New South Wales has scored outstanding marks for its beaches, but not so much for freshwater swimming spots.

The latest report from the State Government's Beachwatch program assessed beaches across the Hunter region during 2013/14.

The four beaches in the Port Stephens area were the outstanding performers - all classed as “very good”. Similar marks were given to four of Newcastle’s beaches too.

But the results were less-than-stellar for swimming spots in and around Lake Macquarie.

Eleebana, Swansea, Speers Point, Bolton Point and Kilaben Bay were rated as poor, as authorities found elevated enterococci levels, indicating faecal contamination, were common following heavy rain.

The report said that rainfall was the major cause of local pollution, with stormwater runoff triggering discharges from wastewater systems.