hero media

Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake just got an upgrade

Credit: Destination NSW

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
One of Lake Macquarie’s most popular waterfronts just got a major makeover.

Sweeping surf beaches with unique rock formations, scenic walking tracks, incredible dining options, a laid-back atmosphere: there are plenty of reasons to holiday in Lake Macquarie. But one of the most fascinating features, and the area’s namesake, is Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake – and the water’s edge just got a $2.8 million makeover.

Exploring the lake

a family walking out onto the old belmont wharf
Take a boat tour, or push out on your own. (Credit: Destination NSW)

This expansive lake cuts a striking, irregular shape through the land. Connected to the Tasman Sea via the Swansea Channel, its calm waters are perfect for watersports. You’ll find plenty of places to hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, or join a tour – there are even night-time tour options.

It’s also a renowned boating and sailing destination (whether you’re heading out in your own, or joining a tour), which makes this renewed wharf even more exciting.

“Enjoying the lake is a pivotal part of life in Lake Macquarie, so it’s critical we continue to deliver modern, accessible infrastructure that makes it easy for our community to get on and around the water and do what they love," said Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz.

The new Belmont wharf

aerial of the new belmont wharf
The new wharf is longer and better.

For the last 50 years, Belmont has enjoyed a timber jetty, jutting out into the lake. This has quickly become one of the most popular waterfront hubs in the area, offering waterfront dining, scenic walks and biking trails and plenty of watersports.

Now, it’s been upgraded to be longer, stronger and better equipped to weather the elements. Not to mention, a new pump-out facility to help protect the environment (also great news for swimmers diving into the 70-metre netted Belmont Baths).

“This new wharf will serve the community for many years to come, offering a purpose-built place to access activities on the lake and take in the spectacular scenery," said Shultz.

“Lake Macquarie is made for days on the water, and now Belmont Street has a wharf to match," agreed Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley.

The wharf is a great, scenic stop along the popular seven-kilometre walking/cycling track Green Point Foreshore Reserve. Follow the lake foreshore between Belmont and Valentine, through bushland and ocean boardwalks, learning local history along the way.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Things to do in Belmont

a couple wlaking along Green Point Foreshore Reserve
Follow the seven-kilometre Green Point Foreshore Reserve. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Of course, the new wharf isn’t the only reason to stop in Belmont.

Once a BHP mining site, the Belmont Wetlands take up 240 hectares of a larger coastal reserve. The perfect place for bird watching, with over 140 native and naturalised bird species having been spotted there. Keep your eyes peeled as you follow the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track, wandering over raised platforms and walk/cycling paths.

Belmont 16s Sailing Club is popular with locals and visitors for delicious meals served with a side of lake-edge views. There are a few options to choose from. For the best views and casual bites, stop into Martha Drink & Dine, or try fresh seasonal meals at the over-water SALT Kitchen. Just need a coffee fix? Pop into Good One, it’s a local favourite.

The details

bird flying aorund the old belmont wharf
The old wooden wharf stood for just over 50 years. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Where: Brooks Parade, Belmont
When: Open now.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
View profile and articles
laval hunter valley
Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley to receive first new-build luxury resort in more than two decades 

The wine region’s first new-build luxury resort in more than 20 years, Laval Hunter Valley, will open its doors in the second half of 2027.

Read more
Krinklewood Winery, Broke
Hunter Valley

Taste exceptional drops at the best vineyards in the Hunter Valley

Nail your wine itinerary without missing a single superstar with our comprehensive round-up of the best vineyards in the Hunter Valley.

Read more
the Hunter Valley Horses from above
Hunter Valley

14 unique Hunter Valley wine tours for more than easy transport

Score a designated driver and unexpected exploration with our pick of the best Hunter Valley wine tours.

Read more
Binnorie Dairy, Pokolbin
Hunter Valley

A foodie’s guide to the divine Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese trail

Elevate pure liquid gold with the finest Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese experiences.

Read more
hero media

After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    Continue
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.