Mungo Brush

Mungo Brush is a serene coastal hamlet on the southern edge of Myall Lakes National Park, where the pristine waters of the Myall River meet the Tasman Sea. This is the quintessential Australian bush-and-beach escape: think fishing boats bobbing on tea-coloured creeks, the rustle of paperbarks, and empty stretches of sand that seem to go on forever. It’s a place to slow down, explore by kayak or 4WD, and reconnect with nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Catherine Hill Bay – A historic coal-mining village with a photogenic wooden jetty and a wild, untamed beach perfect for a bracing walk.
• Myall Lakes National Park – Paddle through the labyrinth of lakes and channels, spot sea eagles, and camp under a canopy of banksias.
• Mungo Brush Beach – A long, nearly deserted stretch of sand ideal for beachcombing, fishing, or simply soaking up the solitude.
• Dark Point Aboriginal Place – A significant cultural site with middens and a stunning headland viewpoint over the coast.
• Seal Rocks – A tiny, unspoilt settlement with a historic lighthouse and some of the best surfing waves on the NSW coast.
• Hawks Nest – A laid-back village where you can hire a tinny, fish for bream, or walk to the base of the iconic Sugar Loaf Point Lighthouse.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least two full days to soak up the area’s rhythm. Spend the first day kayaking the Myall lakes and exploring the national park’s walking trails, then dedicate the second to beach-hopping and a visit to the lighthouse at Seal Rocks. If you’re self-driving, the loop from Bulahdelah through Mungo Brush and out to Hawks Nest is a classic day trip, but staying overnight in one of the park’s campgrounds or a local holiday rental is far more rewarding.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – A 45-minute drive south, with dolphin-watching cruises, sand dunes at Stockton Beach, and lively Nelson Bay.
• Myall Lakes National Park – The park itself is the main draw; combine a stay at Mungo Brush with a day exploring the Bungwahl and Boolambayte sections.
• Bulahdelah – A handy service town on the Pacific Highway, with a scenic lookout over the Myall River and access to the forested Alum Mountain trails.
• Seal Rocks – Just 15 minutes north, this tiny coastal enclave offers a beautiful lighthouse walk and a protected swimming beach.
• Hawks Nest – A short drive over the bridge, with a golf course, general store, and great fishing spots along the Myall River.
• Tea Gardens – The next town north, known for its heritage-listed hotel, oyster leases, and ferry to Nelson Bay.

Please check official sources for current details.