Great Lakes Way

Stretching along the stunning NSW mid-north coast, the Great Lakes Way is a scenic driving route that weaves through a chain of pristine coastal lakes, national parks, and sleepy seaside villages. This 140-kilometre journey offers a perfect blend of water-based adventures, wildlife encounters, and laid-back coastal culture, making it an ideal detour on a Sydney to Brisbane road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Myall Lakes National Park – Paddle through a maze of tea-tree-lined waterways, spot goannas basking on sandy banks, and camp under a canopy of paperbarks.
• Seal Rocks – A tiny coastal gem with a historic lighthouse, dramatic headlands, and a colony of Australian fur seals that often bob in the surf.
• Boomerang Beach & Blueys Beach – Fringed by national park, these surf breaks are backed by coastal heath and offer some of the region’s best waves.
• Smiths Lake – A calm, shallow lake perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and spotting black swans and pelicans.
• Pacific Palms – This cluster of villages (including Elizabeth Beach and Forster) is the gateway to Wallis Lake, renowned for its Sydney rock oysters and seafood co-ops.
• Booti Booti National Park – A narrow coastal strip with a dramatic walking track that links Seven Mile Beach and the pristine lagoon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two full days to properly experience the Great Lakes Way. Spend the first day exploring the southern section around Myall Lakes and Seal Rocks, then base yourself in Pacific Palms or Forster for the second day to kayak, swim, and feast on fresh oysters. If you’re short on time, you can drive the route in a day, but you’ll miss the magic of paddling on a still lake at dawn.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – A lively coastal town with a historic convict settlement, koala hospital, and excellent coastal walks.
• Forster–Tuncurry – The main hub on Wallis Lake, offering boat hire, fishing charters, and a buzzing café scene.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – A wild, less-visited park with dramatic sea cliffs and the iconic ‘Diamond Head’ rock formation.
• Barrington Tops National Park – A World Heritage-listed wilderness of ancient rainforests and alpine plateaus, about an hour inland.
• Myall River – A scenic waterway that connects Myall Lake to the coast, perfect for a half-day kayak or boat trip.

Please check official sources for current details.