Once a sleepy logging village, the up-and-coming town of Morisset is being transformed into a tourism and lifestyle mecca, amid a billion-dollar housing and infrastructure boom.

Savvy downsizers and empty nesters are seeing the attraction in the little-known area on the edge of Lake Macquarie, between Sydney and Newcastle, with significant private and government investment etching Morisset as a vibrant, sought-after destination.

Area on the up

Identified by Lake Macquarie Council as one of the key growth areas in the region, Morisset attracted $59 million worth of development approvals in the 2022-2023 financial year.

Morisset’s capacity for new housing, proximity to the M1 and major developments like the new Cedar Mill entertainment precinct make the city’s south-west a key growth area in New South Wales.

Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data shows more than 213,000 people called the region home in 2021 – with numbers up by 16,000 in the past five years.

Morisset’s population is also growing, with interest in the area projected to see the town’s population more than triple in the next 20 years, positioning it as a regionally significant centre.

Connecting with nature and transport

Perched on the edge of Lake Macquarie, Morisset is a gateway to a plethora of recreation options that showcase the very best of nature. From water pursuits on the lake to hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking at Watagans National Park, the region provides a raft of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with nature.

Travel from Morisset couldn’t be easier with connectivity via the M1 Pacific Motorway and train access to Sydney and Newcastle from Morisset Station.

Photo courtesy of 8 at Trinity Restaurant

Emerging cultural and culinary epicentre

Already home to some of the most impressive cultural and culinary delights, the offerings in Morisset are set to get even better.

The 188-berth Trinity Marina, which offers a spot for residents to anchor their vessels and take lunch overlooking the lake at the acclaimed 8 at Trinity restaurant, is about to undergo a $600 million development, including a new hotel, restaurants, function centre and wellness space.

While the upcoming Cedar Mill development will provide a signature tourism, cultural and event space in the heart of Morisset.

The entertainment precinct sits adjacent to the site of Ingenia’s new masterplanned community in Morisset and is set to be a facility the like the Hollywood Bowl – a destination set to attract world-class performances.

Upcoming boomers opportunity

With an already active retiree community, downsizers with their sights on Morisset could benefit further with Ingenia Lifestyle’s new masterplanned community coming in 2024.

The planned 600-home over 55s residential community, will eventually be home to about 1000 people and recognised as one of Australia’s largest masterplanned over 55s communities.

The expansive and distinctive Morisset site has inspired Ingenia Lifestyle to redefine the standards of over 55s living through an innovative community layout. This layout will see the creation of distinct precincts and villages with a lively lakeside hub at the heart of the community.

Curated with green corridors and lakeside paths, the homes have been designed for relaxation and low-maintenance living, with exceptional communal and social spaces.

Ingenia will unveil the visionary Morisset masterplan in early 2024 with completion of first homes at Morisset expected in mid-year.

Learn more

Register for more information about Ingenia’s new over 55s community in Morisset and learn why this regional hub in the heart of Lake Macquarie is becoming the most desirable destination for retirees.