Cape Hawke Lookout

Perched on the headland of Cape Hawke, this lookout delivers one of the most breathtaking panoramas on the New South Wales coast. From the wooden viewing platform, you can survey the endless Pacific, the shimmering Wallis Lake, and the lush Booti Booti National Park stretching below. The short walk through coastal forest to the lookout is a sensory prelude — the scent of saltbush, the screech of cockatoos, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the cliffs. It's a place that rewards early risers with sunrise golds and latecomers with whale-spotting opportunities during migration season (June–November).

Highlights & What to See

• 360-degree coastal panorama — scan from Forster's beaches south to the distant lighthouse at Seal Rocks, with Wallis Lake's intricate waterways on the western side.
• Whale watching — humpbacks pass surprisingly close to the headland; bring binoculars for the best views.
• Booti Booti National Park — the lookout is the park's centrepiece; explore walking trails through littoral rainforest and spot goannas and wallabies.
• Wallis Lake vista — the lake's turquoise shallows and oyster leases create a patchwork of blues and greens, especially photogenic in late afternoon light.
• Interpretive signage — learn about the area's Aboriginal heritage (the Worimi people) and the historic lighthouse that once stood here.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30–45 minutes for the lookout itself, including the short 200-metre walk from the car park. To truly soak in the scenery, bring a picnic and linger for an hour — especially at sunset when the sky ignites. If you're keen on walking, combine it with a 2–3 hour hike on the Booti Hill or Lakeside trails within the national park.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster — a lively beach town 10 minutes' drive north, with cafes, surf beaches, and dolphin cruise departures on Wallis Lake.
• Seal Rocks — a sleepy coastal hamlet 30 minutes south, home to a historic lighthouse, pristine beaches, and Australia's largest mainland fur seal colony.
• Myall Lakes National Park — a vast system of freshwater lakes, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and bush camping, about 40 minutes south-west.
• Pacific Palms — a string of stunning beaches (Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth) 15 minutes north, ideal for surfing and coastal walks.

Please check official sources for current details.