Underrated by many, the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley offer a perfect way to enjoy a fine summer’s day. 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 providing a wealth of activities from gentle sailing to securing the day’s catch.
Shaped by the winding Hunter River, 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 is exploring the wonders of Lake Macquarie or going for a splendid catch in Port Stephens, there is 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 revealed
Lake Macquarie
There’s no doubting Lake Macquarie’s natural attraction. The largest saltwater lagoon in the Southern Hemisphere sprawls over 604sq.km and dominates the southern Hunter coastline. It’s no surprise that this vast expanse is perfect for boating and sailing. The water is extremely calm – protected from the Tasman Sea by a narrow isthmus. This makes it suitable for all boat types – from windsurfing to motorboats.
Surrounded by the namesake city, it shouldn’t be difficult to access boat hire or boat ramps to hit the water. The shallow depth of 8m means that larger boats won’t disturb you and there are plenty of sheltered bays to drop anchor in should you wish. Those wanting to spend multiple days on the water won’t be disappointed either. You will find no shortage of campsites with boat ramps adjacent to the water. It means you can spend the day sailing and head back to land before exploring more the next should you wish. It’s why Lake Macquarie is one of the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley.
Port Stephens
North of Newcastle, the wide expanses of Port Stephens call for visitors to explore its vast waters. And there are good reasons for this. Firstly, the area is one of the best fishing spots in Australia. There’s no shortage of species waiting to be caught. You can find trevally, snapper, bream and mulloway in abundance in these warm waters. With relatively calm tides and an average depth of 14m, there’s no reason to hire a boat and spend all day trying to get the perfect catch.
Yet Port Stephens is not just about fishing. The area is known for stunning beaches and picturesque towns. It’s not difficult to hire a boat and hop between spots at your leisure. With areas like Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay growing in stature, there’s no need to do everything in one day. It’s why Port Stephens is rapidly becoming one of the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley.
Broken Bay
Broken Bay acts as the buffer between the Hunter region and Sydney’s myriad collection of waterways. Yet accessing this haven is anything but difficult. On the southern tip of the Central Coast, Broken Bay is naturally gifted for water activity. Its headlands prevent powerful currents from forming and also channel easterly winds to prevail. All this makes for perfect boating and sailing conditions regardless of your experience.
Where Broken Bay shines is that it provides access to a wealth of different waterways. Access to the area is relatively easy with boat ramps not hard to find. And there are coves and inlets aplenty allowing for tranquil sailing to your heart’s content. Exploring Broken Bay further allows for discovering more secluded valleys like the Pittwater estuary. It means that no two boating trips are ever the same in this region.
Brisbane Water
Further up from Broken Bay, Brisbane Water provides marine explorers plenty to mull over. This vast estuary comprises access to bustling cities and pristine forests within the same trip. Bordering the Central Coast, exploring Brisbane Water offers the chance to jump between some of the area’s best beaches. Why not set off from Gosford and sail across to more tranquil settings like Woy Woy or Ettalong Beach.
Or you can look to sail on the water’s eastern fringes along the edge of Brisbane Water National Park. Moorings here might be scarce but some gentle sailing might alight for glimpses of colourful birds or kangaroos looking for refreshment. Either way, this stretch of water always has something to enjoy no matter where you go.
Tuggerah Lakes
Between the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie, the Tuggerah Lakes system offers a great spot for casual boating. Made up of 3 coastal lagoons, this lake system is known for shallow but calm waters. Most of the water bodies have an average depth of 2m – so don’t expect any major boats here. However, anyone with a kayak or small sailboat will have to explore these calm waters.
The Tuggerah Lakes system has seen a lot of investment too with boat ramps consistently added in surrounding towns. Given the lack of traffic and the shallow depth of the water, it’s a perfect introduction to exploring open waterways. It’s why the Tuggerah Lakes are one of the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley for beginners.
Newcastle
Newcastle itself has developed thanks to its accessible waterways. On the mouth of the Hunter River, Newcastle has several large marinas for boats to drop anchor in. Whilst the main waterways see a lot of commercial activity, don’t let this be a dealbreaker. Indeed, explore the city’s expansive shoreline and you will 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 plentiful 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.
Lake Glenbawn
Not all of the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley are coastal lagoons. 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 surrounding nearby hillsides. Yet this reservoir is an area that escapes the eyes of many locals and tourists.
Yet 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. Meanwhile, 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.
Conclusion
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 the unfamiliar, areas like Lake Glenbawn and Tuggerah Lakes offer a small introduction to exploring waterways at your own pace. It allows for 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 enjoy your time on the water when exploring 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 .
Our award-winning team of boat finance lending experts are ready to serve you. Call us on 1300 28 57 67 or email approvals@dealify.au today, so you can enjoy the best boating spots in the Hunter Valley today.
