Leisure lifestyles and tourism: Socio-cultural, economic and spatial change in Lake Macquarie

Abstract

Tourism influences the social, economic and spatial characteristics of many settlement patterns. Conversely, social, economic and spatial dynamics are also influential in shaping opportunities for and patterns of leisure and tourism. This paper argues that an understanding of this dynamic and recursive relationship in which tourism simultaneously influences and is being influenced by its broader societal context is essential for more effective policy making. The historical development and evolution of leisure and tourism in Lake Macquarie, Australia is examined from the perspective of political economy.