Six cosy things to do this winter in Lake Macquarie

Live like the locals do with a holiday home stay on the lake. Snuggle in a lakefront cottage for the ultimate couples retreat, or give the whole family plenty of breathing space with a lake house to fit the kids and grandkids. Over winter, two local holiday house websites are offering some real cool specials. Stay for four nights in a Lakeshores Accommodation and only pay for three with the code ‘winterdeal’ – or get 15 per cent off at The Fam on any winter stay over two nights. All you have to do is choose the location that tickles your fancy, check for availability, and enter the code ‘winterdeal’ at checkout.

The M.V. Lady Mac may just hold the key to the long lunch of your dreams. With an alfresco sun deck, experience the lake’s incredible scenery and wildlife as you meander around the many bays and islets toward Pulbah Island Nature Reserve. Being twice the size of Sydney Harbour, there’s plenty to uncover on the waters of Lake Macquarie, and Lake Mac Cruises will tour it all. Kick back on the ‘loop the lake’ or ‘lunch on the lake’ cruises while the crew prepare your fresh barbecue buffet lunch, finishing off with sweet dessert. Both are 20 per cent off with the code ‘WINTERDEAL’ here.

It isn’t a trip away to the coast until you crack open a cold one. The good people at The Yard Brewery and Smokehouse are doing one better by serving up craft brews from the source, plus low ’n’ slow-cooked pulled pork and smoked brisket. If you nerd out on how the liquid gold is made, Yard Kings Brewing Co. is offering their weekday tour of the brewery and a tasting paddle (usually $25pp) for $15pp. If you’d rather kick back and enjoy the live music on the weekend, you can snag a burger and a schooner for only $25 during the colder months (save $12).

It isn’t something you casually add to your existing coastal itinerary, but we reckon this one is worth travelling to Lake Macquarie for alone. Celebrant Fiona Hall and photographer Sarah Moy have created a Winter ‘Elope and Capture’ package for loved-up couples who are happy to get hitched with a maximum of 15 guests. Say ‘I do’ at the foothills of the Watagan Mountains in a short and sweet 30-minute ceremony, and leave the paperwork to the professionals while you have an hour-long portrait session at the whimsical Wilde Studios and Farm. Eloping already gives you the leg up on spenny wedding costs, but this package, valued at $2,350, is an amazing price of $1,950.

Whether you’re looking to shuttle guests to your elopement, or you just want a hassle-free tour of the nearby Hunter Valley vineyards, City to Cellar Driver Services can pick you up, and they can do it for 20 per cent off this winter. They’re based in Lake Macquarie, and service both individuals and small groups. Book your trip with them in advance on 0435 087 249 or email info@citytocellar.com and mention promo code ‘WINTERDEAL’.

Sir William Dobell is kind of a big deal. He’s a three-time Archibald prize winner and has produced some incredible portraits and landscape works. Dobell House, where he lived and worked in Wangi Wangi Lake Macquarie, is regularly open to the public and serves as the headquarters to the annual Dobell Festival. This month-long affair always incudes a mix of free and ticketed events like the Young Dobell 2025 exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture for little, aspiring artists. This year, Dobell House celebrates an impressive 100 years, so catch some extra special works like ‘Truth Tell’ and the generative video work of 'Fresque Grotesque’ by Alison Moore. You may be inspired by Dobell and sign up for one of the many arts classes on offer.