REASONS TO VISIT

BLACKBUTT RESERVE Home to a variety of animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and a range of bird and reptile species, this animal reserve on 182 hectares of bush is a 30-minute drive north of Lake Macquarie. Carnley Avenue, Kotara, (02) 4904 3344, newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blackbutt-reserve

DOBELL HOUSE Visit the lakeside, heritage-listed studio and home of renowned artist Sir William Dobell. The house offers an intimate look at his original furniture and possessions, as well as extensive displays of his work. There is also a pretty garden around the house to explore. 47 Dobell Drive, Wangi Wangi, (02) 4975 4115, dobellhouse.org.au

FISHING The waterways around Lake Macquarie offer spectacular fishing. Catch bream, flathead and whiting year-round and blue swimmer crabs, kingfish, mulloway, jewfish, prawns, salmon and squid when in season.

LIVING SMART FESTIVAL This three-day free festival held during September each year celebrates all things sustainable and eco-friendly. Speers Point Park, Speers Point, (02) 4921 0333, lakemac.com.au MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURE

Visit the newly revamped Museum of Art and Culture, which showcases a range of works from classic to cutting edge.

1A First Street, Booragul, (02) 4921 0382, artgallery.lakemac.com.au

SCENIC FLIGHTS Get a bird’s eye view of the region’s breathtaking coastline as you take a joy flight and experience aerobatic moves such as G turns and spins. Lake Macquarie Airport, 864 Pacific Highway, Marks Point, 1300 790 936, matthallracing.com

WATER ADVENTURES Hire a jet ski, boat, paddle board or kayak and explore Lake Macquarie. Jet Buzz Water Sports departs from Raffertys Resort. 1 Wild Duck Drive via Raffertys Road, Cams Wharf, (02) 4972 1777, jetbuzz.com.au >

Belmont Bay with Coal Point in the background. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Luxury accommodation at Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows; Jarryd Duffey, the owner of Lake Macquarie Moorings and Marine Services; a view of Nine Mile Beach from Redhead Bluff.