Fast facts
- Energetic Lake Macquarie town with wonderful boating
- Situated on an isthmus between lake and sea
- 131 km north of Sydney, population 9,000
Why go there
Swansea has the best of both aquatic worlds – the largest saltwater lake in the country on one side, Lake Macquarie, and on the other, the Pacific Ocean.
Swansea has a number of wonderful beaches on the lake as well as the ocean. Boating is another popular option while there is excellent waterfront dining for those wanting to sit back and enjoy a leisurely meal by the lake.
History
A coal storage and loading dock was established in 1842 at Swansea Heads on land bought by the Reverend Lancelot Threlkeld.
Around 1860 a small group of Chinese settlers lived in the Swansea area where they farmed produce and fish. In 1863 fishermen bought the first town land to be sold in Swansea and a water cargo trade for local coal was established.
With the establishment of the Sydney to Newcastle railway in 1889, the town's hopes of becoming a large commercial port ended. Today, Swansea is the largest town in the city of Lake Macquarie and a popular resort, especially for anglers.
Things to do
- Spend the day at Blacksmiths, a popular family beach which is patrolled in the warmer months.
- Explore Catherine Hill Bay, a tiny heritage village that takes you on a trip through a time warp. Largely undeveloped, the coastline here has a stunning beach, popular for fishing, surfing and swimming.
- Experience Caves Beach, which has a network of sea caves at its southern end, great picnic and barbecue facilities.
Don’t miss
- Artefacts at the East Lake Macquarie Historical Society.
- Pelican Inlet, known for its birdlife.
- The lookout at the southern end of Swansea.
- Dining at the waterfront.
- The surf at Catherine Hill Bay.
