Lake Macquarie (NSW, Australia)
Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie is located about 20 mins drive south of Newcastle in the state of New South Wales in Australia.
The lake is the largest coastal salt-water lake in Australia covering approximately 100 square kilometres.
With an average depth of 8 metres the lake is a hype of activity for all sorts of marine craft.
Tide is generally not an issue in most areas within the lake with tidal ranges of 0.5 to 1.5 metres.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing on Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie has some exceptional windsurfing spots dotted around the lake.
Due to the shape of the land there are many bays and spits providing good sailing conditions in every wind direction on any given day when the wind is blowing.
Some of the most popular spots for flat-water-blasting, bump-and-jump and freeriding include Coal Point (NE), Shingle Splitters (N, NE, W, SW), Marmong Point (S,SE), Valentine Point (N, NE, NW), Sandy Island (NE & speed sailing in westerly at low tide).
Other spots for flat-water sailing in the lake include Sugar Bar, Morisset Point (NE), Bardens Bay, Morisset Peninsula (NE), Pendlebury Park, Bonnells Bay (NE) and I am sure there are plenty more known by the locals.
For wave sailing spots include Blacksmiths Beach (S), Nobbys & Dixon Park (NE) & Birubi (W).
Kitesurfing is also popular on the lake however rigging and launching areas are limited due to built-up areas, roads & power lines close to the lake. Some of the most popular spots for Kiting are Squids (W to NW), Swansea Channel on the southern bank (NE) & Salt Bag
Other areas requiring more advanced launching include Green Point, Swansea Co-op (NW to SW).
If you are looking to get in to windsurfing or looking to join in on some social racing, there are a couple clubs around the lake including Toronto Amateur Sailing Club & Marmong Sailing Club.
For those wanting to learn kitesurfing, there see options for lessons here>>
See more detailed information about sailing spots here >>
Best Time
Winds occur throughout the year with March to July being the least windiest months of the year.
Average day-time temperatures above 24 deg C and Up to 29 Deg C in Jan occur between October and April.
So if you are looking for the warmest days and best chance of wind, Oct to Feb would be the best time.
Where to Stay
Lake Macquarie is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months.
For this reason there is a good selection of accommodation options including motels, bed n breakfasts, holiday homes & apartments and holiday / camping grounds.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Spots Around Lake Macquarie
Due to the massive size of this lake and natural bays and points around the lake there are literally dozens of spots to launch and sail from depending on the breeze and the type of water you want to sail on.
The list below is some of the more popular spots however it is by no-means all of the spots available around the lake. Please let us know if you think we should add other great spots that we have missed.
- Best wind direction:
- N
- E
- S
- W
- NE
- NW
- SW
Windsurfing at Sandy Island, Lake Macquarie This Lake Macquarie spot works best in a NE or W breeze however it can work in any direction apart from SE. It is a great spot for slalom and flat-water-blasting and for learning freestyle tricks as it is easy to get on/off the board in the shallow water. It can also be great Read more... - Best wind direction:
- N
- E
- S
- NE
- NW
- SE
- SW
Windsurfing at Coal Point, Lake Macquarie Coal point is not really kite boarding friendly due to a lack of rigging & launching space. It is however one of the top spots around Lake Macquarie for windsurfing. The spot works best in a NE breeze but also works in most other breezes apart from a westerly. It is ideal for flat-water-blasting Read more... - Best wind direction:
- N
- S
- NE
- SW
Windsurfing at Shingle Splitters, Lake Macquarie Shingle Splitters is located in the SW corner of Lake Macquarie near Bonnells Bay and is another windsurfing only spot due to the lack of areas for rigging & launching for kiters. The spot is ideal for flat-water-blasting and bump-and-jump. The best breeze is a NE but also works in a N, SW and Read more... - Best wind direction:
- N
- S
- W
- NE
- NW
- SW
Windsurfing at Valentine Point, Lake Macquarie Valentine Point is on the NW end of Lake Macquarie. This spot works well in a number of directions with NE, N & NW being the cleanest. Only directions it doesn’t work too well is from E to SE. The launch area has some sea grass close to shore but only need to walk Read more... - Best wind direction:
- S
- SE
Windsurfing at Marmong Point Marmong Point on Lake Macquarie is a popular spot for locals and is ideal for slalom & bump-and-jump. This spot works best in a SE breeze however it can also work in a southerly but Valentine Point or the Slips are better in a southerly. Watch out for sharp rocks, shells and Razor Fish (which are Read more... - Best wind direction:
- N
- NE
- SE
- SW
Windsurfing at Marmong Sailing Club Marmong Sailing Club located on George st on Lake Macquarie has a good following of windsurfers. The club offers sailing introduction courses and long-board racing on Saturday’s during summer. Great spot for beginners as shallow for first 50 metres from shore. Watch out for sharp rocks, shells and Razor Fish (which are actually a sharp Read more... - Suited to: KitesurfingBest wind direction:
- S
- SW
Swansie Coop is a popular place on Lake Macquarie for kiteboarders in a SW, SSW and Westerly. The water is shallow and very flat. Be cautious of cutting your feet on Razor Clams. Highly recommend wearing booties at this spot. The wind can be very gusty here. ACCESS This spot is located on the east-side of Lake Macquarie just south Read more... - Suited to: KitesurfingBest wind direction:
- W
- NW
Squids @ Belmont is possibly the most popular kiteboarding spot for locals on Lake Macquarie when the wind blows from the NW (it can also work around to west). The spot is ideal for flat water sailing. It has a muddy bottom and the water is shallow. It is advisable to wear booties due to Razor Clams. Launching can also Read more... - Suited to: KitesurfingBest wind direction:
- NE
Swansea Channel (also know as “Salts”) is a great flat water kiteboarding spot at Lake Macquarie in a NE breeze. It is a nice sandy bottom with shallow water. Watch the currents as you get further out into the channel. ACCESS Access via Lambton Pde out on Swansea Heads. There is car parking and a nice sandy beach to rig Read more...
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Services
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Centres
If you are looking for somewhere to to learn to windsurf or kitesurf, Kite & SUP offer lessons in and around Lake Macquarie.
- Kite & SUP is located between Lake Macquarie & Newcastle and offers the following services: Kitesurfing lessons Windsurfing lessons SUP lessons Wind foiling lessons Retail of all of the above Kiting lessons are held at various spots around Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephens and windsurfing lessons are at various spots around Lake Macquarie. The spot chosen depends largely on Read more...
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Retailers
If you are looking for windsurfing of kitesurfing gear check out the following retailers in the area....
- Kite & SUP Foilboard Sports have a retail shop in Lake Macquarie selling a range of windsurfing, kitesurfing & SUP gear. They also offer online sales. See their website for details & online purchases. Read more...
Where to stay in Lake Macquarie
There are plenty of options for accommodation around Lake Macquarie including camping grounds/holiday parks, holiday homes, motels and bed and breakfasts.
Pet friendly accommodation is pretty limited to just a few properties some of which are listed below...
Featured Accommodation
- The Belmont Palms Motel is located in Marks Point which is close to the Sandy Island and Entrance sailing locations. Rooms are simple motel-style with private ensuite bathroom & kitchenette with views of the pool and cater for 1 – 4 guests. All have a dining & seating area and TV and are non-smoking and have heating / air conditioning. Read more...
- The Bay Motel is located on Bonnells Bay which is close to the Shingle Splitters launch area. This property has great facilities including a restaurant serving steak, pizza & pasts, a sports bar with outdoor seating / TV area and a games room with pool table and darts. There is an outdoor pool, BBQ area and kids play area plus Read more...
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- Family Friendly
- Kids Facilities
- Easy Access
- Accommodation Nearby
- Non-Sailor Activities
- Cheap Accommodation
- Solo Male Traveler
- Solo Female Traveler
- Couple
- Romantic Couple
- Family With Infant(s)
- Family With Young Children
- Family With Teenager(s)
- Male Group
- Female Group
- Mixed Group
- First-Timer
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
- Flat Water
- Chop
- Beach Swimming
- Surfing
- SUPping
- Kayaking
- Catamaran Sailing
- Jetskiing
- Mountain Bike Riding
- Boat Cruises
- Fishing
- Golf
- Sightseeing
Lake Macquarie
New South Wales
2283
Australia
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