A new section of the Fernleigh track has opened, creating an unbroken 27-kilometre shared pathway between Murrays Beach and Adamstown.
On Sunday, the three-and-half kilometre section between Blacksmiths Beach and the existing Fernleigh track at Belmont was officially unveiled.
Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the $20-million track's centrepiece was a 400-metre boardwalk over wetlands next to Belmont Lagoon.
She said this was the focal point of the Aboriginal creation story known as When the Moon Cried, and one of the area's "best spots for bird-watching".
"We are blessed with so many beautiful places here in Lake Mac, but Belmont Lagoon is up there with the best of them," Cr Fraser said.
"Until now, it's been a bit of a hidden gem, but the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track provides a very low impact means of shedding light on this natural and cultural wonder," she said.
The northern section of the track also includes a bridge over Cold Tea Creek, and a life-size art installation at the start of the boardwalk by local artists Shellie Smith, Daniella Chedzey, and Julie Squires.
The art depicts a traditional Awabakal shelter, called 'gunya', a bark canoe and other features of a traditional Aboriginal camp.
Council project manager Tess Dziwulski said they wanted the artwork and the bridge to "start conversations about the deep cultural significance" of the area.
Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council chief executive Carol Proctor said the Belmont Lagoon was a place of "high cultural and ecological value".
"With the path infrastructure centred around the lagoon, it allows the continuation of our prized stories, as well as our ever-present connection to country," she said.
Shortland MP Pat Conroy said he was excited for locals and visitors to enjoy the new track.
"I know the value of this transport route to our community," he said.
"This shared track will be very popular, particularly for cyclists."
Minister for the Hunter and member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said it was the region's longest shared walking and cycling route.
"The track is also an opportunity for us to showcase the incredible scenery of the area, which was previously hidden, helping put Lake Macquarie on the map," she said.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said the track would boost active transport options in the Hunter.
"Active transport such as the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track makes our communities happier and healthier," she said.
The four-year construction project was funded by the Australian Government, NSW Government and Lake Macquarie City Council.
