"So far, so good," said Peter Hanrahan, general manager of Lake Macquarie Cruises.

The hop-on, hop-off ferry service operates on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, cruising between five Lake Macquarie communities: Speers Point, Booragul, Toronto, Wangi Wangi and Belmont.

Peter Hanrahan said the ferry was transporting between 80 and 120 passengers a day, but on weekends during the school holidays, the daily average grew to 220. The busiest times were between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

While the service was aimed at both tourists and residents, Mr Hanrahan said it was "mostly locals" stepping on board, and they would often bring visitors.

"We've had a lot of repeat business," he said. "There's one group that's been back back five times."

Peter Hanrahan was aware of residents using the ferry to travel east and west across the lake, a journey on the water that took about 15 minutes, compared with more than half an hour by car.

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the popularity of the ferry among locals underscored the need for a commuter service for a city of about 209,000 people.

"We've got the capacity, and that is an indication that people want to use it, and need to use it, to traverse from one side of the lake to the other," said Cr Fraser.

The lake mayor said she had been contacted by residents in other communities, such as Valentine and Swansea on the eastern side, and the Morisset area in the south-west, wanting to be included on the ferry run.

"A couple of extra stops, and it would make a huge difference to moving people around," she said.

Peter Hanrahan said he had received similar appeals. He said the company was looking at Trinity Point, near Morisset, "and we'd like to get into Swansea and Valentine".

However, as well as travel times, there were logistical considerations, such as suitable wharves.

While the service was in a six-month trial, Mr Hanrahan said the timetable and destinations would be reviewed. But he was confident the ferry would still be on the lake after the trial period.

"It's paying its way at the moment," he said.

The service has had flow-on economic benefits. Wangi Wangi businesses have noticed a rise in trade connected with the ferry.

"It has brought a few more customers," said Wayne Izzard, secretary manager of Wangi RSL Club. "Small groups hop off the ferry, have lunch here, and hop back on."

Wayne Izzard said the club had even adjusted its raffle on a Saturday afternoon to ensure passengers would be back on the ferry in time.

"It's been a positive thing for Wangi, for sure," he said.

Across the road, the Hotel Wangi's publican, Peter Coyne, has been planning a promotion to help both the ferry and his business.

If a ferry passenger presents their docket for that day at the pub, they receive one free beer, wine or soft drink.

"I'm happy that people catch the ferry," Mr Coyne said. "The ferry's a good thing for the lake, and the more people who use it, the better."

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