Looking for a different way to stay? From tiny houses and cosy cabins to lakeside rentals and holiday houseboats, there are plenty of options just 90 minutes from Sydney in lovely Lake Macquarie. 

Retreat into nature

Forget ‘go big or go home’, it’s time to get back to nature, go glamping or embrace the tiny house travel trend with these pint-sized accommodation picks in incredible settings - think emerald forests, foraging fauna, campfire clearings, plenty of privacy and unique eco builds. 

Don’t be fooled by the term tiny because these luxurious, modern cabins are set with everything you need whilst escaping from the rest of the world. In2thewild’s tiny houses located in Lake Macquarie sleep two to four and provide all your basics. Bring only food & drinks – they will arrange everything else.  

Nestled in a secluded rainforest clearing in Lake Macquarie is Tiny Robinson, this peaceful retreat feels like your miles away any kind of civilisation but only a short drive to some of Lake Macquarie’s best open spaces where you can refresh and reset. 

Kookaburra’s Rest is an opulent glamping experience located in Wyee Lake where guests can enjoy uninterrupted privacy and soak in an outdoor bath under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights for an utterly unique romantic experience. Available for hire for an intimate escape for two, or for a group of friends using two spacious tents, Kookaburra Ridge offers a campfire, sound system and the chance to truly get off the grid. 

Float your (house) boat

For the most immersive possible experience of Lake Macquarie, it’s hard to go past a houseboat stay for a floating holiday for the entire family. With fully-equipped houseboats sleeping from six to 10 people, Lake Macquarie Houseboats provides the perfect platform to explore all corners of the lake, whether you fancy chilling on the deck for sunset drinks, doing a spot of fishing, paddling about on a kayak or hitting one of the many restaurants along the waterfront. 

Heavenly holiday rentals

When it comes to private holiday home rentals, Lake Macquarie boasts everything from cute cabins to huge homes made for group getaways. 

With an idyllic location waterfront location at Blacksmiths, close to popular Grannies Pool, as well as restaurants and cafes, Modern Beach House is the epitome of a chic coastal escape with its white décor, natural rattan and textiles and plenty of natural light. Featuring three bedrooms, it’s ideal for either a family or group of up to six friends. 

Larger families or groups will love this roomy four-bedroom Lakefront Home with all the bells and whistles. Sleeping up to eight people with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, its own pool, a private jetty and a cosy fireplace, the property has multiple indoor and outdoor living zones so everyone can socialise together or spread out and snuggle up with a book in peace. 

With unobstructed views across to Newcastle, this house is the perfect pick to book to make the most of the New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations – you can even bring your own boat! 

Waterfront beauty

A longstanding favourite with visitors and locals alike, Caves Coastal Bungalows, nestled in the dunes of Caves Beach on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie offers luxury accommodation in an unrivalled accommodation. 

Surrounded by natural greenery with sensational ocean views, it’s the perfect getaway with accommodation options including bungalows, self-contained villas and townhouses, and a four-bedroom beach house ensuring there’s an option for everyone from couples looking for a romantic escape to groups of friends and families. 

From sandy beaches to stroll along to an on-site pool, bar and restaurant with a paddock and ocean-to-plate philosophy, guests have everything they need for a sublime stay at their doorstep, as well as easy access to the rest of Lake Macquarie’s key attractions. 

Serenity by the Lake is another premium pick, where guests can indulge in a romantic waterfront escape in a private waterfront guest house. Enjoy a bottle of bubbly and a gourmet cheese platter on arrival, then head to the private jetty for easy access to the lake for a spot of stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. In the evening, enjoy the serenity of the lake with a glass of wine by the outdoor firepit – bliss!

Magical resort style

World-class waterfront development Trinity Point is a magnificent marina which has quickly become a destination in its own right. With the ambience of a luxury marina resort set upon 23 hectares of lakefront land, visitors can stay in a choice of accommodation options ranging from one to four-bedrooms with easy access to endless water activities on the lake, as well as fabulous fine dining at the acclaimed on-site contemporary Italian restaurant, 8 at Trinity. 

Another family favourite on the lake is Rafferty’s Resort, where guests can choose from two, three and four-bedroom cottages, terraces and homes, as well as plenty of activities for all ages, including four tennis courts, four pools – included heated and children’s options – playgrounds, BBQs and a restaurant and café. 

Whether you choose to travel now or want to plan an escape for when summer comes back around, look no further than one of the most beautiful corners of Australia, Lake Macquarie. 

To learn more about the Lake Macquarie and find where to stay when you visit, please visit: http://www.visitlakemac.com.au