Float Your Boat

Let Lake Macquarie Float Your Boat

Flotilla of boats set to light up the Lake

Lake Macquarie is set to twinkle this month with dozens of boats lighting up winter skies during the region's perennial favourite boating regatta Float Your Boat – an event where passionate boat owners are encouraged to decorate their vessels and take part in a parade around the Lake. 

The event, hosted by Lake Macquarie City Council, presents boating fans an opportunity to decorate their vessels with lights and colour in a dazzling display of creativity and, to literally, light up the Lake. Last year's inaugural Float Your Boat event had more than 23 boats extravagantly decorated with an array of lights - from whales and turtles to dragons and stars, leaving spectators eager to see what competitors bring to the Lake this year.

Held on June 22 and 23, and with $4000 in cash prizes on offer, the event will feature two flotilla parades following a course from Marmong Point Marina to Toronto, Coal Point, Fishing Point and Wangi Wangi on the first night, and then on the second night, from Marmong Point Marina to Warners Bay, Eleebana and Valentine to Belmont.

Spectators will delight in the foreshore celebrations featuring live music, food and entertainment. While this may seem all fun and games, the night also requires a little more than just sitting back and enjoying the passing floating light displays.  The community's judgement is needed to cast their votes on social media for the People's Choice Award – that comes with a prize of $2000. Additional prizes packages include two Mayor's Best Boat Awards, 10m and over, and 5m and over – each with a prize value of $1000.

Spectators aren't forgotten when it comes to amazing prizes either. Float Your Boat will also offer a chance to win a $1500 boat cruise by uploading event photos on social media with the hashtag, #fyb2018.

Float Your Boat holds its place as one of Lake Macquarie favourite family friendly events and it's easy to see why.

Why not make a weekend of it?

Winter dining on the Lake

In times of cooler weather, dining on the Lake takes on a magical quality, with heated outdoor areas, cosy winter menus and seasonal events aplenty. The iconic Salina is offering a new menu in its intimate heated courtyard, and Crusoe's on the Lake showcases a stunning view and menu that's equally inviting.

Cosy accommodation

There's a wide range of cosy accommodation to enjoy during your Lake Macquarie getaway, from mountain hideaways to lakeside retreats to ward off the winter chill:

The Esplanade Motel, Warners Bay

Shack up lakeside in the newly renovated Esplanade Motel, conveniently situated just a stone's throw from the boutiques and restaurants of Warners Bay, and a short stroll to the northern end of the Lake.

Bluebell Retreat

Set on the eastern shore of the Lake, Bluebell Retreat is the ultimate relaxation retreat. Enjoy the expansive bushland setting and prime water views to watch the winter sun set at this eco-award winning house, which accommodates up to six.

Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows

Enjoying a prime position in the dunes, Caves Beachside Hotel offers a mix of beach suites, villas and townhouses accessed by Hamptons-style timber boardwalks. Enjoy incredible sunset views from your balcony, or soak up the winter rays by the pool.

Selby Cottage

A turn of the century charming blue weatherboard, nestled on the banks of Lake Macquarie, is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Selby Cottage is a self-contained private cottage surrounded by luscious gardens with water lapping the veranda.

To plan your winter adventure or discover more of what Lake Macquarie has to offer, please visit: http://www.visitlakemac.com.au