Warners Bay

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.

Highlights

Loading...

Waterfront activities 

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.

Warners Bay Sculpture Walk, Warners Bay

Warners Bay Sculpture Walk, Warners Bay

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.  

Family enjoying cycling along the Watagans Cycle Track, Warners Bay, Lake Macquarie

Watagans Cycle Track, Warners Bay

Fun & adventure

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. 

Stand-up paddleboarding, Naru Beach

Stand-up paddleboarding, Naru Beach

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. 

Watagans Cycle Track stretching between Speers Point and Warners bay - Warners Bay -Lake Macquarie

Watagans Cycle Track, Lake Macquarie

Local markets

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.  

Children enjoying the playground, Speers Point, Lake Macquarie

Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie

Exciting events

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. 

Couple enjoying a coffee at Table 1 Espresso, Speers Point

Table 1 Espresso, Speers Point

Where to eat & drink

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. 

 

Friends sitting at Brennans Cafe in Warners Bay, Lake Macquarie, North Coast

Brennans Cafe, Warners Bay

Where to stay

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. 

Charred Cabin - Warners Bay - Credit: The Fam

Charred Cabin, Warners Bay - Credit: The Fam

Getting there

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. 

Soloist by artist Alex Sexton as part of the Warners Bay Sculpture Walk, Warners Bay, Lake Macquarie

Artist Alex Sexton Sculpture Walk, Warners Bay

Things to Do and Places to Stay

Loading...