Things to do at Lake Keepit: your guide to Wilderluxe and beyond

Looking for the best things to do at Lake Keepit? From kayaking, fishing and boating to birdwatching, cycling, stargazing and spotting kangaroos, there are plenty of ways to experience this spectacular corner of northern NSW.

Staying at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit puts it all within easy reach. Spend slow mornings beside the water, take to the lake by kayak or paddleboard, explore the surrounding countryside or venture further afield to discover the galleries, restaurants, markets and country charm of Tamworth and Gunnedah.

Whether your idea of a country escape involves adventure, wildlife, good food or simply doing very little at all, here are some of our favourite things to do at Lake Keepit and nearby.

Things to do at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing at Lake Keepit

Start your journey lakeside with kayaking or paddleboarding across the expansive Lake Keepit. You’ll find tranquil coves, waterbird habitats, and a sense of quiet like no other. Kayaks & paddleboards are available on-site or BYO.

If throwing in a line to see what’s biting is more your style, fish from the water’s edge or head out in your boat for a chance to catch golden perch (also known as yellowbelly), Murray cod, and silver perch. You can also find carp and catfish in the lake.

Got a boat? Bring it along – there's a boat ramp nearby, so you can spend the day exploring Lake Keepit from the water.

Cycle the Park

With e-bikes available to hire at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit, the park is yours to explore along the winding tracks around the bush camping side of the lake.

Go stargazing at Lake Keepit

Lake Keepit’s elevation and minimal light pollution make it ideal for stargazing and night-sky photography. Take in the view from the deck of the Gilay Lounge, watch the Big Sky Dreaming experience video, or use the provided telescopes to get closer to the star action.

Lakeside Birdwatching

With open water, bushland and wide stretches of shoreline, Lake Keepit provides plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. Keep an eye on the water for Australian pelicans, black swans, silver gulls and little pied and little black cormorants, all of which have been recorded around Lake Keepit Dam Wall.

Away from the water, you might spot flashes of colour from galahs and yellow-faced honeyeaters, or encounter white-winged choughs, silvereyes, double-barred finches and apostlebirds moving through the surrounding landscape.

Bring the binoculars for an early morning wander or spend a slow afternoon watching from your deck at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit. As with all wildlife, sightings vary with the season and conditions, but that's all part of the experience.

Spot kangaroos and native wildlife

You don't have to venture far from Wilderluxe Lake Keepit for a taste of Australia's wild side. Kangaroos can be spotted around the Lake Keepit landscape, particularly when things are quieter around dawn and dusk. Keep watch around the open grassy areas and surrounding bushland as you explore.

The lake and surrounding country are also home to an array other wildlife, so you never quite know what might make an appearance. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed – and that's part of the magic. Give animals plenty of space, watch quietly from a distance and enjoy seeing them in their natural environment.

Things to do near Lake Keepit

Soaring Above the Plains

Take to the skies on an Air Experience Flight with Lake Keepit Soaring Club and experience the landscape from a completely different perspective.

Walking tracks and lookouts near Lake Keepit

Stretch your legs and take in the wide-open landscapes surrounding Lake Keepit, with scenic lookouts and bushwalking trails within easy reach of Wilderluxe.

Tolcumbah Lookout – Stay close to home with a visit to this scenic lookout just south of Keepit Dam wall. It offers sweeping views across the dam, Lake Keepit and the surrounding countryside.

Porcupine Lookout – Head towards Gunnedah for panoramic views across town, the surrounding plains and towards the distant Nandewar Range. You can drive to the lookout, settle in for a picnic or use it as a starting point for exploring the surrounding Bindea trails.

Bindea Walking Track – Explore a 22-kilometre network of interconnected walking trails through the bushland of Porcupine Hill in Gunnedah. Choose a section to suit your day, with scenic lookouts, picnic spots and opportunities to spot native birds and wildlife along the way.

Indoor Attractions – Galleries, Museums & Artisan Finds

Tamworth Regional Gallery – One of NSW’s oldest galleries, established in 1919, this elegant space houses rotating exhibitions of national significance alongside regional artists and textile installations.

Weswal Gallery – A boutique gallery offering a beautiful blend of contemporary art and ceramics in a refined architectural setting.

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery – A compact but curated cultural space, often showcasing local exhibitions and Indigenous artworks within the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct.

Talking Threads Vintage – A beautifully curated vintage store in Tamworth, perfect for browsing pre-loved fashion, accessories, and quirky homewares. They also host community events and styling nights.

Calibre Country Indoor Shooting Range – Try your hand at rifle or handgun shooting under expert guidance. A fun, well-run indoor activity with the novelty of keeping your own target as a memento.

Wining & Dining – Where to Eat & Drink Near Lake Keepit

• Carroll Gap Farmhouse – Just 6km from Lake Keepit, this historic property occupies an original schoolhouse and teacher's residence dating back to 1880. Today, it hosts booked dining experiences, group functions and occasional workshops. Bookings are essential.
• Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar – A local favourite for refined brunches, share plates, and natural wines. Set within a leafy courtyard, it’s perfect for an elevated long lunch.
• The Verdict Coffee – Known for its locally sourced produce, herb-laced frittatas, and rosewater shortbreads—this is quiet luxury disguised as a country café.
• Reverence Sourdough & Cafe – A must-stop for artisanal pastries, slow-fermented breads, and sourdough baked from locally grown, Lake Keepit-watered wheat. They supply Wilderluxe breakfast packs and are adored for their incredible croissants, danishes, and loaves.
• Camp Grounds Coffee + Wine Bar Tamworth – Great coffee, great people, great vibes. Proudly independent and community-minded—perfect for your morning flat white or slow espresso stop.
• The Pig and Tinder Box – This stylish Tamworth restaurant brings a little city polish to country dining, with a moody cocktail bar atmosphere, a solid wine list, and a seasonal dinner menu.
• Goonoo Goonoo Station – A design-forward rural estate known for award-winning architecture, luxe accommodation, and its Glasshouse Restaurant. Ideal for special occasion dining or an elegant day trip.

Markets – Taste & Take Home the Region

• Peel Street Markets – Held monthly, this farmers’ market is a showcase of the New England’s culinary landscape, from boutique gin to heirloom apples, pickled zucchini, and aged cheeses. Check local listings for dates.
• Gunnedah Country Market – Happening on the 3rd Satruda of the month, the markets are a great place to browse locally made produce and artisan goods, from cured meats, cheeses and freshly baked treats to handmade crafts, jewellery and one-of-a-kind gifts.

What's On in the New England Region

Seasonal Happenings

• June – Keepit Kool Regatta – A gentle spectacle of sails and still water, this annual event invites you to watch or participate in an elegant weekend of sailing.
• Spring – Wildflower Season – New England National Park bursts into colour, perfect for combining a gallery visit with scenic drives and wildflower walks.
• October – Textiles in Focus – Tamworth’s Textile Triennial and related exhibitions run through spring, attracting collectors and creatives from around Australia.
• Late Summer – Harvest & Cellar Door Tastings – Vineyards near Currabubula and Tamworth open their gates for harvest celebrations and curated tasting experiences.

Regional Annual Events

Credit: Destination NSW

• Tamworth Country Music Festival – Held each January, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is one of Australia's best-known country music events, transforming the city with live music, performances and entertainment over 10 days.
• Taste Tamworth Festival – In April, this regional food and wine celebration spans long-table paddock lunches, wine tastings, and a curated “Taste in the Park” showcase with artisan makers, local distillers, and live jazz under the gum trees.
• Gunnedah Week of Speed – Held in July, this grassroots motorsport event celebrates the heritage of country racing—from track sprints to vintage machines.
• Textile Fibre Forum & Triennial Exhibitions – Hosted in spring (or every third year), these events draw national textile artists, collectors, and designers for workshops, exhibitions, and discussions around material culture.
• For more events in and around Lake Keepit, check out our events guide, covering Gunnedah and Tamworth

Ready to Head Out?

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit isn't your typical lakeside escape. Spend your days paddling across the lake, spotting wildlife, exploring nearby country towns or simply slowing down and taking in the view.

From stargazing and birdwatching to local food, galleries and adventures further afield, there are plenty of things to do at Lake Keepit – although you may find that doing very little is just as appealing.

Ready to make Lake Keepit yours? Discover Wilderluxe Lake Keepit and start planning your stay.