Move over Vivid Sydney, Lake Macquarie is set to put on its very own light show with dozens of boats lighting up the night skies and calm waters of Lake Macquarie during the region’s perennial favourite boating regatta Float Your Boat – an event where passionate boat owners are encouraged to decorate their vessels in lights and take part in a parade around the Lake.
Held from dusk on June 28 and 29, 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.
Last year’s event was voted the most impressive ever, featuring an amazing parade of boats lit up as octopi, dolphins, surfers and swans – even a 14-metre mermaid. With even bigger crowds expected in 2019, the pressure is on for boaters to take their light ups to the next level to claim their share of prize money.
Spectators are invited to join foreshore celebrations featuring live music, food and entertainment.
Pull up a seat…
Toronto Foreshore
A top spot to catch night one’s festivities. With pretty palm trees lining the waterfront, bring your picnic blanket, find a grassy spot and enjoy a feast for the eyes, with a marina full of twinkling boats. Or try one of Toronto’s restaurants, witha raft of options from cheap American eats at Greg and Audrey’s (you can’t go past the crazy flavoured hotdogs and house made ice-cream!) to delicious oysters or double roast duck at Hughzies Lakeside Brasserie.
Warners Bay Foreshore
Get amongst the action on night two of this unique festival! Warners Bay is the ultimate place to catch the passing flotilla and enjoy some foreshore fun. The festival begins from 10am with market stalls and entertainment. At dusk Warners Bay will “Light Up the Podium & Foreshore”, followed by a night of live music, entertainment (including awesome LED hula hoop and fire show!), delicious gourmet food vans and specialty stalls.
Grab a bite…
In the cooler months, dining around the Lake takes on a magical quality, with heated outdoor areas, cosy winter menus and seasonal events aplenty.
Belmont 16s, Lake Macquarie’s nationally recognised sailing club, features three bars and five dining outlets offering delicious bistro favourites, light meals, fresh seafood, sizzling steaks, pizza and burgers. Featuring a range of cocktail areas and alfresco lounges, a tucked away play area for children and a sweeping deck on the water boasting 180-degree views of Lake Macquarie and prime front row seats to enjoy the parade.
The iconic Salina serves modern Italian for all tastes and dietary requirements, with standard, vegetarian, gluten free and vegan menus available, and an intimate heated courtyard perfect for enjoying winter nights.
Stay cosy…
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 Brighton Hotel
Offering superb studios and apartments, just minutes from the heart of Toronto, The Brighton boasts magnificent views of the lake and is the perfect spot to watch the Float Your Boat parade light up the waterfront.
Lakeshores Accommodation
If holiday rentals are more your style, Lakeshore Holiday and Short Stay Accommodation has something for everyone. With properties available at every corner of the Lake and pet friendly accommodation available, there really is something to suit all tastes and budgets!
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