Lake Macquarie NSW Accommodation & Holiday Rentals - tourist visitor information & guide, accommodation bookings, attractions, activities, NSW maps & much more…

Awaba Bay	Awabakal Nature Reserve	Belmont Lagoon Reserve
Caves Beach Walk	Cycle Trails	Fernleigh Track
Galgabba Point	Glenrock Lagoon	Green Point Reserve
Ken & Audrey Owens Walk	Kilaben Bay Boardwalk	Mount Sugarloaf
Munmorah State Conservation Area	The Greenway Track	Wallarah Peninsula Track
Wangi Wangi Flora and Fauna Reserve	Warners Bay Foreshore	Watagan Mountains National Park
Yuelarbah Track

Wallarah Peninsula Track Wallarah National Park is located between Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay on the coast and Murrays Beach and Nords Wharf on the lakeside of Lake Macquarie . The park is in three sections on the east and west of the Pacific Hwy. From the foreshore follow Jetty Point Drive to the Wallarah Peninsula Track. Follow the marked fire trail to the footbridge over the Pacific Hwy. There are some steep parts with loose gravel along this walk. From the footbridge it is a 10min walk along the old Pacific Hwy to the entrance of the National Park. Once you leave the national park follow the fire trail taking the first south fork to Pinney Beach. Location: Murrays Beach Type: Linear Time: 2 hours one way Distance: 8 km Difficulty Level: Moderate Start Point: Foreshore, Murrays Beach Facilities: Toilets, lookout, cafe, picnic area, bbqs Access: Exit off the Pacific Hwy, south of Swansea Prohibited: No pets Information: Extensive map available at Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre

Wangi Wangi Flora and Fauna Reserve The reserve is primarily a passive recreation area with the walking trails having been designed to protect the environment whilst at the same time provide the visitor with the opportunity to enjoy the variety of vegetatin types and the visual experiences found in the reserve. There are four main walking tracks: CIRCUIT TRACK: From the entrance turn left and follow the track to the Kookaburra Cove. The dam wall will take you to the day use area and the Tourist Park. The track continues with a right hand turn into the forest. The view is east towards Swansea. The track will traverse areas of native grassland, grey myrtle shrub and remnants of rainforest gullies. The track then links with the "Easy Walk" a short destance from the entrance. Walking Time, approximately 1 hour. GULLY TRACK: Gully Track takes you through an area of regenerated bushland. Several newly established rainforest plants can be found on closer inspection. From the entrance turn right and follow the broad track to Wangi Point. This track affords various views of the lake with a rest seat at the end of the point. Return on the same track. Walking time, approximately 30 minutes. BOTANY TRAIL: From the entrance turn right. Follow the sign across the broad track to the waterfront of Wangi Point South side. Walk along the waterfront towards the point. Take the stairs and at the top turn left towards the main entrance or right to the Wangi Point Circle Track. Remnants of littoral rainforest are found on the west side of the point with Rusty Fig, Blueberry Ash and Pittosporum dominating the vegetation. Follow the "Easy Walk" back. Good fishing and swimming are available along the waterfront. Walking time, approximately 1 hour. RIDGE PATH: Turn left from the entrance. Follow the sign to the rest seat at Mokondi Lookout. From here extensive areas of the lake and the Pacific Ocean can be viewed. The path leads back to the entrance via the "Easy Walk". Walking time approx 45mins. THE PENINSULA TRACK: Starts at the Dobell Lookout and follows the ridge to the four World War II gun emplacements. It continues and crosses the Reserve Road into the Wangi Point "day use" area. From here a turn right will take you onto the circuit track and a left turn onto the foreshore walk on the northern side of the peninsula.

Warners Bay Foreshore Starting from the car park the path leads along the foreshore of Warners Bay ending in Speers Point Park. Along the way you can stop at one of the many rest areas or cafes and enjoy the scenery. This is a great walk for families. For a longer walk you can continue on the path to Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery at Booragul, which is approximately 3km. Location: Warners Bay Type: Linear Time: Distance: 5km one way Difficulty Level: Easy Start Point: car park across from Warners Bay Road Facilities: parking, picnic areas, toilets, rest area, parks Access: The Esplanade, Warners Bay Cost: No associated costs with this walk Information: Is a shared path & part of the Great North Walk

Watagan Mountains National Park Offering graded bushwalking tracks, bird watching, well maintained picnic/BBQ areas, and stunning lookouts and waterfalls, the Watagan Mountains are well worth a visit. Nestled at the foothills of the mountains are the communities of Cooranbong, Mandalong and Martinsville. Accommodation is available in these villages, or alternatively camp in the designated areas within the Watagan Mountains. For more information contact the numbers listed above or Lake Macquarie Visitor Centre on 1800 802 044.

Yuelarbah Track Starting at Teralba the walk leads you to shores of Lake Macquarie at Speers Point & Warners Bay. The trail follows on through Charlestown & Kahibah proceeding into Glenrock State Recreation Area. From Glenrock the walk continues onto Merewether & ending in Newcastle Harbour. Type: linear Time: 1 day Distance: 25 km Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate Start Point: Teralba Railway Station Facilities: Refreshments & toilets available at various points of walk Access: Railway St, Teralba Cost: No associated costs with this walk Information: Part of the Great North Walk. Extensive maps are available for sale at Visitor Information Centres & the Department of Lands

Awaba Bay Follow the fire trail down to the bottom of the hill. Turn right at the junction and follow the walking track across the grassed area. This leads you to Awaba Bay wetland, which is a picturesque area. At the junction, take the left hand track which links into Alexander’s Firetail. Turn left and follow the trail to the gate on The Ridgeway. At the gate turn left to return to the start. Location: Bolton Point to Marmong Point Type: Loop Time: 1 hour Distance: 1.5 km Difficulty Level: Moderate Start Point: Hepplewhites fire trail gate, 100 metres south of Bulkirra Place, Bolton Point Facilities: Picnic areas Access: The Ridgeway, Bolton Point Cost: No associated costs with this walk Prohibited: No pets Information: Part of the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area

Awabakal Nature Reserve An area of coastal heath land between Dudley & Redhead. The tracks in the reserve are adventurous with some leading to Redhead Lagoon. A great spot for whale watching, bird watching and wildflower photography. Location: Between Dudley and Redhead Type: Linear Time: 1 hour Distance: up to 5 km Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate Start Point: End of Boundary Rd, Dudley Facilities: Picnic tables at Awabakal Field Studies Centre, Dudley Access: Collier St, Redhead & Ocean St, Dudley Prohibited: No pets Information: Disabled sensory trail at the start

Belmont Lagoon Reserve Belmont Lagoon is situated between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Macquarie in the community of Belmont. The reserve is made up of five main biotic areas. Swamp Forest- which occurs to the northeast and south of the lagoon. It consists of an open forest of Broad Leaved Paperbark with areas of Swamp Oak. The understorey is dominated by Common Weed and Slender Twig Rush. Nectar and insect eating birds make use of this community as well as variety of reptile and frog species. Swamp Heath- To the south east lies an area of swamp heath dominated by Prickly Tea Tree and Coastal Tea Tree with an understorey of various sedges, restiads and grasses. Stiff Bottlebrushes are scattered throughout this area. This area is the habitat of a range of smaller birds including the Blackfaced Cuckoo Shrike, Eastern Whip Bird and the Welcome Swallow Reed Swamp- This occurs as a fringe around the whole lagoon, and is dominated by the Common Reed and Sea Rush. Birds including the Clamorous Reed Warbler, Great Egret and Swamp Hen are found here, along with frogs such as the Striped Marsh Frog and Common Eastern Froglet. Sedge Land- This area consists of a dense growth of sedges and grasses up to 50cm high, with scattered low growing plants such as Sundews and Swamp Penny Worts. Birds inhabiting this area include the Superb Blue Wren and Variegated Wren. OPen Water- These areas contain Grey Mangroves and several salt marsh species and are a breeding ground for marine invertebrates and fish. The area is utilised by an abundant range of bird life, including many larger birds such as the Black Swan and the Royal Spoonbill and international migatory waders from as far as Siberia and Alaska, such as the Bar-Tailed Godwit. Aboriginal History Human use of the area began with the Awabakal people who occupied the lagoon system and utilised its resources for perhaps the last 6000 years. The ancient Awabakal legend of The Teardrop of the Moon tells how Belmont Lagoon was formed. War History During World War II, the Department of Defence dredged Cold Tea Creek to provide an anti tank barrier and defence line. Some of the tetrahedral concrete blocks used as this barrier still remain in place, including a memorial loacted at the lake entrance to Cold Tea Creek. The dredging resulted in the lagoon being divided into two parts, and it now has a permanent connection to the saline waters of Lake Macquarie, thereby altering its salinity and circulation pattern. For more information contact Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on (02) 4921 0740.

Caves Beach Walk Wallarah National Park is located between Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay on the coast and Murrays Beach and Nords Wharf on the lakeside of Lake Macquarie . The park is in three sections on the east and west of the Pacific Hwy. From the car park follow the path above the cliff line down to Spoon Rocks which has remains of the break wall constructed to load coal into ships. From Spoon Rocks follow the path along to Quarries Head, which is a pretty spot overlooking the ocean. The walk runs through part of the Wallarah National Park, which is a great spot for whale and dolphin watching. Type: Linear Time: 2 hours Distance: 5-6 km Difficulty Level: Moderate Start Point: Caves Beach car park Facilities: Toilets, car park Access: Caves Beach Rd, Caves Beach Information: Part of the Wallarah National Park

Cycle Trails Ride & relax in a truly unique part of the Hunter Region. The Lake Macquarie area features the pristine Watagan Mountains as a backdrop, has over 16 kilometres of idyllic coastline and a lake four times the size of Sydney Harbour. There are over 25 kilometres of designated cycle and walking paths and sealed roadways linking some 92 townships and villages. Lake Macquarie has an extensive network of cycle paths, connecting various lake communities such as Swansea, through Belmont up to Charlestown and Warners Bay down to Wangi Wangi and Bonnells Bay, Speers Point and Booragul. For more information contact Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on (02) 4921 0740.

Fernleigh Track Fernleigh Track is one of the region’s popular shared pathways, which runs along an old railway track from Whitebridge to Adamstown. The track provides a peaceful and scenic walking and cycling track, through beautiful bushland. The track features a 180 metre long former rail tunnel. Type: Linear Time: 2 hours Distance: 5.5km Difficulty Level: Easy Start Point: Station St, Whitebridge Facilties: Street parking available Access: Station St, Whitebridge Information: When complete will extend through Redhead to Belmont adding another 9.5km to the track

Galgabba Point Galgabba Point is an easy flat walk along a bush path. A significant bushland remnant with an endangered ecological community and threatened plant species. Fauna featured includes the Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot, Squirrel Glider and many more. Type: Linear TIme: 1 hour Distance: 1.5 km Difficulty Level: Easy Start point: Galgabee Rd & Old Pacific Hwy Facilities: Picnic tables and rest areas Access: Marks St and Old Pacific Hwy, Swansea Prohibited: No pets Information: Landcare project has cleared many weeds from the reserve & revegetated with native plants.

Glenrock Lagoon Starting from the car park near the Fernleigh Track descend down a wooden ramp into the forest. Cross Flaggy Creek over a wooden bridge. Track climbs gently through forest to emerge at Leichardt Lookout on the cliff top. Track continues to Glenrock Lagoon & Legge Beach. Type: Linear Time: 1 hour Distance: 2.3 km Difficulty Level: Easy Start Point: Kahibah near the old railway station Facilities: Information board at start. Picnic tables across the creek Access: Burwood Rd, Kahibah Prohibited: No domestic pets in Glenrock Information: Part of The Great North Walk. Wheelchair friendly

Green Point Reserve Situated between the quiet suburbs of Belmont and Valentine by the Lake, the Green Point Foreshore Reserve has all the features to make it one of Lake Macquarie’s most scenic and enjoyable natural attractions for cycling, walking and picnicking. Originally the site of various mining activities over the past 150 years, the now Council Reserve is undergoing extensive rehabilitation works to establish it as one of Lake Macquarie’s foremost natural bushland parks. The bushland at Green Point features much native flora and fauna, adding interest to the walk. The flora includes open forests of Spotted Gum, Grey Gum, White Mahogany and Forest Red Gum. There is also remnant Littoral Rainforests. These areas provide habitat for native fauna including the Ring-tail Possum, Squirrel Glider, Powerful Owl and Sea Eagle. All this is easily encountered on the established walking trails throughout the reserve and improved access to the rainforest by a constructed boardwalk to preserve the area for the future. There are three main walking access points into the reserve: the end of Dilkera Avenue at Valentine, The Shores Way at Belmont and Green Point Drive behind Belmont Hospital. The main car park is located off The Shores Way, Belmont. From here you can take a short easy walk called Centenary of Federation Heritage Trail. Suitable for all ages and approximately one hour return trip, the track is straight and flat making it ideal for families, prams and wheelchairs. Take time to read the historic markers along the way giving you insight into former local industries. Continue on until the track rises slightly arriving at Sea Eagle Park, a former gravel quarry which has been transformed into a picturesque grassy picnic area with amenities; free electric bbq’s, toilets, picnic tables, shelters and drinking water. Return is by the same path. The beauty of Green Point Reserve is it provides the walker with several track variations. You can also follow the waters edge or inland tracks to embark on your own adventure that will keep you occupied for a few hours. Dogs, 4WD’s, motor bikes and camping are not permitted in the reserve. For more information contact the Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on (02) 4921 0740.

Ken & Audrey Owens Walk 4km network of pathways, boardwalks, wetland bridges and whale/surf observation platforms. From the lookout follow the path to Redhead Lagoon and the sand dunes. Rest stops have been positioned to enjoy the wetlands wildlife. Return to the lookout & head left over the sand hills which leads into Webb Park, Redhead. Type: Loop Time: 1 hour Distance: 4 km Difficulty: Easy Start Point: Lookout platform off Cain St Facilities: Lookout, rest areas Access: Via Cain St Redhead Information: Suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Dog exercise area off from walk.

Kilaben Bay Boardwalk An elevated boardwalk winding along Kilaben Creek, protecting vulnerable vegetation underneath strategically placed over gullies and uneven ground. Well-worn fire trails and walking tracks have upgraded to help prevent erosion and sedimentation on the neighbouring state-listed wetlands. The walk starts from Toronto Fire Station down a fire trail and links to the elevated Boardwalks through to Kilaben Bay. The walk features five separate vegetation communities and over 100 different birds species. Type: Linear Time: 45 minutes Distance: 1.5m one way Difficulty: Easy Start Point: Toronto Fire Station at Ridge Rd Facilities: Parking Access: Kilaben Road Information: Suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Mount Sugarloaf Mount Sugarloaf has several walking tracks leading from the car parks to the picnic areas and lookouts or to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf. Magnificent views of Lake Macquarie and the surrounding Hunter areas can be viewed from Mount Sugarloaf. It is also a popular spot for families, with picnic, BBQ and public toilet facilities available. Overlooking the cities of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle, Mount Sugarloaf is home to the television and radio transmitters that broadcast into the Hunter Region and can be seen from many vantage points across the city. Location: Mount Sugarloaf, West Wallsend Type: 1 Linear & 2 Loop Tracks Distance: 275 metres to 1.6 km Difficulty: Moderate Start Point: From any of the car parks Facilities: Picnic area, bbqs, lookout, parking Access: Mount Sugarloaf Rd, West Wallsend Cost: No cost associated with these walks

Munmorah State Conservation Area Munmorah State Recreation Area is located between Budgewoi on the Central Coast and Catherine Hill Bay. It contains 1563ha of forest, woodland, wetland and temperate rainforest with 12 km of spectacular coastline. Within the area are various walks and picnic areas. The Palms Walking Track An excellent place to escape the summer heat and wander below a canopy of cabbage tree palms. The track leads you through a variety of vegetation types. Type: Loop Time: 30 minutes Distance: 750 metres to 1 km Difficulty Level: Easy Start Point: The Palms Picnic Area Facilities: Picnic area, gas bbqs Access: Entrance to park from the Pacific Hwy, then follow the signs to The Palms Picnic Area Cost: Entry fee to enter park Prohibited: No open fires or pets Information: camping available in park, fees apply Camping is allowed at Frazer Beach, fees apply and bookings are essential. For more information contact Lake Munmorah on the details listed above.

The Greenway Track Starting at Fassifern Railway Station through Fassifern along the lake foreshore to Blackalls Park. The track then crosses to Toronto ending at Edward Gain Park on the lake at Toronto. In total the track is 3km in length and is an old railway track branch line winding through a “wildlife haven” and historic train stations at Blackalls Park and Toronto.