indoor and outdoor areas, well maintained bowling greens and a quality bistro serving all your favourites.

Point Wolstoncroft Sport & Rec Centre

If you’re looking for instructor-led activities on the water or simply a bit of support on a SUP, Point Wolstoncroft is for you. A blend of bushlands and blue waters, it's a beautiful place to be busy outdoors.

Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area

This is the kind of backyard you need. Made up of seven parcels of land nestled on the foreshore of Lake Macquarie, each area offers stunning walking trails and waterfront picnic spots. Essential, as food tastes better with a water view. It’s science.

Karignon Creek

Tucked away on the southern edge of the lake is the tranquil community of Chain Valley Bay. Pause and take it all in on the impressive suspension bridge that joins the path between the creek and Chain Valley Bay North.

Summerland Point Loop, Distance: 5.8 km

Sure, Lake Macquarie’s dress code is barefoot and salty, but if you can pull on the hiking boots, it will be well worth it. Take in beautiful views across Lake Macquarie. Your fitness levels don’t need to be at Ninja Warrior level either.

Point Wolstoncroft Fire Trail, Distance: 7.7 km

An out-and-back, moderately challenging route with all the ingredients of a good hike – stunning views and an abundance of wildflowers. The best part for those seeking serenity? It’s unlikely you’ll encounter other people while out hiking, MTB or running!

lake-macquarie credit phyllis chestnut 2023

Gwandalan foreshore, Distance: 5.5 km

The foreshores take in a trail bathed in leafy goodness and breathtaking views of Lake Macquarie. Start from the Lions Park boat ramp and end at Gwandalan Bowling Club for a well-deserved refuel. Shady so ideal for sparkling foreshores, not foreheads!