The wait is finally over… New Year’s Day officially marks the launch of the new Lake Mac Ferry timetable.

Services, which started on 1 January from Speers Point, will initially run as a six-month trial, with plans to remain – and possibly expand – if demand meets expectations.

Its resumption also continues a 135-year-old tradition of passenger ferries operating on Lake Macquarie. 

This latest incarnation, however, will operate on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, zig-zagging from existing jetties at Speers Point, Booragul, Toronto, Belmont and Wangi Wangi.

The five stops were chosen because of what’s on offer within walking distance of each jetty.

And, the service is the brainchild of Lake Macquarie Cruises and Nova Cruises managing director Peter Hanrahan.

“We started cruises on the lake in 2018 and from that we’ve just noticed the growing demand,” he said.

“At tourism meetings, there was constant talk of a lack of connectivity.

“With so much to do all around the lake, we thought there was the opportunity for a quick link between all the sites.

“Then with COVID, we’ve had this real boom in domestic travellers, particularly from Sydney.

“So, I think it’s a great time to launch – to capitalise on that influx that we’re all expecting.

“We’re looking forward to kicking it all off.”

One-way tickets between any two stops are $13 for adults, return prices are $26 and an all-day hop-on, hop-off pass is $30.

Go to www.lakemacferry.com.au for more information and the ferry timetable.

Lake Mac Ferry service

AM timetable

• Speers Point: 8.20am; Wangi Wangi: 8.50am
• Wangi Wangi: 8.50am; Belmont: 9.05am; Toronto: 9.20am; Speers Point: 9.35am; Booragul: 9.40am; Speers Point: 9.45am
• Speers Point: 9.55am; Toronto: 10.10am; Belmont: 10.25am; Wangi Wangi: 10.40am
• Wangi Wangi: 10.50am; Belmont: 11.05am; Toronto: 11.20am; Speers Point: 11.35am; Booragul 11.40am; Speers Point: 11.45am

PM timetable

• Speers Point: 12.10pm; Toronto: 12.25pm; Belmont: 12.40pm; Wangi Wangi: 12.55pm
• Wangi Wangi: 1.10pm; Belmont: 1.25pm; Toronto: 1.40pm; Speers Point: 1.55pm; Booragul: 2pm; Speers Point: 2.05pm
• Speers Point: 2.45pm; Booragul: 2.50pm; Speers Point: 2.55pm; Toronto: 3.10pm; Belmont 3.25pm; Wangi Wangi: 3.40pm
• Wangi Wangi: 3.55pm; Belmont: 4.10pm; Toronto: 4.25pm; Speers Point: 4.40pm

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