Autumn and Winter at The Place is something special. Rugged up by the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie, surrounded by palms and tropical gardens, this is the kind of place where the kids won't want to leave and the adults won't either.

While summer gets all the attention, winter is a wonderful time to be here too. The lake is calm and glassy, the reserve is peaceful, and with ducted air conditioning upstairs and gas heating downstairs, the house stays warm and comfortable no matter the weather. Come in from a morning on the water, settle into the cosy upstairs living area and enjoy the big screen TV — this is what a proper winter break feels like.

The Place is big enough for two families, sleeping up to 10 guests across four bedrooms. Downstairs has been set up with the kids in mind — a cupboard full of games and toys and an Arcade Machine keep little ones entertained for hours — while upstairs is very much for the big kids, with a bar area and large TV perfect for sport-watching evenings. Two living areas means everyone has room to spread out and relax.

The upstairs deck looks out over the creek, palm-lined reserve and lake beyond — fire up the barbecue and settle in for a long lazy lunch or pull on a jacket on a crisp winter evening and dine alfresco. Grab a coffee and a blanket on a still winter morning and watch the light come up over the water. It doesn't get much better than that
Step outside to the newly renovated front yard and you'll find one of the property's best features: a fully fenced, private lawn area framed by lush tropical garden beds, with a firepit at its heart. On cooler winter evenings, gather round the fire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the stars — it's the kind of simple pleasure that makes a holiday memorable.

When you're ready to venture out, Gwandalan has plenty to offer. Cast a line straight from the lake foreshore — Lake Macquarie is one of the best fishing destinations on the NSW coast, and winter is a great time to be out on the water with a rod. The kids will love the local skate park, climbing play area, and the basketball and netball courts, keeping them busy for hours without ever getting in the car.

Just a short walk from the property, the Gwandalan Bowling Club is a genuine community hub and well worth a visit. Set right on the lake with spacious indoor and outdoor dining, a beer garden, barefoot bowls, live entertainment, trivia nights and raffles, it's the kind of place that feels like a local secret but welcomes visitors warmly. The restaurant overlooks beautiful Lake Macquarie and serves everything from classic favourites to pizzas and fresh seafood — perfect for a relaxed dinner without needing to drive anywhere.

For something a little more adventurous, the fire trail walk at Point Wolstoncroft is an absolute must. The views of Lake Macquarie from the top will make you feel like you're a thousand miles from care — one of those quietly spectacular local secrets that guests always wish they'd known about sooner.

Further afield, jump on a private Hunter Valley minibus tour right from your door for a day of wine tasting among the vines — one of the best winter day trips in NSW. Explore the cafés and galleries along Darby Street in Newcastle or take a windswept walk at Caves Beach or Catherine Hill Bay.

Back at the house, the fully fenced property and private pool give the kids room to roam safely, and there are two kayaks with life jackets for paddling on the lake whenever the mood strikes. It doesn't get much better than that.

Sleeping arrangements
• Bed 1 – Upstairs master king with ensuite and balcony access
• Bed 2 – Upstairs room with 2 single beds
• Bed 3 – Downstairs queen bed
• Bed 4 – Downstairs double bed and single bunks

The fully equipped kitchen includes oven, microwave, dishwasher and fridge, plus plastic ware for the kids and serving ware for entertaining. The pantry is stocked with essentials — tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, sauces, herbs, spices, oil, cling wrap, foil and paper towel. The laundry has a washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board.
Bathrooms All bathrooms include soap, hand soap and toilet paper. The downstairs bathroom has both a separate bath and shower. Bed linen and bath towels are provided.

Comfort year-round Ducted air conditioning upstairs and gas heating downstairs keep the house warm and comfortable throughout winter. Fans are also available downstairs.

A few important notes We have a strict no parties or events policy — this is a quiet neighbourhood and we ask that all guests respect that. This includes hens/bucks nights, schoolies, end-of-season sporting groups and birthday celebrations. If you're unsure whether your booking falls into this category, please enquire before booking. Non-compliance may result in additional charges, bond forfeiture and/or eviction.
All bookings are subject to owner pre-approval. We aim to confirm your booking status within 24 hours.
Our prices include all fees — no hidden surprises.

Please Note: All bookings are subject to the owners pre-approval and we endeavour to notify you of the status of your booking within 24hrs.