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Lake Macquarie attractions:
8 cultural attractions in Lake Macquarie you must visit
There are so many things to do around Lake Macquarie that even the locals don’t tick everything off. If you’re looking for a free activity that you can spend a couple of hours enjoying, how about trying out one of these Lake Macquarie attractions.
Take some time out to remember our history and enjoy our art culture at these various locations. You’ll be pleased you did.
SEEN@Swansea
Located in the Swansea centre, this space hosts exhibitions that are relevant to Lake Macquarie. The themes are varied and can include local history, stories of locals and the community. There are also themed exhibitions which can be as diverse as dinosaurs or recycled art.
This is an ever changing Lake Macquarie attraction.
Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery
Currently undergoing a $2.3 million transformation and due to be reopened in November 2019. The sculpture walk along the lake is still open for visitors.
Creative Lake
Between Belmont and Toronto, 7 sculptures and murals adorn the walkway undertaken by Australian and international artists. In 2019, a sculpture called The Chimera will be installed at Speers Point Park
Redhead Shark Tower
Did you know that the iconic tower on Redhead Beach was built about 100 years ago to provide a platform to spot sharks? This is believed to be the last remaining original shark tower left on the east coast of Australia.
As the subject of many photographs it remains a dearly loved part of Redhead Beach. While you’re visiting, make sure you take a walk along the boardwalk at the back of Redhead Beach through the restored bush land. This walk is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers and takes you on a 1.2 km circuit.
Catherine Hill Bay
There are only 2 towns in NSW which are entirely state heritage listed, and this is one of them. When you travel down onto the beach you will see a part of the town’s history, a coal loading jetty which started its use in 1873.
There has been a pub on the same site in Catherine Hill Bay from 1874. Now known as ‘The Catho’ it’s well worth popping in for a drink and something to eat.
The town’s rich coal mining history still shows through today with the beautiful original buildings.
Dobell House
Located in Wangi Wangi is the home of long-term resident of Lake Macquarie, the great Australian artist Sir William Dobell. The heritage listed home still has original furnishings and examples of his amazing art.
Run completely by volunteers, you’ll have a great time visiting this lovingly preserved home and learning the history of it and its famous occupant.
Rathmines Park
During WWII this area was used as a sea plane base. It was the largest and longest serving in Australia and continues to be the most intact example in this country. The Catalina, a flying boat, had huge success and was flown out of this RAAF base until 1952. The area was then used for training purposes until 1961.
You can now visit the Catalina Memorial and Catalina Bowling Club which is in an original base building. Here you can pay your respects at the Catalina Memorial Wall and learn a little more about its history.
Virtual Awaba
Learn what our area looked like 250 years ago by enjoying this Virtual Reality experience. Our traditional owners, the Awabakal people, share 3 stories from Lake Macquarie’s Aboriginal history. Awaba means ‘place of flat or plain surface’ and was solely occupied by Aboriginals at this time.
Enjoy this experience by visiting the library at Swansea or the Lake Macquarie Art Gallery.
