Lake Macquarie History

Our maritime history

This publication is available for purchase at all LakeMac Libraries branches for $5.00

The publication, 'Lake Macquarie New South Wales : a maritme history' was funded by a Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support grant.The Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme is funded by the Australian Government through the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Department of Communications and the Arts.

photo: maritime heritage booklet

The area of Lake Macquarie is estimated at over 110 square kilometres. It is the largest salt water lagoon in Australia and is four times the size of Sydney Harbour with 175km of shoreline.The Lake has been a source of sustenance, livelihood and pleasure for the people of Lake Macquarie from the earliest time of the Awabakal people, through colonial settlement and the tough times of the Great Depression.

The potential for industry and the transportation of goods to outside markets, the narrow ocean entrance provided a significant barrier to growth and expansion. It was the eventual development of road and rail transportation which opened up the Lake Macquarie region to settlers, businesses, tourists and pleasure seekers, though it brought an end to commercial boat building and a significant decline in ferry transportation.

The waters of Lake Macquarie continue to provide enjoyment for boating enthusiasts and tourists. It is a mecca for aquatic sports of all kinds, producing a number of outstanding sportsmen and women who have achieved international success. Our maritime history in the second half of the twentieth century has centred on these recreational aspects and the tourism it brings to the city, making Lake Macquarie a much desired area for residents and visitors.

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.

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