Photo: Anonymous Dissident / Public domain
Stretching along a narrow, forested peninsula between the glistening waters of Wallis Lake and the Tasman Sea, Booti Booti National Park is a pocket-sized paradise on the Mid North Coast. This compact park packs a punch with its pristine beaches, lush coastal rainforest, and panoramic lookout views. Whether you're a keen bushwalker, a birdwatcher, or simply seeking a serene seaside escape, Booti Booti offers a quintessential slice of coastal New South Wales that feels refreshingly uncrowded.
Highlights & What to See
- Seven Mile Beach: A long, sweeping stretch of golden sand perfect for swimming, surfing, or a leisurely stroll. The beach is patrolled during peak season, making it a safe family spot.
- Booti Hill Lookout: A short but steep climb rewards you with jaw-dropping 360-degree views over Wallis Lake, the ocean, and the green canopy of the park. Sunrise here is magical.
- Wallis Lake Foreshore: The calm, clear waters of the lake are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a quiet picnic. Keep an eye out for pelicans and black swans gliding by.
- Coastal Rainforest Walk: Meander through a lush tunnel of bangalow palms, cabbage tree palms, and towering eucalypts on the 1.5 km loop track. Interpretive signs explain the ecology.
- Birdwatching: The park is a haven for birdlife, including the rare pied oystercatcher, sooty oystercatcher, and a variety of honeyeaters and waders.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors can experience the park's highlights in a half-day. Start with a morning walk to Booti Hill Lookout (allow 30 minutes return), then head down to Seven Mile Beach for a swim or a walk along the sand. If you have a kayak or SUP, spend an hour exploring the calm waters of Wallis Lake. For a more relaxed pace, bring a picnic and spend a full day alternating between beach, bushwalking, and lake activities. The park is small enough that you can easily return for a second day if you fall in love with the serenity.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Forster – Just a short drive north, this lively coastal town offers excellent cafes, restaurants, and the popular Forster Main Beach.
- Pacific Palms – A string of stunning beaches and lakeside hamlets, including Blueys Beach and Boomerang Beach, perfect for surfers and sun-seekers.
- Cape Hawke – Climb the lookout tower for sweeping views of the coastline and hinterland, and learn about the area's Aboriginal heritage.
- Myall Lakes National Park – A vast water-based park with opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping among the largest system of freshwater lakes in NSW.
- Seal Rocks – A quiet coastal village with a historic lighthouse, excellent snorkelling, and a chance to spot seals and dolphins.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Forster — Dora Carrington (1893–1932) / Public domain
- Pacific Palms — paul bica / CC BY 2.0
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Wallis Lake — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0