Home » Destinations » NSW & ACT » Hunter Valley » Newcastle & Lake Macquarie

Newcastle’s vibrant arts, restaurant and café culture, its heritage buildings and great beaches make for a great getaway. Lake Macquarie is the perfect contrast with its spectacular saltwater lake, a haven for boating enthusiasts and fisherpersons.

Newcastle, capital of the Hunter Valley, is Australia's second oldest and sixth largest city. Built around a large working harbour, Newcastle is one of the nations largest working ports situated in the mouth of the Hunter River. Nobby's Breakwater and Lighthouse - the city's most famous icon, guard the river's entrance.

Ten magnificent beaches and picturesque parks offer ample recreational opportunities around the city including surfing, beach fishing and swimming in the fabled Ocean Baths.

A short two-hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is within easy access to attractions including rainforests, wilderness areas, and extensive vineyards.

One of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is surrounded by cosy holiday towns like Belmont, Wangi Wangi, Cooranbong, Swansea and Toronto.

Enjoy a sunny afternoon in one of the many boats that grace the shimmering water, catch a wave at one of four patrolled beaches or venture into the mountains for a picnic lunch and sightseeing walk.

There are a mammoth 92 towns and villages, 29 public boat ramps, 28 public jetties and wharves and seven marina berth around Lake Macquarie, making it the perfect family holiday destination.

Belmont, located on the eastern shores of the Lake Macquarie, on the Pacific Highway, is a key town. Belmont offers many recreational activities to keep everyone entertained, from cruising the lake to a round of golf or just relaxing on the nearby beaches or by the lake.

The area caters for the fishing enthusiast, with many great fishing spots. Boat and gear hire is available. Belmont 16ft Sailing Club and the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club are popular eating and entertainment spots overlooking the water, and the town centre offers dining, shopping and all essential services.

Belmont was established in the early 1860's and named after the birthplace of Thomas Williamson, the third settler of the district.

 

Destination Guides

• Sydney
• Northern Rivers
• North Coast
• The Hunter
• Central Coast
• Hawkesbury Valley
• Blue Mountains
• Central NSW
• South Coast
• Capital Country
• Snowy Mountains
• The Murray
• Riverina
• New England North West
• Outback NSW

Where to Eat

Scratchleys on the Wharf

200 Wharf Road, Newcastle
Great food – even better location! Built over the water on an old ferry wharf.
Ph: 02 4929 1111

The Star Fish Café

Queens Wharf, Newcastle
Trendy, modern cuisine.
Ph: 02 4929 2003

Rafferty’s Restaurant

Cams Wharf, Lake Macquarie
Modern Australian cuisine with 180°views of the lake.
Ph: 02 4972 5555

Must See Must Do

Newcastle Regional Art Gallery

Lamen Street, Newcastle
You’ll see works by famous artists including Brett Whiteley, Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd in the gallery’s permanent collection. Also worth visiting are several private galleries on nearby Cook’s Hill.
Ph: 02 4974 5100