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This developing suburb in the Hunter Region is situated near the western shore of Lake Macquarie, a vast saltwater lake renowned for recreational activities.
The history of Cooranbong is closely linked with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which established a presence here in the 1890s during its missionary endeavors in Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Avondale University College, a captivating ethnographic museum focused on the South Seas, along with the Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Company, are notable institutions resulting from the Adventist community in Cooranbong.
Behind the town lies the lush rainforest and mountainous vistas of Watagans National Park, complemented by charming villages, small parks, and vacation communities along the shores of Lake Macquarie.
1. Watagans National Park
Cooranbong is partially surrounded by a 77.51-square-kilometre national park, abundant with breathtaking rainforest landscapes.
Majestic blackbutt trees and mountain blue gums shroud an underbrush of black cherry, tree ferns, and climbing vines.
Visitors can ascend to lookout points for stunning views of verdant rainforest valleys, or embark on a hike to the idyllic Gap Creek Falls, detailed further below.
The Watagan Mountains hold significant cultural importance to the Awabakal and Darkinjung People, with over 100 abstract motifs carved into the rocks throughout the park.
In the 19th century, the timber industry exploited the abundant hardwood and cedar, leaving traces of this history scattered across the landscape.
2. Lake Macquarie
Located nearby is Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, with its shores less than five minutes from central Cooranbong.
Lake Macquarie is over twice the size of Sydney Harbour, providing a plethora of experiences and activities.
A significant portion of the 32-kilometre coastline is preserved within a network of parks forming the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, allowing exploration of scenic spots like Wangi Wangi Point, which juts into the lake at the end of a peninsula.
Outdoor enthusiasts can navigate the lake by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, while fishing remains a local pastime.
On land, farmers’ markets are set up by the waterside, and visitors can enjoy remarkable views of the lake’s winding shoreline from Lake Macquarie Airport.
3. South Sea Islands Museum
The main attraction of the Avondale Estate is this museum, featuring artifacts collected by the Seventh-day Adventists during their missions to the South Sea Islands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Items transported from locations as diverse as the Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands include a rotating collection of tools, weapons, ceremonial objects, vessels, and even headhunting equipment.
The museum’s highlight is an exceptional war canoe originating from the Solomon Islands, utilized for headhunting expeditions.
Housed in a building from 1896, the museum welcomes regular visitors on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 14:00 to 16:00.
4. Sunnyside Historic Home
Commissioned by Ellen G. White (1827-1915), the American founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this residence served as her base during her six-year mission in Australia from 1895 to 1900. Sunnyside is located adjacent to the South Sea Islands Museum and lies at the edge of the Avondale College Campus that White helped establish.
The property is beautifully presented, featuring weatherboard cladding and intricate ironwork on the verandah.
Guided tours unfold the narrative of White’s life, her prolific writing career, her views on nutrition, and the diverse ways she has influenced millions.
5. Gap Creek Falls
This hike in Watagans National Park commences at the Gap Creek picnic area situated at the end of Bangalow Road.
From this point, follow a trail that ascends through dense clusters of Illawarra flame trees and red cedar.
On a warm summer day, you may rest along a picturesque area by the creek, adorned with boulders, cascades, and endangered yabbies inhabiting the pools.
Continuing onward, you will be greeted by the stunning Gap Creek Falls, a broad, silky curtain of water cascading over an amphitheater of layered sandstone.
Plan your visit after significant rainfall but allow adequate time for the roads to dry out.
6. Monkey Face Lookout
A brief jaunt into Watagans National Park from Cooranbong leads you to one of its most breathtaking viewpoints.
This lookout overlooks the Martinsville Valley, which extends to the east.
Visiting in winter offers a refreshing experience, while summer presents vibrant colors as the sun bathes the valley.
A picnic area located at the lookout is shaded by ancient ironbarks and grass trees.
Bring along a camera with a strong zoom lens or binoculars, as this region is rich in avian life, including the glossy black cockatoo.
7. Water Activities
The gentle waters and multitude of bays and inlets along Lake Macquarie’s shoreline position it as a premier destination for water sports.
Sailing, boating, and water skiing are readily available, while activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding have recently gained popularity.
Newcastle’s School of Yak offers guided eco kayak tours, while Kite & SUP operates in Warners Bay to the north, and Lake Mac Kayak & SUP Hire provides a mobile service covering the entire lakeshore.
With these smaller vessels, adventurers can explore at their own pace and rest at one of the numerous parks along the lake.
8. Fishing
Lake Macquarie is also recognized as an exceptional location for recreational fishing, whether via boat or from the shoreline.
A detailed guide to fishing spots and species would require a separate article; however, a few points merit attention.
The prime fishing hub is the jetty at Speers Point Park, situated near the lake’s northernmost extremity.
Reids Reserve at the Swansea Channel is another favored spot, often teeming with anglers vying with pelicans at Lucy’s Wall.
For those near Cooranbong, Rathmines Park is the ideal choice for local fishing.
In terms of fish, the lake supports a variety of recreational species, including sand whiting, yellowtail kingfish, dusky flathead, mulloway, luderick, bream, and Australian salmon.
9. Dora Creek
This waterway flows through Cooranbong en route to Port Macquarie.
The banks of Dora Creek are picturesque, particularly at the bend where it flows past the Avondale University College campus.
A quaint footbridge crosses here, inviting visitors to enjoy the serene greenery.
Dora Creek is also a preferred route for kayakers exploring the Lake Macquarie region, and families can utilize the grassy areas alongside to feed the ducks (birdseed is recommended instead of bread!). At Dora Creek’s mouth lies the village of the same name, recognized as the first European settlement along the lakeshore in 1840.
10. Heaton Lookout
Similar to many attractions in Watagans National Park, this impressive lookout and accompanying picnic area are accessible via 4WD along gravel and clay roads.
Heaton Lookout, positioned on the range’s initial ridge, offers an inspiring view of the coastline.
The rugged shoreline of Lake Macquarie unfolds before you, extending visually to Norah Head Lighthouse, approximately 40 kilometers to the south.
Unquestionably, the sunrise at Heaton Lookout is extraordinary, and there is a campsite available on site for those traversing the 240-kilometre Great North Walk connecting Sydney and Newcastle.
The picnic area is outfitted with covered seating and three fire pits, ideal for a unique barbecue experience.
11. Dobell House
Positioned on the narrow and winding peninsula of Wangi Wangi is the house and studio of Sir William Dobell, one of Australia’s leading 20th-century artists.
This lakeside residence was initially constructed in 1925 by Dobell’s father as a weekend retreat, and William took up permanent residence in 1950, subsequently adding an additional floor to maintain privacy for his artistic endeavors. He persisted in working here until his death in 1970.
Dobell House opens to the public on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, showcasing an array of memorabilia, interesting artifacts, family furnishings, photographs, prints, and painting supplies to provide insight into Dobell’s domestic life and creative journey.
12. Avondale Estate
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Cooranbong, embarking on a tour of its Seventh-day Adventist landmarks along the northern bank of Dora Creek is advisable.
The highlight upon arrival is the brick-constructed Sanitarium Health Food Company factory building, established in 1909. Avondale University College encompasses modern edifices intertwined with late 19th-century structures reflecting New England colonial architecture.
Noteworthy examples include Bethel Hall (1897) and College Hall (1899). Adjacent to Cooranbong Playground is the Saints Patrick and Brigid Church.
This simplified monument dates back to 1906, while the heritage-listed graveyard is even older, with its oldest gravestone dating to 1861.
13. Cooranbong Playground
The principal park in Cooranbong is a delightful space situated along Dora Creek.
For families with young children, a newly introduced playscape, partially sheltered by trees, awaits.
A charming footbridge connects visitors across the river to a picnic area, while wandering around the pond allows access to the old graveyard of Saints Patrick and Brigid Church.
On the first Sunday of each month, Cooranbong Eat Street takes place in the park, showcasing a lively market featuring an array of food trucks catering to diverse tastes.
14. Catherine Hill Bay Beach
To experience the sensation of sand beneath your feet, the Tasman Sea is accessible within a thirty-minute journey from Cooranbong.
The beaches along the two peninsulas encircling Lake Macquarie are exceptional; however, if constrained for time, Catherine Hill Bay Beach frequently appears on lists of “Australia’s 101 Best Beaches.” This patrolled beach is adjacent to a historic mining village, a remnant of which remains visible at the pier on the southern end.
Evidence of industrial past can also be spotted in the verdant hills surrounding the bay.
The beach itself is immaculate, buffeted by rolling waves that attract numerous surfers.
The sheltered southern section is ideal for swimming, and during low tide, a vast expanse of shallow water is available for less confident swimmers.
15. Rathmines Park
For those seeking another location to relax by Lake Macquarie, Rathmines Park is conveniently located just minutes east, overlooking Catalina Bay.
This well-maintained park features abundant shade from lakeshore trees and provides numerous picnic areas, barbecues, a children’s playground, a skate park, an off-leash area for dogs, a disc golf course, and walking and biking trails.
As with all the parks on the western shore, the sunrises are stunning and reward early risers.
Late May sees the Catalina Festival, which celebrates the WWII-era RAAF Base Rathmines that once occupied this area, raising funds dedicated to the preservation of a Catalina seaplane.
