Pristine bushland, beautiful water views and history: Wangi Point at Wangi Wangi in western Lake Macquarie has it all. Offering several walking tracks, picnic spots, and fishing spots, it’s a wonderful place for families to visit in the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area.
Wangi Point has a long history. A plaque at the start of the walk notes that the area was traditionally used by the Awabakal people for hunting, fishing and gathering, and to travel to Pulbah Island (a sacred site).
In 1831, the peninsula was granted to Edward Cory, then an area of 105 acres was set aside as a nature reserve in 1897. Since then, Wangi point has been a treasured local recreation area for bushwalkers, picnickers and nature lovers.
There are four main tracks through Wangi Point. The Wangi Circuit Track roughly follows the perimeter of the point and joins up with each of the other tracks. The Wangi Circuit Track is the longest of all the tracks, at 1.7km. Although this isn’t a huge distance, the track is not particularly flat and is uneven in parts.
There are a few steps and small hills to climb up and down along the way, and areas where you can leave the main track to walk down to the shore. If you decide to do this track, leave yourself plenty of time. It’s probably best suited to school aged-kids. My four year old was a bit tired by the end (and he is a bundle of energy).
The Wangi Circuit Track meanders through the bush, along a narrow (but fairly well marked) track. If you go clockwise around the track, after a little while you will start to catch glimpses of the sparkling lake through the trees. The path is mostly elevated above the lake, but there are multiple access points to the water. It’s well worth heading down to the lake shore for a look.
There are beautiful rock platforms around the waters’ edge, and it’s a great place to look for birds and sea creatures including sea turtles!
My kids enjoyed clambering over rocks and fallen trees, and throwing pebbles in the lake. Just mind your step, because there are lots of trip hazards on the rock platforms. This would be a nice spot to stop for a bit of morning tea and a cool drink.
Continuing along the track, look out for wildflowers in springtime. There were lots in bloom when we visited.
There is also a huge tree along the way with an enormous hollow – no doubt home to some native animals.
We also walked the Botany Track. This track is shorter (perhaps about 800m return) and very scenic. This track isn’t pram friendly, but it would probably be a better walk for preschool-aged children than the Wangi Circuit Track (simply because it’s shorter, and gives easier access to the lake).
There are more spectacular rock platforms to check out along the lake’s edge here, and some great fishing and picnicking spots.
We also saw families kayaking and boating nearby, so there are lots of possibilities.
There are two other tracks at Wangi Point that we didn’t try when we visited – the Ridge Track and the Circuit Link Track – more to explore next time! There is a handy map near the car park which shows you your options. The walks are also plotted on Google Maps, which makes it easy to track your progress along the way.
The final feature of Wangi Point which my kids loved was a simple tyre swing next to the carpark, with a long rope attached. They could have played there all day. Very handy for parents needing a moment of peace to load and unload the car!
Good to know
Toilets: There are no amenities here, so make sure you use the toilet before you arrive.
Drinking Water: None. Fill up drink bottles before you head off.
Distance: Wangi Point Circuit Track is a 1.7km loop; Botany Track is approximately 800m return.
Dogs: No
Bring: Lots of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and hats. Also bring swimmers and water shoes if you want to paddle (there may be some oysters and sharp rocks in the water). It’s also best to pack a picnic rug if you plan to have a picnic. There is only one picnic table near the carpark and a few benches along the way. There are no bins, so make sure you take your rubbish with you.
Getting There: There is a carpark at Wangi Point at Wangi Wangi which gives easy access to the walking tracks.
For more information and for a trail map, visit Wangi Circuit Walking Track section on the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website.
Stay: If you want to stay longer, book into the Wangi Point Holiday Park, one of the Lake Mac Holiday Parks accommodation.
You might also like:
The Best 20 Lake Macquarie Walks To Do With Kids
The 20 Best Newcastle Walks & Bush Trails To Do With Kids
Alex moved to Newcastle with her family in 1998 and has called Newcastle home ever since. Alex is a mum to two busy boys who keep her on her toes. She has worn a few different hats over the years but is currently working part-time as a practice manager for an engineering consultancy. Alex loves travel, indoor plants and exploring rockpools at the beach with the kids.