Cape Hawke

Cape Hawke juts into the Tasman Sea just south of Forster, a wild headland where the bush meets the ocean and the views stretch forever. The centrepiece is the Cape Hawke Lookout, a wooden tower rising above the treetops that gives you a 360-degree panorama of the coast, the Wallis Lake system, and the distant mountains. It’s a place that feels genuinely remote, yet it’s only a short walk from the car park — a classic stop on any NSW North Coast road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Cape Hawke Lookout: Climb the 360-degree lookout tower for staggering views over Booti Booti National Park, Wallis Lake, and the ocean. On clear days you can spot migrating whales (June–November).
• Booti Booti National Park: The headland is part of this narrow park that protects coastal rainforest, heath, and pristine beaches. Walk the short Rainforest Loop to see towering palms and ancient trees.
• Seven Mile Beach: A sweeping stretch of sand just north of the cape, perfect for a long walk or a swim (patrolled in season). The beach is backed by dunes and low scrub.
• Wallis Lake: The vast lake system below the lookout is a haven for kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Hire a kayak in Forster and explore the quiet inlets and oyster leases.
• Birdwatching: The headland and national park are home to sea eagles, honeyeaters, and migratory waders. Bring binoculars for the bird hide near the lake shore.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can see the lookout and walk a short trail in 1–2 hours, but to really soak it up, plan for a half-day. Combine the lookout with a walk on Seven Mile Beach and a picnic at one of the lakefront spots. If you’re staying in Forster, Cape Hawke makes a perfect morning outing before heading south to Seal Rocks or north to Port Macquarie.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster-Tuncurry: The twin towns are just a 10-minute drive north, with good cafés, a lively waterfront, and the Forster Main Beach. Great for a coffee or fish and chips.
• Seal Rocks: A sleepy coastal village 30 minutes south, famous for its lighthouse, seal colony, and superb surf breaks. The road in is unpaved but scenic.
• Myall Lakes National Park: A vast system of lakes, rivers, and forests 40 minutes south-west. Perfect for canoeing, camping, and spotting goannas and wallabies.
• Pacific Palms (Blueys Beach & Boomerang Beach): 20 minutes south, these surf beaches are less crowded than Forster and have a laid-back holiday vibe.

Please check official sources for current details.