Whether you want to spend your weekend swimming, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing or just relaxing by the water, you can do it all at
Lake Macquarie.
More than four times the size of Sydney Harbour, Lake Macquarie is Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake. It was discovered back in 1800 by a bloke named Captain William Reid. Sailing from Sydney in search of Newcastle Harbour, he made a wrong turn and accidentally ended up in the lake. As a result, the lake was called "Reid's Mistake" until it was eventually changed in 1826.
And at little more than an hour's drive from Sydney, this beautiful lake is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway.
The best way to experience the lake is to get out on the water. If you like fishing, the lake is well stocked with bream, flathead, whiting and tailor. This great
fishing guide offers plenty of useful information.
A number of boat hire businesses will help you get off the land and onto the water. If you prefer to do a bit of cruising, several companies offer sailing charters and even houseboats for hire. To take in some scenery and get a bit of exercise at the same time, hire a kayak and paddle around some of the 170-plus kilometres of the lake's foreshore.
If you'd rather keep your feet on solid ground, take in one of the many
bushwalks around the shores of Lake Macquarie, as well as in nearby areas like
Watagan Mountains National Park.
And at the end of a busy day exploring, there's no better way to enjoy the beautiful surrounds than to barbecue up the day's catch and wash it down with a beer or two.
For accommodation options, the Visit Lake Macquarie
website is a very handy resource, while sites like
Stayz are great for tracking down holiday houses to rent.
When you're planning your next weekend getaway, look to Lake Macquarie.
