About Lake Macquarie

Photo of the Lake Macquarie coastline at Swansea Heads

Location

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, mountains, and the ocean, the city of Lake Macquarie is located 90 minutes north of Sydney, 10 minutes from Newcastle, and 40 minutes from Hunter Wine Country and the NSW Central Coast.

Population

Lake Macquarie is one of the fastest growing cities in the Hunter, and one of the largest cities in New South Wales.

  • Lake Macquarie’s population is fast approaching 200,000. 
  • Lake Macquarie is the Hunter’s largest city, accounting for 37% of the Lower Hunter population.
  • Lake Macquarie is the fourth most populous city in NSW, and the eighth most populous city in Australia.
  • The population of Lake Macquarie is expected to grow by 60,000 – 70,000 people over the next 25 years, which will create a demand for 36,500 new dwellings.
  • The percentage of our population aged 55+ will increase from 29% to 39% of our total population over the next 20 years.

Landscape

Lake Macquarie has mountains, beaches, and a spectacular lake.

  • On the western side of Lake Macquarie, the Watagan Mountains incorporate 13 forests, and numerous lookouts, picnic spots, camping areas, and magnificent waterfalls.
  • Our centrepiece, the lake, has 174 kilometres of foreshore providing little sandy lake beaches, hidden coves, and secluded bays.
  • Lake Macquarie is about twice the area and volume of Sydney Harbour.
  • Lake Macquarie is one of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in Australia.

Lifestyle

Lake Macquarie’s natural playground allows bushwalking, picnicking, camping, and abseiling in the Watagan Mountains; surfing or fishing on any of the beaches; and waterskiing, sailing, or fishing on the lake.

  • Our relaxed town centres and villages offer arts, crafts and boutique shopping.
  • Our two major retail centres offer favourite chain stores and national brands.
  • Lake Macquarie’s world-class sporting facilities include:
    • Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale, recognised for Olympic-standard training and competition, and
    • BMX track at Argenton, which stages National Titles and provides training for Olympic teams.
  • Sporting events staged throughout the year include the Loop the Lake Bicycle Challenge and the Lake Macquarie Games. Our majestic lake is home to many world sailing events.

Things to Do

  • Enjoy the current exhibition at Lake Macquarie Art Gallery or stroll through the sculpture garden.
  • Visit the former residence and studio of world-renowned artist, Sir William Dobell, at Wangi Wangi’s Dobell House.
  • Enjoy a musical or theatre production at the Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre.
  • Take a leisurely stroll or bicycle ride along one of the city's many off-road pathways and take in some magnificent scenery along the way.
  • Follow the Green Point Centenary of Federation Heritage Trail to view archaeological evidence of the region’s original inhabitants, the Awabakal tribe.
  • Choose from beachside living, mountain hideaways, lakeside homes, historic houses, new estates, medium density villas, or apartment living.
Photo of children enjoying a sunny day on the rock at a beach at Lake Macquarie

Employment

  • Lake Macquarie has a workforce of 93,000 compared with 75,000 in 1996.
  • Lake Macquarie’s unemployment rate of 5.2% is the lowest in the Hunter.
  • The total number of people employed in Lake Macquarie is 70,000.
  • 71% of jobs in Lake Macquarie are filled by Lake Macquarie residents.

Business and Industry

Lake Macquarie has a diverse industry base and is not reliant on a particular industry.

  • Lake Macquarie has over 11,000 businesses, predominantly small to medium size.
  • Home business generates $1.5 billion per year for the city.
  • The town centres of Glendale and Cardiff generate as many jobs as Newcastle CBD, in excess of 15,000.
  • Leading industries as a proportion of employment include retail trade, manufacturing, and health and community services.  Together these industries employ over 30,000 people.
  • A move to smart businesses with growth in the knowledge and technology based sector.
  • The Port of Newcastle offers excellent facilities for export opportunities.

Tourism

  • Lake Macquarie has over 100 accommodation outlets.
  • Lake Macquarie welcomes 900,000 visitors per year, a third of which stay in paid accommodation.
  • Lake Macquarie tourist operators report an occupancy rate of 75% in peak periods.