Lake Macquarie History

Digital Library

photo: main road speers point looking south

Documenting the changes and developments which have shaped Lake Macquarie over time can help inform the past and shape the future, and we owe a great debt to those dedicated local historians whose passion and hard work increase the richness of our history.

The following selection of digitised books on the history of Lake Macquarie have been made possible by the generosity of authors who gave permission for us to share their work with the community.

Reids Mistake by Keith Clouten

Iron Horse and Iron Bark: Morisset and district by Beryl Mullard

Pit prop and sleepers : the story of Awaba by Doug Saxon

Charlestown Centenary 1876-1976

Bark Hut or Horse to Toronto : Awaba school 1891-1991 / by Doug Saxon

The centenary of operations at Cockle Creek: 1897-1997

100 years of local government in Lake Macquarie

Wangi Wangi and it's people

Dora Creek in the 1930s: Place Imagery and Identity in Childhood by John Holmes

Young Wallsend Colliery Ledger 1892-1907

The care of the mentally ill offender in New South Wales by Dr Les Darcy (Morisset Hospital)

Working at Morisset Hospital in the Bad Old Days by Laurie Akers

A history of Belmont Lagoon Fresh insights on a natural asset in Lake Macquarie City, NSW. Edited by Grahame Feletti, PhD

Morisset Hospital handbook for nurses

A century of ships sailing Lake Macquarie 1800-1900 by Col Gibson and Greg Jackson

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]