Sailing Lake Macquarie in New South Wales; The Largest Coastal Lake in The Southern Hemisphere

James, a solo sailor on a mission to circumnavigate the globe since leaving Los Angeles in 2021, has been capturing our attention with his travels. Alongside Ronda, who joined him full-time once he reached Sydney, they are sailing across Australia’s East Coast, aiming to see as many wild places and animals as possible.

Exploring the East Coast of Australia

Having spent time around Sydney and in more remote areas such as the Pittwater region, James and Ronda are now sailing further north. On their journey towards Newcastle, they faced a 50 nautical mile passage ahead of them. With good wind forecasted, the duo aimed to have an enjoyable day on the water.

Lake Macquarie – A Hidden Gem

As they neared Newcastle, James and Ronda met other cruisers who informed them of Lake Macquarie. Despite initially planning to head straight for Newcastle, the enticing recommendation led them towards this lesser-known destination. Connected to the Tasman Sea by a short channel, Lake Macquarie is an extensive 110 square kilometer coastal saltwater lagoon situated in the southern hemisphere.

Sailing to PBA Island

After spending a few nights anchored at Belmont, James and Ronda made their way to nearby PBA Island. The island boasts public moorings available for overnight stays, which proved convenient and comfortable for the duo.

Sailing onto Moorings

With light winds challenging their progress, James and Ronda skillfully navigated to a nearby mooring. Demonstrating excellent sailing techniques, they managed to successfully pick up the mooring without any issues.

Hiking and Exploring the Peninsula

Aiming to stretch their legs after a day of sailing, James and Ronda hiked the narrow peninsula surrounding Lake Macquarie. During their walk, they encountered a peculiar shack offering free candy, which only added to their adventurous experience.

The Bellbirds

Notably, the couple observed and experienced something extraordinary as they navigated along the shores of Lake Macquarie. The sounds of bellbird calls echoed across the waters, leading James and Ronda to believe that these fascinating creatures inhabited the surrounding wilderness.

Join the Adventure

To follow along with James’ solo world voyage and the thrilling adventures of Ronda, be sure to join the Patreon crew and contribute towards this incredible journey.