Great Lakes Way

Stretching along the stunning mid-north coast of New South Wales, the Great Lakes Way is a scenic self-drive route that weaves through a chain of pristine coastal lakes, lush national parks, and sleepy seaside villages. This is road-tripping at its most serene — think turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife, all without the crowds of the more famous coastal drives. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace, the route connects a series of interconnected waterways that are ideal for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching, with charming towns offering fresh oysters and local craft beer along the way.

Highlights & What to See

• Myall Lakes National Park — a vast system of shimmering lakes, paperbark forests, and quiet waterways; hire a kayak or take a cruise to spot sea eagles and wallabies.
• Port Stephens — a sparkling bay famous for its bottlenose dolphins and sand dunes; join a dolphin-watching tour or sandboard down the Stockton Bight dunes.
• Booti Booti National Park — a narrow coastal reserve with dramatic headlands, secluded beaches like Elizabeth Beach, and excellent coastal walks with sweeping ocean views.
• The lakeside towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest — twin towns connected by a bridge, offering fresh seafood, laid-back cafés, and calm waters perfect for stand-up paddleboarding.
• Smiths Lake — a peaceful lake surrounded by national park, ideal for a quiet swim or a picnic with kangaroos.
• Forster-Tuncurry — the bustling hub of the region, with a long surf beach, a lively waterfront, and the chance to spot whales from the headland during migration season (June–November).

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 2–3 days to experience the Great Lakes Way properly. This gives you time to explore the highlights at a relaxed pace — spend a day on the water in Myall Lakes National Park, another discovering Port Stephens, and a third meandering through the smaller lakeside villages. If you have a week, you can add overnight stops in each major area and truly immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty. The route is easily broken into manageable sections, making it ideal for a self-drive itinerary with plenty of spontaneous stops.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley — Australia's oldest wine region, just a short detour inland, offering world-class wineries, gourmet food, and hot-air balloon rides.
• Barrington Tops National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of ancient rainforests and alpine plateaus, perfect for bushwalking and camping.
• Newcastle — a vibrant coastal city with a thriving arts scene, excellent surf beaches, and a historic harbour.
• Port Macquarie — a popular holiday town further north, known for its koala hospital, coastal walks, and scenic river cruises.
• Pacific Palms — a cluster of stunning beaches (including the iconic Shelly Beach) and lakes just south of Forster, great for surfing and coastal walks.

Please check official sources for current details.