NOVA Cruises
ProHighlights
- Three charter boats: NOVA Spirit and Bay Connections 1 on the harbour, Lady Mac on the lake
- Groups from about 30 up to 95, with set lunch, dinner, canape and morning tea menus
- Licensed bar, air conditioning, a 42-inch TV and a Bluetooth PA on board
About NOVA Cruises
NOVA Cruises runs scheduled lunch, dinner and whale-watching cruises from Honeysuckle, and charters its boats out for private functions on Newcastle Harbour, the Hunter River and Lake Macquarie. Each charter comes with a skipper, crew, a licensed bar and food cooked or served on board, so the group only needs to pick a boat, a menu and a date. On the harbour there are two boats. NOVA Spirit is a modern catamaran seating 80, or taking 95 for a stand-up function, with a big alfresco foredeck, a refreshed interior, full-size restrooms and air conditioning. Bay Connections 1 is a smaller 16-metre catamaran for 40 seated or 45 standing, with an upper sundeck for 20, and it can head up the Hunter River as well as around the port. A popular format is pre-dinner drinks on board before stepping off at a waterfront venue for the meal. On Lake Macquarie the boat is Lady Mac, departing Booragul Public Wharf, which has free parking alongside. It seats 60 or takes 70 for canapes, has an upper sundeck for 40, and carries a boom net that guests can ride through the water on warm days. Charter menus include buffet lunches and dinners, BBQ meals with local prawns, canapes with cheese platters, Devonshire morning teas and Christmas menus, and dietary needs can be catered for. Each boat has a 42-inch TV for photos or presentations and a PA with Bluetooth for music and speeches. Drinks come from the bar only, as the boats are fully licensed with no BYO, and high heels are not allowed on board.
Inclusions & amenities
Vessel Type
Features
Location
Food & Drinks
Facilities
Pricing
Food
Beverages
Wharfs & Availability
Frequently asked questions
Which boat suits our group size?
NOVA Spirit takes up to 80 seated or 95 for a stand-up function on the harbour. Bay Connections 1 suits 40 seated or 45 standing, and Lady Mac on Lake Macquarie takes 60 seated or 70 for canapes. Minimum numbers apply to private charters.
Where do the charters depart from?
Harbour charters leave from Lee Wharf beside the Honeysuckle Hotel or the Harbour Square dock behind the Rydges hotel in Newcastle. Lake Macquarie charters leave from Booragul Public Wharf behind the Lake Mac Art Gallery, where parking is free.
Can we bring our own drinks?
No. The boats are fully licensed and BYO is not permitted, so drinks are bought from the bar on board. Outside food is also not allowed unless arranged in advance for dietary needs.
What food is served?
Charters are built around a menu: buffet or BBQ lunches and dinners, canapes with cheese platters, Devonshire morning tea or a Christmas menu. Tell the team about dietary requirements when booking.
How do deposits and final numbers work?
A non-refundable 25 per cent deposit confirms a private charter, and full payment and final guest numbers are due four weeks before the cruise. If fewer guests come than the charter minimum, the minimum is still charged.
Suitable occasions
annaleise botham
3 months ago
Such a magical experience! Saw soo many whales and dolphins, staff are amazing and the facilities are clean! will 100% be riding with them again 🩵
Julia Ciuhak
3 months ago
Exceptional! The cruise was exactly as described online and delivered everything it promised and more... The crew were really lovely, professional, and nice to chat with. I spent most of the trip on the top deck, and the…
Ladine Smith
3 months ago
Thank you so much for an enjoyable cruise. We had 20 people in our group celebrating my mum’s 80th birthday and it was the perfect venue. The boat was comfortable and good viewing, the staff were exceptional, food was gr…
Trish Johnson
5 months ago
A lovely family morning. Very scenic and informative. Our grandsons thoroughly enjoyed the ships and tugs.
Is this your business? Claim this listing
Related listings nearby
54
38
470
10