Lake Macquarie City offers cycling enthusiasts and pedestrians a variety of paths and routes to explore. Our shared pathways run through areas of natural beauty, including lakeside and forest environments, and are connected in places by on road access links.
The Walking, Cycling and Better Streets Strategy(PDF, 20MB) was adopted in 2021, with a vision to create a more connected City and to embed a culture of walking and cycling within the community. It guides Council in prioritising future infrastructure to create safer, more enjoyable and convenient experiences.
We have created a cycle routes planning map to help keep our community informed on how our strategy is progressing.
Council has completed the 1.6km southern section of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST), between Belmont South and Blacksmiths. Planning and design is underway for the northern section of the track, which will complete the 3.5km link from the end of the Fernleigh Track at Belmont to Blacksmiths Beach.
Find out more about FAST
The Richmond Vale Rail Trail is a proposed 32-kilometre cycling and walking track along the former Richmond Vale rail line between Kurri Kurri and Hexham, along the former Chichester to Newcastle water pipeline between Shortland and Tarro, and through the Hunter Wetlands National Park.
The rail will traverse through several local government areas, including Cessnock, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
Find out more about the Richmond Vale Rail Trail
We are undertaking an options assessment to determine the feasibility of a shared pathway to fill the ‘missing link’ of this iconic lake foreshore pathway between Eleebana and Valentine.
Find out more about the project
Council is completing feasibility studies and concept proposals for a new shared pathway between Charlestown and Whitebridge.
Please visit Shape Lake Mac for more information about the community consultation undertaken and future opportunities to have your say.
Planning for a shared pathway from Whitebridge to Dudley will be completed in the coming years.
Investigations into this shared pathway connection will occur following the completion of investigations for the Charlestown to Whitebridge shared pathway.