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Managing your move

Published on 29 April 2024

Moving to Lake Macquarie? Settling into any new city can be tough. To help you navigate this new chapter, we’ve put together top tips on relocating to our coastal community. Read on for some local advice and enjoy a smooth sailing transition to life on the lake.

1. Sort out childcare and connect with other parents

Our city has plenty of high-quality services designed to help your child blossom. Plus, meet other mums and dads just like you.

Not sure where to begin?

Check out Starting Blocks, an official government website for finding childcare and education providers in your suburb. Services report their vacancies every week, so you’ll get up-to-date information in a few clicks.

If you have a very little one, look to Lake Macquarie Family Day Care as well. Welcoming young children from newborns all the way up to 13-year-olds, these registered educators provide small-group childcare and education in home settings across Lake Macquarie.

There are also plenty of private and public schools to choose from, the latter of which tend to have designated intake areas. Visit the Australian Schools Directory and filter by suburb to find the right school for your kid. The sooner you enquire about enrolment, the greater your chances of securing a place.

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2. Redirect your mail

Make sure important letters and parcels can reach you after you've moved. By setting up mail redirection with Australia Post, deliveries will be automatically forwarded to your new home. In turn, you’ll be free to focus on settling in.

3. Change your address on driver and boat licences

Update your address on your driving and boat licences at the same time via your MyServiceNSW account.

Lake Macquarie has 174 km of shoreline to discover, so it’s also a great idea to download the DECKEE app if you’ll be out on the water. Plan boat trips, learn boating rules, and check demand for boat ramps.

4. Get licensed to cast line on the lake

Boasting the biggest saltwater coastal lake in Australia, Lake Macquarie has some amazing places to go fishing. Whether you’re taking the kids out on the boat in Belmont Bay, heading to Speers Point Jetty with mates or fishing solo on Pelican foreshore, there’s no shortage of spots to enjoy your day.

Planning to go spearfishing, prawn netting, hand lining, trapping or bait collecting? It’s all permitted unless otherwise signposted or in restricted marine zones.

You’ll also need a recreational fishing licence. Apply for or update your address on this licence using the Service NSW app. Lastly, there are a few rules to be aware of while you fish, like saltwaterbagand size limits.

Once you’ve ticked off the above essentials, all you have to do is sit back, soak up the sunshine and reel in your catch.

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5. Update your pet registration address

If your dog or cat is over six months old, they must be registered with your local Council. This registration can be transferred between LGAs in New South Wales.

New to Lake Macquarie? Provide your Companion Animal information to us within 14 days of your change of address and we’ll update your details.

6. Register with a GP

To find a General Practitioner (GP) in your new neighbourhood, call local practices to see which ones are accepting new clients and bulk billing.

Need after-hours medical care? GP Access welcomes Lake Macquarie residents at Belmont Hospital and Westlakes Community Health Centre.

There are also several private hospitals in our region, including Lake Macquarie, Warners Bay, Charlestown and Toronto.

7. Set up a direct debit for council rates

Your rates help provide a range of public facilities and services, from cycleways and parks to lifeguards and libraries.

8. Arrange garbage collection

Garbage is collected every fortnight and is covered under your rates. If you’ve moved into a new build and need to set up this service, you can organise it online.

You’ll also need to buy general waste bins (green waste and recycling bins are supplied by service collection contractors). We are also trying to encourage people to repair, recycle and reuse first.

Last but not least, our bulky waste service has the option to book two free kerbside collections or drop-off vouchers to dispose of your waste at the Awaba Waste Management Facility.

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9. Get to know your neighbourhood

Once you’re settled in, it’s time to explore everything that your new city has to offer! From playgrounds and cycling tracks to coffee spots, sports venues, swim centres, and galleries, there are all kinds of local gems to discover on your doorstep. The only hard part is deciding which one to visit first!