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Hunter is top spot for holidays

TTHE Hunter region stretches from the serene Lake Macquarie in the south, north to Newcastle and Port Stephens and inland to the west across to Maitland, Cessnock and the famous wine district of the Hunter Valley. A mere two hours drive from Sydney along the modern F3 Freeway, the scenic coastal towns are easily accessible to the holiday maker and a pleasant inland detour through rural countryside will take you to the wine country townships.
The region really has so much to offer, its hard to choose where to begin your holiday. Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake, Lake Macquarie, offers safe swimming, picturesque peaceful picnic spots, boating and fishing. If surfing, sailing and sailboarding or simply relaxing on the beach are more appealing, the towns of Blacksmiths, Swansea, Belmont and Redhead are the ideal destination. Located just off the Freeway, the towns of Toronto, Morisset and Cooranbong feature waterfalls and streams and further east lies the Watagan State Forest, rich in the natural beauty of Australian flora and fauna.
Newcastle's central location within the Hunter Region makes it an ideal base for the holiday maker. Although a manufacturing town at heart, Newcastle boasts a rich historical heritage as well as numerous parks, gardens and recreational areas. Newcastle and Merewether Beaches are both safe for swimming and the town itself can provide everything needed for the ideal getaway
Lake Macquerie
The Lake Macquarie district offers the visitor beaches, rainforests, a vast lake, restaurants, galleries, shopping centres, gardens, history and culture and much more. Easily accessible and with a wide range of accommodation available, Lake Macquarie will appeal to holiday makers of all ages and, with its ideal coastal climate, will provide the perfect relaxing or fun-filled getaway.
The coastal, sandy beaches are a delight for all ages and the visitor can explore the sheltered coves and inlets. The great waterways are a mecca for fishing enthusiasts and there are numerous sections of foreshore which are ideal for surfing such as Blacksmiths and Caves Beaches. The Watagan State Forest to the west offers the scenic and restful beauty of a natural rainforest with streams, waterfalls, bushwalks, stunning lookouts and a myriad of Australian wildlife.
The towns of the area provide the visitor with everything they could need from fine restaurants serving superb, local wines to nightclubs, art galleries and sporting venues. There are also a major shopping complex and a wealth of accommodation to choose from including motels, cottages, resorts, houseboats and even luxury cruisers and yachts.
Historical towns such as Cooranbong and Catherine Hill Bay take the visitor back in time to a bygone age. Ancient Aboriginal tools and paintings can be viewed at the Bahtabah Arts and Crafts Centre and there is a unique collection of South Sea artefacts on display at Avondale College. The discerning visitor will be well rewarded with a visit to the Lake Macquarie Regional Art Gallery and numerous smaller galleries which feature paintings, ceramics, pottery, leather and glass products by wonderfully talented local artists
The vast stretch of coastline and extensive bays and inlets of Lake Macquarie offer a wealth of aquatic activities for visitors to the area. Boating and fishing are a main activity in the lake and offshore and rock fishing is always popular. Tackle shops and boat launching ramps are readily accessible. Alternatively, the region offers surfing, water skiing, canoeing, sailing and sail boarding. For something different, a floating restaurant is available for superb dining and water taxis, cruisers and catamarans are available for charter.
Bushwalking tracks are found throughout the Watagan Mountains with stunning views to be experienced from Mount Sugarloaf. Horse riding is also popular and the numerous parkland areas are ideal for a family picnic.
There are numerous golf courses in the region and bowling and tennis are also on offer. Clearly, Lake Macquarie has everything for the ideal getwaway, whether you wish to relax or have a fun-filled, exciting adventure.
Newcasatle
The city on the beach, Newcastle offers the visitor history, culture, superb dining, beaches and a wealth of diverse and fun-filled activities to enjoy. King Edward Park features a sunken garden whilst Blackbutt Reserve is a must for the visitor with aviaries, barbecue facilities and a koala exhibit.
For the culturally inclined, the Newcastle Regional Art Gallery has a wealth of colonial art work as well as modern paintings, sculptures and ceramics. A visit to the historic Queen's Wharf is a must with it's restaurants and cafes and the recently restored Civic Theatre provides a rewarding cultural experience. Heritage walks through the town will reveal some fascinating historical buildings such as a court house, military barracks and several Victorian architectural marvels. Another unique attraction not to be missed is Fort Scratchley which features World War II artillery and a museum.
A different major attraction in the area is the Shortland Wetlands located on the outskirts of Newcastle. Here, the visitor can walk through an unusual environment of wetland flora and experience the fascinating wildlife found there.
Shopping, dining in fantastic seafood restaurants and a wonderful nightlife all combine to make a trip to Newcastle, well worth the journey.
Newcastle, Merewether, Bar, Dixon Park and Nobbys Beaches are all on offer for swimming, surfing or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun. In particular, Newcastle Beach provides the ideal conditions for the avid surfer as well as the Canoe Pool especially for children and floodlit Ocean Baths.
Sightseeing, shopping, beach walking, fishing, tennis and other sporting actvities combine to create the ideal holiday. The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens are a delight and for a pleasant stroll through natural Australian bushland, the Myall Lakes National Park is perfect. Newcastle also boasts a superb golf course.
Newcastle offers the convenience and excitement of a busy city with the ideal central location for touring the magnificent Hunter Region. Not only does it offer it's own unique attractions, but it can serve as the starting point for your tour of the Lake Macquarie district, scenic Port Stephens to the north, the magnificent wineries of the Hunter Valley and, of course, the beauty and peace of the Watagan Mountain area.