Walking and cycling

Walking and cycling

Lace up your shoes or clip on your helmet and enjoy some amazing separated walking and cycling trails along the Lake Macquarie foreshore, coastline and hinterland mountains.

Shared tracks

You’ll find picturesque shared walking and cycling paths throughout Lake Macquarie, including one of the premier trails in the region. The 15km Fernleigh Track follows a disused rail line from Blacksmiths all the way to Adamstown in Newcastle, passing through wetlands, bushland and historic Fernleigh rail tunnel under the Pacific Highway.

Walk, scoot or ride along the shared path stretching from the Museum of Art and Culture yapang in Booragul, at the northern end of the lake, through Speers Point Park and the Warners Bay foreshore to the overwater Red Bluff Boardwalk and Croudace Bay. Cyclists can continue on the road to Belmont and the start of the Fernleigh Track, and everyone can explore the 7km-long shared path around Belmont’s Green Point Foreshore Reserve.

Coastal hiking and biking trails

Soak up spectacular ocean views on trails all along the coastline, with tracks to suit most levels of fitness. Follow the winding Bombala walking track in the Glenrock State Conservation Area to secluded Dudley Beach, or slip on your riding gloves for a thrilling ride along the nearby Glenrock mountain biking trails.

Prefer an easy walking track? Explore Glenrock Lagoon in the Glenrock State Conservation Area, or amble through the dunes above Redhead Beach along the boardwalks and pathways of the Ken & Audrey Owens Walkway.

Head south to tackle the challenging Coastal walking track from Caves Beach to Wallarah National Park. The national park is also home to the steep Scenic mountain biking trail, and the Yondeo walking and cycling trail – both tracks lead to tiny Pinny Beach.

Further south, beyond Catherine Hill Bay, the scenic Moonee Beach Trail leads to sheltered Moonee Beach and Ghosties Beach in Munmorah State Conservation Area.

Into the hinterland

Head inland to explore bushwalking trails through the rainforest and eucalyptus forests of Watagans National Park and soak up great views from the Monkey Face and The Narrow Place lookouts. If you’re an experienced bushwalker, you may want to take on the tough Watagans section of the Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle.

Looking for a faster pace? Challenge yourself on the world-class mountain biking trails of Awaba Mountain Bike Park in Awaba State Forest, on the edge of the national park.