The Hunter Region: Placid Lake Macquarie

Four times the size of Sydney Harbour, Lake Macquarie is justifiably renowned for all the aquatic activities it has to offer - including fishing, boating, sailboarding, swimming, canoeing and scuba diving.

Named after Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the lake was discovered in 1800 by Captain William Reid, who mistook the narrow channel at Swansea for the estuary of the Hunter River at Newcastle. For 26 years it was called Reids Mistake and the southern headland at Swansea still bears that name.

Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia, with 174 km of foreshore

If fishing is your thing, then be sure to bring along a rod and reel - you won't be disappointed, with whiting, bream and flathead all common catches.

The lake's still waters are reflected in the name of the local Aboriginal people - Awabakal, meaning people of the calm surface. The still, deep waters, safe anchorages and consistent winds make Lake Macquarie an excellent boating destination. Boats of all shapes and sizes can be hired whether you want to kayak for an hour or take a houseboat trip over a couple of days.

You will probably need more than a day if you want to explore it properly, but if it's simply a bit of R you're after, just grab a kayak and off you go.

A popular destination and picnic spot is Pulbah Island, a wildlife sanctuary in the middle of the lake where native flora and fauna abound. Surprisingly, green turtles, which travel south from Queensland in warm currents, are occasionally seen in the lake. The species is extremely vulnerable and any sightings should be reported to National Parks & Wildlife service. A more common sight is the pelican - one of the headlands is named after the bird.

Lake Macquarie Cruises is a private company offering two- to four-hour cruises which allow you to explore the entire lake without the hard work - and someone else does the cooking.

Surfers will find a surprising number of spectacular, often deserted beaches just east of the lake. A favourite beach is Catherine Hill Bay, home to an historic mining village, and well worth a visit. An old, rusting, coal-loading jetty is set against the bay's natural, rugged beauty. Other surf beaches that merit a mention are Redhead, Dudley and Caves Beach.

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, head for the Watagan State Forest - or 'Watagans' as the area is known to the locals - where you will find walking trails, picnic spots, four-wheel-drive tracks and camp sites. The forest separates the Hunter River catchment from the Tuggerah and Macquarie Lakes systems, and visitors are rewarded with stunning rainforest vistas featuring waterfalls, rock pools, giant tree ferns and tall majestic gums.

Keen cyclists should put the Loop the Lake in their diaries for March. An annual bike ride, Loop the Lake is an 85 km challenge designed for recreational cyclists. Starting in Speers Point Park, riders head down the western side of the lake through Toronto, Dora Creek and Morisset before heading up the eastern side through Swansea and Belmont and back to Speers Point for lunch.

Given all the physical activities there are to do on and around Lake Macquarie it may come as something of a surprise that it was the international art world in which the area's most famous ex-resident excelled.

For nearly 30 years, Wangi Wangi on the Lake's western shore was home to Sir William Dobell, one of Australia's greatest artists. Between 1942 and 1970, the three-time Archibald winner lived and worked here with his sister Thirza Alice. Their home and studio, with the lake gently lapping the gardens, have been turned into a museum and provide a personal, everyday insight into the artist, with memorabilia, mementos, photos, art prints and furniture on display.

Finding Lake Macquarie might have been Reid's mistake, but it you're looking for a tranquil escape that's good for body and soul - it won't be yours.

All information was correct at the time of writing but may change without notice.