Lake Macquarie is Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake covering a staggering 110 sq km. The area is a popular tourist destination offering adventure attractions, nature trails, boating, swimming, fishing, beaches, and much more either on and around the lake area.
Sydney to Lake Macquarie by Car
The first option in the map below is the fastest route taking the M1/Pacific Mwy for most of the journey. Attractions along the way without too much detouring include the Hawkesbury River, Australian Reptile Park, and Strickland State Forest and Falls.
Journey Time: 1 h 44 min (131 km) via M1
Another option is to turn off the Pacific Mwy and take more scenic Central Coast Hwy through Gosford, Erina, Erina Heights, Wamberal, Forresters Beach, Bateau Bay, Long Jetty, The Entrance, Magenta, Noraville, Budgewoi, Buff Point, San Remo and Doyalson after which you have the options to keep going straight taking Wyee Road around and onwards to the city of Lake Macquarie or turn right and head along the Pacific Hwy around the opposite side of Lake Macquarie itself. Along the Pacific Hwy there are numerous places to explore including Wybung Head, Frazer Beach, Timber Beach, Ghosties Beach, Caves Beach etc. as you do a loop around the lake to the city of Lake Macquarie.
Journey Time: 2 h 53 min (170 km)
Sydney to Lake Macquarie by Train
By train, you can take the Central Coast & Newcastle Line (CCN) to Morriset Station and then take bus 281 to Wangi Wangi. See Transport NSW for journey planning and timetables.
Journey Time: 3 h 30 min and ticket cost $9.00