Summary
This rapidly expanding suburb is positioned on a peninsula extending from the western side of Lake Macquarie.
Along the lake’s intricately shaped shoreline, visitors can discover parks and trails that provide opportunities to observe the rich wildlife, engage in fishing, watch the sunrise, or simply relax amidst the lush greenery while enjoying the refreshing breezes.
The ocean side of the lake boasts attractive beaches accompanied by rolling surf.
Nearby Morisset lies the historically engaging area of Cooranbong, where the Seventh-day Adventists acquired vast tracts of land in the late 19th century, continuing to operate a university, the Sanitarium Health Food and Wellbeing Company, and a museum housing artifacts from their missions across the South Seas.
High in the hinterland, the Watagan Mountains are preserved as a national park, offering hiking opportunities through rainforests that lead to scenic lookouts and waterfalls.
1. Lake Macquarie
Morisset is located on the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia, stretching over 110 square kilometers and replenished by the Tasman Sea through a small channel on the eastern side.
To provide perspective on Lake Macquarie’s size, it is twice as expansive as Sydney Harbour, though its true dimension is visually masked by a shoreline marked with peninsulas, bays, and creeks.
In addition to the various water activities available at Lake Macquarie, the shoreline offers its own delights.
The State Conservation Area consists of a series of well-equipped parks providing access to the lake, where a busy summer festival season coincides with a farmers’ market operating somewhere each weekend.
The stands of eucalypt forest on the southern shore are recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), featuring nesting ospreys and masked owls, alongside visiting regent honeyeaters and swift parrots, particularly when trees like swamp mahoganies are in bloom.
2. Water Activities
Thanks to numerous sheltered waters and a shoreline interspersed with bays and creeks, it comes as no surprise that Lake Macquarie has become a premier destination for water sports.
For years, sailing has been the predominant recreational activity, supported by a minimum of ten yacht clubs located along the shore.
Water-skiing and recreational boating also thrive, while more contemporary pursuits such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding have grown in popularity.
Participants can embark on guided excursions that highlight the lake’s dolphins and green sea turtles, or they can explore independently.
Several companies offering kayak and paddleboard rentals in the Lake Macquarie area include Kite and SUP at Warners Bay, JetBuzz at Lorikeet Loop, and Lake MAC Kayak & SU Hire, a mobile service.
3. Fishing
Lake Macquarie is widely regarded as one of the finest destinations in Australia for recreational fishing.
Recent enhancements in water quality and the decline of the local commercial fishing industry have significantly bolstered this activity.
Among the diverse species available for fishing in these waters are squid, sand whiting, bream, mulloway, tailor, dusky flathead, and yellowtail kingfish.
Australian salmon make their migratory journey to the lake during the winter, while luderick, whiting, bream, and dusky flathead are plentifully caught along the Swansea Channel at the lake’s eastern entrance.
For those looking to purchase fishing gear, Fishermans Warehouse Tackle World, located by the airport at Marks Point, is a recommended stop.
4. Watagans National Park
Venturing inland from Morisset leads you to the Watagan Mountains, enveloped by rainforest and safeguarded within a national park.
Long before European colonization, this mountain range was significant to the Awabakal and Darkinjung People, who left behind numerous abstract rock carvings across the park.
A noteworthy experience is the hike to the stunning Gap Creek Falls, located along a humid gully that features stands of Illawarra flame trees and red cedar trees, alongside moss-covered rock walls and boulders.
In the early 19th century, the timber industry established itself in the Watagans, and remnants such as log chutes and sites of old sawmills serve as reminders of that era.
A plethora of scenic lookouts are scattered throughout the range, including the Narrow Place lookout, which offers a breathtaking 180-degree view spanning Hunter Valley, Cessnock, and the distant Barrington Ranges.
5. Dobell House
Located just a few minutes away in Wangi, discover the residence where the esteemed three-time Archibald Prize winner Sir William Dobell (1899-1970) created some of his most significant works.
The Dobell House originally functioned as a lakeside bungalow, constructed by Dobell’s father, Robert, in 1925. Subsequently, William adapted this unique building into both a home and studio, eventually making it his permanent residence in 1950. Typically, he sketched outdoors and then returned to his studio for painting.
Visitors can enter the house on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays to gain fascinating insights into Dobell’s artistic and domestic life.
The interior features an impressive collection of prints and photographs, along with various pieces of family furniture, easels, brushes, and a multitude of other memorabilia.
6. Monkey Face Lookout
A visit to Watagans National Park would not be complete without experiencing the magnificent view from Monkey Face Lookout.
This elevated vantage point provides an easterly view over the vast expanse of Martinsville Valley.
Notably striking is the way the light and colors transform throughout the seasons.
Moreover, the surrounding trees are home to a diverse array of bird species, making it worthwhile to bring binoculars or a camera with a good zoom.
Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy in the tranquil picnic area, set amidst mature iron barks and grass trees.
7. South Sea Islands Museum
Adjacent to the shops in the nearby Cooranbong, a sprawling estate established by the Seventh-day Adventists in the 1890s awaits exploration.
The founder, Ellen G. White (1827-1915), resided in a house on the property during her mission in Australia.
Since the 1880s, the Seventh-day Adventists had been conducting missions to the Pacific Islands, and the South Sea Islands Museum houses a captivating assortment of artifacts gathered throughout the decades.
In a house built in 1896, visitors will find an array of weapons, tools, and religious items from the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and Kiribati, among others.
The exhibits are periodically updated, but a permanent highlight is the impressive 15.8-meter-long war canoe from the Solomon Islands, historically utilized for headhunting missions.
8. Sunnyside Historic Home
Another highlight of the Avondale Estate includes Sunnyside, the residence that Ellen G. White called home during her mission in Australia.
Constructed specifically for White in 1895 and later restored, this building exemplifies understated beauty, particularly evident in the intricately designed iron detailing on the verandah.
During the tour, guests receive compelling insights regarding White’s significant yet often underappreciated contributions as a 19th-century figure.
A brief film detailing her career is presented, while the guide shares information about White’s eloquent public speaking, her numerous publications, and her groundbreaking perspectives on nutrition during the 19th century.
9. Catherine Hill Bay Beach
Arguably the finest coastline east of Lake Macquarie, Catherine Hill Bay Beach is merely a 20-minute drive from Morisset.
This location has been inducted into “Australia’s 101 Best Beaches” and caters to both surfers and those wishing to swim.
The calmer southern end of the beach is patrolled, and just beyond the rocks stands a pier that recalls Catherine Hill Bay’s history as a mining village.
Early risers can revel in the spectacle of sunrises over the Pacific Ocean, particularly picturesque when framed by the historic pier.
Additionally, remnants of the village’s coal mining past can still be found among the vegetation in the hills surrounding the bay.
10. Caves Beach
Continue a bit further up the peninsula, and you will discover yet another exquisite beach.
At its southern end, Caves Beach features rocky outcrops flanked by sandstone cliffs, which have eroded due to the surf.
While the caves are inaccessible at high tide, low tide provides an opportunity for a mini-adventure, allowing exploration of rock pools and impressive photographic opportunities.
The sandy section of the beach is relatively safe for swimming if one remains between the flags and is monitored by professional lifeguards.
When hunger strikes, the surf club features a classic canteen serving delightful takeaway options like burgers and fried squid.
11. Treetops Central Coast
The Central Coast location of this national high ropes chain is conveniently accessed via the Pacific Motorway.
Set high among the gum trees in Ourimbah State Forest, the primary attraction is the Treetop Adventure Park, where guests navigate from tree to tree across a multitude of challenging transitions, including cargo nets, suspension bridges, tunnels, and rope ladders.
With a total of 115 challenges, including 20 flying foxes— the longest measuring 200 meters— visitors can experience intense adventure.
The one-kilometer Xtreme Crazy Rider holds the title of the world’s longest rollercoaster zip line, complete with exhilarating drops and loops. Additionally, Networld provides a safe, suspended playground filled with various inflatable games.
Lastly, for aspiring climbers, the Treetops Vertical Challenges offer opportunities to enhance strength and skills on climbing walls while securely harnessed to automatic belay devices.
12. Awaba Bay Foreshore Walk
One of the loveliest yet less celebrated spots along the Lake Macquarie shoreline is this 1.6-kilometer waterfront trail featuring sections of boardwalk that traverse a swamp.
Awaba Bay is situated near the northernmost part of the lake, offering some of the finest nature-spotting experiences.
There is a good chance to observe dolphins and green sea turtles while the surrounding bush resonates with the calls of lorikeets, kookaburras, and frogs.
Grassy picnic areas amidst the bush provide perfect resting spots, and throughout your stroll, you will be refreshed by the gentle breeze blowing in from the lake.
13. Lake Macquarie Airport
The airfield positioned between the Swansea Channel and the Tasman Sea serves as a launchpoint for a variety of thrilling aerial activities.
Whether soaring skyward in a stunt plane or engaging in skydiving, participants are treated to spectacular aerial views of the Hunter Region, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, and the coastline of the Tasman Sea.
This airport is also the operational base for Red Bull Air Race pilot Matt Hall, who offers an array of high-adrenaline aerobatic flights with expert pilots.
Additionally, Skyline Aviation provides scenic helicopter tours and charters, while Skydive Newcastle offers tandem skydiving experiences that allow individuals to freefall over Lake Macquarie from an altitude of 15,000 feet.
14. Rathmines Park
Another venue to enjoy tranquility and stunning views over Lake Macquarie is Rathmines Park, just a short drive along the west shore from Morisset.
This area is situated on the site of a World War II-era airbase for flying boats, and every May, the Catalina Festival commemorates this historical chapter while raising funds to preserve a Consolidated PBY Catalina seaplane.
In terms of facilities, Rathmines Park features picnic areas equipped with shelters and barbecues, as well as a playground, skate park, dog park, and trails to admire the expansive views across the water.
