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.

See more information regarding places to stay here>>