Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia: Riviera owners and guests enjoyed a special four-day Easter Experience to Lake Macquarie, hosted by Pittwater-based Riviera dealer, R Marine Riley.

Lake Macquarie (or Awaba) is Australia’s largest coastal salt water lagoon. Located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, it covers an area of 110 square kilometres (42.5 sq mi) and is connected to the Tasman Sea by a short channel.

Rafted up and ready for fun on the Lake Macquarie Easter Experience.

The lake itself is of irregular shape and the land separating it from the ocean is only a few kilometres wide along most of its length. While there are a several small, sandy, low-level islets in the lake, some of which are grouped near the mouth, Pulbah Island, located south of Swansea is a large island offering views from rocky cliffs.

The evening briefing was held on Thursday, April 2, at the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Pittwater before departure at 7am. The convoy arrived at Lake Macquarie at lunchtime and berthed at Marmong Point Marina – just 60 nautical miles north of Sydney Harbour and a great port from which to explore Lake Macquarie.

Mark Riley reports:

“Everyone gained valuable experience in handling ocean conditions on the way up and a spectacular seafood barbecue dinner set the scene for the next day.”

The weather on Saturday morning allowed for the boats to get a thorough wash thanks to Mother Nature, and the Mastercraft wakeboard boat was fired up for some fun out on the water. Others enjoyed a quiet fish or walk around the beautiful lake.

The evening brought about the ‘onesie’ party and cocktail/pizza night, which allowed for some funny pictures and interesting sights.

Of course the excitement mounted as Easter Sunday dawned and families set off on an Easter Egg hunt – and there were certainly plenty of smiling faces as the eggs were uncovered and devoured.

It was a stunning day, so the afternoon was spent barefoot bowling at The Rathmines Bowling Club before the fleet rafted up for the night at Pulbah Island – the largest island in Lake Macquarie.

A tender safari kicked off Monday and it was a race to the finish, while the rest of the morning was spent fishing, swimming and enjoying great weather at this very special time of the year before departing in convoy and heading home with great memories and great expectations for the next Experience.

This year R Marine Riley is also planning an Experience to Fraser Island and Lady Musgrave Island during the September school holidays, an end-of-year Experience to Tasmania, as well as regular ladies driving courses and “Riv Kids” events. R Marine Riley welcomes anyone from the Riviera family to join them on these fabulous adventure. Please call Mark Riley direct on +61 418 250 727 or email him at mark@rmarineriley.com.au for further details.

• FAST FACT: Lake Macquarie was discovered in 1800 by Captain William Reid, who had been sent from Sydney to retrieve a load of coal from Newcastle Reid took a wrong turn and found himself in a lake rather than a river, with no coal to be seen anywhere. The name “Reid’s Mistake” was retained until 1826, when it was renamed in honour of Governor Lachlan Macquarie.