The Great Lakes

Stretching north from the bustle of Newcastle to the quieter shores of Forster, the Great Lakes region is a watery wonderland of shimmering lagoons, winding rivers, and pristine beaches. This is the New South Wales coast at its most unhurried — a place where you can kayak through mirror-still lakes, spot kangaroos on coastal walks, and feast on fresh seafood without the crowds. The four main lakes — Myall, Smiths, Wallis, and Port Stephens — are linked by a network of waterways that make this a paradise for boaters, fishers, and paddlers.

Highlights & What to See

• Myall Lakes National Park — A vast system of lakes, rivers, and rainforest; hire a kayak or canoe to explore the dark, tea-coloured waters and spot sea eagles and goannas.
• Port Stephens — This huge natural harbour is famous for its population of bottlenose dolphins and the wild sand dunes of Stockton Bight. Join a cruise or sandboarding tour.
• Forster & Tuncurry — Twin towns straddling the bridge over Wallis Lake; swim at One Mile Beach, hire a boat to explore the lake, or walk the Forster Headland loop for sweeping coastal views.
• Smiths Lake — A quieter, less developed lake perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and swimming; nearby Pacific Palms offers some of the most beautiful surf beaches on the coast.
• Seal Rocks — A tiny coastal hamlet with a historic lighthouse, dramatic rock platforms, and the chance to see fur seals and migrating whales (May–November).
• Bungwahl & The Lakes Way — This scenic drive takes you through the heart of the region, passing oyster shacks, national parks, and quiet villages. Stop for a plate of freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters.

Suggested Time to Spend

To do the Great Lakes justice, allow at least three to four days. This gives you time to explore Myall Lakes National Park by kayak or boat, spend a day around Port Stephens (including a dolphin cruise and sandboarding), and then head north to Forster and Seal Rocks. If you're on a self-drive itinerary along the NSW coast, the Lakes Way is the perfect two-to-three-day detour between Sydney and Byron Bay. You could base yourself in Forster or Hawks Nest and make day trips from there, but moving between a couple of different lodgings — say, Nelson Bay for Port Stephens and Pacific Palms for the northern lakes — saves backtracking.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Barrington Tops National Park — A World Heritage-listed wilderness area with ancient rainforests and alpine plateaus, about a 1.5-hour drive inland from Forster; great for hiking and birdwatching.
• Newcastle — The revitalised harbour city offers excellent beaches, a thriving food scene, and cultural attractions like the Newcastle Art Gallery; about an hour south of Port Stephens.
• Central Coast — The stretch from Gosford to The Entrance has beautiful coastal lagoons and the Bouddi Coastal Walk; perfect for a stopover en route from Sydney.
• Booti Booti National Park — A narrow coastal reserve between Wallis Lake and the ocean, with a stunning walk from Cape Hawke to Elizabeth Beach.
• Hunter Valley Wine Region — Australia's oldest wine region is just a two-hour drive inland; combine lake life with cellar door tastings and gourmet dining.

Please check official sources for current details.