Lake Macquarie  New South Wales

Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake at four times the size of Sydney Harbour, is an aquatic playground for all types of water activities, including fishing, sailing, water skiing and kayaking. The eastern shore of Lake Macquarie, centred around the town of Swansea, has long been popular with holiday-makers, both young and old.

The Watagan Mountains rise up behind the western shore of the lake, which remains quieter. The largest town on this side of the lake, Toronto, has a local history museum housed in the old railway station. At nearby Wangi Wangi, Dobell House, the former home of artist William Dobell, preserves examples of his work, together with furniture and other memorabilia. At the northern end of the lake, the suburbs of Newcastle stretch down to meet the water.

The area around the lake was first developed by the coal mining industry, and there are still mines and power stations to be seen around the shores. Lake Macquarie celebrates the Heritage Afloat Festival at Easter, when the lake plays host to heritage craft of all types.