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Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake just got an upgrade

Credit: Destination NSW

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
One of Lake Macquarie’s most popular waterfronts just got a major makeover.

Sweeping surf beaches with unique rock formations, scenic walking tracks, incredible dining options, a laid-back atmosphere: there are plenty of reasons to holiday in Lake Macquarie. But one of the most fascinating features, and the area’s namesake, is Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake – and the water’s edge just got a $2.8 million makeover.

Exploring the lake

a family walking out onto the old belmont wharf
Take a boat tour, or push out on your own. (Credit: Destination NSW)

This expansive lake cuts a striking, irregular shape through the land. Connected to the Tasman Sea via the Swansea Channel, its calm waters are perfect for watersports. You’ll find plenty of places to hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, or join a tour – there are even night-time tour options.

It’s also a renowned boating and sailing destination (whether you’re heading out in your own, or joining a tour), which makes this renewed wharf even more exciting.

“Enjoying the lake is a pivotal part of life in Lake Macquarie, so it’s critical we continue to deliver modern, accessible infrastructure that makes it easy for our community to get on and around the water and do what they love," said Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz.

The new Belmont wharf

aerial of the new belmont wharf
The new wharf is longer and better.

For the last 50 years, Belmont has enjoyed a timber jetty, jutting out into the lake. This has quickly become one of the most popular waterfront hubs in the area, offering waterfront dining, scenic walks and biking trails and plenty of watersports.

Now, it’s been upgraded to be longer, stronger and better equipped to weather the elements. Not to mention, a new pump-out facility to help protect the environment (also great news for swimmers diving into the 70-metre netted Belmont Baths).

“This new wharf will serve the community for many years to come, offering a purpose-built place to access activities on the lake and take in the spectacular scenery," said Shultz.

“Lake Macquarie is made for days on the water, and now Belmont Street has a wharf to match," agreed Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley.

The wharf is a great, scenic stop along the popular seven-kilometre walking/cycling track Green Point Foreshore Reserve. Follow the lake foreshore between Belmont and Valentine, through bushland and ocean boardwalks, learning local history along the way.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Things to do in Belmont

a couple wlaking along Green Point Foreshore Reserve
Follow the seven-kilometre Green Point Foreshore Reserve. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Of course, the new wharf isn’t the only reason to stop in Belmont.

Once a BHP mining site, the Belmont Wetlands take up 240 hectares of a larger coastal reserve. The perfect place for bird watching, with over 140 native and naturalised bird species having been spotted there. Keep your eyes peeled as you follow the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track, wandering over raised platforms and walk/cycling paths.

Belmont 16s Sailing Club is popular with locals and visitors for delicious meals served with a side of lake-edge views. There are a few options to choose from. For the best views and casual bites, stop into Martha Drink & Dine, or try fresh seasonal meals at the over-water SALT Kitchen. Just need a coffee fix? Pop into Good One, it’s a local favourite.

The details

bird flying aorund the old belmont wharf
The old wooden wharf stood for just over 50 years. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Where: Brooks Parade, Belmont
When: Open now.

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

    As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

    Slip, slop, slap.

    And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

    Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

    1. Underwater worlds

    two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
    Get a chance to swim with the locals.

    There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

    Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

    Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

    2. Farm-to-table dining

    table spread at Potager restaurant
    Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

    Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

    The award-winning Potager Restaurant, part of The Hinterland Collection, is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

    Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House. This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

    3. Water wellness

    Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
    Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

    You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

    4. Restorative seaside stays

    woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
    Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

    The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

    While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

    5. Tasty drops

    Husk Farm Distillery
    Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

    The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

    6. Rail trail adventures

    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

    Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

    Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

    7. Linger longer

    surfer at fingal heads the tweed
    Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

    Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

    Tweed Holiday Parks
    Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

    Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au.