Lake Macquarie History

Places

Lake Macquarie is renowned for its beautiful salt water lake, but also boasts many other beautiful sites. These sites are significant, both historically and culturally.

photo: charlestown heights estate

Prior to white settlement, the lake and its surrounds was the home to the Awabakal People, who enjoyed the wealth of resources found in the area. Dreaming Stories are attached to many places explaining life, culture and natural phenomena. The recognised aboriginal places found in and around Lake Macquarie are of great cultural significance.

The focus of white settlement was around the European discovery of coal in the late eighteenth century, originating in Newcastle, then spreading to the shores of Lake Macquarie. Small settlements were built around the coal mines, and as the communities grew, suburbs emerged. This saw the area being declared a municipality in January 1977, eventually evolving into a city in 1984.

Suburbs in Lake Macquarie

Acknowledgement of Country

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and Council's cultural collections may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

This website may contain place names, opinions and terms that reflect authors' views or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded. These may not be considered appropriate today.

If you experience any issues with the website or its content please contact us [email protected]