Lake Macquarie will soon see ferries back on its waters, with services set to return from January 1.
The new ferries will cut almost half an hour off travel times around the lake, running between Speers Point, Booragul, Toronto, Belmont, and Wangi Wangi.
It's hoped the service could be expanded to new locations, although Warners Bay is currently considered too shallow for a stop.
The vessel can carry 120 passengers, and is expected to run for a six-month trial following a soft launch at Lake Mac Carols on Saturday 12 December.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says the ferry's return to the lake is "absolutely exciting".
"It just made a real statement, it stood out," Cr Fraser said. "Everyone was coming down to have a look, they were really excited to see a ferry back on the lake."
"It's been a long time since we've had a ferry, and I'm really looking forward to it starting up again."
The service is likely to be a boost to tourism, especially for local art lovers, linking venues such as the Museum of Art and Culture at Booragul and Wangi Wangi's Dobell House.
One-way tickets between any two stops will cost $13, return tickets are set at $26, and an all-day pass for the ferry is $30.
