Top Things To Do Around Lake Macquarie During the Summer Holidays
Lake Macquarie is one of New South Wales’ most appealing summer holiday destinations — especially for families and groups looking for space, natural beauty and a slower pace. Home to Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, the region offers the perfect balance of outdoor activities, relaxed dining and scenic locations without the congestion of larger coastal hubs.
During the summer holidays, Lake Macquarie comes alive with water-based activities, family-friendly attractions and community events. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or as part of a group, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy while still returning to a peaceful lakeside base at the end of the day.
Here’s a guide to the top things to do around Lake Macquarie during the summer holidays.
Enjoy Lake Macquarie Itself
The lake is the centrepiece of the region and a major drawcard during summer. Its calm waters make it ideal for all ages and experience levels.
Popular lake activities include:
- Swimming
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Sailing and boating
- Fishing from jetties or the shoreline
Many visitors enjoy keeping things simple — relaxing by the water, enjoying a picnic, or watching the sunset over the lake. For families and groups, the lake provides a safe, accessible and enjoyable environment without the pressure of long travel times or crowded beaches.
Visit Nearby Beaches
While the lake offers calm waters, the coastline is just a short drive away for those who want ocean swimming and beach walks.
Popular nearby beaches include:
- Redhead Beach
- Dudley Beach
- Blacksmiths Beach
- Caves Beach
- Catherine Hill Bay Beach
These beaches are ideal for:
- Swimming and surfing
- Family picnics
- Rockpool exploring
- Scenic coastal walks
Many holidaymakers enjoy alternating between lake days and beach days, depending on the weather and energy levels of their group.
Explore Walking Trails and Natural Areas
Lake Macquarie is surrounded by beautiful walking tracks and bushland, making it easy to enjoy nature during the cooler parts of the day.
Options range from:
- Easy foreshore walks
- Shaded bush tracks
- Scenic lookouts with lake or ocean views
These walks suit families, seniors groups and anyone wanting light activity without committing to long or difficult hikes. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly enjoyable during summer.
Spend Time at Speers Point Park — And Discover Quieter Local Parks Nearby
Speers Point Park is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in Lake Macquarie, especially during school holidays. It’s well known for its large playgrounds, lakeside setting and wide open spaces that suit families and groups.
The park features:
- Large playgrounds for all ages
- Shaded picnic and seating areas
- BBQ facilities
- Open grassy spaces for games and relaxing
- Lakeside walking and cycling paths
It’s a great option for families and groups wanting a relaxed day outdoors where children can play freely and adults can unwind by the lake.
That said, visitors staying near Rathmines also have access to some fantastic — and often much quieter — recreational areas right on their doorstep.
Catalina is located at the centre of the Rathmines recreation area, with Rathmines Park next door and the new Rathmines Playground directly across the road. This recently developed playground is one of the largest new play spaces in Lake Macquarie outside of Speers Point Park, but without the same holiday crowds.
For families and groups, this means:
- Easy, walkable access to parks and playgrounds
- Less congestion during peak holiday periods
- Plenty of space for children to play safely
- A quieter, more relaxed atmosphere overall
Many guests find that these local parks offer the same quality facilities as larger destinations, while allowing them to enjoy a slower pace and stay closer to their accommodation — ideal for summer holidays with families and mixed-age groups.
Enjoy Local Cafés, Markets and Dining
Lake Macquarie has a welcoming café culture with plenty of relaxed dining options.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Lakeside cafés
- Casual local eateries
- Bakeries and coffee spots
- Weekend markets and community events
For groups staying in self-catered accommodation, local cafés and markets provide flexibility — enjoy meals out when it suits, or bring food back to share together.
Summer Events, Art, Culture & Indoor Attractions
For a break from the sun or on warmer days, the region also offers indoor attractions.
These include:
- Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery
- Local museums and exhibitions
- Community events and cultural spaces
These options are particularly popular with seniors groups and mixed-age groups looking for low-key activities.
During the summer months, Lake Macquarie hosts:
- Local festivals
- Markets and outdoor events
- Sporting and community activities
Checking local event listings before your visit can help you plan outings and make the most of your stay
A Relaxed Way to Holiday
One of the greatest strengths of Lake Macquarie is the ability to enjoy plenty of activities without feeling rushed. Visitors can choose busy days or slow days — or a mix of both.
Staying in comfortable, group-friendly accommodation near the lake allows families and groups to enjoy everything the region has to offer while still returning to a peaceful and relaxed setting each evening.
