Our local Awabakal people called it Ky-yee-bah, meaning ‘place of games’. The Awabakal people would hold 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 definitely popular with the locals for many reasons. Cast your line in, as the kids build sandcastles or simply enjoy a picnic lunch.
Pelican Foreshore Playground
For a party or a family gathering, the Pelican playground is a great option for little ones or older kids that would like to explore the foreshore. The playground is completely fenced, with undercover tables, loads of space for a picnic rug and chairs. The playground equipment includes a couple of slides, 4 swings, 2 of which are for toddlers, and multiple areas to climb. Just outside the fence is a covered BBQ facility, then across the park, you’ll find multiple tables, toilets, and rotundas to utilise.
Pelican Foreshore Reserve
Pelican is one of our gorgeous parks that wraps around Lake Macquarie, however, this one comes with its very own pockets of sandy beach. In summer or winter, we all know how much the kids love building sandcastles, so make you pack the bucket and spade. In summer bring your beach umbrella along too, as the afternoon sun lights up the foreshore and makes 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, just check the tide as the water does move fast in this part of the channel. Want to take the kids fishing? Have a read of our Fishing Lake Macquarie with Kids.
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 our boat owners. These include boat & PWC license courses, Marine Radio LROCP, and other courses. Their website will give you access to 24/7 for weather reports, radio checks, bridge bookings, and assists.
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 just 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}
