Lake Macquarie – Holiday Park Heaven

With caravan parks enjoying some of the most spectacular waterfront locations in and around Lake Macquarie, the region might as well have been made for those with a caravan in tow, the most ideal way to travel at a low cost.

 

Combine superb lakefront and coastal sites with nature-inspired activities including fishing, surfing, bushwalking, mountain-biking and more and it’s easy to see why the new breed of holiday park is reinventing caravan travel.

 

Australia is home to 1,320 businesses in the caravan and camping ground industry, 27.8% of which are based in New South Wales – with Lake Macquarie boasting some of the best, including:

 

Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

Just 70 minutes north of Hornsby on the serene southern shores of the lake, Ingenia offers accommodation options for a broad range of budgets, from luxury waterfront villas to cosy cabins and grassy powered sites. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a short drive to some of the state’s most beautiful beaches, or take advantage of easy access to the jetty and waterfront reserve’s sandy inlets and secluded bays which are picture perfect for boating, fishing and swimming.

 

Swansea Gardens Lakeside Holiday Park

Centrally located on the shores of lovely Lake Macquarie, Swansea Gardens Lakeside Holiday Park enjoys a prime location in a tranquil, tree-studded park close to unspoilt patrolled surf beaches, restaurants and cafes, local shopping and licensed clubs. There’s action aplenty with windsurfing, fishing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, sailing and swimming, as well as tennis, mini-golf, basketball, a playground, barbeques, a boat ramp, camp kitchen and a recreation room all on site. Accommodation options range from roomy unpowered tent sites to air-conditioned two-bedroom villas with cable TV.

 

Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park

Just a short stroll from one of New South Wales’ best-loved beaches, and boasting a variety of accommodation options catering to all budgets, Blacksmiths is the perfect base for lengthy strolls on pristine white sand, taking a refreshing dip under the watchful eye of the local surf lifesaving patrol or just listening to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean rolling in. Boating enthusiasts will love the nearby launch facilities, offering easy access to both the open ocean and the tranquil lake where you can swim, surf, fish and sail for days on end before heading back to the park to enjoy a dip in the pool or a late afternoon turn in the playground with the kids.

 

Belmont Bayview Park

Idyllically tucked between pristine beaches and serene Lake Macquarie  and close to the delights of the nearby Hunter Valley – Belmont Bayview Park is exceptionally located for creating a fabulous family adventure. Choose from powered sites and cosy cabins, enjoy free wifi and access to a barbeque, outdoor dining area and private pool – and pick up supplies for the raft of nearby cafes.

 

Paradise Palms Caravan Park

Perched on the western shores of Lake Macquarie at Carey Bay, easily accessible just off the Sydney to Newcastle freeway, Paradise Palms Caravan Park is home to poolside cabins and campsites, both enjoying a peaceful location and access to waterfront barbeques and a convenient boat ramp for plenty of action out and about on the lake.

 

Wangi Point Lakeside Holiday Park

Situated between Lake Macquarie and Wangi Point Flora and Fauna Reserve, Wangi Point Lakeside Holiday Park boasts a heated resort style pool and enjoys a beautiful bush setting on the foreshore with easy access to a nearby public boat ramp providing the perfect launch point for fishing, canoeing, swimming, windsurfing, kiteboarding and more. Accommodation options range from spacious unpowered camp sites to air-conditioned two-bedroom luxury villas with all the mod-cons, including Foxtel.

 

Bring it on: the ultimate Lake Macquarie experiences under $100

If it’s low or no cost activities you’re looking for check out the fantastic five – at least for starters. There’s plenty more to explore in and around the lake’s shore…from horse riding and beach strolls to thrill rides, kayaking and bike riding. Book into one of the region’s renowned caravan parks and see first-hand why they’re setting a new benchmark for low cost holiday travel.

 

Pulbah Island – Wangi Wangi Nature Reserve Kayak Tour with School of Yak // Half day tour: $95.00 per person (Adult)

Escape to Pulbah Island… Hire a boat, pack a picnic lunch or paddle a kayak, there are so many ways to explore Lake Macquarie’s largest island. If you’re looking for an adventurous day trip to remember, Pulbah Island is your go-to. The largest island in Lake Macquarie, Pulbah Island is approximately 1.6 kilometres in length and is known for the large boulders and caves which dot its foreshore. Visit the island’s northern side to explore shallow beaches and safe anchorages, or head south and prepare to be impressed by the island’s rocky outcrops and steep cliffs.

The School of Yak offers kayak tours and training in Lake Macquarie for families of all ages keen to enjoy the waterways up close and discover Pulbah Island. Launching from the eastern shoreline of Lake Macquarie make the crossing to Wangi Wangi Nature Reserve. From Wangi the options are to do a coastal paddle for the less experienced paddlers or if the weather is right and everyone is confident then continue across the lake to the western end of Pulbah Island. From here make your way across to point Wolstencroft to enjoy the legendary School of Yak afternoon/morning tea. The journey is completed by passing the eastern end of Pulbah island.

 

Thrill Ride with Jetbuzz // 35minutes: $70 per person (Adult)

Lake Macquarie’s most exhilarating adventure awaits you! An experience on the lake that’s anything but tranquil, take a spin on a jet boat and watch your heart rate soar as you enjoy full circle spins, power brake stops and fun fish tails – you can even opt for the Ocean Extreme adventure and enjoy additional thrills and spills out in the ocean.

 

Explore Caves Beach // Free!

Lake Macquarie’s iconic Caves Beach holds its place as a firm family favourite. It’s extensive network of sea caves and rock pools are ideal for low-tide exploration and is guaranteed to keep whole family happy. Home to the Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club, a kiosk, bathrooms and barbeques and picnic tables, Caves Beach is a must visit. Pack your sunnies, hat and sunscreen, get your swimmers on, and enjoy a day out for the family to remember.

 

Ride Warners Bay Foreshore with Boomerang Bikes // 1 Hour hire: $14

You can’t say you’ve been to Lake Macquarie without visiting Warner’s Bay. This lively lakeside town has everything from boutique shopping to quirky eateries and a fabulous foreshore perfect for picnics and post-meal strolls. Hire a bike with Boomerang Bikes and enjoy a ride along the water’s edge while admiring the panoramic lake views. Enjoy a ride along the water’s edge, taking in panoramic lake views and enjoy the elevated over-water Redbluff Boardwalk. With a Boomerang Bike Hire station located along the foreshore riders can simply meander, or enjoy a longer ride.

 

Mountain Riding with AAA Horse Riding // 1 hour horse ride: $40 per person

The glorious foothills of the Watagan Mountains are almost made to be explored on horseback so take advantage of lessons, full-day rides and even overnight stays with the experts from AAA Horse Riding. Explore incredible trails taking you riding into the foothills of the Mountains, through rainforest and past some of the most spectacular scenery in Lake Macquarie that will take your breath away.

 

Find out more about all the attractions and holiday destinations in Lake Macquarie by visiting http://www.visitlakemac.com.au/ or calling 1800 802 044.