Float Your Boat

Lake Macquarie’s iconic fluorescent flotilla is set to brighten local shores and spirits when the family favourite ‘Float Your Boat’ parade returns in June 2025. Rug up and head on down to the shores of Lake Macquarie to watch boats in a rainbow of colour cruise past in the flotilla parade and be vying for the Mayor’s Choice Award and Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice Award for best light display.

The winners of the Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice Awards are decided the community! You will be able to cast your vote for your favourite design, online from Friday evening June 20 until Sunday 29 June 2025 at 11:59pm.

You can join in on the family fun at one or at all three live sites which include live music, roaming illuminated performances, entertainment, children's activities and food trucks.

Highlights: Friday 20 June 2025

• Visit the Float Your Boat live site located at Toronto Foreshore.
• The flotilla will travel from Empire Marina to Toronto, Coal Point and Wangi Wangi.

Highlights: Saturday 21 June 2025

• Choose between two Float Your Boat live sites located at Warners Bay Foreshore and Brooks Parade Belmont.
• The flotilla will travel from Belmont to Valentine, Eleebana, Warners Bay, and finish at Empire Marina.