Park Profile: Swan Lake

In the ballet ‘Swan Lake’, the plot speaks of a princess who must live out her days as a swan, only returning to her human form at night. The good news for you is twofold – not only do you get to keep your human form throughout your stay at this namesake holiday spot, but ballet shoes are not required. In fact, bare feet are just as welcome at the idyllic Holiday Haven Swan Lake – the perfect water-loving coastal escape!

Your Holiday Haven

As the name suggests, Holiday Haven Swan Lake sits adjacent to this particular body of water – a heart-shaped (if you squint at a map) home to plenty of birdlife and offering tranquil waters for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. It’s also a great spot to get the adrenaline pumping via waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and jet skiing – although the breathtaking scenery may be enough to set your heart racing!

In the Park itself, you have a selection of accommodation options to suit your stay – including a range of fully-equipped cabins and lake houses that sleep anything from 2 to 6 guests. Or, if camping or caravanning is more your speed, powered and ensuite sites are also available in prime spots.

As for amenities, the whole family will love what’s on offer, including a swimming pool, jumping pillow, two kids’ playgrounds, a tennis court and BBQ area. The Park is also adjacent to the village’s general store/cafe – the ideal lakeside spot to grab some supplies, a coffee or some petrol (try not to get those last two fuels mixed up!).

The village in question is the township of Cudmirrah – a sleepy seaside hamlet that sits between Swan Lake and the ocean. This allows you the best of both worlds – with access to the 3km-long Cudmirrah Beach just 500 metres in the opposite direction from the lake. Here, you’ll find all the usual wave-tastic activities including a popular surf break, beach fishing and even whale spotting from April to November.

Local Attractions

Part of the appeal of the small hamlet of Cudmirrah is that it’s nestled away from it all – flanked by Conjola National Park and all that glorious water. With that in mind, there are plenty of attractions to fill your dance card while visiting the area. 

For a dose of nature, simply walking around the shores of Swan Lake will be a delight for fans of waterbirds – especially early morning or at dusk. The National Park also offers plenty of bush walks or rides easily accessed from near the Park. Heath Circuit is a 22 km unsealed loop track ideal for hiking or mountain biking, with ample birdlife and flowered heathlands providing its name. Likewise, the Walter Hood ride is another great track that ends at Monument Beach to the south – site of its namesake ship’s wreck in 1870. Or grab a kayak and head to nearby Berrara Creek – a safe and fun paddle upstream, and the easiest way to access the delightful kid-friendly Mermaid Pools.

If all that activity makes you hungry, you don’t have to walk too far to Cudmirrah Cafe & Pizzeria – a local gem alongside the general store and overlooking the lake. With sumptuous brekky, lunch and dinner options (woodfired pizzas on Friday and Saturday evenings), you’ll be seeing a lot of ‘the Cuddy’ during your stay!

A little further down the road, Pelican Shores Cafe and Marina in Sussex Inlet puts you in the very heart of the waterfront, with great waterside views for breakfast or lunch (including vegan options) plus kayak hire. Alternatively, check out Inlet Eats for some more tasty nosh. Or enjoy a scenic round at the delightful Sussex Inlet Golf Club course, spotting local wildlife as you play. And despite only having 9 holes, it still offers a very good 19th hole (aka the clubhouse) for refreshments!

Finally, if you still need more water options, the Sussex Inlet Aquatic Centre is great for lane swimming, exercise classes and inflatable fun for the kids. Or check out what’s SUP with the stand up paddle boarding hire and lessons at Sussex Inlet SUP.

A lot to like at the Lake

Well off the beaten track and surrounded by natural beauty, Holiday Haven Swan Lake is the spot for idyllic tranquility and fun for everyone. Where relaxation, exploration and adventure share equal billing, and where ballet dancing is most definitely optional…