Photo: Tilemahos Efthimiadis from Athens, Greece / CC BY 2.0
Boomerang Beach is a stunning crescent of white sand on the New South Wales Central Coast, just north of Sydney. Its name comes from the distinctive boomerang shape of the bay, which creates gentle waves perfect for swimming and longboard surfing. This is a classic Australian beach escape: uncrowded, backed by low dunes and bushland, and with a relaxed, local vibe. The water is a brilliant turquoise on calm days, and the surrounding Pacific views stretch to the horizon. It's an ideal spot to unwind, take a coastal walk, or simply watch the sun dip into the sea.
Highlights & What to See
- Swim and surf at the main beach – The sheltered bay offers safe swimming for families and consistent waves for beginner-to-intermediate surfers. The northern end often has the best breaks.
- Walk the Boomerang Beach to Elizabeth Beach coastal track – This easy 2.5 km (one-way) trail winds through coastal heath and offers panoramic views of the coastline. Keep an eye out for whales in season (June–November).
- Explore the rock pools at low tide – At the southern end of the beach, rocky platforms reveal small pools teeming with starfish, crabs, and colourful anemones.
- Picnic at the Boomerang Beach Reserve – A grassy area with barbecues, picnic tables, and a playground, shaded by casuarina trees – perfect for a family lunch.
- Spot wildlife in the adjacent Booti Booti National Park – Just behind the beach, the park protects coastal rainforest and wetlands. Look for wallabies, goannas, and a variety of birdlife on short bushwalks.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend a full day at Boomerang Beach – morning swimming and surfing, a picnic lunch, and an afternoon coastal walk. If you're short on time, a few hours is enough for a swim and a stroll along the sand. For a more relaxed experience, consider staying overnight in one of the nearby holiday rentals or camping at Booti Booti National Park (book ahead in peak season).
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Elizabeth Beach – A quieter, patrolled beach just a 5-minute drive south, with a café and more protected swimming.
- Forster – A lively coastal town 20 minutes north, with excellent restaurants, a waterfront boardwalk, and dolphin-watching cruises.
- Pacific Palms – The collective name for the chain of beaches including Boomerang, Elizabeth, and Shelly Beach. Explore the whole area for diverse surf breaks and secluded coves.
- Booti Booti National Park – Offers walking trails, camping, and the scenic Cape Hawke lookout with 360-degree views over the coast and lakes.
- Myall Lakes National Park – A 30-minute drive north, this vast lake system is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.
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
- Elizabeth Beach — Nick Ang / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Forster — Dora Carrington (1893–1932) / Public domain
- Pacific Palms — paul bica / CC BY 2.0
- Booti Booti National Park — Anonymous Dissident / Public domain
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0