Great Lakes

Stretching along the NSW coast north of Newcastle, the Great Lakes region is a shimmering mosaic of tidal estuaries, pristine beaches and sleepy lakeside villages. This is water-country at its most serene — think kayaking through mirrored inlets, spotting dolphins from deserted dunes, and dining on freshly shucked oysters with your toes in the sand. For self-drive travellers, it’s a blissful detour between Sydney and the north coast, offering a slower pace without skimping on natural drama.

Highlights & What to See

• Myall Lakes National Park – a vast water wonderland of tea-tree-tinted lakes and paperbark forests. Hire a canoe or houseboat to explore its hidden bays and birdlife-rich wetlands.
• Boomerang Beach & Seal Rocks – powdery white sand and turquoise water at its most idyllic. Climb the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views and whale-watching vantage points.
• Port Stephens – just south of the Great Lakes, this aquatic playground offers sandboarding on Stockton Bight’s dunes, dolphin cruises, and excellent seafood at waterfront eateries.
• The Lakes Way scenic drive – a winding coastal road linking Forster, Tuncurry and the national park, with countless lookouts, picnic spots and opportunities for spontaneous swims.
• Smiths Lake – a calm, shallow lake perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, fringed by quiet holiday shacks and bushwalking trails.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two full days to do the region justice — one to explore the Myall Lakes by boat and hike a coastal track, another to relax on the beaches and visit Port Stephens. If you’re self-driving, you can easily stretch to three or four days, combining lazy mornings with afternoon kayak trips and sunset drinks at a lakeside pub. The Great Lakes reward those who linger, so don’t rush through.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – dolphin cruises, sand dunes, and the Tomaree Head summit walk.
• Forster-Tuncurry – twin towns straddling the cool blue waters of Wallis Lake, with top-notch seafood and a lively café scene.
• Myall Lakes National Park – extend your stay with a houseboat hire or bush camping under the stars.
• Boomerang Beach & Seal Rocks – perfect for a beach-hopping day trip north.

Please check official sources for current details.