Float Your Boat

We have the best seats in the house!

Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the water at Sails Eatery, SALT Kitchen or Martha Drink & Dine and catch all the Float Your Boat action.

Experience the magic of Lake Macquarie after dark as light and creativity come alive on the water. Over two magical nights, a flotilla of illuminated vessels will glide across the lake, transforming the water into a moving gallery of light, colour and community spirit. 

Saturday 20 June 2026  

The Live site is located at Warners Bay Foreshore from 4.30pm – 8.30pm.

• The flotilla will travel from Belmont to Valentine, Eleebana, Warners Bay, and finish at Empire Marina.  

Join thousands of spectators along the shoreline at one of our live sites or step aboard and become part of the show. 

What is Float Your Boat? 

Float Your Boat is a free, family-friendly light festival that celebrates our lake, creativity, community, and visitors alike across two nights. 

• The Flotilla Parade: Boats of all shapes and sizes are transformed with incredible light displays created by the Flotilla entrants and cruise the lake each night. 

• The Live Sites: Spectators enjoy the best viewing points with music, art, entertainment, and food. 

• The Awards: Flotilla entrants compete for the Mayor’s Choice Award and the Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice Award for best light display. Flotilla participants also go in the running for Entrant Prizes.