The Boat Shed Bar turns 10!

Boat Shed Bar Turns 10: A Decade of Beers, Burgers & Big Moments

Lake Macquarie’s go-to destination for craft beer, sport, and good times is celebrating 10 incredible years this September. The Boat Shed Bar at Belmont 16s Sailing Club has grown from humble beginnings into a buzzing social hub that’s as much about community as it is about great food and drinks.

From Boats to Beers: A Decade of the Boat Shed Bar

Before it became the lively venue you know today, this space was all about sailing. Right up until 2011, it stored the club’s skiffs before all operations moved to the brand-new Brian Ellis Boat Shed, complete with storage, race control, training rooms, and Learn to Sail HQ.

By 2015, the original space had transformed into the Boat Shed Bar, pouring Lake Macquarie’s largest selection of craft beers, showcasing live sport across 22 screens, and becoming a favorite spot for music lovers, trivia fans, and local sailors swapping stories after race days.

When Burger Bros Hit the Scene

The Boat Shed Bar has seen a few food concepts over the years, but when Burger Bros joined the scene, everything changed. For the past eight years, Burger Bros has been serving up next-level burgers that pair perfectly with craft beer, live music, and sports on the big screens.

Member specials like Wednesday $12.90 Burgers, Loaded Fries Thursdays, and the always-changing Burger of the Month have made it a staple not only for the Club but across the whole eastern side of Lake Macquarie.

10th Anniversary Celebrations – All September Long

We’re marking this milestone with a month of exciting offers and events, including:

New September Menu: Fresh dishes alongside your Burger Bros favorites.
MASSIVE Vegas Giveaway: Buy any Lion product to go in the draw to win flights, accommodation, and spending money to watch the Newcastle Knights in Vegas. Be on-site for the October 5 draw for your chance to claim an extra $1,000 cash.*
Birthday Spin & Win: Spend $20 or more on any Burger Bros item for instant prizes, including our limited-edition 10th Anniversary Boat Shed Bar T-shirt.*
Social Media Throwbacks: We’re sharing favorite moments from the past 10 years—from its early days as a boat shed to today’s craft beer and burger hub. Share your own memories to join the fun!
*Terms and Conditions apply and are listed in full at the Club

Branding Evolution & Limited-Edition T-Shirt

Over the years, the Boat Shed Bar has worn a few different styles, but our new branding takes us back to what we do best—a sports bar at heart, celebrating sailing and lakeside life.

Now, you’ll see cheeky seagulls popping up in our designs, illustrations of skiffs and likenesses of our sailors across our posters and social media, and a brand feel that reflects strength, community, and local pride.

The limited-edition 10th Anniversary T-shirt captures it all: the characters are throwing the shaka sign, a nod to our laid-back lakeside spirit. True to the Boat Shed Bar vibe, they’re not standing on the skiff, an inside joke inspired by our annual Swimmers Trophy, awarded to the sailor with the most spectacular capsize of the season and.

A Venue for Every Occasion

Over the years, the Boat Shed Bar has become the go-to venue for functions of every kind, from milestone birthdays and Christmas parties (we host about 50% of all the Club’s festive celebrations!) to corporate events, birthday parties and even memorials.

With private and semi-private spaces for up to 100 guests and a welcoming, casual atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to raise a glass with friends, family, and colleagues.

Activities & Entertainment

The Boat Shed Bar is more than a place to grab a beer—it’s where the community comes to connect, celebrate, and be entertained:

Trivia Nights: Our Wednesday trivia nights have built a loyal following, now with an extra “heads or tails” round to keep things fun.
Live Music: Every Friday and Saturday night features talented local artists performing live—always free, always good vibes.
Wall-to-Wall Sport: With 22 screens and every big game on show, finals season transforms the bar into one of the most electric spots in town.

Fun Facts About the Boat Shed Bar

Most Popular Burger Ever: The legendary Cluck Norris still holds the crown as the all-time fan favorite.
Taps Galore: We’ve got the most beer taps in the Club—18 in total, pouring local brews and classics alike.
The Gazeway Table: Reserved during sailing season afternoons for past and present sailors to swap stories, check results, and enjoy a beer.
Ring the Bell… if you dare: Tradition says if you ring it without sailing news, you’re shouting the bar!
Time Capsule: Hidden inside the venue, the 2023 time capsule will be opened in 2048, keeping the Boat Shed Bar’s legacy alive for future generations.

Opening Hours

Wednesday & Thursday: 5 pm – late
Friday: 5 pm – late (with live music)
Saturday: Lunch & dinner service
Sunday: 12 pm – 8 pm (Burger Bros finishes at 6 pm)

The Home of Craft Beer & Local Flavour

With Lake Macquarie’s largest range of craft beer on tap, epic burgers, non-stop sport, local entertainment, and a whole lot of history behind it, the Boat Shed Bar at Belmont 16s Sailing Club has spent the past 10 years becoming the ultimate community hangout and the next decade is only getting started.