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Explore Lake Macquarie and Newcastle!

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Living area
Private kitchen
Living area
Private kitchen
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 460 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Belmont South, NSW
  • Lake Macquarie
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Blacksmiths Beach
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Belmont Golf Course
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Newcastle, NSW (BEO-Belmont)
    ‪3 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!

Property manager

Cath
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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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

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
Property Registration Number PID-STRA-46542, 2280

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 hiking.
View more Cottages in NewcastleOpens in a new window
Map
Belmont South, NSW

What's nearby

  • Lake Macquarie - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Blacksmiths Beach - 14 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Belmont Golf Course - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • John Hunter Hospital - 16 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Newcastle Beach - 31 min drive - 24.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Big Mamma's Pizza - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Orana Hotel - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Guzman Y Gomez - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬6 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.

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. 28 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Brian D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable and dog friendly
A sensor light covering the front steps and front door entry is needed for safety, especially in wet weather conditions. The rain makes the front steps very slippery. We would recommend the house to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Immaculately clean, close to lake and beach
Adorable and modern, perfect for a couple or young family. Great location, short walk to lake or short drive to beach. Can walk to shops and a short drive you have almost any shop or service you want. Took my pups and lovely and flat for walking and taking in the scenery. Note: lots of barking dogs in the neighborhood, may have been tourists but some barked for extended periods of time including the immediate Neighbour. Fenced yard was great with perfect lawn. Kitchen had everything you needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Ruth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Other
Enjoyed the stay and good for short term accommodation. Would like to have had coffee machine, iron, more hangers and wifi given we stayed 7 nights
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Michele A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short Stay away from Home
We enjoyed our short stay. The cottage was very comfortable and clean. Had most of the requirements needed for our 5 nights. Our 5 year old grandson had a wonderful time and the property was safe for him and our 2 fur babies. Owner loaned us a child's kyack unfortunately we didn't get to use it. Would not hesitate to recommend this property and will stay again in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim C., Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfection
My husband and I had a brilliant weekend. The yard was perfect for our 2 fur babies and the house is beautiful and very comfortable. We were even greeted by a Willie Wagtail upon checking in. Such a great location, we hope to be back again. Thank you Cath :)
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hana K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Willie Wagtail Cottage is a gem
When we set out to find a place for a short break, we were keen to locate accommodation: a) close to Sydney, b) spotlessly clean, and c) run by hosts that would allow our furry baby, a little Bichon Frise, to come with us. And in Willie Wagtail Cottage we found all that and more! Even before we got there, Cath kindly helped us with planning a birthday outing, with her tips giving us plenty of eateries to try. And indeed, the food at Table 1 Expresso Cafe for lunch or the Canon Cafe for dinner in Warners Bay was just wonderful. The cottage itself is located in a quiet street, favoured by a very cute family of neighbourhood ducks. It is pristinely clean, with crisp white walls and fabulous high ceiling in the living area. The beds are marvellously comfortable and the place is homely and just right for a trip away from home, with beaches a short drive away and the lake just around the corner. So nice is the place that we are already liaising with Cath about our next booking! Thank you Cath and Brett for a nice stay. We are already looking forward to staying at your cottage again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Pat & Stewart m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family getting together
All was good except no servicing spoons or salad dishes. Could have a larger saucepan.I purchased a crockpot to cook dinner Saturday nights.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mini break
We came up for our daughter's football match. It was perfect for what we needed and a great location which was a short drive to the ground We loved our stay and would happily return
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Leisha W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home
Perfect accomodation if you have a number of family members. 2 generous bedrooms large combined lounge dining and fully equipped kitchen. Outdoor BBQ area. Very quiet street and short walk to golf club. Thoroughly cleaned before arrival and contactless Check in meant we could arrive anytime we liked. Easy communication with owner who is a local and will let you know of some great spots to visit. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle D., Sydney, AU

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

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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