Lake Macquarie Archives - Destination's Journey

11 July 202324 June 2023

Watagan Cycle Track Warners Bay

Watagan Cycle Track Warners Bay New South Wales, Australia

Running along the edge of Lake Macquarie, between Speers Point and Warners Bay, the Watagan Cycle Track is a shared walking and cycling pathway. One of Lake Macquarie’s most popular recreation spots, it offers incredible water views and an interesting bridge crossing. The track is relatively flat and family-friendly and is suitable for all levels of fitness.

We drove and parked in the Eleebana Carpark, although there are many other places to leave your car. The track is easily accessible by public transport, as it is only a short walk from Warners Bay or Speers Point bus stops.

As a part of the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery’s Sculpture Park, it features a range of artworks by local and national artists. The track also passes by several parks and reserves, such as Speers Point Park, which has a large playground and picnic facilities.

The highlight of the track was the footbridge that extends over the shore of Lake Macquarie. From here there are beautiful views over the lake as well as the opportunity to see some water birds.

Finishing our walk at the Warner’s Bay shops, we bought coffees and sat on the foreshore to relax before retracing our steps back to the carpark.

Walking and cycling track with Lake Macquarie on the left

Walking and cycling track extending over Lake Macquarie — Walking and cycling track with Lake Macquarie on the left

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

18 February 202310 February 2023

Swansea Boardwalk New South Wales

Swansea Boardwalk

Only opened in late 2022, the new 230m long Swansea Boardwalk is a great way to experience Lake Macquarie and the mangrove forest. Located near Swansea New South Wales it is easily accessible with a newly upgraded carpark. Access onto the boardwalk is wheelchair friendly, with the boardwalk being flat its entire length.

The Boardwalk

At only 230m, this is a very short walk, however the views are amazing. Being able to walk through the mangroves and not getting you feet wet and muddy is great. You are able to see into mud flats at low tide and see into the forest.

As you walk the views over the lake are great. At the end of the walk, you can see over the Lake to Wangi Wangi and the old decommissioned power station. A small dirt track continues from this point along the Swansea Channel for those who want to extend their walk.

The boardwalk — The Boardwalk passing through mangroves

The Swansea Boardwalk passing through mangroves — The Boardwalk passing through mangroves

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

12 February 20225 April 2022

Microlight Flight Lake Macquarie

Microlight Flight Lake Macquarie

This was a fantastic Christmas present from my wife. A 30-minute microlight flight out of Lake Macquarie Airport, with amazing views of the coast.

Operated by Airborne Flight Training, who also build the Airborne M4 Sports microlight we flew in, the flight surpassed all of my expectations.

After a quick safety briefing and the fitting of safety helmet and seatbelt, we were off and flying in no time. We were soon over the coast and heading north towards Newcastle. Flying over places we have hiked has a totally different perspective from 500m. Everything seems more accessible and open, whereas when hiking you feel closed in by the trees. The pilot pointed out places of interest and asked if there was anything specific I was interested in seeing.

Flying over Redhead Beach, we saw the shark tower, while people walked on the beach. At Merewether, the Ocean Baths were busy with swimmers doing laps while surfers waited for waves. On reaching Newcastle the view over the city and harbour was amazing, letting us see further north to Nobbys.

The return flight south took us further inland, so the views changed. Flying in this direction, we could see over Lake Macquarie and Blacksmiths Beach.

Before I knew it, we were back on the ground at the airport and taxiing along the runway. This was an amazing experience that I really enjoyed. The expert and professional pilot made me feel safe at all times which is very important in such a small aircraft. This is a family run business, and the flights could be longer if you wish. See the web for more details.