Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie ranks =111th of 128 overall in NSW, with core operations the area most needing attention.
"Australia's largest coastal lake — waterfront living between Newcastle and the Central Coast"
See where Lake Macquarie ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 221,859
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
39 out of 100
#69 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#111 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 49/100 |
| Community Services | 33/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 46/100 |
| Core Operations | 26/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Lake Macquarie performs strongest in Sustainability (scoring 49 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Core Operations (currently 26 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Australia's largest coastal lake — waterfront living between Newcastle and the Central Coast
Lake Macquarie wraps around the enormous saltwater lake south of Newcastle. It offers waterfront lifestyle, boating, fishing, and family-friendly suburbs at regional prices, with the beaches of Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay on the coast.
Known For
- Lake Macquarie — Australia's largest saltwater lake
- Waterfront dining and boating lifestyle
- Catherine Hill Bay — heritage mining village with stunning beach
- Strong family suburbs with lake access
Living Here
Lake Macquarie offers the best waterfront lifestyle value in the Hunter region. The lake is spectacular, the communities are family-friendly, and Newcastle's amenity is within easy reach. A strong sea/tree-change option.
Hidden Gem
Awabakal Nature Reserve — a coastal bushland reserve between the lake and the ocean with walking trails and wildlife.