Pacific Palms

Pacific Palms is a serene coastal escape on the NSW mid-north coast, where lush green hills roll down to sparkling lagoons and uncrowded surf beaches. This cluster of tiny settlements—Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach, Elizabeth Beach, and Smiths Lake—offers a laid-back, nature-focused retreat that feels a world away from the tourist trail. Perfect for self-drive explorers, the area rewards with stunning coastal walks, kayaking on calm waterways, and a genuine local café scene that makes the most of its seaside setting.

Highlights & What to See

• Boomerang Beach & Blueys Beach – Two of the region’s best surf breaks, with patrolled swimming areas and golden sand that stretches for kilometres. Great for a morning swim or a sunset stroll.
• Smiths Lake – A vast, shallow coastal lagoon ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and birdwatching. Paddle through the fringing paperbark forests and spot pelicans, swans, and sea eagles.
• Elizabeth Beach – A family-friendly beach with a gentle wave break and a rock pool at the southern end, perfect for snorkelling when conditions are calm.
• Booti Booti National Park – A headland park offering the dramatic Bicentennial Coastal Walk, a 6.5 km trail linking Elizabeth Beach to Cape Hawke, with sweeping views over the ocean and Wallis Lake.
• Wallis Lake – Just south of Pacific Palms, this large lake system is famous for its oyster farms; stop at a waterside shack for freshly shucked oysters and local seafood.

Suggested Time to Spend

Pacific Palms is best enjoyed over two to three days. Spend day one exploring the beaches and doing the Bicentennial Coastal Walk; day two, hire a kayak on Smiths Lake or take a scenic drive to Cape Hawke lookout. A third day allows for a relaxed visit to Wallis Lake for oysters and a paddle. The area is compact enough to base yourself in one spot and explore by car.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster – A 20-minute drive north, with a lively waterfront, whale-watching cruises, and the coastal headland of One Mile Beach.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast system of lakes and forests, 30 minutes south, offering canoeing, bushwalking, and camping.
• Port Macquarie – An hour’s drive north, with the Koala Hospital, historic town centre, and the scenic Coastal Walk.
• Seal Rocks – A tiny, wild coastal hamlet 15 minutes south, with a historic lighthouse, deserted beaches, and excellent surfing at Treachery Beach.

Please check official sources for current details.