Rug Up and Get Ready to Chase the Glow This June!
There is a unique kind of magic that settles over Lake Macquarie when the winter air turns crisp. While the cooler nights might tempt you to stay indoors, there is one spectacular local tradition that is guaranteed to get you out of the house and down to the water’s edge. That’s right, our favorite glowing winter spectacle is back! Float Your Boat 2026 is set to light up the lake on Friday, 19 June and Saturday, 20 June, transforming our beautiful waterways into a moving canvas of neon, fairy lights, and pure imagination.
Two Nights of Neon Magic: The 2026 Flotilla Schedule
This year, the festival spans two incredible nights, giving both the western and eastern shores of the lake a chance to witness the dazzling display. To help you plan your perfect evening, here is the official local rundown of where to be and when:
Friday, 19 June: The Western Lake Circuit
The weekend kickstarts on the western side of the lake, with the illuminated parade setting sail from Empire Marina at Marmong Point at approximately 6:00pm. The flotilla will make its way past Bolton Point before heading straight toward the Toronto Foreshore, which serves as the official live site for the night from 4:30pm to 8:30pm.
After dazzling the crowds at Toronto, the glowing fleet will continue its journey, cruising past Carey Bay, Coal Point, Kilaben Bay, Rathmines, and Fishing Point, before finishing with a spectacular run past Wangi Wangi. If you live along these bays, you are in for a front-row treat right from your balcony or local park!
Saturday, 20 June: The Eastern Lake Circuit
On Saturday night, the action shifts to the eastern shores. The parade kicks off around 6:30pm from the Belmont Foreshore, passing the Belmont 16s and Green Point Reserve. It then glides past Valentine, Croudace Bay, and onward to the main live site at the Warners Bay Foreshore (running from 4:30pm to 8:30pm), before heading past Speers Point and returning to Marmong Point.
What to Expect at the Toronto and Warners Bay Live Sites
While you can catch great views from almost any public reserve along the routes, the official live sites at Toronto (Friday) and Warners Bay (Saturday) are where the true festival atmosphere comes alive. Best of all, entry is completely free!
From 4:30pm onwards, both foreshores will be buzzing with energy. Here is what you can look forward to:
- Food Trucks: Warm your hands and fill your belly with a delicious array of street food, from piping hot donuts and churros to gourmet burgers and woodfired pizzas.
- Live Entertainment: Local musicians will be providing the perfect soundtrack to your evening, accompanied by whimsical, roaming illuminated performers who look like they have stepped straight out of a dream.
- Kids’ Activities: There is plenty to keep the little ones entertained, making it the perfect family-friendly night out.
Have Your Say: Vote for the Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice Award
Part of the fun of Float Your Boat is seeing the incredible effort our local boat owners put into their light displays. From glowing sea creatures to festive designs, the creativity is always next-level. As a spectator, you get to play judge! Be sure to cast your vote online for the Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice Award. Not only do you get to support our hard-working boaties, but by voting or completing the event survey, you could even win some fantastic local prizes, including a family lunch cruise on the lake.
A Local’s Tips for a Perfect Float Your Boat Night
To make sure you have the best experience possible, here are a few insider tips from a Lake Mac local:
- Dress for the Arctic (or at least Lake Mac in winter): It gets incredibly chilly by the water once the sun goes down. Beanies, scarves, gloves, and your thickest puffer jacket are highly recommended.
- BYO Comfort: Pack some camp chairs, a picnic blanket, and perhaps a thermos of hot cocoa or tea to keep you warm while you wait for the boats to glide past.
- Arrive Early: Parking near the Toronto and Warners Bay foreshores fills up fast. Arriving close to 4:30pm ensures you get a parking spot, secure a prime viewing position, and grab your dinner from the food trucks before the queues get too long.
Float Your Boat is a celebration of our incredible lake lifestyle, our tight-knit community, and the creative spirit that makes Lake Macquarie such a special place to live. Gather your family, call your friends, and let’s light up the night together this June!