Photo: Nick Ang / CC BY-SA 4.0
Elizabeth Beach is a tranquil stretch of white sand and turquoise water on the southern side of the Myall Lakes system, offering a classic slice of the NSW North Coast without the crowds. Backed by coastal scrub and the Booti Booti National Park, this beach feels wonderfully remote yet is only a short drive from Pacific Palms villages. The gentle waves and clear water make it a favourite for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, while the surrounding bushland rewards walkers and birdwatchers.
Highlights & What to See
- Swim & Snorkel – The protected bay has calm, clear water ideal for swimming; bring a mask to spot wobbegongs and bream around the rocky headlands.
- Booti Booti National Park Walks – The short track from the beach carpark leads to a lookout over the Myall Lakes and the coast; longer trails connect to nearby beaches and the lake foreshore.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding – The calm waters of the Myall Lakes are perfect for paddling; hire a kayak at the nearby Pacific Palms holiday park or launch your own from the beach.
- Picnic & BBQ – Sheltered picnic tables and electric barbecues sit in the grassy reserve behind the beach, shaded by casuarinas – a classic Aussie beach day setup.
- Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for sea eagles, ospreys and, in winter, migrating humpback whales passing offshore; wallabies often graze at dusk near the campground.
Suggested Time to Spend
Elizabeth Beach works well as a half-day stop – spend a morning swimming and walking the national park trails, then enjoy a barbecue lunch. If you have a full day, add a kayak trip on the Myall Lakes or explore the nearby beaches of Shelly Beach and Green Point. For a relaxed overnight stay, book a site at the Reflections Holiday Park right behind the beach.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Forster-Tuncurry – A 20-minute drive north gives you the lively twin towns with their surf beaches, cafes and the Great Lakes Marine Park.
- Myall Lakes National Park – Just south, this vast system of lakes, forests and wetlands is brilliant for canoeing, fishing and bushwalking.
- Seal Rocks – A scenic 30-minute drive south leads to this tiny coastal settlement with its historic lighthouse, sea caves and excellent surfing.
- Boomerang Beach & Blueys Beach – These nearby Pacific Palms beaches are popular with surfers and families, with cafes and a general store for supplies.
- Wallis Lake – Known for its oyster farms and calm waters, this lake is a great spot for a paddle or a seafood lunch in the town of Forster.
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
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Boomerang Beach — Tilemahos Efthimiadis from Athens, Greece / CC BY 2.0
- Blueys Beach — Zax71 / CC BY 4.0
- Wallis Lake — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0