Bombah Broadwater

Bombah Broadwater is a vast, shallow lagoon on the southern edge of the Myall Lakes system, a protected Ramsar wetland of international significance. This serene waterbody is a haven for birdlife, kayakers, and anglers, offering a wild, untamed slice of the NSW Central Coast that feels a world away from the crowds. With its tea-tree-fringed shores and mirror-still waters at dawn, it’s a place to slow down, paddle, and soak in the raw beauty of Australia’s largest coastal lake system.

Highlights & What to See

• Kayaking & Canoeing – Paddle the calm, shallow waters of the broadwater, weaving through paperbark forests and spotting black swans, pelicans, and white-bellied sea eagles. Launch from Bombah Point or the Mungo Brush picnic area.
• Birdwatching – The broadwater is a birding hotspot, especially at dawn and dusk. Look for migratory waders, egrets, and the elusive glossy black cockatoo in the surrounding swamp oak and tea-tree woodlands.
• Fishing – Cast a line for flathead, bream, and whiting from the shore or a kayak. The shallow flats and channels are productive year-round, but check local bag limits.
• Bombah Point Ferry – A quirky, hand-pulled cable ferry (free and 24/7) that shuttles cars and pedestrians across the narrow channel connecting the broadwater to the lower Myall River. It’s a charming, old-school experience and the only way to cross without a long detour.
• Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk – A short, easy boardwalk through littoral rainforest behind the dunes, with towering cabbage tree palms and the chance to see wallabies and goannas.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day to a full day is ideal for exploring Bombah Broadwater. Spend the morning kayaking or birdwatching, then enjoy a picnic by the water. If you’re self-driving, combine it with a loop through the Myall Lakes National Park – the ferry crossing adds a fun detour. For a more immersive experience, camp overnight at Mungo Brush campground (book ahead in peak season) and wake to the sound of birdsong over the glassy lagoon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Myall Lakes National Park – The broader park offers walking trails, more kayaking routes, and the stunning Grandis, one of the tallest flooded gums in NSW (a short walk from the main road).
• Seal Rocks – A sleepy coastal village with a historic lighthouse, excellent surfing at Number One Beach, and a resident seal colony at the point. About 30 minutes north via the ferry.
• Great Lakes & Forster – Head north to the bustling hub of Forster-Tuncurry for cafes, dolphin cruises, and the patrolled beaches of One Mile and Burgess. The drive via Pacific Palms is scenic.
• Bungwahl & The Lakes Way – This quiet hamlet on the edge of the lakes has a general store and is a good spot to refuel. The scenic drive along The Lakes Way connects the broadwater to Pacific Palms and Seal Rocks.
• Pacific Palms – Just south, with stunning beaches like Elizabeth Beach and Shelley Beach, plus the Booti Booti National Park walking trails. Perfect for a swim after a morning on the broadwater.

Please check official sources for current details.