Warners Bay
Stand up paddle boarding at Naru Beach in Lake Macquarie, North Coast
Curving around the shore of Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, Warners Bay is a vibrant hub for water sports and outdoor activities. Enjoy delicious cafes with water views and explore an eclectic sculpture trail featuring contemporary works by contemporary Australian artists.
The scenic waterfront esplanade runs for 9km from Lions Park in Eleebana to the Museum of Art and Culture (MAC). At the southern end is the impressive Red Bluff Boardwalk which juts out over the lake and is hundreds of metres long. There are three viewing platforms along the way.
The path is perfect for walking, cycling and rollerblading. Positioned around the lake from Speers Point to Eleebana is the Creative Lake Sculpture Trail with a collection of contemporary artworks. Artists include Guan Wei, Guy Maestri, Alex Seton, Naidee Changmoh and Antone Bruinsma.
Bring your own bicycle or hire two wheels from the self-service Automatic Bike Hire station or Lake Mac Kayak and Bike Hire and cycle along the picturesque Watagans Cycle Track. The kids can also enjoy a picnic at the Lake Macquarie Variety Playground in Speers Point Park, where the giant spiral slide adds to the thrills.
You’ll find plenty of fun things to do on the lake, like sailing, kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding. Thrillseekers can also learn to ride a hydrofoil board, which skims a few feet above the water while being towed by a speedboat or propelled by a billowing kite.
Head indoors and race around the track at Extreme Karts Warners Bay. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of racing Sodikarts around the track for an unforgettable day of excitement and fun. Or take the afternoon to visit stunning ocean beaches and explore the magnificent national parks, just a short drive away.
Bursting with community spirit and good vibes, Homegrown Markets a short drive to Speers Point Park and is the largest market in Lake Macquarie held on the first and third Sunday of every month. Relax by the water with a picnic blanket and coffee while enjoying talented local musicians, then stroll through rows of local artisan stalls.
The views from the foreshore attract thousands of runners every August for the Lake Macquarie Running Festival, a half marathon, 10.5km fun run and 4km kids scamper. The spectacular scenery makes the waterfront promenade between Warners Bay and Speers Point one of the best running courses in Australia.
Warners Bay features a vibrant dining scene with several excellent options. Brennans and Q & Co offers are a perfect stop for a top-quality latte. Just a short stroll away, Hippo Espresso delights with an all-day breakfast and lunch while boasting stunning lake views. For a waterfront experience, Brownsugar Restaurant Bar and Functions serves fresh seafood and gourmet dishes, complemented by an extensive cocktail and wine selection, making it an ideal spot for families.
Accommodation in Warners Bay includes a variety of hotels, motels, apartments, and lakeside holiday parks to suit every visitor. Escape to Charred Cabin, a unique two-bedroom retreat that combines Japanese-inspired design with modern amenities for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Warners Bay is just under two hours' drive north of Sydney and around 30 minutes from Newcastle. You can also take the train up the coast to nearby Booragul Station, which takes just under three hours, or fly into Newcastle Airport.
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