More than twice the size of Sydney Harbour and just 90 minutes north of Sydney, Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere. Just 10kms off the M1 Motorway, but hidden amongst natural bushland, the lake is an aquatic holiday playground. Dress code is “year-round casual”, with shorts and T-shirts the order of the day… and night! Around the lake you won’t be able to stop yourself easing into holiday mode, with the serene soundtrack of gently lapping waves and sizzling barbecues pushing the hustle and bustle of city life well into the background.

But excitement is right on your doorstep if you want it! Check out some of these amazing experiences...

The Matt Hall Exclusive

Fly with 2019 Red Bull Air Race World Champion Matt Hall, a Newcastle boy based right on the shores of Lake Macquarie. A former RAAF Wing Commander, Hall amassed seven race wins and 30 career podiums in the air race and now you can tick a flight with the champ off your bucket list! An extreme 20-minute high energy flight with Matt Hall himself, in his Extra 300L two seat race aircraft. Your 20-minute flight will start off with some warm-up manouvers over the beautiful beaches of Lake Macquarie, then build to some more advanced aerobatics while Matt takes you through some of his Airshow routine.

Aerobatics above the Lake!

Aerobatics and scenic flights meet with The Ultimate Experience! Their mission is your enjoyment, to help you choose how much you cruise and how much time you spend upside down! or check out the Hunter Explorer, a 30-minute flight over the glistening beaches of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie or the famed vineyards of the Hunter. How about an exhilarating joy flight or a scenic biplane or helicopter flight, or even a skydive? You can experience all that plus water-ski, jet-ski, kayak and stand-up paddleboard on the wide blue expanse of "Lake Mac", as the locals like to call it.

Other outdoor experiences include rainforest hikes, exploring waterfalls and sea caves or just people-watching at the many beaches, restaurants, clubs, shops and boulevards.

Accommodation in the Lake Macquarie area ranges from stylish beach and lake houses to modern hotels, laid-back B&Bs and holiday parks. There’s something for every taste and budget, often with spectacular views of the lake or the stunning Pacific Ocean.

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