CULTURE: Ashley Hudson from Indigenous Learning will be at the boatfest.
DREAMTIME stories and new boat technology will combine for the first time at this year's Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest.
Lake Macquarie's Aboriginal culture will be showcased in a series of cruises on board the Solar Sailor.
Boat festival-goers will be able to learn about the Awabakal Dreamtime stories associated with Lake Macquarie, as well as well as handle artifacts and paint themselves using local ochre.
Ashley Hudson, from Indigenous Learning, will give presentations on the Aboriginal cultural history of Lake Macquarie.
She will tell stories about Pulbah Island, local bush tucker, bush medicine and traditional tools and weapons used - all on-board the innovative vessel, the Solar Sailor.
The Solar Sailor operates on solar, wind and electric hybrid propulsion - minimising noise, vibrations and pollution.
The Toronto shoreline will again host the Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest, which is sponsored by The Star, over the Easter long weekend.
Solar Sailor will be open for public inspection on Saturday, March 30, with the cruises to run on Sunday, March 31.
About 80 traditional and classic boats - steam, sail, rowing, and motor - will be showcased at the Classic Boatfest.
■ Go to classicboatfest.com.au for more information about the Classic Boatfest or to view a full program of events.