News & Brews

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY

Super Bowl 2023
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February 4th 2022

As school starts back and we say goodbye to the silly season and the school holidays, yet there is a lot happening and we still have a month of summer up our sleeves too. Read on as we outline all that’s happening around the Bay Hotel Motel this February.

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Member’s Badge Draw Jackpots

Starting back up for the new year on Tuesday the 7th and Thursday the 9th February, our member’s badge draw jackpots will start at $500 on Tuesday and a whopping $8200 on Thursday. The lucky number will be drawn between 7pm to 8pm each draw night and the member must be present and has one minute to present their badge draw card to claim. If not won, the Tuesday draw jackpots by $100 and the Thursday draw by $200. Sign up at the bar and always have your card on you for your chance to win.

Thursday Raffles

The raffles are making their return on Thursday 9th February. Win a major prize each week plus, 13x meat trays, 4 x 1/2 cartons of beer, $450 in vouchers from Black Pepper Butchery & Bay Square Seafood. There is also a chance to win $1000 on Percy’s wheel. Tickets on sale 6pm with draw at 7pm.

Golf Club Raffle

Win 2x $80 meat trays, drawn right after the pub raffle on Thursday nights.

Schooner Draw

‘Pick a Number’ $6 per entry at the bar, winner takes all, drawn 6pm every Friday night starting the 3rd February.

Kids Charity Raffle

Every Friday night. Win 10x meat trays with the last one an $80 tray. Tickets on sale from 5pm, drawn straight after the schooner draw.

Super Bowl

This years Super Bowl Event will take place on Monday 13th February. It is always a huge event and loads of fun for the staff and patrons alike. Fancy dress is highly encouraged and there will be special menu items, American beers and theming on the day. More details to be announced shortly.

Social Golf Competition

Monthly competition held on a Sunday at various courses in the region. Prizes are awarded to the winners as well as nearest the pins etc. Annual membership is only $10 and the club is socially focused with all levels of golfers encouraged to join. Be sure to meet at the 19th hole after the game for the best of what the club offers.

christmas calander

Member's Draw JackpotHuge Toy RaffleChristmas Raffles
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December 9th 2022

The summer holiday seasons is fast approaching and we are set to deliver another fun packed calendar of events for the whole family. Our Accomodation is booking fast so head to the website for availability and the best room rates available. Read on for all thats happening around the grounds.

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Meet Santa

Surprise! Surprise! Santa is coming to the Bay Shopping Centre, watch this space and keep an ear out for dates and times.

Christmas Raffles

Huge Christmas Raffles on the 8th, 15th & 22nd December with ½ Hams, Chickens, Pork, Christmas Cakes & Puddings. Make the most of it before the raffle take a brake though January.

Annual Toy Raffle

Our annual Toy Raffle is back again and set to impress with loads and loads of great prizes to be Won. Time to get excited for this one, there is always a good crowd. The toys are now on display in the beer garden, ready to be Won on Wednesday 14th December.

Huge Jackpots

At the time of writing our Thursday Night Members Draw Jackpot has climbed to $7,600.00 and if not won beforehand it will jackpot to a staggering $8000.00 for the final draw of the year on December 22nd.

NYE Party

This year we will be bringing in the New Year with a Beach Party that is featuring DJ Ghostbuster. Keep an eye out for event details on poster in house and across our social channels.

The Boatshed Restaurant

The Boatshed Restaurant will be open on public holidays except for Christmas Day. Pick ups will be available however there will be no deliveries. Lunch and dinner specials are not available on Public Holidays and there will be public holiday surcharge on these days.

Christmas & New Years Trading Hours

Click here to view the holiday trading hours across our operations.

Melbourne Cup 2022

Melbourne Cup 2020
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Event date: November 1st 2022

It's the race that stops the nation and it is fast approaching again on Tuesday the 1st of November. We will be holding a three course luncheon with drink ON ARRIVAL, A Mystery Trifecta for every guest, sweeps and of course the best tab facilities around. Bookings are Essential.

luncheon menu

3 COURSE MEAL SERVED ALTERNATE DROP WITH DRINK ON ARRIVAL

$65 PER HEAD

Entrees

VIETNAMESE PORK SUMMER ROLL

Vietnamese spiced pork shoulder w wombok, vermicelli, shredded carrot, cucumber, Asian herbs
wrapped in rice paper served w a warm toasted peanut sauce

BEETROOT CURED OCEAN TROUT

36hr citrus cured ocean trout w watercress & baby herb salad, lemon & dill cream, grissini sticks

mains

CHICKEN BALLOTINE

Marinated roast chicken stuffed w wild mushroom, sage & speck served
w butternut pumpkin puree, roasted heirloom carrots, chicken jus

SMOKED BEEF BRISKET

House Smoked black angus beef brisket slow cooked for 10 hours served
w Paris mash, buttered beans, braised red cabbage, smoked BBQ jus

dessert

TRIPLE CHOC DECADENCE

Dark chocolate parfait, white chocolate ganache, mud cake crumble,
fresh berries, dehydrated orange, Salted Caramel Filigree 

Book now with Kelly ON 4973 3177

Book Now

let's fish lake mac

Lake Mac Fishing Competition
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November 7th 2020

Lake Mac’s first major event since COVID-19 will be taking place in the form of family friendly, catch and release fishing competition this November. There is a big prize pool up for grabs and anglers can fish from the shoreline or from a boat out on the water.

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Where & When

The completion will run on the waters  of Lake Macquarie over the weekend from Friday the 13th to Sunday the 15th of November. Fishing can take place from the shore around the lake or out on the water in a boat. The Competition area encompasses the tidal waters of Lake Macquarie and all public beaches in the Lake Macquarie City Council area.

Catch & Release

In respect of the environment and our waterways, the competition is strictly catch and release. There are four target species of Bream, Flathead, Tailor and Whiting. Captured fish will be photographed on brag mats before being returned to the water. The photographs will used to submit the angler’s entry.

Prizes

The completion boasts prizes to the value of $21,000 over the three days. There’s prizes for the biggest fish caught (and released) for both kids and grown-ups. Prize packs for entires closest to the mystery length. Plus, all entries go into the draw to win in a $3000 Prize Draw, which means you don’t even have to catch a fish to win!

Accomodation

The Bay Hotel Motel offers great family friendly accomodation and is conveniently located to provide close access to a long list of nearby boat ramps. For more information and the best room rates available, click here >>>

What’s On These School Holidays

Ash MountainDinosaurDinosaur - Hunter Valley Gardens
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September 28th 2020

Lake Macquarie is the ideal family holiday destination for these school holidays. The Bay Hotel Motel offers renovated motel rooms and is centrally located just off the M1 in beautiful Bonnells Bay. From this location visitors can easily access an array of activities and events here locally and in the surrounding region. Let’s take a quick look at some options on any budget.

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Hunter Valley Gardens

There is so many great things to do and to taste in the Hunter Valley. You will find some of the countries best vineyards and restaurants and well as a cheese factory and now Mega Creatures as well. This special event at the hunter Valley Gardens runs twice daily until the 11th of October. Featuring an all new flying Pterosaur and 16m long animatronic Brachiosaurus. Plus, all of your favourite mega creatures including a T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Spinosaurus and more! The Ice Age is brought to life with a 3m tall Woolly Mammoth and two Saber-Toothed Tigers. A Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children 4-15yrs) is $85.00. More info an tickets here: Hunter Valley Gardens.

Colour - See The World Through New Light

See colour as you’ve never seen it before in this exhibition developed by Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre and presented by Newcastle Museum. Engage with more than 20 scientific experiences, ranging from coloured bubbles to iridescent insects to colour illusions. Explore how light influences colour and compare your perception of colour with your family and friends. See glowing quantum nanomaterials that change their colour with crystal size. The exhibition will show the power colour has on the choices you make every day, and on your responses to your environment. Suitable for ages 4+, four session times a day, A family pass (2 adults & 2 children) is $25. Bookings Essential: Newcastle Museum

The Big Draw Festival

The Big Draw Festival is a great opportunity for you and your kids to be part of Lake Mac's creative community. Participants will draw, explore and get creative through a series of free drawing workshops. Locations include the MAC - Museum of Art and Culture in Booragul and the Warners Bay Foreshore. There are six different workshops running over three days from the 2nd to the 4th of October. Bookings are essential and can be made here: The Big Draw Festival.

The Boatshed Restaurant

The Boatshed Restaurant is open seven days a week throughout the school holidays and is located at the Bay Hotel Motel. There is a great seasonal spring menu in place and amazing value specials for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday. The lunch specials are served with a drink for only $15. The kids love burger night on Mondays where a burger and french fries is served for just $13.50. Mums and dads will struggle to pass on the half lobster mornay with French fries and house salad for only $24, which is available on Thursday nights. Please note that the specials are not available on public holidays. To see the full spring menu and more specials information click here.

Mount Sugarloaf Lookout

Mt Sugarloaf has several walking trails leading from the car parks to picnic areas, lookouts and the summit of the mountain. From here, stunning views of Lake Macquarie and the surrounding Hunter areas can be enjoyed. The two transmitters located at the top of Mount Sugarloaf can be seen from many vantage points across the city. A walk with a picnic or BBQ can make for an inexpensive and enjoyable day out.

All Things Lizard

These school holidays are all about lizards at the Hunter Valley Wetlands. Pick up an ‘All things Lizard’ booklet and take a leisurely Lizard Walk around the sensory garden. Learn more about these cute creatures and find out how to make your garden lizard- friendly. Meet Curley the new Pygmy Bearded Dragon and Blue Tongue Lizards Nudge and Russell who have come out of hibernation and can be seen in their enclosure. Other Attractions include: canoeing, dip-netting, bird feeding, playground, egret tower, walking and cycling tracks. Entry Fees: Children (4 to 15 years) $5 (under 4 free), adults (16years+) $7.50

The Sunday Sessions

Ash MountainKempyBen Travis
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February 5th 2020

How good is a Sunday arvo in the middle of Summer Downunder? Apart from the razzing we copped from the bushfires it’s been a pretty damn good year. The glass is half full and if you think it can’t get any better you would be wrong. The Boatshed Restaurant is now open for lunch until 3pm on Sunday afternoons and we have just released a line up of very talented artists who will be bringing the entertainment to the beer garden every Sunday 1.30pm-4.30pm, read on to see who will be playing through to the end of March.

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9th February: The Fix (Sydney)

Two piece, acoustic and electric guitar duo out of Sydney. Tired of seeing the local music scene diminish each year, a select group of musicians decided to put together a quality act that focuses on the best pub songs and the best performance; that brings the punters back! - The Fix!

16th February: Ash Mountain

Five piece, country/country rock band from Newcastle Australia. With a versatile repertoire and a broad variety of country music from Lee Kernaghan to Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks to Gretchen Wilson. They also slip in pub favourites such as Shook Me All Night Long, Bad Moon Rising and many more.

23rd February: Ben Travis

Has been performing around the Newcastle and Hunter region for over 10 years. His discman inspired song list boasts many well-known songs from the 90’s and 00’s. Ben provides great music, a fun atmosphere and a memorable time for everyone involved.

1st March: James Martin

Renowned musician and educator, James is a living legend on the guitar and has a solid local following, this one is not to be missed.

8th March: Kempy

In his final show before he heads back to the USA. With 20 years of live performance under his belt and a music career that has already seen him travel the globe and back you can rest assured that you are going to get an energetic, laugh a minute, sing along show that will leave you wanting more!

15th March: Danny Marx Young

Returning musician who is well known and respected on the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie music scene. The son of John Paul Young has carved his own path and has journeyed all throughout Australia playing with acts Like Peter Northcote and The Official Led Zeppelin show.

22nd March: Greg Bryce

Singer-songwriter guitarist with Newcastle band DV8 who filled huge auditoriums during the 80’s. They recorded many charting albums and singles and Greg’s songs also feature on the Screaming Jets first two platinum selling albums. His many original songs and a huge selection of varied covers make him very versatile and can really play to a crowd.

29th March: Pistol Pete

Pete is a one man band with a great selection of tunes that will take you back to the 70’s and then bring you back through the decades to the hits of the present day. You can rest assured that you are going to get an energetic sing along and a quality show. He rounds out the Sunday entertainment for the month of March. Do yourself a favour, pull up a pew in the beer garden and knock one off the wood from 1.30pm March 29..

Winners Are Grinners

And The Winner Is
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January 18th 2020

We Aussies love a punt and we love a good meat tray too, winning a meat tray at the local is usually a precursor for a great BBQ, winning a meat tray and half a carton of beer is a precursor for an Amazing BBQ!. There are loads of ways to get into the winners circle at the Bay Hotel Motel, you can always try your luck in the V.I.P room but let’s take a look at nine more ways you can win.

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1. The Tuesday Night Member’s Draw is drawn between 7pm-8pm every Tuesday night. Members must be present at the time of the the draw to win. The prize amount jackpots by $100 every week that it is not won and can increase to a total jackpot of $10,000. Membership is just $8, sign up at the bar for your chance to Win.

2. The Raffles start from 6.30pm every Thursday night and the usual spread includes 13 meat trays, 6 fruit and veg trays, 2 cartons of beer and $200 in vouchers from Black Pepper Butchery & Bay Square Seafood. There is a $200 major prize each week which varies between electrical goods like power tools or a coffee machine and his/ her gift cards. There is also a kids raffle where we give away a voucher for a kids meal and kids dessert.

3. Percy’s Wheel is ran as part of the Thursday Night Raffles, a lucky punter can spin the wheel for a chance to win up to $1000 every week.

4. The Hotel’s Social Golf Club adds to the action on a Thursday with 20 Schooners, a Bottle of Spirits or $40 in Cash on offer in their weekly fundraising raffle.

5. The Thursday Night Member’s Draw is drawn between 7pm-8pm every Thursday night, just like the Tuesday draw, Members must be present at the time of the the draw to win. This prize amount jackpots by $200 every week and increases to a total jackpot of $10,000 if not won previously. If either of the Member’s Draw Jackpots reach the 10k cap, they will be drawn until a winner is found on the night.

6. Win over 100 Schooners every Friday night in the Schooner Club’s ‘Pick a Number’. It’s $6 per entry at the bar, increase your chances of winning and enter as many times as you like.

7. The Punters Club Tipping Competition runs every Saturday. Get your entry in for just $10 before the first race (or previously), and if you back enough winners you may take the jackpot that increases by $50 every week that it is not won.

8. The Hotel’s Social Fishing Club holds a Raffle between 3pm-5pm every Saturday afternoon and there usually an epic meat tray and fruit and veg tray up for grabs as prizes.

9. Our Bottleshop is part of the Cellarbrations family and as such there is always great competitions and prizes on offer. Recently there was $100,000 on offer as well as 3 Mumm experiences in Champagne, France valued at $11,500 each. See the staff in store for all the latest promos and information on how to enter and win.

Motel Rooms & Rates

Standard Triple RoomFresh Linen & TowelsRecently renovated Rooms
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November 18th 2019

The Bay Hotel Motel offers a range of great facilities that includes a swimming pool, BBQ area, two tennis courts, bar, restaurant, beer garden, children’s playground, shopping centre and more. All of our rooms come standard with air conditioning, wireless internet, small fridge, tea/coffee making, toaster, microwave, desk, television, linen/towels, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, telephone and access to laundry facilities.

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Standard Room

Our standard rooms offer the flexibility of a queen size bed and two single beds, the room caters to singles, couples or small families. The twin share rate is $150, three people $165 and four people $180.

Deluxe Room

Our Deluxe rooms are great for couples and offer a queen sized bed, double sofa bed and a set of table and chairs, They sleep up to four people and rates start at $160 for two people, $175 for three and $190 for four. One Deluxe Room is equiped with a disabled bathroom.

Family Room

Our family room offers a queen size bed, double sofa bed, set of bunk beds and a set of table and chairs. The room rate is $200 for up to six people.

Executive Room

The Executive Room is spacious and offers a queen size bed, double sofa, set of table & chairs and a double shower in the bathroom. There is a larger flat screen T.V, desk and microwave. The room is conveniently located near the swimming pool and is a good choice for those who appreciate the extra space.  The room rate is $200 for two people.

Unit

Our unit offers the convenience of two bedrooms with two King singles in one bedroom and three singles in the 2nd bedroom. King Singles can be joined together for a King Bed. Dining suite with kitchenette (oven, microwave cooktop, full sized fridge). Lounge room with flatscreen television, two bathrooms both with showers and an outdoor courtyard with table setting. The unit is popular for groups and those with children where multiple rooms are booked. The rate is $270 per night.

Pet Friendly

We are one of the only accomodations in the area that is pet friendly and we offer the service with a standard cleaning fee of $25.

If you have any questions please call reception and speak to our friendly staff, we are 100% committed to ensuring that you will have a pleasant and comfortable stay with us at the Bay Hotel motel. For the best room rates available book through the accomodation page here on our website.

The best in Australia

Climate controlled cellaringPaul Frazer- Cellarbrations Bottleshop - Store Manager of the year 2018Huge range in the bottleshop
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September 20th 2019

The multi award winning bottleshop at the Bay Hotel Motel was recently crowned the best Cellarbrations and IBA bottleshop in Australia 2018. This month we catch up with store manager Paul Fraser to ask about the awards and and we seek to find out what makes this bottleshop the best in the country.

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Hi Paul, you have been at the Bay Hotel Motel for 22 years and in your time the botlleshop has won some big awards, can you tell us a little more about the most recent awards and what that means to you as the stores manager and your team?

Yeah, we have managed to pick up quite a few business awards over the years, last year (2018) we not only Won The Best Cellarbrations Bottleshop in NSW but we also took out the National Award. To top that though, we were the overall National Winner of the Best IBA Bottleshop Of The Year and personally I was humbled to be awarded National Manager Of The Year. This year we were again nominated and we were state finalist. Winning the National awards is an amazing achievement and the whole team here are super proud.

Being recognised as the best bottleshop nationally is fair dinkum, what separates you guys from all the other bottlshops across the country?

Variety surely plays a big role in that, we stock a huge selection and hold many rare and limited editions, I think that provides that level of separation when compared to your average bottleshop. We listen to our customers and the community and we go above and beyond to satisfy their needs and requests. Being able to track down that rare wine, vintage, spirit or beer is a welcomed challenge and totally rewarding when it gets in the customers hands. We specialise is case wine sales, have a specialty cellar called ‘The Red Room’  and hold wine tastings most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Leading with current trends and innovations is our passion and a part of our everyday. I think its those extra details that matter the most, the staff are all really switched on and ready to help, customers are getting a more informative and enjoyable experience than they would shopping elsewhere.

Try before you buy, sounds a little like visiting a cellar door, can you tell us a little more about the tastings that you mentioned?

Sure, so tastings are held 4-7pm most weeks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. It is a great opportunity to sample from our range and also a time to learn a little more about vintages, cellaring options, brewing or the distilling of spirits, things like that. It provides an additional experience when we have the winemaker, distiller or brewer in store to share their knowledge, stories and how their product is created.

What about the Red Room, can you tell us a little more about that?

So the Red Room is a climate controlled room where we cellar a special selection of rare and specialty wines. There is also a collection of books and information that can help customers to build their knowledge about the wines on offer and also about wine in general. The red room is accessible through the bottleshop and yeah, it is one of those extra things that make the bottleshop extra special.

What’s trendy at the moment, anything new happening that is worth a mention?

There is always something new and exciting hitting the shelves, craft Gins, flavoured and unique along with premium vodka and bourbons are selling well. There are loads of new developments in the craft beer scene and there is a constant evolution with new styles and brands appearing weekly, the latest a splice flavoured pale. Easy drinking lagers are still the contemporary tipple. Sauv Blanc and Pinot Grigio's from Australia and overseas are leading the whites with Australian Cabernet and Spanish Rioja the reds.

Saturday Night Live

Live EntertainmentLive EntertainmentLive Entertainment
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August 19th 2019

The nightlife at the hotel has been thriving on Saturday nights, the live entertainment is bringing in a crowd of enthusiastic followers and it seems everyone is out to see a live band and get amongst the good times. Let's take a look at some of the entertainment that is on offer and break down their music styles.

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The Three
The 3 put a unique three-piece spin to the hits of the past thirty years, plus a few favourite knockout rockers – just for fun. It’s fair to say you’ll know all the words, you’ll rock, and roll… and rock all over again. These guys played through the 80’s, survived the 90’s and are now bringing their energy to the stage again.

Shivoo
“Shivoo” (meaning to party and celebrate), is a 4 piece rock/pop act that is one of the most popular bands on the circuit around Newcastle and the Central Coast. They have a strong following and cover hits from the 80’s, 90’s and beyond from big names like  ACDC, Bon Jovi, Dragon, INXS & Cold Chisel.

Viper Creek Band
The Viper Creek Band deliver an exciting new sound and high energy to Australian country music.The 2014 release of their debut Album ‘Kickin’ Up Dust’ claimed the Number 2 spot on the ARIA Australian Country Albums chart. Since then, The Viper Creek Band have toured extensively, playing major festivals including Gympie Muster, Broadbeach Country Music Festival, Deni Ute Muster, CMC Rocks & SOLD OUT shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.Their nominations for ‘Group or Duo of the Year’ in 2015, 2016, 2017 and the coveted ‘Oz Artist of the Year’ in 2016 through the fan-voted CMC Awards, leaves little doubt The Viper Creek Band are the real deal.

Grant Walmsley
Grant Walmsley is a founding member, lead guitarist and key songwriter of the iconic rock band The Screaming Jets. His hit song 'Better' has become a certified classic recently polling as the most played Australian song in the history of the Triple M rock radio network.

Gen-X
Great 4 piece band featuring female vocals. They approach and perform every gig as if it was their last and this helped them build a strong fan base around the Hunter. Lead Vocalist Shae Tuckerman has a massive vocal range and her versatility at the forefront helps the band deliver a wide range from multiple genres.

Kempy
With 20 years of live performance under his belt and a music career that has seen him travel the globe and back, it is no wonder that Kempy is a man that pulls a crowd. A Kempy show is one guy, one guitar, one audience and one BIG set-list that will take you back to the 60’s and then bring you back through the decades to land you smack bang in the hits of the present day. Covering songs from Elvis, The Beatles, Van Morrison and Johnny Cash through to Jason Mraz, Train, The Foo Fighters and Keith Urban there’s a little bit of something for everybody. It’s a live show that will cater to almost any venue, event or occasion.

Pet Friendly Accomodation

Pet Friendly AccommodationWalking Dog On BeachTravelling with Pets
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July 21st 2019

The Bay Hotel Motel is located in beautiful lake Macquarie and is A great holiday destination for the whole family, including the four legged family members.

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For many of us, pets are part of the family, so of course we love to include our favourite four legged companions when planning for a family holiday. The very thought of booking our fury friends into the kennel or cattery can be quite upsetting, even more so when the time comes to drop them off and try to say goodbye. Best to avoid any distress and bring your pets along with you for a holiday at the Bay Hotel Motel.

The Motel offers pet friendly accomodation in beautiful Lake Macquarie. Situated in Bonnells Bay, the motel has a large grassed area that can be enjoyed by everyone, including dogs on leashes. There are also plenty of parklands and walking trails in the region which makes it a great destination for those with active pets that love to walk, run or fetch.

Bringing the whole family along, including the pet, means that everyone, and every-animal, can genuinely enjoy their holiday. A holiday without any of the distress caused by separating and leaving somebody behind. Not to mention the high cost of boarding for the animals.

Over the years, we have found that most people travelling with their pets have been very much respectful and courteous. To organise to bring your pet along for your holiday, you simply need to notify motel reception before you arrive and pay a $25 cleaning fee, which is payable directly to reception on your arrival.

When the time comes to take that trip along the M1 remember that spending too much time travelling without breaks may cause your animals to become agitated or stressed. When traveling by road, plenty of water and sufficient breaks for relief and reprieve are a must.

Wishing you all safe travels, see you in Beautiful Lake Macquarie on your next pet friendly family holiday.

win a winter getaway for 2

Beautiful WildlifeBeautiful WildlifeBay Hotel Motel
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June 16th 2019

We are pleased to announce that for the month of June are running an exciting competition on our facebook page. We will be giving away a 2 nights accommodation package with dinner for two in the boatshed restaurant and a bottle of shut the gate wine.

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The cooler months are quieter around Lake Macquarie, however any time is a good time to get away and have a short break holiday.

There are so many great activities on offer both locally and in the surrounding region, and all easily accessible from the Bay Hotel Motel.

Out on the Lake the fishing is sensational at this time of year, the bream turn up in great numbers and can be taken in the shallows from around the rocks and jetties. Luderick can also be found in good numbers and can be great fun to catch on light tackle. There is always lots of bird life and sometimes just being near the water and having a walk around the Lake can be a relaxing and rewarding experience.

This is also the perfect time of year for bushwalking, the snakes disappear and the cooler days make for comfortable trekking. The stunning wilderness of the Watagans National Park is located right on our doorstep and is perfect for hiking or biking. The park is rich in cultural heritage and there is more than 40 Aboriginal sites. Visit water falls and expect extraordinary views from Monkey Face and the Gap Creek lookouts.

There is always plenty happening at the hotel, the winter menu is running in the Boatshed Restaurant and is open seven days for lunch and dinner. There is entertainment with a DJ every Friday night and a live band on Saturdays. There is free pool on Wednesdays and huge raffles with great prizes Thursdays. Plenty of footy on too with all the NRL matches and State Of Origin on the big screen.

If a winter getaway to beautiful Lake Macquarie is sounding good to you then you should head to our facebook page, share our promo video that is pinned to the top of our feed and you will be in the running to win a 2 nights accommodation package with dinner for 2 adults in the Boatshed Restaurant and a bottle of Shut The Gate Wine. The winner will be drawn and announced on June 30th.

Click here to visit the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bayhotelmotel/

Best Steaks In Lake Macquarie

Best Steaks In Lake MacquarieBest Steaks In Lake MacquarieBest Steaks In Lake Macquarie
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May 13th 2019

We proudly say that we offer the best steaks in Lake Macquarie but what really makes them the best? Dive in as we outline what makes a great steak and why we are so confident that our beef is the best you will find in the region.

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Many of the restaurants in Lake Macquarie, including our own, have long based menus off the abundance of fresh seafood available, but many it seems have overlooked our access to premium pastures and high end Australian Beef, which is of course some of the best in the whole world.

Here at the Boatshed Restaurant we are diversifying our menu with a great selection of quality beef, but what makes it the best?

Our beef has passed quality control testing by the Meat Standards Australia (MSA), MSA is a ‘tenderness guaranteed’ grading program that grades beef and takes into account all the factors that affect eating quality from paddock to plate. The maturity of the animal, breed content, colour and pH levels of the meat, marbling and distribution of fat are all traits that affect eating quality and are tested during processing.

“Seeing the MSA symbol will give you the confidence that you’re buying consistent quality beef every time. The MSA grading system takes into account all aspects that affect eating quality along the supply chain. It is widely recognised as the world’s leading eating quality program for beef.”

Sam Gunn, cattle producer from Condobolin, NSW, Australia

All beef is aged for at least a few days and up to several weeks before consumption, this allow the enzymes naturally present in the meat to break down the muscle tissue. These days, most beef is wet aged in plastic wrap but for us the exception is our 600g Hunter Valley Dry-aged T-Bone, this cut has been locally sourced and dry aged for a minimum of 28 days.

So what is dry-ageing and why is this hands down Lakemac’s best value steak at only $50?

Dry-aging is the traditional way of maturing meat to produce an extraordinarily tender and intensive flavour. Inside the microclimate of a dry-aging fridge the beef is exposed to sterilised air so dehydration can further concentrate the meat’s flavour and break down the connective tissues. It is also a more expensive process than wet-aging because the meat loses weight from dehydration, and the dried exterior or ‘crust’ must be trimmed away before cooking. You know this beef is of the uttermost quality as the process requires meat specially selected with a large, evenly distributed fat content.

Don’t just take our word for it, come in and select your ideal steak from our range, taste the difference of our dry-aged t-bone or share our 1kg tomahawk cutlet with that special someone.

The Boatshed Restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner at the Bay Hotel Motel in Bonnells Bay.

Lake Macquarie Accommodation

Standard Tripple RoomUnit AccomodationExecutive Suite
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April 24th 2019

That feeling you get when you walk into a fresh new hotel room?

Look no further than The Bay Hotel Motel in Bonnells Bay. For long over a decade we have been a favourite for visitors to the Lake Macquarie region. We offer first class facilities and services and we have recently completed major upgrades with the renovation of all of our 21 motel rooms now completed.

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We have carefully considered our guests during every step of the process, we have minimised disruptions while the rooms have been transformed and have taken on their new look and feel. Now that the renovations are complete, we are back to booking at full capacity and are pleased to offer that fresh new feel that you get when you enter your room and during your stay with us.

The feedback from our guests has been great with some people taking to review sites and expressing their delight:

“It has been three years since we last stayed here and while we stayed in the same motel room it was quite different, I was really impressed with the upgrade to the room, completely new bathroom, carpet, fresh paint smell, all brand new, and the best thing is that the atmosphere in the pub remains the same.”

Jonathon Rossi - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Google Review

“Staff were great. Room was big enough for 5. Food was amazing. Best snitty I have ever had. Kids had fun in the pool and tennis courts. Will definitely come back”

Dannielle - 7.9 Booking.com

So weather you are travelling for an annual family getaway or you are a regular to the region for work, we are perfectly located near the shores of Lake Macquarie, we are just a short drive off the M1 motorway and we are a real gateway for all that the region has to offer. We are newly renovated, clean, comfy and coastal, come stay with us at the Bay Hotel Motel in Bonnells Bay.

For the best room rates available, book your accomodation through our website.

boatshed restaurant

Head Chef Ben CoatesWine LuncheonsFunctions & Events Lake Macquarie
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March 28th 2019

Dining out in Lake Macquarie

This month we sit down for a catch up and a quick Q&A with the Boatshed Restaurant’s head chef Ben Coates. We get some insights into his current menu influences and find out what's on offer at the bay hotel motel's boatshed restaurant.

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Q - Hi Ben, How long have you been at the boatshed restaurant?
A - I have been here for about two years now and im really enjoying it, I have been in the industry 22 years and I have been to a lot of nice places in that time, this region really is something special though and it's great to be back here working locally.

Q - It's pretty trendy to talk about 'farm to fork' and 'local produce', do you draw much inspiration from the region?
A - Yes for sure, being situated on the coast and so close to the waters of Lake Macqaurie, we always have an assortment of fresh local seafood on the menu and although we are not a steak house we do offer quite an extensive range of steaks on our current menu. A lot of the really high end beef that we are working with is being sourced locally from the hunter valley, we have a really close relationship with our suppliers and we know where our product is coming from, we know the quality is consistent and we know the quality we have access to is the best available.

Q - What should people expect when dining at the venue?
A - We ensure that we deliver a menu that can satisfy all our patrons, we cater to couples, groups and families equally as well, we offer everything from the classic chicken schnitzel through to a 600 gram dry aged T-bone steak. It's modern Australian, there really is something for everyone, it's a good blend with a variety of flavours, we are serving up pizzas, salads, burgers and everyones favourite mains as well as kids meals for the young ones. There is plenty of seating in both the restaurant and the beer garden and for those who prefer the bar and lounge we also have casual bites available.

Q - Can you tell me a little about the upcoming wine luncheon?
A - We have regular wine luncheons where we showcase some of the best local and interstate wine makers, it gives us an opportunity to serve up exciting menus that are paired to the wines being tasted on the day. These luncheons are great for those looking for something a little more special and are also great socially, they are really popular with the ladies and the long lunch in our Glass House is always a hit. We also cater for functions and events and we encourage people to enquire so we can tailor a package to suit their individual needs.

Our Community

Lake Macquarie SailingLocal CommunitySocial Golf Club
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March 2nd 2019

Supporting Local Sports & Community Groups

Affiliation with Sport and sporting entertainment is a major priority of the Bay Hotel Motel. Not only is the surrounding area very sport focused but the owner of the Hotel, Peter Cullen, is a keen sports fan himself. This sporting passion is evident throughout the Hotel, with extensive sporting memorabilia lining the walls.

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The collection includes signed Rugby League and Union jerseys, signed surfboards, special edition pictures, Golf memorabilia, a framed Olympic Torch, various Cricket memorabilia, and a variety of other sporting paraphernalia. We also display a range of historic wine-making equipment. Our facilities place strong emphasis on sporting entertainment, not only in respect to televising sporting events, but also by providing a venue for many local sporting clubs and activities. The Bay Hotel Motel has a strong commitment to the local sporting community and sponsors many local organisations and events.

Local Sporting Community Clubs that we support include The Sunshine Amateur Sailing Club, Southern Lakes Rugby Club – Hammerheads, Dora Creek ‘Swampies’ Rugby League Club, Morisset United Football Club – Morisset Strikers, Morisset Netball Club, Morisset Swimming Club – Morisset Meteors, Morisset Rugby League Club – Morisset Bulls, Bay Tennis Academy, Bay Hotel Social Golf Club, Bay Hotel Social Fishing Club, The Variety Club Bash & Splash Events, Bonnells Bay Youth & Community Centre…. and many more!

The Bay Hotel Motel is a great location for club presentations or team gatherings, contact the club for more information and bookings.

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