Myall Lakes National Park

Myall Lakes National Park is a serene aquatic wonderland where the vast, tea-tree-stained lakes meet wild surf beaches and untouched coastal bush. This is one of NSW's best-kept secrets—a place for paddling through mirrored waterways, spotting goannas and rainbow lorikeets, and feeling the salt spray on deserted stretches of sand. It’s a dream for self-drive explorers and nature lovers seeking solitude just north of Sydney.

Highlights & What to See

• Myall Lakes – A chain of four interconnected lakes perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Glide through calm, dark waters fringed with paperbarks and reeds; you might spot a sea eagle or a basking goanna.
• Boomerang Beach – A spectacular, unpatrolled surf beach with rolling waves and few crowds. It’s ideal for a long walk, a picnic, or a bracing swim (be aware of rips).
• Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk – A short 1.2 km loop through a cool, shaded rainforest of towering cabbage tree palms and ancient ferns. Listen for bellbirds and whipbirds echoing in the canopy.
• Lakeside Camping & Picnic Spots – Several well-equipped campgrounds (e.g., Mungo Brush and Legges Camp) sit right on the lake edge, offering direct water access for fishing and launching canoes. Day-use areas like Violet Hill have barbecues and tables with stunning views.
• Wildlife Spotting – Keep your eyes peeled for swamp wallabies, lace monitors, and a dazzling array of birdlife, including azure kingfishers and white-bellied sea eagles.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly soak in the park’s atmosphere, plan for at least a full day—ideally two days if you want to kayak, hike, and camp. A morning paddle on the lakes followed by an afternoon beach walk is a perfect day trip from Newcastle or the Hunter Valley. If you have a campervan or tent, an overnight stay lets you experience the sunset over the water and the dawn chorus of birds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – Just south, this coastal playground offers dolphin cruises, sand dunes at Stockton Beach, and the Tomaree Head summit walk.
• Seal Rocks – A tiny, unspoiled coastal village with a historic lighthouse, excellent surf breaks, and a colony of Australian fur seals.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – After your nature fix, head inland to the Hunter’s vineyards, cellar doors, and gourmet restaurants for a taste of the good life.
• Pacific Palms – The string of beaches and lakeside towns (Blueys Beach, Elizabeth Beach) just north of the park are great for surfing, dining, and laid-back coastal vibes.
• Booti Booti National Park – A smaller coastal gem with dramatic headlands, the scenic Ruins Walk, and the lovely Seven Mile Beach.

Please check official sources for current details.