Photo: paul bica / CC BY 2.0
Pacific Palms is a serene coastal haven on the NSW Mid North Coast, where turquoise lagoons meet long stretches of pristine beach. This collection of villages—including Boomerang Beach, Elizabeth Beach, and Blueys Beach—offers a relaxed, nature-focused escape that feels a world away from the bustle of Sydney. With its stunning aquatic reserves and laid-back vibe, it's a favourite for swimmers, surfers, and anyone craving a quintessential Australian beach holiday.
Highlights & What to See
- Boomerang Beach: A dazzling crescent of white sand and clear water, perfect for swimming, surfing, and long walks. The northern end is patrolled in summer.
- Elizabeth Beach: Sheltered by a headland, this calm beach is ideal for families and snorkelling in the clear waters. Look for the resident sea eagles.
- Blueys Beach: A popular spot for surfers and sunbathers, with a friendly café culture and easy access to the Booti Booti National Park.
- Booti Booti National Park: Walk through coastal rainforest to the summit of Booti Hill for panoramic views of the lakes and ocean. The park is also home to the stunning Wallis Lake.
- Wallis Lake: A vast, shimmering lagoon perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Its calm waters are a haven for birdlife.
- Pacific Palms Recreation Reserve: A grassy picnic area with barbecues and playgrounds, offering direct access to Boomerang Beach and a great spot for sunset.
Suggested Time to Spend
Pacific Palms is best enjoyed over two to three days, allowing you to explore the different beaches, hike in the national park, and savour the local seafood. A long weekend is ideal, but even a single day trip from Forster or Taree can give you a taste of its beauty. Spend mornings swimming or surfing, afternoons exploring the lake, and evenings watching the sunset from the beach.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Forster-Tuncurry: Just a 20-minute drive north, these twin towns offer more dining options, shopping, and the stunning One Mile Beach.
- Myall Lakes National Park: A vast network of lakes and wetlands, perfect for boating, fishing, and wildlife spotting, about 30 minutes south.
- Seal Rocks: A tiny coastal settlement with a historic lighthouse and excellent surfing beaches, 15 minutes south of Pacific Palms.
- Smiths Lake: A quiet lake community with calm waters for kayaking and paddleboarding, just a short drive inland.
- Booti Booti National Park walks: Combine your visit with a hike along the Cape Hawke track or the Wallis Lake foreshore walk.
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
- Smiths Lake — denisbin / CC BY-ND 2.0
- Booti Booti National Park — Anonymous Dissident / Public domain
- Wallis Lake — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0