Wallis Lake

Wallis Lake is a vast, shimmering coastal lagoon just south of Forster, its calm, oyster-rich waters fringed by sandy beaches and lush national park. This is quintessential NSW North Coast: think kayaking through mangrove-lined channels, feasting on freshly shucked oysters, and watching pelicans glide across a mirror-still surface at sunset. The lake is the heart of the region’s seafood culture and a gateway to the untouched wilderness of Booti Booti National Park.

Highlights & What to See

• Oyster tasting tours – Wallis Lake is famous for its Sydney rock oysters; join a cruise or visit a waterfront shack for the freshest briny bivalves straight from the farm.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding – The lake’s sheltered waters are perfect for exploring hidden bays, sandbars, and the mangrove-fringed Pipers Creek.
• Booti Booti National Park – Hike the dramatic headland between the lake and the ocean for sweeping views over the lake, Seven Mile Beach, and the Tasman Sea.
• Wallis Lake Ferry – A historic cable ferry that crosses the lake’s narrow entrance – a charming, low-key experience connecting Forster to the southern shores.
• Birdwatching at the lake foreshore – Spot black swans, cormorants, and white-bellied sea eagles from the picnic areas or the walking track along the Forster waterfront.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least half a day to truly soak in Wallis Lake – start with a morning kayak or paddleboard, then enjoy a leisurely oyster lunch at a waterfront café. If you’re a keen angler or nature lover, a full day allows time for a bushwalk in Booti Booti National Park and an afternoon swim at one of the lake’s sandy beaches. Many travellers use Forster as a base and explore the lake over two relaxed days.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster – The lively hub on the lake’s northern shore, with great dining, shops, and the beautiful One Mile Beach.
• Booti Booti National Park – Directly adjacent, with coastal walks, secluded beaches, and the iconic Cape Hawke lookout.
• Seal Rocks – A stunning, undeveloped coastal village about 45 minutes south, famous for its lighthouse and pristine beaches.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A huge system of freshwater lakes and wilderness about 30 minutes south, ideal for canoeing and camping.
• Pacific Palms – A string of gorgeous beaches (Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth) just north of Forster, perfect for surfing and coastal walks.

Please check official sources for current details.