Lake Macquarie’s dramatic coastline will be the drawcard in a new tourism tout aimed at luring nature lovers to the region this summer school holiday season.
From Saturday 9 January, locally based tourism operator CoastXP will add an 8.5km guided coastal hike through Wallarah National Park to its itinerary, taking in Caves Beach and the rugged coastal wilderness to the south.
The hike will focus on the area’s Aboriginal heritage, native flora and fauna, geology, and history since European settlement.
CoastXP director Dominic May said the COVID-safe, 2.5-hour walks were aimed at both locals and interstate and overseas visitors.
“We’ve seen from our existing experiences that a large percentage of guests are from the local area,” he said.
“I think a lot of people are keen to explore their own backyard, learn more about it and maybe take a look at parts of it they otherwise might not see.”
The Caves Coastal Hikes, approved by The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, will be hosted by Mr May and environmental scientist and wildlife guide Rachael Scott.
“They’ll cover some of the most iconic and picturesque areas of Wallarah National Park and include a drink at the end at Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows,” Mr May said.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said the guided walks added to the City’s growing number of outdoor attractions.
“It’s fantastic to see tourism operators coming up with new and exciting ways to share, appreciate and enjoy our spectacular natural assets,” Cr Fraser said.
“Whether it’s guided coastal walks, cruises on the lake, abseiling in the Watagans or skydiving from Lake Macquarie Airport, we’re so lucky to have such a wide range of activities right on our doorstep.”
The new walks follow the launch late last year of Joy Air Australia’s sightseeing seaplane flights, operating from Warners Bay and Raffertys Resort.
Boom net lake cruises, offshore adventure boat tours and lake jet-boat rides are among the other adventurous options on offer in Lake Mac during the summer holidays.
The cost of the Caves Coastal Hike is $55 per person.
See the CoastXP or Lake Macquarie City Council websites for more details.
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