Cape Hawke

Rising dramatically from the coast just south of Forster, Cape Hawke offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views on the NSW mid-north coast. The headland is crowned by the Cape Hawke Lookout, a steel viewing platform that juts out over the treetops, giving you a 360-degree vista of the sparkling Pacific, the Booti Booti National Park, and the Wallis and Myall Lakes systems. It’s a spot that rewards early risers and sunset chasers alike – the light here is pure magic.

Highlights & What to See

• Cape Hawke Lookout – Climb the 108 steps to the platform for jaw-dropping views that stretch from the Great Lakes to the coast. It’s a must for photographers and whale watchers (June–November).
• Booti Booti National Park – This slender park hugs the coast between Cape Hawke and Forster. Hike the walking trails through coastal rainforest and spot goannas, wallabies, and a dazzling array of birds.
• Seven Mile Beach – Just below the lookout, this pristine stretch of sand is perfect for a quiet stroll or a bracing swim. It’s patrolled in summer and rarely crowded.
• Wallis Lake – Directly west of the cape, this vast lake system is a haven for kayaking, fishing, and oyster tasting. The lake’s calm waters are ideal for a lazy afternoon paddle.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 30–45 minutes at the lookout itself – enough time to soak in the views and snap photos. But to really experience the area, plan for a half-day: combine the lookout with a walk in Booti Booti National Park (the 2.5 km Cape Hawke Loop is excellent) and a picnic on Seven Mile Beach. If you’re into water sports, add another hour or two on Wallis Lake. The cape is a perfect stop on a road trip along the Lakes Way.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster – A lively coastal town just 10 minutes north, with great cafes, a surf beach, and the Forster Marina.
• Seal Rocks – A sleepy, beautiful village 30 minutes south, famous for its seal colony, lighthouse, and empty beaches.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast wilderness of lakes, forests, and sand dunes, perfect for canoeing and camping. About 40 minutes south.
• Port Macquarie – An hour north, this historic town offers koala hospitals, coastal walks, and the Hastings River.

Please check official sources for current details.