Photo: Zax71 / CC BY 4.0
Blueys Beach is a pristine stretch of white sand on the NSW Mid North Coast, just south of Forster. This laid-back beach town feels like a well-kept secret, with crystal-clear water, a friendly local vibe, and a national park at its back door. It's the kind of place where you kick off your thongs (flip-flops) and instantly slip into holiday mode.
Highlights & What to See
- Blueys Beach itself – a brilliant crescent of sand lapped by gentle waves, perfect for swimming, sunbaking, and long walks. The southern end is dog-friendly (on-leash).
- Booti Booti National Park – a coastal gem with walking trails through littoral rainforest and heath, leading to lookout points over the ocean and Wallis Lake. The park also protects the dramatic headland of Cape Hawke.
- Wallis Lake – a vast, shallow estuary ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Hire a boat or join a guided tour to explore the islands and oyster leases.
- Pacific Palms – the collective name for this cluster of beaches (Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth, and Shelley), each with its own character. Boomerang Beach is a favourite for surfers, while Shelley Beach is a quiet, sheltered cove.
- Local produce and dining – grab fish and chips from the Blueys Beach Takeaway, or book a table at the rustic Blueys Boatshed for fresh seafood with lake views. The area is also known for its oysters and artisan cheeses.
Suggested Time to Spend
Blueys Beach works perfectly as a weekend escape (2–3 nights) from Sydney or Newcastle. With one day, you can swim, walk the Booti Booti track, and enjoy a seafood lunch. Add a second day to explore the other beaches, kayak on the lake, or drive to the nearby town of Forster. If you're self-driving, this is an easy stop on a coastal road trip between Sydney and Byron Bay.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Forster–Tuncurry – a lively twin-town hub with a great surf beach, a long pier, and the Manning River. Only 20 minutes north.
- Seal Rocks – a tiny, unspoilt coastal village with a historic lighthouse, a seal colony (seasonal), and excellent surfing. About 30 minutes south.
- Myall Lakes National Park – a vast network of lakes, rivers, and forests offering canoeing, bushwalking, and birdwatching. The park's Bombah Point ferry is a fun detour.
- Port Stephens – a popular holiday region with dolphin watching, sand dunes at Stockton Bight, and the charming town of Nelson Bay. About an hour south.
- Hunter Valley wine region – Australia's oldest wine region, famous for semillon and shiraz. A 90-minute drive inland, perfect for a gourmet day trip.
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
- Forster–Tuncurry — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Port Stephens — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Hunter Valley Wine Region — F Delventhal / CC BY 2.0
- Booti Booti National Park — Anonymous Dissident / Public domain