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Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle!

Photo gallery for Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle!

Living area
Living area
Private kitchen
Private kitchen
Room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Garden

Explore the area

View map
Belmont South, NSW
  • Place, Lake Macquarie
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Belmont Golf Course
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Blacksmiths Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown)
    ‪51 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle!

Weekly and monthly discounts available!

Named after the native Australian birds that often chatter on the fence, Willie Wagtail Cottage is modern and light filled, with refreshing coastal breezes on the hottest of days.
Comfortably sleeping 4, Willie Wagtail Cottage is great for couples or a family looking for some fun and adventure.

PETS
Your furry friend is welcome to come, the yard is fully fenced and secure. We just ask that you be respectful - please clean up after your pet, and if they do come in to say hello, keep them off lounges and out of the carpeted bedrooms.

THE COTTAGE
The cottage has a social open plan kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom/laundry and 2 bedrooms with very comfortable queen size beds. We pride ourselves on keeping the property clean, and with all bed linen and bathroom towels supplied guests can turn up and enjoy a very relaxed and convenient getaway. There is off-street parking and we are located in a quiet friendly neighbourhood.

LOCATION
Just 2 hours north of Sydney, this is the perfect escape where you can explore the amazing Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter Region.
Willie Wagtail Cottage is just 250m walk to Belmont Bay, Lake Macquarie which has grassed areas, picnic tables, paths, playground, boat ramp and is home to pelicans and black swans.
If you love the beach you won’t be disappointed. Blacksmiths Beach can be accessed by foot, or within 10 minutes drive you have the spectacular Caves Beach to the south, popular Redhead Beach to the north, or pretty Naru Beach situated within the lake.
If you enjoy heading out for a meal - a café, restaurant, pub and yacht club are all walking distance, with many more takeaways and cafés available just a 3-5 minute drive away in Belmont or Swansea. Here you will also find major grocery stores, chemists and other shops.
If you’re bringing the boat we have ample off-street parking and it’s only a quick drive to multiple ramps to launch with access to the lake, channel or ocean. A padlocked shed is on the property for storage of your surfboards, bikes, golf clubs or other gear.
Choose to relax, or keep yourself busy! Enjoy walking or bike riding on the Fernleigh Track or in many of the close by bushlands, have a round of golf with ocean views at the local course, go fishing or kayaking, or even brave skydiving with Lake Macquarie Airport just a few minutes away.
If you want to explore, Newcastle with its famous harbour and beaches are just a 30 minute drive, and the Hunter Valley Wine Region is just an hour drive.
You will love your stay in this great quiet location, with convenience to everything you could possibly want!

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)

Allowed inside except on carpet if house trained.

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number PID-STRA-46542, 2280
Property # 9769427
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Newcastle

Located on a lake, this cottage is in Belmont South, a neighbourhood in Newcastle. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Beach. Hunter Ice Skating Stadium and The Lake Macquarie Variety Playground are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and cycling.
View more Cottages in NewcastleOpens in a new window
Map
Belmont South, NSW

What's nearby

  • Lake Macquarie - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Belmont Golf Course - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Blacksmiths Beach - 2 min drive - 1.2 km
  • University of Newcastle - 26 min drive - 23.8 km
  • Newcastle Beach - 30 min drive - 25.7 km

Getting around

  • Kotara Station - 17 min drive
  • Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Belmont 16s - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Good One Coffee & Things - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Baker's Den Bakery Café - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Coffee Guru - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle!?

As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle! on 27 May 2026 start from AU$288, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle! located?

Located in Belmont South, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Lake Macquarie and Blacksmiths Beach. Belmont Golf Course and Byrnes Reserve are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

rachele h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous place, close to everything. Perfect for a quiet and relaxing get away. Hosts have considered everything and made everything run smoothly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Close to lake and walking paths, and pet friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean property, great yard for toddler to play in, comfortable beds
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

rachele h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic place close to everthing. Host was great. Thanks for a lovely stay. I hope to come back again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2025
Thanks Rachele, thanks for looking after our place so well. Always welcome back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

hayley l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
lovely property very clean, lots of useful appliances.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

CA

Great place and location would use again
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brad O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very clean and tidy

Very comfortable little holiday, few games to play with kids, was good to get away and just relax
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This lovely place had all we needed to have a great holiday. It was well equipped with all the essentials and a nicely fenced of yard for the dog. Hosts were very helpful and the place was very clean. Would definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Riley B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay for a get away

Great experience in a good part of Belmont south. Owners were very attentive and were happy to offer tips on the local area for stuff to do which was greatly appreciated.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place in every way.

Great location, everything is at your feet. Perfect fully fenced yard with bbq and privacy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jan 2024
Thanks Samantha for being a very respectful and clean guest. Pleasure to have you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Neil P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Belmont south nook

The place was absolutely beautiful and also very clean, my partner and myself we had an amazing time while visiting family and friends in the area
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage

Great location near Lake Macquarie, with parks, shops and a lovely cafe in easy walking distance. Lovely cottage and being able to bring a pet is wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little beach house

The house is perfect for a beach-house type of holiday for two couples or a small family. Neat, clean, comfortable and well-appointed. The secure yard for the dog was very handy. Just what we needed for a two-day stay in Newcastle.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Apr 2025
Thanks for the great review Richard, I’m glad you and your family had beautiful weather to enjoy, it’s a really special area.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sachida R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short getaway

This place is great for a small family. Close to a few nice beaches and shops. Easy access to everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Stay

Located near shops and short walk from lake and beach. Small yard for pets.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet retreat

Clean, modern and quiet - exactly what we were needing. Thank you for a wonderful stay. Will definitely be looking you up again in the future. Thanks for a peaceful weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Nov 2024
Thanks for the great review Jill, would love to see you back again and highly recommend to other hosts - you looked after our place as though it were your own. Thank you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Little Cottage

I really enjoyed my stay at this charming little cottage :) Thanks very much to Cath for the later checkout as well
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Feb 2024
Thank you! We love it too, and appreciate how wonderful you were as a guest.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little getaway

The house was very clean, exactly as photos showed. Very thoughtful in all the things that were provided, all we needed to bring was our food and clothes. Close to beaches, lake and shops. Highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

Cath, the host was very easy to communicate with. The place was very clean and had everything we wanted. The fenced garden was great for our dog and toddler. They loved exploring. The house is well located. It is a short drive to beaches, playgrounds, cafes and restaurants. We would stay here again and recommend it to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2025
Sounds like the perfect fit for your little family Angela, glad you enjoyed your time. Thank you for looking after the place like it was your own!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and Relaxing

Just a few days needed from the busyness of work and family. A great place to explore Lake Mac both by foot and driving. Our beaglier appreciated the break as well. House was cosy - all day sun and well appointed. A great place for our short stay of 3 days.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2023
Thanks Tony, appreciate the great communication leading up to your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Korin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you very much. A lovely property in a great location.

Easy check in, communication with the owner was easy. The house was modern and a perfect size for our family. Access to all needed to cook in and central enough to eat out if wanted. Walk to fishing and the beach. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan 2023
I’m glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you so much for treating our place as though it were you own.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay ! Perfect for 4 Adults

Cath was amazing. Such a cute cottage and super clean. Great location, not far from cafes, river and shops. Check in and communication was excellent. Best short break we've had for a long time. Thank you !
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jan 2023
Thanks Rachelle, you were fantastic guests and our very first! Appreciate the review so much.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and comfortable

The cottage was perfect for our short stay everything we needed , comfortable beds and best of all it was so quiet . Our host was brilliant in her communication and kindly offered a late check out . Would definitely recommend this property and it’s location close to the lake and the fernleigh track .
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar 2024
Thank you Janet, really appreciate your kind review. So glad you enjoyed your stay - thank you for being a marvellous guest!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfy Cottage

Clean, comfortable and well-appointed, this cottage had everything we needed, in perfect condition. From books and games for our 10 yr old to a pet friendly yard for our canine companion, the attention to detail was impressive. A short walk to the Lake and an awesome local cafe. We loved our time here.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Cath

Host profile image

Hi, I'm Cath and a proud Lake Macquarie resident! I originally grew up in South Sydney, but moved up here in my early 20s. The lifestyle and people are fantastic, and now I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I have a hubby and 2 young kids. Between us we have a wide range of hobbies - bike riding, being out on the water whether it be boating or stand up paddle boarding, bush walks and camping / exploring Australia. We also love time for creativity, downtime with movies, catching up with friends and family. The kids have been actively involved in setting up our little cottage - we all love it and look forward to welcoming guests and sharing our awesome area.

Why they chose this property

We have been locals for over 20 years and love the outdoor lifestyle Newcastle / Lake Macquarie has to offer. Willie Wagtail Cottage is located so close to all the waterways and has quick access to such a wide range of fun.

What makes this property unique

• Located between the beautiful Lake Macquarie AND great beaches
• Off-street parking (even room for a boat)
• Quiet, family friendly neighbourhood
• Modern and light
• Plenty of room in the yard for kids to play
• Cleaned and serviced privately (not by a property manager) so a consistently high attention to detail and hygiene

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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