Lee Baines is hoping his new coffee-table book becomes “a must have” for mariners, residents and visitors to Lake Macquarie.
Boasting more than 300 images, the 457-page, full-colour glossy hard-back book, written by the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie volunteer, features highlights of the lake and its adjoining coastline.
As radio operator, duty skipper and treasurer of the group, Mr Baines is hoping ‘Lake Macquarie and its Coastline’ will become “the ultimate reference guide” showcasing the region.
The book includes boating information, safety advice, features and attractions, how to get there, potential hazards, history, wind and weather, as well as food, entertainment and accommodation ideas.
“Everything you need to know about Lake Macquarie in one place,” Mr Baines says.
The book is thanks to a Queensland vacation.
While on holiday in the Whitsundays years ago, Mr Baines and his wife chartered a boat to explore the islands.
During this time the former naval architect took advice from what he says queenslanders refer to as “the bible for boaters”.
“It’s full of useful information,” he said.
“Not just for boaters but also as tourists.”
When he returned home he searched for a similar book about Lake Macquarie, to no avail.
“I wanted to showcase the lake and show people parts of it that they might not have otherwise known about.
“If I can make one person that lives on one side of the lake, explore and discover something they did not know about the other side, then I feel it’s been worth it.”
Two and a half years in the making, the book focuses on 20 locations surrounding the country’s largest salt water lake.
Since receiving the first copies of the book this week, Marine Rescue volunteers say orders have been “frantic”.
“We printed 1,000 copies and now our volunteers are battling to get them packaged and mailed out in time for Father’s Day,” Mr Baines told Newcastle Weekly.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will help fund Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie operations.
Go to https://lakemacquariebook.com.au/ for more information.
The book is also available in digital format.
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