Rathmines Park

Rathmines Park, on the western shores of Lake Macquarie, is a peaceful lakeside reserve that blends World War II history with classic Australian outdoor recreation. Once a secret Catalina flying boat base, the park now offers picnic shelters, a boat ramp, and gentle walking trails with views across the lake. The calm, protected waters make it a favourite for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders, while weekend anglers cast lines from the grassy banks. It’s a low-key spot to soak up the lake lifestyle without the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Catalina Memorial & Historic Hangars – Interpretive signs and the remnants of the No. 11 Squadron RAAF base, where Catalina flying boats patrolled the Pacific during WWII.
• Lakeside Picnic & BBQ Areas – Shaded tables and electric barbecues right on the water, perfect for a relaxed lunch with lake views.
• Boat Ramp & Kayak Launch – A concrete ramp and calm waters make it easy to get a boat, kayak, or SUP onto the lake.
• Walking & Cycling Paths – Short, flat trails along the foreshore connect to the wider Lake Macquarie shared pathway network.
• Birdwatching & Fishing – Look for pelicans, swans, and sea eagles; fishing from the bank or jetty yields bream and flathead.

Suggested Time to Spend

Rathmines Park is a stopover rather than a full-day destination. Allow 1–2 hours to wander the memorial, enjoy a picnic, and launch a kayak. If you’re combining it with a longer paddle or fishing session, you might stay half a day. The park works well as a lunch break during a self-drive loop of Lake Macquarie’s western side.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Toronto – A lively lakeside town 10 minutes north with cafés, a ferry wharf, and the Toronto Foreshore Park.
• Watagans National Park – 20 minutes west, offering rainforest walks, lookouts, and the historic Awaba Mountain Bike Park.
• Murrays Beach – A scenic coastal suburb on the lake’s eastern side, with a boat ramp and the popular Murrays Beach walking track.
• Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area – Protected bushland and wetlands south of the park, ideal for bushwalking and birdwatching.
• Newcastle – A 30-minute drive east, with its famous beaches, harbour baths, and revitalised city centre.

Please check official sources for current details.