Walking and cycling

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.

A full list of Lake Macquarie shared pathways is available in our fold-out cycling map and online cycling map.

View the online cycling map

Download the fold-out cycling map

Major projects

Richmond Vale Rail Trail

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

Shared pathways/cycle ways

Bareki Road, Eleebana to Valentine

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

Charlestown to the Fernleigh Track via Whitebridge cycle route

Council is completing feasibility studies and concept proposals for a new shared pathway between Charlestown and Whitebridge.

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Fernleigh Track to Dudley cycle route

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.

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Pasterfield Shared Path

The Pasterfield Shared Path will connect the existing shared path near Albatross Avenue, Cameron Park and the Pasterfield Sports Complex.

The primary objectives of the 240m path are to:

Improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity.
Improve safety by providing a dedicated shared pathway.

Construction began in May 2024 and is expected to be complete in October 2024.

The route will be closed during this time, and the community will have to alternative options to travel.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Feedback on the project can be directed to the email address [email protected]

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