Winter Walking Weekend in Lake Macquarie

Australia, Hiking & Walking, New South Wales, Wild Activities

July 30, 2019

Winter Walking Weekend in Lake Macquarie

Whether you’re into strenuous treks or serene strolls, Lake Macquarie is the perfect place for a winter walking weekend taking in the best of the region’s magnificent rainforests, beaches and the iconic Lake itself.

From a vast, pristine coastline to rugged cliff tops, significant indigenous sites and the towering trees at the Watagans Mountains, you’ll feel a million miles away while walking in Lake Macquarie.

Three of the best include:

Grab the girls – 6.2km return, easy

If you are looking to combine a Sunday stroll with a good gossip with the girls, then Warners Bay is your go-to. The walk is mostly flat, so suitable for all fitness levels. Head left along the shared pathway following the lake foreshore until you reach the halfway point at Eleebana. When you’ve returned to Warners Bay Esplanade and have coffee on the mind, you’ll have plenty of choices to cure your cravings. Try Table 1 Espresso for delicious breakfast classics and indulgent sweet treats, or Q & Co for on-trend healthy brunch options.

Bring the binoculars – 8.3km return, moderate

A haven for whale watching, the picturesque Caves Beach Coastal Walk, which crosses the clifftops south from Caves Beach to secluded Pinny Beach in Wallarah National Park, is a beautiful walking trail ideal for observing the northern migration between May and July. The trail features plenty of lookouts where you can enjoy stunning ocean views from above, while the southern end of the beach is home to a famous group of sea caves which shouldn’t be missed and are perfect for low tide exploration.

Have your hiking boots handy – 8km return, hard

The Watagans Mountains is a hiking haven for seasoned walkers and is one of the region’s best-loved escapes where you’ll find walking trails, lookouts and campgrounds. The Watagan Trail is one best suited to experienced walkers as it is steep and challenging, boasts rainforest views with dramatic moss-covered walls, stops at historic heritage sites, brilliant birdwatching and spectacular vista across the Hunter Valley from the Hunter Lookout. This 8km one-way trail takes around 4-5 hours to complete.