Get out and enjoy the water around the region in a kayak or on a stand up paddleboard (SUP). With the help of kayaking and SUP experts Lake Mac Kayak and Bike Hire, 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. Due to the recent rains, check river conditions first as there is a lot of debris.
Stockton at Little Beach
Go for a paddle with 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. Due to the recent rains, check river conditions first as there is a lot of debris.
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 Coon Island and make a day of it. Lovely spots to set up a picnic with the family. 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 Halton Park, Croudace Bay
This location has it all with a playground that will be revamped by Lake Macquarie City Council within the next couple of years, a dog exercise area and 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 soon to be built 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.
Hire a kayak at an Airbnb
This is becoming a popular market as Lake Mac Kayak and Bike Hire deliver to Airbnbs on the water at Kilaben Bay and Summerland Point especially.
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.
Where to rent
Lake Mac Kayak & Bike Hire deliver kayaks, SUP’s & bikes to all areas of Lake Macquarie, 365 days a year.
SUP Newcastle is now open for business as a mobile/online stand up paddle board shop. You can also learn to stand up paddle board with lessons at Throsby Creek in Carrington from 7 am to late from Thursday to Sunday. Suitable for ages 10 and up.
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 Lake Mac Kayak & Bike Hire 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.
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.
