Planning a day out on the water at Lake Macquarie requires knowledge that you can get from the Lake Macquarie Boat Ramp Guide. This guide provides comprehensive details to help you find the ideal ramp for your needs. From the slope of the ramp to the water depth, we cover all the technical aspects. You’ll also learn about potential obstacles, hazards, and tide or current information to ensure smooth launching and retrieval.
Essential Coordinates and Navigation Tips
Precise latitude and longitude details are included to help you locate ramps easily. Understanding traffic flow and ramp etiquette ensures a stress-free experience, even during busy periods. We also delve into the condition of ramp maintenance and the availability of nearby jetties, making your trip as hassle-free as possible.
Convenient Features and Facilities
Accessibility and parking are critical factors for a seamless outing. This guide highlights ramps with ample parking, clear signage, and accessible features for various needs. You’ll also find information about nearby amenities, including restrooms, picnic spots, and bait shops, ensuring your day is both convenient and enjoyable.
Reviews to Guide Your Choice
Ramps vary in quality, and real-world feedback can make all the difference. We’ve included reviews and ratings from local and visiting boaters, giving you valuable insights. Whether you’re launching for fishing, water sports, or a relaxing cruise, this guide ensures you’re well-prepared for a fantastic day on Lake Macquarie.
Th A-Z of Boat Ramps Lake Macquarie
1. Arcadia Vale Public Jetty and Baths
- Ramp Slope: Gradual, suitable for small to medium boats.
- Water Depth: Adequate for small craft; not ideal for deeper hulls.
- Obstacles and Hazards: Occasional submerged debris, especially after storms.
- Latitude and Longitude: 33.0323° S, 151.5691° E.
- Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Light traffic, busier on weekends; single-lane ramp requires coordination.
- Tide and Current Information: Minimal tidal influence; consistent water levels.
- Accessibility and Parking: Small gravel parking lot nearby with limited capacity.
- Ramp Maintenance: Concrete surface in good condition; occasionally slippery due to algae buildup.
- Jetty Details: Adjacent timber jetty without bumpers; accommodates up to 2 boats; approximately 15m in length.
- Nearby Facilities: Public toilets and picnic tables close to the jetty; no fish cleaning facilities.
- Reviews and Ratings: While there are no formal reviews, local users on Lake Macquarie Family Life highlight its quiet and functional nature.
Google Maps Location: Arcadia Vale Public Jetty and Baths
2. Balcolyn Boat Ramp (Hall Reserve)
- Ramp Slope: Steady and gradual, well-suited for larger boats.
- Water Depth: Deep enough for medium and large vessels.
- Obstacles and Hazards: Rocks near the edges; caution recommended during low tide.
- Latitude and Longitude: 33.0905° S, 151.5480° E.
- Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Light usage most days; moderate activity on weekends.
- Tide and Current Information: Minimal tide impact; usable most of the time.
- Accessibility and Parking: Ample gravel parking; easy access for trailers.
- Ramp Maintenance: Smooth concrete ramp; well-maintained with occasional algae.
- Jetty Details: No adjacent jetty at this location.
- Nearby Facilities: Toilets, fish cleaning table, and picnic areas available.
- Reviews and Ratings: No formal reviews available, but it is listed on Lake Macquarie City Council’s website.
Google Maps Location: Balcolyn Boat Ramp (Hall Reserve)
3. Balcolyn Boat Ramp (Shingle Splitters Point)
- Ramp Slope: Gradual slope; ensures smooth vehicle and trailer traction.
- Water Depth: Excellent for most boat sizes; shallow close to shore but quickly deepens.
- Obstacles and Hazards: Occasional seaweed and debris near the ramp’s end.
- Latitude and Longitude: 33.0962° S, 151.5519° E.
- Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Light traffic; busier during local events and fishing seasons.
- Tide and Current Information: Reliable water depth with minimal tidal effect.
- Accessibility and Parking: Limited gravel parking; trailers may need to park further away.
- Ramp Maintenance: Clean concrete ramp; well-maintained with no cracks.
- Jetty Details: Adjacent timber jetty without bumpers; fits up to 3 boats; approximately 20m long.
- Nearby Facilities: Toilets 60m away; no fish cleaning table available.
- Reviews and Ratings: Users on Lake Macquarie Family Life commend its reliability, though parking can be limited.
Google Maps Location: Balcolyn Boat Ramp (Shingle Splitters Point)
4. Balmoral Boat Ramp and Jetty
- Ramp Slope: Moderate incline; best for smaller boats and beginner users.
- Water Depth: Shallow near the end of the ramp; not ideal for deep-hull boats.
- Obstacles and Hazards: Rocks and uneven surfaces to the sides of the ramp.
- Latitude and Longitude: 33.0659° S, 151.5940° E.
- Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Quiet location with minimal boat traffic; no waiting lanes.
- Tide and Current Information: Minimal tidal impact; water levels may vary during dry seasons.
- Accessibility and Parking: Limited gravel and grass parking available near the ramp.
- Ramp Maintenance: Concrete surface in good condition; occasional algae buildup after rain.
- Jetty Details: Adjacent timber jetty without bumpers; fits up to 2 boats; approximately 10m long.
- Nearby Facilities: Toilets and picnic shelter within 100m; no fish cleaning facilities.
- Reviews and Ratings: No specific reviews available, but it’s included in Lake Macquarie City Council’s database.
Google Maps Location: Balmoral Boat Ramp and Jetty
5. Belmont South Boat Ramp
- Ramp Slope: Wide and gradual slope; designed for easy trailer maneuverability.
- Water Depth: Sufficient depth for medium and large boats; no grounding issues.
- Obstacles and Hazards: Occasional debris near the ramp after storms.
- Latitude and Longitude: 33.0302° S, 151.6570° E.
- Traffic Flow and Etiquette: High usage during weekends; lanes are marked to organize traffic.
- Tide and Current Information: Some tidal impact; avoid extremely low tides for larger vessels.
- Accessibility and Parking: Spacious sealed parking with room for multiple trailers.
- Ramp Maintenance: Excellent upkeep, wide concrete surface cleaned regularly.
- Jetty Details: Adjacent floating jetty with rubber bumpers; accommodates up to 4 boats; approximately 25m long.
- Nearby Facilities: Fish cleaning table, public toilets, and picnic facilities nearby.
- Reviews and Ratings: This ramp is highly rated for its accessibility and facilities, as noted on Google Reviews.
Google Maps Location: Belmont South Boat Ramp
6. Bennett Park Boat Ramp
Ramp Slope: 8m wide concrete ramp with a gradual slope, ideal for small to medium-sized boats.
Water Depth: Suitable for small to medium vessels, with no risk of grounding at typical water levels.
Obstacles and Hazards: No significant obstacles reported; occasional buildup of algae near the waterline.
Latitude and Longitude: 33.0150° S, 151.6350° E.
Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Moderate usage during weekdays; busier on weekends, particularly during summer.
Tide and Current Information: Minimal tidal effect; water depth remains consistent year-round.
Accessibility and Parking: Sealed parking area with plenty of space; toilets within 40m.
Ramp Maintenance: The concrete ramp is well-maintained, with occasional algae requiring caution.
Jetty Details: No jetty is located adjacent to this ramp.
Nearby Facilities: Public park nearby with seating areas and walking paths.
Reviews and Ratings: No detailed reviews are available, but locals recommend this ramp for its ease of use and good maintenance.
7. Blacksmiths Boat Ramp and Jetty
Ramp Slope: Wide concrete ramp with a gentle slope into a protected internal beach area.
Water Depth: Deep enough for most recreational boats; no grounding issues reported.
Obstacles and Hazards: Generally clear, though users should remain cautious of underwater debris during storm seasons.
Latitude and Longitude: 33.0830° S, 151.6610° E.
Traffic Flow and Etiquette: High activity during weekends; lanes are marked for efficient traffic flow.
Tide and Current Information: Minimal tidal impact, though users may notice slight variations during extreme weather conditions.
Accessibility and Parking: Sealed parking areas with enough space for trailers and additional vehicles.
Ramp Maintenance: Excellent maintenance, with regular algae removal and clean surfaces.
Jetty Details: Floating pontoon jetty with rubber bumpers; accommodates up to 4 boats; approximately 25m long.
Nearby Facilities: Fish cleaning tables, picnic areas, and nearby shops for supplies.
Reviews and Ratings: Highly rated on Google Reviews, praised for accessibility and spacious facilities.

8. Bolton Point Boat Ramp
Ramp Slope: 6m wide concrete ramp with a consistent slope.
Water Depth: Sufficient depth for small and medium vessels; not ideal for large or deep-hull boats.
Obstacles and Hazards: Rocks are present near the ramp edges; caution is advised.
Latitude and Longitude: 33.0525° S, 151.5868° E.
Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Light traffic most days; expect moderate use on weekends.
Tide and Current Information: Little to no tidal effect; water depth remains stable year-round.
Accessibility and Parking: Nearby sealed parking area; toilets within walking distance.
Ramp Maintenance: Smooth concrete surface with minimal wear; algae may accumulate after heavy rains.
Jetty Details: No jetty is available at this location.
Nearby Facilities: Public park nearby for recreational use.
Reviews and Ratings: No specific reviews, but locals value the quiet location and easy access to the lake.
9. Bonnells Bay Boat Ramp
Ramp Slope: Steady concrete ramp designed for all boat sizes, including larger vessels.
Water Depth: Deep enough to accommodate both small and large boats without risk of grounding.
Obstacles and Hazards: Occasional debris and seaweed accumulation at the ramp’s end.
Latitude and Longitude: 33.1078° S, 151.5153° E.
Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Moderate traffic on weekdays; busier during holidays and weekends.
Tide and Current Information: Minimal tidal variation; currents are mild and rarely problematic.
Accessibility and Parking: Sealed parking area with ample space for vehicles and trailers.
Ramp Maintenance: The ramp is in excellent condition; cleaned regularly to ensure safety.
Jetty Details: Floating pontoon jetty with bumpers; can hold up to 3 boats; approximately 20m long.
Nearby Facilities: Fish cleaning table, public toilets, and shaded picnic areas.
Reviews and Ratings: Rated highly on Google Reviews for its accessibility and clean facilities.
10. Cams Wharf Boat Ramp
Ramp Slope: Wide concrete ramp with a gradual slope, suitable for larger boats.
Water Depth: Excellent depth for launching all boat types.
Obstacles and Hazards: Occasionally submerged debris may accumulate near the ramp edges.
Latitude and Longitude: 33.1275° S, 151.6028° E.
Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Quiet during weekdays; moderate use on weekends.
Tide and Current Information: Tidal variation is minimal, ensuring stable water levels for launching.
Accessibility and Parking: Gravel and grass parking nearby; spaces may be limited on busy days.
Ramp Maintenance: Concrete ramp in great condition; lighting available for night use.
Jetty Details: Adjacent timber jetty without bumpers; fits up to 2 boats; approximately 15m long.
Nearby Facilities: Toilets and picnic areas available; no fish cleaning table nearby.
Reviews and Ratings: Users on Google Reviews commend its quiet location and ease of access.
11. Coal Point Boat Ramp
Ramp Slope: Gradual concrete slope suitable for small to medium boats.
Water Depth: Deep enough for small vessels; caution needed for larger boats at lower tides.
Obstacles and Hazards: Occasional debris and seaweed at the ramp’s end.
Latitude and Longitude: 33.0458° S, 151.5875° E.
Traffic Flow and Etiquette: Light traffic on weekdays, moderate during weekends.
Tide and Current Information: Minimal tidal impact; water levels are generally reliable.
Accessibility and Parking: Gravel parking nearby with limited spaces.
Ramp Maintenance: Well-maintained concrete ramp; algae buildup is rare.
Jetty Details: Timber jetty with no bumpers, accommodating up to 2 boats; approximately 10m long.
Nearby Facilities: Picnic area and toilets available within 50m. No fish cleaning facilities.
Reviews and Ratings: Highly regarded for its serene location on Google Reviews.