Lake Macquarie and Swansea
The Lake Macquarie artificial reef is inside the lake. Swansea Flathead Ground, Moon Island Reef and the nearby offshore wrecks give you a separate group to explore outside. Start with the area that suits your trip.
THE DOWNRIGGER SHOP FIELD GUIDE
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens Fishing Marks
Explore fishing marks inside Lake Macquarie, offshore from Swansea and Newcastle, and around Port Stephens. Choose an area below, then browse the reefs, wrecks and fishing grounds on the map.
GET TO KNOW THE AREA
Where to start
Catherine Hill Bay through Newcastle
Catherine Hill Bay Farm and Cunning Reef each have marks for more than one section. Further north, browse Newcastle Gravel, Mudhole and the grounds off Dudley. Depth and structure notes are listed where available.
Port Stephens and the Broughton group
Explore Edith Break, Gibbler Shoals and Marlin Reef in the Port Stephens group. Open each mark to compare its location and depth, and use the marine park layer when looking around the area.
EXPLORE THE MARKS
Find a fishing mark
Search by spot name, fish species or fishing method, then open a mark on the map.
24 of 24 marks shown
Blacksmiths
Blacksmith’s Bait
A Blacksmiths reference near the Swansea entrance. Historical reports list baitfish, bream and flathead; its name does not establish safe access through the entrance. This pin is a public area reference, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable.
Check current charts, sounder, weather, water levels and local fishing rules. Published depths do not establish clearance over structures, safe access or permission to fish. For any bar crossing, independently check current bar conditions and boating guidance.
- Fishing Spot Locations - Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- NSW fishing closures, restrictions and permits · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Fishing GPS marks database - northern NSW comparison review · OzPolitic, entries attributed to Fishnet / BCF
Broughton Island region
Marlin Reef
Marlin Reef is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground section “Unnumbered source entry” within the broader Marlin Reef system; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices. Check the current official Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park zoning map and rules before planning or fishing; a plotted mark does not establish a zone or permission to fish.
- GPS Marks Port Stephens · Tackle Paradise Australia
- Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park · NSW Government
Broughton Island region
Marlin Reef 1
Marlin Reef 1 is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground section “1” within the broader Marlin Reef system; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices. Check the current official Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park zoning map and rules before planning or fishing; a plotted mark does not establish a zone or permission to fish.
- GPS Marks Port Stephens · Tackle Paradise Australia
- Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park · NSW Government
Broughton Island region
Marlin Reef 2
Marlin Reef 2 is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground section “2” within the broader Marlin Reef system; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices. Check the current official Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park zoning map and rules before planning or fishing; a plotted mark does not establish a zone or permission to fish.
- GPS Marks Port Stephens · Tackle Paradise Australia
- Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park · NSW Government
Broughton Island region
Marlin Reef 3
Marlin Reef 3 is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground section “3” within the broader Marlin Reef system; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices. Check the current official Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park zoning map and rules before planning or fishing; a plotted mark does not establish a zone or permission to fish.
- GPS Marks Port Stephens · Tackle Paradise Australia
- Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park · NSW Government
Catherine Hill Bay offshore
Catherine Hill Bay Farm - Inner
Catherine Hill Bay Farm - Inner is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground section “Inner” within the broader Catherine Hill Bay Farm system; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices.
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Boating maps · NSW Government
Catherine Hill Bay offshore
Catherine Hill Bay Farm - North East
Catherine Hill Bay Farm - North East is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground section “North East” within the broader Catherine Hill Bay Farm system; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices.
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Boating maps · NSW Government
Catherine Hill Bay offshore
Red’s - Catherine Hill Bay
A Catherine Hill Bay area reference published as Red’s. The corresponding historical entry reports snapper. This pin is a public area reference, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable.
Check current charts, sounder, weather, water levels and local fishing rules. Published depths do not establish clearance over structures, safe access or permission to fish. For any bar crossing, independently check current bar conditions and boating guidance.
- Fishing Spot Locations - Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- NSW fishing closures, restrictions and permits · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Fishing GPS marks database - northern NSW comparison review · OzPolitic, entries attributed to Fishnet / BCF
Dudley offshore
Tom’s Mark - Dudley
A Dudley offshore reference published as Tom’s Mark. A longer historical name includes “30Mt”, which is not treated as a verified water depth. This pin is a public area reference, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable.
Check current charts, sounder, weather, water levels and local fishing rules. Published depths do not establish clearance over structures, safe access or permission to fish. For any bar crossing, independently check current bar conditions and boating guidance.
- Fishing Spot Locations - Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- NSW fishing closures, restrictions and permits · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Fishing GPS marks database - northern NSW comparison review · OzPolitic, entries attributed to Fishnet / BCF
Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie Estuarine Artificial Reef
A reef-ball area within Lake Macquarie, separate from Macquarie’s Reef and the tyre reef. Historical research recorded yellowfin bream on the lake’s artificial reefs. This pin is a public area reference, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Published site depth: 5 m.
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum: WGS84. GPX download available in the map.
The official source specifies WGS84. This is an approximate reef-area position, not a surveyed individual structure.
Check current charts, sounder, weather, water levels and local fishing rules. Published depths do not establish clearance over structures, safe access or permission to fish. For any bar crossing, independently check current bar conditions and boating guidance.
- NSW estuarine artificial reef locations · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- NSW fishing closures, restrictions and permits · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Fish Assemblages on Estuarine Artificial Reefs: Natural Rocky-Reef Mimics or Discrete Assemblages? · Folpp, Lowry, Gregson and Suthers; PLOS ONE
Lake Macquarie offshore
Cunning Reef - North End
Cunning Reef - North End is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground section “North End” within the broader Cunning Reef system; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices.
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Boating maps · NSW Government
Lake Macquarie offshore
Cunning Reef - South End
Cunning Reef - South End is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground section “South End” within the broader Cunning Reef system; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices.
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Boating maps · NSW Government
Lake Macquarie offshore
Macquarie's Reef
Macquarie's Reef is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices.
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Boating maps · NSW Government
Lake Macquarie offshore, east of Swansea
Advance Wreck
A documented wreck east of Swansea at an official Heritage NSW position; Grey Nurse Charters reports wobbegongs and other fish life around it.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Approximately 50 m
- Spot type
- wreck
Reported species
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum: WGS84. GPX download available in the map.
Official Heritage NSW WGS84 coordinate retained unchanged; a nearby Marine Rescue alternative exists and its list is not intended for navigation.
Planning reference only, not for navigation. Verify independently and do not anchor onto, attach gear to, disturb or remove material from the wreck.
- Advance · Heritage NSW
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Other Swansea Dives · Grey Nurse Charters
Lake Macquarie offshore, east of Swansea
Bonnie Dundee
A broken wreck east of Swansea whose scattered structure is reported as fish-holding habitat for bullseye, pomfret and other reef fish.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Approximately 35 m
- Spot type
- wreck
Reported species
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum: WGS84. GPX download available in the map.
Official Heritage NSW WGS84 coordinate retained unchanged. Bonnie Dundee is not conflated with the separately positioned Moon Island Wreck.
Planning reference only. Verify independently and do not anchor onto, attach gear to, disturb or remove material from the wreck.
- Bonnie Dundee · Heritage NSW
- Other Swansea Dives · Grey Nurse Charters
Newcastle offshore
Mudhole Reef
Mudhole Reef is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices.
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Boating maps · NSW Government
Newcastle offshore
Newcastle Gravel
Newcastle Gravel is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices.
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Boating maps · NSW Government
Port Stephens offshore
Edith Break
Edith Break is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices. Check the current official Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park zoning map and rules before planning or fishing; a plotted mark does not establish a zone or permission to fish.
- GPS Marks Port Stephens · Tackle Paradise Australia
- Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park · NSW Government
Port Stephens offshore
Gibbler Shoals
Gibbler Shoals is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices. Check the current official Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park zoning map and rules before planning or fishing; a plotted mark does not establish a zone or permission to fish.
- GPS Marks Port Stephens · Tackle Paradise Australia
- Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park · NSW Government
Redhead offshore
Redhead Gravel
The Redhead Gravel reference northeast of Swansea. A second Marine Rescue row named Redhead uses the same coordinate and is treated as an alias. This pin is a public area reference, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable.
Check current charts, sounder, weather, water levels and local fishing rules. Published depths do not establish clearance over structures, safe access or permission to fish. For any bar crossing, independently check current bar conditions and boating guidance.
- Fishing Spot Locations - Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- NSW fishing closures, restrictions and permits · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Fishing GPS marks database - northern NSW comparison review · OzPolitic, entries attributed to Fishnet / BCF
Swansea offshore
Moon Island Reef
Moon Island Reef is a published public fishing-area reference. The point represents the named ground; it is not an inferred centre, boundary or promise of fishing productivity.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The source does not state a datum. A datum-related positional difference may exist; GPX export is unavailable.
Public fishing-area reference only, not a navigation waypoint or a claim that fishing is permitted. Verify on current official charts and your sounder; check weather, swell, current, vessel capability, NSW fishing rules and notices.
- Fishing Matrix · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- Boating maps · NSW Government
Swansea offshore
Pot Hole - Swansea
An offshore Swansea Pot Hole reference associated with snapper in a historical list. The selected Marine Rescue longitude differs slightly from that comparison. This pin is a public area reference, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. The historical list differs by 0.020 minutes of longitude. This pin retains the Marine Rescue coordinate; the comparison depth is not transferred.
Check current charts, sounder, weather, water levels and local fishing rules. Published depths do not establish clearance over structures, safe access or permission to fish. For any bar crossing, independently check current bar conditions and boating guidance.
- Fishing Spot Locations - Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- NSW fishing closures, restrictions and permits · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Fishing GPS marks database - northern NSW comparison review · OzPolitic, entries attributed to Fishnet / BCF
Swansea offshore
Swansea Flathead Ground
An offshore Swansea ground published as Flathead in the Marine Rescue list. The matching historical fishing entry also identifies flathead. This pin is a public area reference, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable.
Check current charts, sounder, weather, water levels and local fishing rules. Published depths do not establish clearance over structures, safe access or permission to fish. For any bar crossing, independently check current bar conditions and boating guidance.
- Fishing Spot Locations - Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- NSW fishing closures, restrictions and permits · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Fishing GPS marks database - northern NSW comparison review · OzPolitic, entries attributed to Fishnet / BCF
Swansea offshore
Swansea Gravel
A gravel-ground reference offshore from Swansea. The source supplies a position and name but no supported target list or depth. This pin is a public area reference, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.
View on interactive map- Published depth
- Depth not published
- Spot type
- Broader fishing area
Reported species
Species information is not available for this mark yet.
Coordinates, sources & safety
Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.
The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable.
Check current charts, sounder, weather, water levels and local fishing rules. Published depths do not establish clearance over structures, safe access or permission to fish. For any bar crossing, independently check current bar conditions and boating guidance.
- Fishing Spot Locations - Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie · Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
- NSW fishing closures, restrictions and permits · NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Fishing GPS marks database - northern NSW comparison review · OzPolitic, entries attributed to Fishnet / BCF
FISHING TIPS & TRIP REPORTS
Advice from Andrew
Read your sounder before dropping a line
Andrew’s examples of structure, bait and fish on the screen, and what to do with that information.
How to use public fishing marks
Use a GPS mark and your sounder to find structure, bait and fish.
Getting started with jigging
Match the jig to the depth and current, then work the water where fish are showing.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you head out
Can I browse marks inside Lake Macquarie separately?
Yes. Use the Area filter below to narrow the list, or open the lake’s artificial reef directly from this guide.
Where do I find the GPS coordinates?
Choose “View on interactive map” on a card, then use Copy coordinates or Copy link. The map help guide explains how to save, share and plan with them.
KEEP EXPLORING
Nearby water and useful guides
14 fishing marks
Central Coast
Find Central Coast reefs and wrecks around Terrigal, Bateau Bay, The Entrance and Norah Head. Open each mark on the NSW fishing map.
Explore the guide 11 fishing marksCoffs Coast
Find fishing marks around Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Bundagen and Arrawarra. Browse reefs, bait grounds and reported species on the map.
Explore the guide 21 fishing marksSydney offshore
Explore Sydney fishing marks from Long Reef and The Peak to the Twelve Miler, Browns Mountain and Bate Bay, with map links and Andrew’s fishing reports.
Explore the guideMAKE A SHORTLIST
Plan your next fishing trip.
Find a boat ramp, choose your fishing spots and save them in Trip Planner.