Tuggerah Lake sits on the Central Coast of New South Wales and is one of the largest lakes in the region. It forms part of the Tuggerah Lakes system, which also includes Budgewoi Lake to the north and Lake Munmorah further north again. The lake connects to the Pacific Ocean via a channel at The Entrance, and receives freshwater inflows from the Wyong River and Ourimbah Creek, both of which are navigable by paddle craft and offer their own distinct paddling character through wetlands and forested or rural landscapes.

The waters are generally regarded as benign and flat, making the lake suitable for paddlers of all experience levels. Wind can build across the open water, however, and paddlers venturing away from the shoreline should be prepared for chop. The lake is notably shallow in places, and the bottom in some areas contains broken glass and razor shells, so wearing water shoes or booties is advisable when wading. Seagrass beds are present and worth avoiding both to protect fish breeding habitat and to keep rudders clear.

Multiple launch points are available around the lake. The Entrance provides access via Picnic Point Reserve, which has a boat ramp and jetty. Long Jetty, Chittaway Bay, and Berkeley Vale are additional put-in options, each giving access to different sections of the lake. The Wyong River Foreshore Reserve offers a boat ramp, jetty, and picnic area for those wanting to paddle the river upstream toward Wyong town.

From the water, paddlers can take in views of surrounding mountains, bridges, and lakeside towns. The Entrance is well known for its large pelican population, with a daily pelican feeding that takes place at 3:30 pm. The channel at The Entrance also allows paddlers to access the ocean beyond the lake.

The NSW Maritime boating chart 8B covers Tuggerah, Budgewoi, and Munmorah lakes and provides detailed information on shallow areas and other navigational considerations. It is available in a waterproof format and is a useful planning resource. Paddlers are required to carry certain safety equipment on NSW waterways, as mandated by state regulations.