Experience the magic of this year’s Float Your Boat

Float your Boat will light up Lake Macquarie in June with a spectacular parade of illuminated vessels that will cruise the shoreline for the two-night festival.

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We are calling all interested boaties to join in the fun for the festival. If you are the owner of a boat that is five metres in length or more, why not cover your decks, masts and everything else above the water with LED lights and shining sculptures.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said Lake Macquarie is the perfect stage to host a unique and creative festival of lights.

“Thousands of spectators are expected to line the shores of our beautiful lake to see boats in a rainbow of colour motor past.” Ms Hemsley said.

Marmong Point Marina’s Managing Director, Les Binkin and Co-Partner of Float Your Boat said he is excited to see the event back on the 2021 calendar as the last 12 months have been a difficult year for all events.

“As an avid boatie and Float Your Boat participant, we’re passionate about bringing Lake Macquarie alive in June. This year we are aiming to have over 40 vessels on display so make sure you head down to the foreshore or book a night at one of the many hospitality outlets along the trail,” Mr Binkin said.

The first parade begins on Friday 18 June with a 5pm launch event at Marmong Point Marina, before the boats set sail at 6pm. From there, the flotilla will skirt the western edge of the lake, passing Toronto and Coal Point on their way to Wangi Wangi.

The best vantage spots for Friday’s parade include Marmong Point, Toronto, Bolton Point Park, Coal Point, Rathmines and Wangi Wangi.

On Saturday 19 June, the parade will set sail at 6pm from Marmong Point Marina, heading north towards Booragul before crossing the lake and skirting its eastern edge from Warners Bay to Belmont.

The best Saturday vantage points include the Red Bluff walkway, Warners Bay and Belmont.

Cash prizes are up for grabs for best-dressed boats, including a $2000 People’s Choice Award, a $1000 Mayor’s Best Boat Award for vessels 10m and over, and a $1000 Mayor’s Best Boat Award for vessels 5m and over.

Les Binkin will be hosting a free ‘Build Your Own Display’ workshop at Marmong Point Marina foreshore on Saturday 5 June and all Float Your Boat participants are welcome.

Registration to take part in the Float Your Boat parade is free and can be completed at lakemac.com.au.