Photo: ShakyIsles / CC BY-SA 4.0
Stretching for an astonishing 90 miles along the NSW coast, Ninety Mile Beach is a wild, windswept expanse of golden sand that feels a world away from the crowds. This is the kind of place where you can walk for hours and see only seabirds and the occasional fisherman casting a line. The beach is part of the Myall Lakes National Park, so the setting is pristine and untamed, with dunes, heathlands, and coastal forests backing the shore. It's a paradise for solitude seekers, birdwatchers, and those who love the raw power of the ocean.
Highlights & What to See
- Walk the beach: The sheer length means you can pick a stretch and feel like you have it all to yourself. The sand is firm, perfect for long walks, and the waves are constant.
- Myall Lakes National Park: The beach is the park's eastern edge. Explore the lakes, wetlands, and forests behind the dunes – kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching are top activities.
- Seal Rocks: Just south of the beach, this tiny town offers a lighthouse, rock pools, and a chance to see seals in the water.
- Birdlife: The beach and lakes are a haven for migratory and resident birds. Bring binoculars and expect to see pelicans, ospreys, and many waders.
- Fishing: The beach is famous for beach fishing – you can catch bream, whiting, and tailor. Locals swear by it.
Suggested Time to Spend
Give yourself at least half a day to truly appreciate Ninety Mile Beach. If you want to walk a decent section, explore the national park, and stop at Seal Rocks, plan for a full day. The beach is long, so you can't see it all, but a few hours walking and a picnic is the perfect pace. If you're combining with other Hunter Valley stops, a half-day detour is enough for a taste of this wild coast.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Stephens: About an hour south, this is a great base for dolphin watching, sandboarding, and coastal walks. Combine with the beach for a water-filled day.
- Myall Lakes: Directly behind the beach, these lakes are perfect for kayaking and fishing. You can easily spend a day paddling and exploring.
- Seal Rocks: A charming coastal hamlet with a lighthouse and seal colony – a must-stop just south of the beach.
- Bombah Point: A ferry crossing on the Myall River that leads to more remote parts of the national park and beach access.
- Hawks Nest: A small town at the northern end of the beach with accommodation, supplies, and a golf course. Good for a pit stop.
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
- Port Stephens — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Myall Lakes — Bianconero918 / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Hawks Nest — Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0
- Bombah Point — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Hunter Valley Wine Country — F Delventhal / CC BY 2.0
- Telegraph Point — MRichards01 / CC BY-SA 4.0