Pacific Palms & Boomerang Beach
Pacific Palms and Boomerang Beach form a stunning coastal pocket on the Mid North Coast of NSW, where turquoise waters meet lush national park. This is the kind of place where you can swim in a marine sanctuary, surf a world-class break, and then wander through coastal rainforest all in one morning. It feels a world away from the crowds, yet is just a short drive from Forster and Port Macquarie.
Highlights & What to See
- Boomerang Beach – A perfect arc of white sand hugged by headlands, with consistent swells that draw surfers and a patrolled swimming area in summer. The clear water is ideal for a snorkel around the rocky edges.
- Blueys Beach – Just north, this calm, sheltered bay is perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Grab a coffee at the Blueys Beach store and watch the tide roll in.
- Wallis Lake – A vast, shallow estuary perfect for kayaking, sailing, or hiring a tinnie to explore the oyster leases. Stop at one of the lakeside seafood shacks for fresh local oysters.
- Booti Booti National Park – A coastal gem with walking trails through rainforest and heath. The short walk to the top of Cape Hawke lookout rewards you with panoramic views of the coastline and the Great Lakes.
- Pacific Palms – The collective name for this string of beaches and villages, including Elizabeth Beach and Shelly Beach. Each has its own character, but all share that signature crystal-clear water.
Suggested Time to Spend
Two to three days is ideal to soak up the relaxed vibe. Spend one day beach-hopping and swimming, another exploring Booti Booti National Park and Wallis Lake, and a third for surfing or simply doing nothing. If you're short on time, a full day can cover the highlights: morning surf at Boomerang, lunch at Blueys, and a late-afternoon walk in the national park.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Forster – A lively town with a long surf beach, lake cruises, and a great café scene, just 20 minutes south.
- Seal Rocks – A tiny, unspoiled coastal village with a historic lighthouse and a colony of Australian fur seals. The drive in is an adventure itself.
- Myall Lakes National Park – A vast network of lakes and waterways perfect for canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching, about 30 minutes south.
- Port Macquarie – A larger regional hub with the Koala Hospital, Tacking Point Lighthouse, and the scenic coastal walk, an hour north.
- Hat Head National Park – Less visited than Booti Booti, this park offers wild beaches and excellent bushwalking, about 45 minutes north.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Forster — Dora Carrington (1893–1932) / Public domain
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Port Macquarie — Inas / CC0
- Booti Booti National Park — Anonymous Dissident / Public domain
- Wallis Lake — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0