Photo: Anonymous Dissident / Public domain
Booti Booti National Park is a narrow coastal gem on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, sandwiched between the shimmering waters of Wallis Lake and the wild Pacific Ocean. This compact park packs a punch with pristine beaches, coastal rainforest, and panoramic lookouts that reward even short walks. It's an ideal stop for travellers seeking a taste of unspoiled nature without a major detour from the Pacific Highway.
Highlights & What to See
- Elizabeth Beach – A stunning crescent of white sand backed by lush bushland, perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun. The patrolled area in summer offers safe swimming.
- Booti Hill Walking Track – A short but steep climb (about 1.5 km return) through coastal forest to a lookout with sweeping views over Wallis Lake, the coastline, and the park's dense canopy.
- Wallis Lake – The park's western boundary is this vast, tranquil lake ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Launch from the picnic area at the end of Booti Booti Road.
- Seven Mile Beach – A wild, unpatrolled stretch of sand accessible via a short walk from the main carpark. Great for long walks and spotting seabirds, but beware of strong rips – swimming is not advised.
- Lakeside Picnic Area – A shady spot with tables, barbecues, and a boat ramp, making it a great base for a family day out or a relaxed lunch with views over Wallis Lake.
Suggested Time to Spend
Booti Booti is compact enough to explore in a half-day, but you can easily stretch it to a full day if you plan to swim, picnic, and paddle. Arrive early to secure a carpark at Elizabeth Beach in peak season. For a quick visit, combine the Booti Hill walk (45 minutes round trip) with a swim at Elizabeth Beach and a lakeside picnic. If you have more time, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from nearby Pacific Palms and explore the lake's quiet inlets.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Pacific Palms – Just north of the park, this village offers cafes, accommodation, and access to nearby Blueys Beach and Boomerang Beach, both stunning surf breaks.
- Forster-Tuncurry – A 15-minute drive south, these twin towns offer a wider range of restaurants, shops, and the Forster Marina. Don't miss the walk to Cape Hawke Lookout for panoramic coastal views.
- Myall Lakes National Park – A short drive north, this vast lake system offers excellent canoeing, birdwatching, and camping in a more remote setting.
- Seal Rocks – A 30-minute drive south, this tiny coastal hamlet features the historic Seal Rocks Lighthouse and excellent surfing at the point break.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Forster-Tuncurry — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Pacific Palms — paul bica / CC BY 2.0
- Blueys Beach — Zax71 / CC BY 4.0
- Cape Hawke Lookout — Anonymous Dissident / Public domain