Photo: Bianconero918 / CC BY-SA 3.0
Bombah Broadwater is a serene, expansive lake system at the southern edge of the Myall Lakes National Park, just north of the Hunter Valley. This tranquil waterway, fringed by paperbarks and melaleuca wetlands, offers a true escape into nature. With its dark, tannin-stained waters and abundant birdlife, it's a paddler's paradise and a perfect spot for a peaceful day on the water.
Highlights & What to See
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Glide through the calm, reflective waters of the broadwater, exploring narrow channels and secluded bays. Rentals are available at Bombah Point.
- Birdwatching: Spot black swans, white-bellied sea eagles, and a dazzling array of waterbirds among the wetlands and shoreline forests.
- Bombah Point Ferry: Take the historic, manually operated punt – a tiny, charming cable ferry that crosses the narrowest point of the broadwater, linking the main road to the national park.
- Fishing: Cast a line from the bank or a kayak for bream, flathead, and whiting in the brackish waters.
- Peaceful Picnicking: Unwind at the small picnic area near the ferry, with tables and a gentle breeze off the water.
Suggested Time to Spend
Half a day is ideal for a kayak paddle, a picnic, and watching the ferry come and go. If you're camping in Myall Lakes National Park, you can easily spend a full day exploring the broadwater and its surrounding waterways. For a quick stop, allow at least an hour to appreciate the scenery and snap a few photos.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Myall Lakes National Park: The broadwater is the park's southern gateway – explore its vast lakes, walking trails, and secluded beaches.
- Hawks Nest & Tea Gardens: Charming coastal villages just south, with great cafes, beaches, and dolphin-watching cruises on the Myall River.
- Port Stephens: A 40-minute drive south offers stunning beaches like Fingal Bay and the famous sand dunes of Stockton Bight.
- Hunter Valley Wine Country: An hour's drive west, where you can taste world-class Semillon and Shiraz at cellar doors like Tyrrell's and Brokenwood.
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
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Hawks Nest — Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0
- Tea Gardens — George Morland / Public domain
- Port Stephens — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Hunter Valley Wine Country — F Delventhal / CC BY 2.0
- Bombah Point — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0