COASTXP Lake Cruise & Nature Walk

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An all-inclusive lake cruise and guided nature walk on Lake Macquarie, the largest permanent saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, aboard CoastXP's custom-built adventure boat.

Days

4 hours

Age

From 8 years

Group size

Small group, max 12

Start / finish

Speers Point / Speers Point

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Custom-built adventure boat; make your own way to Speers Point

Meals

Grazing box lunch

Route

Map of COASTXP Lake Cruise & Nature Walk

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Included experiences

Lake Macquarie — boat trip past bays, beaches and islands
Wangi Peninsula — 2km guided bushwalk
Dobell Park — lunch by the lake facing Pulbah Island
Guide commentary on Aboriginal heritage and maritime history

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BY BOAT: SPEERS POINT TO WANGI PENINSULA

You board CoastXP's adventure boat at Speers Point, at the northern end of Lake Macquarie. At about 110 square kilometres it is the largest permanent saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, and to the Awabakal people, the Traditional Owners of its shores, it is Awaba, usually translated as a flat or calm surface. The boat heads down the lake past its bays, beaches and islands, with open 360-degree views. On the way your guide tells the story of the lake, from its Aboriginal heritage to its maritime and Second World War history, when flying boats were based on its western shore.

GUIDED BUSHWALK ON WANGI PENINSULA

You step off at Wangi Peninsula for a guided walk of just over 2 km on the Wangi circuit track, through the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area. Allow up to an hour and a half. The track winds through eucalypt bushland and past sandstone that wind and water have worn into small caves, with glimpses of the lake through the trees. Your guide stops along the way to explain the plants, the wildlife and the rocks underfoot. The ground is uneven in places and the walk takes moderate effort, so good walking shoes make it more enjoyable.

LUNCH AT DOBELL PARK

After the walk, lunch is on the lake shore at Dobell Park in Wangi Wangi, the village where the painter William Dobell lived from the 1940s until his death in 1970, winning three Archibald Prizes along the way. You each get your own premium grazing box from Gather & Graze, with sweet and savoury choices made to suit your dietary needs. Across the water sits Pulbah Island, the largest island in the lake and a nature reserve, its bush running right down to the waterline.

BACK TO SPEERS POINT

Then it's back on board for the cruise up the lake to Speers Point, about four hours after you set out.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Speers Point.
Minimum age: Eight years old.
Fitness: The guided bushwalk takes a moderate level of effort over uneven ground.

What to bring

Footwear for walking
A reusable water bottle
Sun-safe, breathable clothing and a hat
Sunscreen
Any personal medication you need

What is included

Boat cruise on Lake Macquarie
Guided 2km bushwalk
Individual premium grazing box lunch with sweet and savoury options, catered to your dietary needs
Water on board
Premium weatherproof jackets
Local guides with commentary on wildlife, geology and history

Not included

Transport to the departure point and parking fees

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A fantastic, well-paced day exploring Lake Macquarie by boat, then an hour's bushwalk through different bush and over a rock platform, with a few steps but nothing hard. We saw fish and a small ray, and Millie and Dom thought of everything, right down to the picnic rug and lunch.

Carol Richo Verified· Travelled 17th May 2026

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