Awabakal people called it Ky-yee-bah, meaning ‘place of games’ and held events here such as canoe races in large gatherings. Vast flocks of pelicans who inhabited Lake Macquarie gave Pelican its name. With a population of around 880, the Lake Macquarie suburb of Pelican now hosts a gorgeous family-friendly foreshore. Pelican Foreshore Playground is only one of many attractions for families. With a sandy water’s edge and a huge grassed area, it’s popular with the locals for many reasons. Cast your line in, as the kids build sandcastles or enjoy a picnic lunch.
Pelican Foreshore Playground
For a party or a family gathering, Pelican Playground is a great option for little ones or older kids who would like to explore the foreshore. The playground is completely fenced, with undercover tables, and loads of space for a picnic rug and chairs. The equipment includes a couple of slides, 4 swings, 2 for toddlers, and multiple areas to climb. Just outside the fence is a covered BBQ facility, and then across the park, you’ll find tables, toilets, and rotundas to utilise.
Pelican Foreshore Reserve
Pelican is one of our gorgeous parks that wraps around Lake Macquarie, however, this one has its own pockets of sandy beach. In summer, or winter, we all know how much the kids love building sandcastles, so pack the bucket and spade. In summer bring your beach umbrella along as the afternoon sun lights up the foreshore making it perfect for a swim.
The foreshore down at Pelican is also a great spot for a fish. You can try one of the many spots around the water’s edge. Check the tide as the water moves fast in this part of the channel. Want to take the kids fishing? Read our guide on Fishing Lake Macquarie with Kids.
Getting to Pelican Foreshore
Down past Lake Macquarie Airport (the old Aeropelican), you’ll see a turn from the Pacific Hwy into Soldiers Road Pelican. Follow that to the end and you’ll arrive at the foreshore and playground.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
Down alongside the jetty at Pelican, you’ll find our local Marine Rescue boat base. Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie has an important role in safety on Lake Macquarie and out at sea. What you might not know is they also provide valuable education for boat owners. These include boat & PWC license courses, Marine Radio LROCP, and other courses. Their website will give you access to 24/7 weather reports, radio checks, bridge bookings, and assistance.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie also man the radio base perched on top of the headland at Swansea Heads. Directly above the rock pools at Swansea heads.
Their highly skilled volunteers provide a Log-on/Log-off service for the safety of vessels leaving and entering our lake. If you see a Marine Rescue fundraiser out and about in Lake Macquarie, make sure you dig deep. One day you might call on these guys to help you
References:
ABS: Census Pelican {Accessed 16/6/20}
Lake Mac Libraries: Pelican History {Accessed 16/6/20}
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie {Accessed 16/6/20}
