The Central Coast Lakes Festival returns this year in a new format, following its cancellation last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The 2021 program includes a mix of online and in-person activities from November 5-14 as the region celebrates its waterways in a COVID safe way.
Animated mascot Pippa the Pelican will appear in educational videos and on social media to share key messages about the region’s waterways and a Get Active Scavenger Hunt will take place throughout the festival at four locations with instructions delivered via an app which will go live on November 5.
Along four pathways – at Tuggerawong, from Chittaway to The Entrance, from Gosford to Woy Woy and from Kincumber to Davistown – residents will complete challenges and activities, scoring points for each activity completed.
The 2km Tuggerawong walk will start at February St and continue to Prawn Beach Lane.
The Long Jetty to The Entrance walk starts at Rotary Park, Long Jetty and ends at Memorial Park, The Entrance.
The Gosford to Woy Woy walk is a long one which can be completed in parts and starts at Gosford Boat Ramp, proceeding around Brisbane Water to Woy Woy Wharf.
The Kincumber to Davistown walk starts at the Ship Builders Memorial at the end of Carrak St and follows the path around Kincumber Broadwater to Davistown Rd near Coomal Ave.
The pathways will have checkpoints where people can use the QR code on the signage to download the app and start the Scavenger Hunt and there will be a stand-up paddle board prize
for the winner.
The festival will also include a series of kids’ craft and science activities and Eat Fest, where different local food trucks will pop up in a new waterway location each day during the festival for people to grab some takeaway or picnic within restrictions at the time.
Among online activities for children will be Water Animals: Cartoon Drawing on November 5, Water Animals: Origami on November 8 and Deep Blue Ocean: Science Workshop on November 10.
Council will also spotlight its iBook’s, eBooks, virtual tours and videos from loveourwaterways.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and will work with relevant local organisations to hold stand-up paddleboard yoga, kayaking, surfing lessons and other activities.
Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan, said the revised format would ensure the event can go ahead in a COVID-safe way.
“Waterways are a huge part of the Central Coast community’s lifestyle,” Vaughan said.
“They underpin our identity, support our local economy, provide recreational and social opportunities for locals and visitors, and support our mental and physical wellbeing.
“The Lakes Festival has had year on year growth, more than doubling in size from 2015 to attract 65,000 attendees to 10 event hubs right across the Coast and we are excited to think of new ways for people to experience our waterways.”
See full details of Lakes Festival activities at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/TheLakesFestival or The Lakes Festival Facebook page.
Terry Collins