Anywhere outside the big tourist spots are often overlooked, but the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley rival anywhere in Australia. They offer the perfect way to enjoy a fine summer’s day, most importantly one that avoids the crowded feeling along Sydney’s waterways.
The best boating spots in the Hunter Valley are a mix of rivers, lakes and calm seas. Whether you want a day’s gentle sailing or somewhere to catch dinner, there are plenty of options.
Shaped by the winding Hunter River and the expansive Lake Macquarie, the region offers plenty of options for getting on the water. This can be for experienced yachtsmen or families wanting a gentle paddle.
Whether it’s exploring the wonders of Lake Macquarie or going for a fish in Port Stephens, there’s something for everyone close to the water. So what are the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley?
The best boating spots in the Hunter Valley region
Lake Macquarie
There’s no doubting Lake Macquarie’s natural attraction. The largest saltwater lagoon in the Southern Hemisphere sprawls over 600sq/km and dominates the southern Hunter coastline. It’s no surprise that this vast lake is perfect for boating. The water is extremely calm, especially in winter, which makes it suitable for all water-based activities – from windsurfing to motorboats.
Surrounded by the namesake city, there boat ramps all around the lake. The shallow depth of 8m means that larger boats won’t disturb you and there are plenty of sheltered bays to drop anchor to cast off. Those wanting to spend multiple days on the water won’t be disappointed either. There’s no shortage of campsites with their boat ramps, including Belmont South and Swansea. Spend the day sailing and head back to land before repeating everything the next day. It’s why Lake Macquarie is one of the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley.
Port Stephens
North of Newcastle, Port Stephens calls to visitors to explore its vast waters. The area is one of the best fishing spots in Australia. You can find trevally, snapper, bream and mulloway in abundance in these warm waters. With relatively calm tides and an average depth of 14m, it’s easy to spend the whole day trying to get the perfect catch(es).
Yet Port Stephens isn’t just about fishing. The area is known for stunning beaches (like Zenith and One Mile) and picturesque towns, giving you plenty to do on days when you want a break from the water.
Broken Bay
Broken Bay acts as the buffer between the Hunter region and the big smoke of Sydney. On the southern tip of the Central Coast, Broken Bay is a great spot for water activity. Its headlands prevent powerful currents from forming, resulting in smooth sailing. Whether you want a relaxing break or you’re a beginner looking for favourable sailing conditions.
Where Broken Bay shines is that it provides access to multiple waterways, with boat ramps easy to find. Exploring Broken Bay allows for discovering more secluded valleys like the Pittwater Estuary, and there are plenty of coves and inlets to discover. Be warned that after your first taste of Broken Bay, you may find yourself becoming a regular like so many others.
Brisbane Water
Further up the coast from Broken Bay, Brisbane Water is another popular boating spot, slightly outside the Hunter Valley area. As well as the large estuary, a trip to Brisbane Water also gives you access to pristine forests in the same trip. Bordering the Central Coast, Brisbane Water offers the chance to jump between some of the area’s best beaches.
Set off from Gosford and sail across to quieter settings like Woy Woy or Ettalong Beach, or just sail on the water’s eastern fringes along the edge of Brisbane Water National Park. Moorings here might be scarce but it’s worth the trip. Sail gently and keep an eye out for for glimpses of colourful birds or kangaroos bounding by the water’s edge.
Wherever you go, this stretch of water always has something to enjoy.
Tuggerah Lakes
Between the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie, the Tuggerah Lakes system offers a great spot for casual boating. Made up of three coastal lagoons, this lake system is known for shallow but calm waters. Most of the water have an average depth of 2m – so don’t expect any monster boats here. This makes the area popular with anyone with a kayak or small sailboat who wants a slow and calm day out.
The Tuggerah Lakes system has seen a lot of investment with new boat ramps consistently added. Given the lack of traffic and the shallow depth of the water, it’s a perfect introduction to exploring open waterways.
Newcastle
Newcastle itself has developed thanks to its accessible waterways and today boating is mostly restricted to the deeper waters of the sea.
On the mouth of the Hunter River, Newcastle has several large marinas for boats to drop anchor in. While the main waterways see a lot of commercial activity, don’t let this be a dealbreaker. Take your boat and explore the city’s expansive shoreline and you’ll find excellent spots to hit the open sea without disruptions.
When you do hit the water, it becomes the perfect spot for open-sea fishing. You’ll find all the main catches that draw attention. Salmon, kingfish, bream and leatherjackets are all found in huge numbers just off the shoreline. It’s perfect for not only securing a good catch but also a great way to source a meal to enjoy when back on land. This makes Newcastle one of NSW’s most underrated boating areas. If you’re looking for boat finance in Newcastle, there are plenty of options available too.
Lake Glenbawn
While most of the best boating spots are by the coast for obvious reasons, one of the best can be found inland near Scone at Lake Glenbawn. Formed from damming the Hunter River, Lake Glenbawn sprawls over 2,600 hectares surrounded by rolling hills. Despite its many plus cards, this reservoir escapes the eyes of many tourists.
These waters are perfect for boating activities of all types. Families can relax and drift along the lake’s calm surface using boats, yachts or kayaks. Those keen on fishing can also hit the water and search for Macquarie perch, Australian bass or Murray cod. No matter what the purpose is, Lake Glenbawn has an answer for you. A great hidden discovery in the upstream Hunter River.
Finding a boating spot in the Hunter Valley
As you can see, there are plenty of different activities to enjoy when exploring the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley. Some areas such as Lake Macquarie and Broken Bay offer something for everybody and are easily accessible from major cities. Meanwhile, spots like Port Stephens and Newcastle are perfect for experienced fishermen wanting to make a stunning catch.
For something quieter, areas like Lake Glenbawn and Tuggerah Lakes offer a small introduction to exploring waterways at your own pace. They offer a more relaxed vibe and a gentle way to pass the time. No matter what option you choose though, there are plenty of ways to explore the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley.
Before you embark on your perfect camping trip, Dealify Boat Finance can offer you unbeatable deals, customised to your needs, to discover the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley .
Call us on 1300 28 57 67, try our boat finance calculator or email approvals@dealify.au today, so you can enjoy the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley today.
