Surrounding regions

While there are plenty of amazing things to do on and around the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, you can extend your holiday by exploring the surrounding regions.

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Stroll around the revitalised harbourside precinct at the port city of Newcastle, a short drive or train ride to the north of Lake Macquarie. Or head south from Swansea to explore more of Munmorah State Conservation Area, the historic Norah Head Lighthouse at Norah Head, the family-friendly seaside town of The Entrance and the shallow waters of Lake Tuggerah at the northern end of the Central Coast.

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You can also make an easy day trip of visiting some of the 150-plus wineries of the Hunter Valley, the oldest wine region in Australia – the first vines were planted in the valley in the 1820s. It’s a pleasant 50-minute drive from the western side of Lake Macquarie to the town of Pokolbin, in the very heart of the Hunter Valley, so you can be tasting sublime semillon and full-bodied reds at cellar doors within a hour of setting off from your base on the lake.

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