Trip Brief
Lake Macquarie
Kayaking on Lake Maquarie
About
Lake Macquarie is a large coastal saltwater lake located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the largest coastal saltwater lake in the country, covering an area of approximately 110 square kilometers. The lake is situated about 150 kilometers north of Sydney and is surrounded by a variety of communities, such as Belmont, Toronto, and Warners Bay.The lake is popular for various water activities, such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and sailing. It also offers walking trails, beaches, parks, and picnic areas along its shores, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Some Things of Interest
We will be enjoying the lake with the options of both water and land based activities, including
· watching an Anzac Day Parade at Wangi,
· playing barefoot bowls at Valentine,
· a walk through Green Point reserve
· browsing through the coffee strip village of Warners Bay, and a stroll along the Creative Lake Sculpture Trail and boardwalk over the Lake from Warners Bay
· visiting the home and studio of renowned artist Sir William Dobell
· anchoring in secluded bays and off natural bushland for some quiet time
· learning about the Toronto foreshore including the old railway station, and the historic Toronto Hotel dating back to 1887.
· cruising past the Lakes historic landmarks, modern urban areas, and natural environments.
Balmoral Boat Ramp Map
Boat Ramp
Wednesday
The weekend will start on Wednesday afternoon, where we’ll launch at Balmoral Boat Ramp, Sealand Road Balmoral, and go through to Monday morning.Launching after Wednesday, and retrieving before Monday morning is fine, as Balmoral is easily accessed from all parts of the lake.
If for some reason you arrive on Wednesday but cannot launch, you can stay on your boat at Rathmines Park, right next to the F Jetty and socialise with the rest of the group. There are toilets in Rathmines Park, and it is a short haul to launch at Balmoral on Thursday morning
Rathmines Park & F Jetty
Watching an Anzac Day Parade at Wangi
Browns Point
Thursday
Cruise to Wangi to arrive by around 9am. Make our way to the Shopping Centre ready for the Parade which starts at 10am. If you don’t wish to go on shore you can stay on board and anchor up end of Wangi point. Lunch back on board or option to purchase lunch on shore.
Afternoon
Tour south of the lake. Overnight in a bush setting south end of the lake.
Murray’s Beach
Z Jetty
Friday
Continue cruising the southern end of the lake and cruise up the eastern shore past Cams Wharf, Murrays Beach, Marks Point and Belmont then overnight on Z Jetty for barefoot bowls and dinner at Valentine Bowling Club.
Valentine Bowling Club
Kooroora Bay Toronto
Host Residence
Saturday
Continue cruising the southern end of the lake and cruise up the eastern Cruise to Warners Bay, or Green Point for a bush walk and views of the Lake. For those that do not want to go ashore, anchor off the wilderness area of Green Point reserve.
Anchor in Kooroora Bay, Toronto to come ashore for a fully catered evening (BYOG) at the host residence, with overnight at anchor. There is limited jetty space for those that cannot come ashore with a tender.
Toronto Foreshore
Dobell House
Swan Bay (Naru)
Sunday
Optional walk to explore Toronto’s history, then up anchor to cruise to Wangi to visit Dobell House in the afternoon, then across to the Swansea Channel. Overnight at Swan Bay with sunset drinks on the sand Island. Self-cater dinner on board.
