Travelling along the bumpy, unsealed road to Naru Reserve sure does make you question what you’re doing! It’s pitch black, and you know there’s a car park here somewhere. Then you look ahead to the neon light coming from the foreshore. Both relieved and excited, the kids jump out of the car and head down the sand. Lured to the shoreline by the neon lights, they’re greeted by the friendly and welcoming staff at Showtime Kayaking. Let the adventure begin!
The nighttime show
It’s a tour experience like no other, and the best bit is that it’s right here in Lake Macquarie. You don’t have to be a kayaking expert. Even if you’ve never done it before, the staff will guide you through the movements, fit you with a life jacket and head torch, and teach you all about the kayak lighting.
Getting here
Naru Reserve is in Marks Point, just to the side of Lake Macquarie Airport. You need to go slow on the unsealed road, as it’s a bit bumpy. There’s a car park right at the end where the sand starts. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance, as the tours are in small groups. There are no toilets at Naru, so make sure the kids go before you leave. There are staff who stay on the beach, so you leave any possessions with them.
A tour like no other
The guides are very experienced and extremely knowledgeable, so be sure to listen to their instructions. The area at Naru isn’t deep, so your clear kayak is perfect for gliding over the sealife. Everyone stays together, and this forms a big light under the water. The guide will help spot the sealife and make sure everyone gets to see as much as possible. From stingrays to giant puffer fish, octopus, whiting, and more, it’s an experience like no other. The clear kayaks allow you to enter the world underneath, but it’s the quiet, calming experience above that makes you realise how lucky we are to live here.
Constellation experience
On our tour, we stopped at a section of the island for a lesson on the stars. We turned the lights off on our kayaks and looked to the stars, learning all about the Milky Way and the well-known stars right above us. We went for our tour during June, and we didn’t get cold, because you’re working your body the whole time. The night was clear, and the stars were out, so it was perfect viewing both underneath and above.
Booking your tour
Kayaks have two people in each, so make sure you’ve got even numbers and an adult with a child. Children 7 years old and above can join in the fun. Water booties are ideal footwear, but you can wear old sneakers as well. A water bottle and a camera are a must! We left most of our gear with the staff on the beach. There’s plenty of information on the website, so jump on over and take a look at Showtime Kayaking.
