CULTURAL TRAILS MAP
Lake Macquarie is Awabakal Country. The Awabakal people cared for and nurtured this land for thousands of years. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. As you explore Lake Macquarie please acknowledge Elders past, present and future, and take care of Awabakal Country.
This guide showcases a selection of cultural experiences as you journey around Lake Macquarie. With 10 State Heritage listings, over 20 public artworks, a rich First Nations history, heritage walks, galleries, museums and theatres, the city is overflowing with natural, cultural and built environment experiences to explore and discover.
CREATIVE LAKE TRAIL Sculptures are located around the Lake at Eleebana, Warners Bay, Speers Point and Booragul
Discover more than 20 sculptures by local, national and international artists nestled around the lake on this 8 km shared track along the shore of Lake Macquarie, from Eleebana to the MAC yapang.
MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURE, YAPANG 2A First Street, Booragul
Situated in a breathtaking waterside location, MAC yapang is nested within the Sculpture Park and hosts contemporary art exhibitions. Visit and take part in a free gallery tour, workshop or browse in the shop stocking local artisan products. Open: Tue to Sun 9am to 3pm mac.lakemac.com.au
RATHMINES PARK 25 Stilling Street, Rathmines
Experience the history of the Rathmines RAAF Base, which was the largest flying boat base in Australia during WWII with the Rathmines Heritage Trail, a 1.1 km sign-posted heritage walk. Visit the Rathmines Heritage Centre, inside the Rathmines Theatre, which explores the history of Rathmines RAAF Base through a visual display by photographer Max Duplain who photographed RAAF Rathmines and the Australian experience of World War II while serving as a camouflage officer. Tours by appointment. Contact history@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
SUGAR VALLEY LIBRARY MUSEUM, KIRANTAKAMYARI 156 Portland Drive, Cameron Park
Uncover the rich cultural heritage of West Wallsend through the Westy: we built this history exhibition and immersive experiences, including a Play Museum and virtual reality underground coal mine. While there, make sure you grab a copy of the self-guided walking tour of nearby West Wallsend. Open: Tue to Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat to Sun 10am to 2pm library.lakemac.com.au
FERNLEIGH AWABAKAL SHARED TRACK Linking Adamstown to Murrays Beach, with artwork at Belmont
A 27km shared pathway and rail trail linking Adamstown to Murrays Beach and through the Belmont Wetlands. Explore former train stations, relics of mining heritage, public art and Aboriginal interpretation signage as well as Belmont Lagoon.
MARITIME HISTORY TRAIL Warners Bay
Explore the fascinating maritime history of Lake Macquarie. Visit each of the eight sites, with interpretation panels telling the story of the maritime heritage and the role the area played in the WWII. Starting at Warners Bay with VIRTUAL AWABA, weave your way around the lake and find out about boatbuilding, Catalinas, ferries, sailing and industry.
TORONTO Victory Parade, Toronto
In the 1890s, Toronto was promoted as the ‘Riviera of Australia’, following the opening of Toronto Hotel. You can also explore the rail trail along the Toronto Foreshore including the heritage Railway Station or take a dip in the almost 100-year-old Toronto Baths.
MULTI-ARTS PAVILION, MIMA 96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point
Resting on the lakeside shores in Speers Point Park, this innovative space for digital art and performance is surrounded by public artworks. Inside you will find a 360-projection gallery and a range of immersive exhibitions. Outside, is the stunning ‘Lady of the Lake’ sculpture by Sanne Mestrom and an Acknowledgement of Country in Morse code built into the brickwork of the North Wall. Open: Fri to Sun 9am to 2pm arts.lakemac.com.au
RATHMINES THEATRE, NAWAYIBA 25 Stilling Street, Rathmines
This heritage theatre is home to a range of performances and productions, including live music, theatre, dance and community events. arts.lakemac.com.au
WARNERS BAY THEATRE, BARAMAYIBA Lake Street, Warners Bay
Regularly showing dance, theatre, orchestral and live music performances, this theatre is in the heart of the Warners Bay dining and shopping precinct. arts.lakemac.com.au
LAKE CINEMA 62 Main Road, Boolaroo
Offering a nostalgic cinema experience, this 1974 cinema screens
and old films for just $10 a ticket which includes a complimentary
and biscuit. lakecinema.au
SUNNYSIDE MUSEUM 27 Avondale Road, Cooranbong
Formerly home to Ellen G. White, Sunnyside explores the historical significance of White and her journey to become a co-founder of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. sunnyside.org.au
WANGI WANGI Dobell Drive, Wangi Wangi
Home to the State Heritage-listed Dobell House, a museum and Blue Plaque location that was once home to multiple Archibald Prize-winning artist, Sir William Dobell. Look out for the Lake Macquarie Dobell Festival, held every June. Wangi Wangi is also home to larger-than-life owl sculptures and public art, WWII gun emplacements and the Wangi Circuit Walking Track, which provides stunning views.
CATHERINE HILL BAY CULTURAL PRECINCT Flowers Drive, Catherine Hill Bay
This unique coastal mining village is one of only two towns in NSW entirely Heritage-listed. Explore the Heritage Walking Trail, discover the industrial history including the iconic former coal-loading jetty, and stop in at the Catho Pub, previously the Wallarah Hotel, which has existed on the site since 1874.
PIRRITA ISLAND BOARDWALK
