Between Lake Macquarie and Newcastle, the coastal suburb of Redhead is renowned for its long sandy beach and great surf. Head down to the beach to swim, surf, or fish, then follow the boardwalk through the surrounding dunes and wetlands. At the south end of the beach, you can hike, bike, and horseback ride around Belmont Wetlands State Park or tackle the famous Fernleigh Track, a multi-use trail that runs all the way from Belmont to Newcastle. Glenrock State Conservation Area, just north of Redhead, also has a large network of hiking and mountain biking trails. For campers, the big draw at Redhead is the opportunity to camp right on the beach, but check permissions as it’s only allowed at certain times of the year. Alternatively, head to the shores of nearby Lake Macquarie, where you’ll find family-friendly campgrounds, cabin rentals, and holiday parks dotted around the lakeshore.