Get out and enjoy the water around the region in a kayak or on a stand up paddleboard (SUP). With the help of local kayaking and SUP experts, we’ve put together a list of places where you can go for a paddle with your family around the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region. We’ve also put together a list of places to rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
NEWCASTLE
Throsby Creek
Go for a paddle around Carrington and Maryville. There’s plenty of parking near the Carrington Boat Ramp with the area around the Newcastle Rowing Club being a good place to start your paddle. Amenities nearby at corner of Fitzroy and Tully Street.
Stockton at Little Beach
Go for a paddle at Little Beach in Stockton. You’ll see views of Nobbys Headland across the way. Nearest amenities are at the Stockton SLSC.
Horseshoe Beach
If you don’t mind dogs or want to put your dog on a SUP with you, head to Horseshoe Beach (the dog beach at Newcastle). Amenities available nearby at Nobby SLSC.
LAKE MACQUARIE
Swansea Bay Beach
Head to Swansea Bay Beach located at the back of Swansea Lakeside Caravan Park. It’s a beautiful shallow entrance that is great for families. Paddle from here to Pirrita Island and make a day of it. There are lovely spots to set up a picnic with the family. It also has amenities and is popular for SUPing.
Naru Beach
Naru Beach is an amazing hidden gem located in Marks Point at the end of Naru Street with beach entrance and the most picturesque location. It can get a big choppy in the afternoons some days so it’s recommended for a morning paddle.
It can also be extremely busy especially in the warmer months so get in early and allow extra time for parking during peak periods. Watch out for jetskis as it is a popular spot for a Seadoo too!
Green Point Foreshore
Go for a paddle around Green Point Reserve. It’s a beautiful spot. Just be aware that you will need to carry kayaks or SUP a fair distance from where you can park to the water.
Belmont South Playground
Great spot for families with a large grass reserve, located near Squid’s Ink in Belmont South.
Valentine Bowling Club
At this location is water access and a beautiful view. It’s fast becoming a popular choice for kayaking and SUP.
Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Go for a paddle and then hit the amazing Thomas H Halton playground here. This area also has a skate ramp and a dog exercise area as well as a great outlook of the lake. There are two entrances – one being the boat ramp and the other being where the playground is. Has amenities.
Warners Bay Lions Park, Eleebana
Lions Park is a good accessible location close to Warners Bay. It has a large undercover picnic / BBQ area that is sheltered and large grass reserve. Has amenities.
Speers Point Boat Ramp
Located at the back entrance of Speers Point Park. Great access for families due to it’s close proximity to the park and Multi-Arts Pavillion. There are a lot of options on where you can paddle and this is generally a good option for families and beginners. From here you can explore calmer waters in Cockle Creek. Amenities close by.
Marmong Point – end of First Street Booragul
Marmong Point is a nice quiet location close to the MAC (Museum of Art and Culture) and Awaba House Site. This is where the lunch cruise ships come in. Has amenities.
Wangi Boat Ramp
Set out for a paddle on Wangi Boat Ramp located on Kent Place in Wangi Wangi. Beautiful picturesque spot, and great place to explore Pulbah Island.
Trinity Bay
Head to Trinity Point. The tranquil southern end of Lake Macquarie has much to offer. Bardens Bay is a safe and sheltered location from the weather to use stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
Trinity Point Water Sports offers complimentary use of stand up paddle boards and kayaks for one-hour sessions, 7 days a week. To avoid disappointment in missing out on this popular free activity head to their website to book a free 1-hour session before you arrive.
Maitland
Hunter River
You can explore the Hunter River from different locations in the Maitland Area. These include Morpeth from Queens Wharf, Hinton and Lorn.
Port Stephens
Shoal Bay
Go for a paddle in the sheltered waters of Shoal Bay near Tomaree Headland. The calm waves make this a great spot for a kayak or stand up paddle.
Little Beach
Popular with families, Little Beach is also a great spot to paddle. It has calm conditions and great views out across the bay. Keep an eye out for dolphins around this area. There is a kids playground and amenities at Little Beach.
Jimmys Beach
Nestled into a protected bay at the southern end of Hawks Nest at Port Stephens, Jimmys Beach is a little slice of paradise and is a great spot for kayaking or SUPs. The main attraction of Jimmys Beach is the shallow and clear aqua water and stunning scenery around the bay.
Where to rent
Trinity Point Water Sports offers complimentary use of stand up paddle boards and kayaks for one-hour sessions, 7 days a week at their Trinity Point location. To avoid disappointment in missing out on this popular free activity head to their website to book a free 1-hour session before you arrive.
Port Stephens Paddlesports in Shoal Bay rents kayaks and SUP boards as well as doing kayak tours around the Port Stephens waterways.
Info & Safety
Wondering what age you can start kids on a stand-up paddleboard? We asked some local kayaking experts for their opinion. They said it varies because every kid is so different! But they reckon that kids aged 3+ can be on a SUP with direct supervision (a parent on the back of the board) or about age 7 on their own, but with a parent next to them on a SUP.
Please note that the locations listed in this article are provided as a guide only. Please seek maritime conditions on NSW Maritime before heading out.
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Ultimate Guide to Summer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter