A Modern Art Guide to Lake Macquarie

Experience the best the lake has to offer with the latest in international and Australian art combined with incredible views and locally sourced dining.

Dedicate half a day of your stay to explore our Lake Arts Precinct, the only Hunter contemporary art and sculpture experience on the foreshore of the lake, ideal for all art enthusiasts.

The Lake Macquarie Public Art Trail

Explore the Lake Macquarie public art trail, an eclectic collection of contemporary artworks positioned around the lake. The trail includes renowned national and international artists including Alex Seton, Guy Maestri, Guan Wei, Naidee Changmoh, Antone Bruinsma, Susan Milne and Greg Stonehouse.

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Alex Seton, Soloist, 2012, bronze

The trail covers approximately 5km and can be shortened into smaller sections from their popular foreshore locations following the Eleebana to Booragul walking and cycling path. Connected by an accessible pathway, you can take your time experiencing the local culture and find a variety of local dining and takeaway options along the way.

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Naidee Changmoh, The Ascetic, 2015, bronze

To discover more about these works, view the Cultural Trails guide.

Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima

Take a stroll to visit the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, our multi-media exhibition space at Speers Point Park. This cutting-edge facility hosts contemporary art exhibitions and performances throughout the year, including many exciting events and festivals across the promenade.

James Price Wildlife exhibition at MAP mima
Installation view. WildLife by James Price 2023. Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima.

Grab a Beam e-scooter while you’re here for a quick ride around the foreshore to admire the Chimera kinetic art and other sculptures, including Dilly Bags by Chris Edwards, as you make your way around the lake.

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Susan Milne and Greg Stonehouse, Chimera, 2019, stainless steel

Museum of Art and Culture, yapang

Make your way to the western side of Lake Macquarie for the world-class Museum of Art and Culture (MAC), yapang positioned on the waterfront at Booragul. Here you can admire high-quality permanent and rotating contemporary exhibitions and attend a range of events. Embrace your creative side with adult art classes offered at MAC and plenty of activities for kids.

MAC Opening Weekend November 2019

The Sculpture Park at MAC, yapang is located on the 5 hectares of leafy grounds surrounding the Museum showcasing work by local and national artists. The park currently comprises of sixteen sculptures by various artists, you can learn more about the park and the different sculptures by downloading the Sculpture Park guide.

Sculpture Park June 2021
Jamie North. Succession (detail) 2016. cement, steel, steel slag, coal ash, oyster shell, organic matter 450 x 90cm (diam.).

The onsite Three Bears Cafe overlooking the Sculpture Park has water views from the balcony, making it a great spot to stop for lunch or a coffee. Try to book before you go, the café is popular among visitors and fills up quickly!

Three Bears Cafe October 2020

View the full program, here, to find an exhibition tailored to your interests and plan your trip accordingly.

Back to MAP mima

Head back to the MAP cube on your e-vehicle for a quiet evening and drinks with a gorgeous view. If you time your stay, you may even catch one of the incredible performances or concerts held within the cube.

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Catapult. Drift Nov 2021. Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima

You can view MAP’s full program, here.

Visit our website visitlakemac.com.au for more travel inspiration for your next trip or follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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