Superboats, jet skis and stunt planes thrilled an estimated 30,000 people that turned out to parks and lined the shores of Lake Macquarie for the ‘big weekend’ of high-octane action.
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While grey skies and the occasional shower kept crowd numbers down on Saturday, Sunday’s sunny spring weather drove thousands to the Lake Mac Big Weekend’s events, which annually injects $10 million into the local economy.
“Past years have shown us how popular this event is, not just with locals but with people coming from outside Lake Macquarie to stay for the weekend,” Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor Kay Fraser said.
“One of the big drawcards of the Lake Mac Big Weekend is that it’s all free, but people who come for the event spend money on accommodation, food and entertainment, and this has significant benefits for the local economy.”
The 2018 Offshore Superboat Championship is one of the weekend’s biggest attractions.
As Australia’s national series for powerboat racing, the superboats alone attract about 1100 overnight visitors and injects more than $550,000 into the Lake’s economy.
Additionally, the three-race series is broadcast nationally in Australia and distributed internationally to New Zealand, China and United Arab Emirates.
In front of thousands that packed the Lake’s shores on Sunday to watch the superboats, Valentine driver Darren Nicholson took out the weekend’s third and final race.
About $8 million worth of race boats took part in the offshore championship, superboats organiser Conn Saloumidis said.
He added that the race circuit was designed to provide great views from right around the lake.
Marmong Point acted as the staging and pit area and also featured food stalls and family water sports.
The Big Weekend is made up with 12 events including 30 jet ski races, aerobatic displays by Matt Hall Racing, a show and shine of vintage cars and hot rods and markets.
Cr Fraser said the addition this year of a Sunday food and wine festival in Speers Point Park proved to be a success.
“With Matt Hall Racing aerobatic displays overhead, the jet skis flying around the lake off Eleebana and the superboats reaching speeds of almost 200km/h there was action right across the weekend.
“But the shoreside activities and attractions were equally important in making the Lake Mac Big Weekend such a success.
“This weekend showcases everything Lake Macquarie has to offer, and will have ongoing benefits in terms of tourism and attracting more great events to our city.”
The Lake Macquarie round of the Offshore Superboat Championships is supported and funded by Dantia, Lake Macquarie’s economic development company, and Destination NSW.
Dantia chief executive officer Peter Francis said the high-adrenaline events represented a huge financial boost to the region.
“The event showcases the region to a national and international audience, and will support local businesses by bringing visitors and increased spending into Lake Macquarie,” Mr Francis said.
More than 60 people took part in 30 jet ski races – part of the Lake Mac Personal Water Crasft race series – across the weekend.
Some of Australia’s top jet ski racers reached speeds of 160km/h as they went head-to-head in the 3km endurance race and 1km circuit course off Lions Park at Eleebana.
NSW Minister for Tourism Adam Marshall said bringing events to regional destinations was a key focus for the state government.
“The NSW tourism industry is a serious industry worth serious money so promoting our great State means more local jobs and growth in regional economies,” Mr Marshall said.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
