Booti Booti National Park

Booti Booti National Park is a narrow, dramatic sliver of coastal wilderness that separates the shimmering waters of Wallis Lake from the Tasman Sea. This park, located just south of Forster, is a haven for beach lovers, bushwalkers, and anyone seeking a classic mid-north coast escape. The park’s name comes from the local Aboriginal word for ‘brother’ or ‘friend’, and the landscape feels just that welcoming — with towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and coastal rainforest hugging the shoreline. It’s a place where you can hear the roar of the ocean from one side and the gentle lapping of the lake on the other.

Highlights & What to See

• Seven Mile Beach: A glorious stretch of white sand that lives up to its name. It’s patrolled in summer and perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply strolling with the wind in your hair.
• Wallis Lake: The calm, lake side of the park is ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Hire a kayak from nearby Forster and explore the lake’s tranquil inlets.
• Bicentennial Trail: A 3.5 km walking track that winds through coastal forest and over dunes, offering panoramic views of the lake, ocean, and the distinctive Booti Booti headland. Keep an eye out for wallabies and goannas.
• Booti Booti Lookout: A short, steep climb rewards you with one of the best vantage points on the mid-north coast — a sweeping panorama of the park, the lake, and the Pacific Ocean.
• Aboriginal Heritage: The park is part of the traditional land of the Worimi people. Look for shell middens and learn about the cultural significance of this coastal landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can easily spend a full day exploring Booti Booti National Park. Start with a morning walk along Seven Mile Beach or the Bicentennial Trail, then head to the lake side for a picnic and a paddle. If you’re short on time, a half-day allows you to hit the main lookout and take a quick dip. The park is compact enough that you can cover the highlights without feeling rushed, but it’s also the kind of place that invites lingering — bring a book and let the afternoon slip away.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster & Tuncurry: The twin towns just north of the park offer excellent dining, whale-watching cruises (June–November), and the Forster Marina.
• Seal Rocks: A laid-back coastal hamlet south of the park, famous for its lighthouse, surfing breaks, and resident seal colony.
• Myall Lakes National Park: A vast system of lakes and waterways south of Booti Booti, perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and camping.
• Port Macquarie: About an hour’s drive north, this coastal city offers the Koala Hospital, historic convict sites, and the scenic Coastal Walk.

Please check official sources for current details.