6 Places To Take Your Boat in New South Wales

There are over 170 lakes and more than 430 rivers throughout Australia, not to mention the 35,000km of coastline along mainland Australia. With so much water in and around our great nation, there is no shortage of waterways to take a trip along in your favourite vessel. If you’re stuck for your next weekend water trip, take a look at the 5 best places to take your boat in New South Wales.

1. The Fiver Rivers at Balranald

Place number 1 is really a collection of 5 places. The aptly named Five Rivers Fishing Trail at Balranald is a collection of five rivers filled with native fish. It is incredibly popular with anglers near and far. These rivers are also an incredibly beautiful location to visit for a weekend boating trip (or five weekends to fit them all in).

The trail encompasses the Murrumbidgee, Murray, Wakool, Edward and Lachlan rivers. The Murrumbidgee is the second longest river in Australia, flowing for 900km through the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, including Balranald. It is home to Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Murray Crayfish.

Next up on the trail is the Murray River, Australia’s longest river and the third longest navigable river in the world. Here you can take your boat out and cast a line for Golden Perch, Macquarie Perch, Silver Perch, Eel-Tailed Catfish, Murray Cod, Trout Cod, Australian Smelt, and Western Carp Gudgeon. Whilst sailing down this waterway, keep your eyes peeled for the gorgeous redgum forests that line the banks.

The Wakool, Edward and Lachlan Rivers make up the rest of the trail. There’s no boat ramp at the Oxley point to the Lachlan River but the sealed ramp on the Wakool leads you on a short trip upstream to the mouth of the Edward. Here you’ll find what’s reportedly the best Murray Cod rivers in Australia. Well worth the visit for a weekend boating trip in New South Wales.

2. Lake Macquarie

When you’re looking for places to take your boat in New South Wales, you can barely go past Lake Macquarie. Situated just south of Newcastle, this 110square kilometre saltwater lake is the perfect place to take the family on a boating trip.

At Lake Macquarie you’ll find over 50 jetties and boat ramps for access to the water. As well as plenty of picnic areas, gorgeous surrounding forests & natural parks, lakeside beaches and parks. This saltwater attraction is home to numerous yacht clubs, charters, cruises and boat tours. However, if you’re in the mood for a lighter water vessel, you can also try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding or some wind or kite surfing.

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3. Hawkesbury River & Jerusalem Bay

One of New South Wales best kept secrets. The Hawkesbury River is an incredible sight to see and is significantly less busy than its Sydney Harbour counterpart. Stretching for 120km, the Hawkesbury River is simple enough for even the most modest or newest boating enthusiastic to tackle.

Just off the mouth of the Hawkesbury River is Jerusalem Bay. A ripper spot to cast your line for some jewfish or kingfish. The bay is surrounded by gorgeous sandstone cliffs and gorges, and is lined by Australian national parks. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet out on the water, Hawkesbury River and Jerusalem Bay definitely need to be on your must visit list.

4. Forster-Tuncurry

Forster-Tuncurry is an ideal weekend getaway for New South Wales boating enthusiasts. With plenty of options to for renting party, fishing , pontoon, barbecue, half cabin or rear-steer boats there’s no reason not to hit the waters at this seaside town. Other favourite pass-times at Wallis Lake include kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, spear fishing and of course other fishing activities.

Whilst Wallis Lake is probably the biggest attraction at Forster-Tuncurry, the surrounding area is often referred to as the “great lakes” and is home to Pipers Bay, Shallow Bay, Coolongolook River, Wallingat River and Wallamba River as well as providing direct access to the Pacific Ocean. With all these incredible bodies of water to explore, Forster-Tuncurry is definitely one of the best places to go boating in New South Wales.

5. Jervis Bay

Three hours south of Sydney lies paradise for boaties – beautiful Jervis Bay.

A favourite with fishermen, Jervis Bay’s sheltered waters offer some great catches and are home to flathead, bream and even marlin.

There are awesome coastal inlets too. Currambene Creek (great for novice anglers), and its neighbours, Moona, Callala, and Currarong welcome game fishing from their banks.

If you’re lucky enough to have a bigger craft, head offshore. Around the Beecroft Peninsula you’ll find kingfish, tuna and snapper, or, enjoy deep-sea fishing at one of the offshore reefs, like popular Ulladulla.

Anchoring’s allowed in most of Jervis Bay Marine Park (excluding Huskisson Sanctuary Zone), but it’s line fishing only within Booderee National Park.

Inland, the vast, calm, coastal waters make St Georges Basin the place to water-ski, stand-up paddleboard, kayak or sail.

Off the boat, vibrant reefs and incredible visibility mean world-class snorkelling around Huskisson, Hyam’s and Green Patch beaches, while Currarong Beach is ideal for whale watching.

For divers, Abrahams Bosom Beach provides access to the SS Merimbula shipwreck.

With 215-square kilometres to explore, you might want to camp at one of Currarong’s 320 sites, where the boat ramp and ample parking invite boaters to stay a while.

6. Sydney Harbour

Last, but definitely not least, the Sydney Harbour is probably the most famous New South Wales boating location. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world, and boasts an expansive shoreline of over 300km. Each marina has its own rules and regulations so it’s best to check into these before setting out. However, there’s no shortage of options to find a mooring that suits your needs.

The harbour has plenty of moorings, dingy storage, berths, wharves, boat ramps and marinas available for visitors to the landmark location. A boating trip along the harbour is absolutely one of the best ways to see the bustling city, without the distraction of continual traffic and ongoing city noise. That alone makes it one of the best places to go boating in New South Wales.

If you’re looking to get a great loan package on your next boat, talk to the boat finance experts at CreditOne. We have decades of experience In financing all, types of watercraft, from Tinnies to powerboats and Chater vessels, call us today on 1300 273 348 or get a free no-obligation quote online.