Photo: Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0
Bombah Point is a serene, off-the-beaten-track gem on the southern edge of the Myall Lakes National Park, just a short drive from the popular holiday town of Hawks Nest. This peaceful spot is all about unspoiled nature: think still, dark waters of the Myall River meeting the vast, tea-tree-lined Bombah Broadwater, and a landscape that feels a world away from the coastal crowds. It's the perfect launchpad for kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking, and the famous Bombah Point Ferry – a tiny, hand-pulled punt – adds a dash of quirky charm to the journey.
Highlights & What to See
- Bombah Point Ferry: One of Australia's last hand-operated cable ferries, this tiny punt carries only a few cars at a time and is an adventure in itself. It's free and runs 24/7 – just pull the cable to summon it from the opposite bank.
- Myall River & Bombah Broadwater: Kayak or paddleboard on the glassy, bird-filled waters. Spot pelicans, black swans, and maybe even a sea eagle. The broadwater is especially stunning at sunrise when mist hangs over the water.
- Bombah Point Walking Track: A short, easy 1.5 km loop through paperbark swamp and eucalypt forest. Keep an eye out for goannas and wallabies.
- Fishing: Cast a line from the riverbank or a kayak for bream, flathead, and whiting. The Bombah Point area is a local favourite for a quiet session.
- Bombah Point Campground: A basic, bush-camping spot right on the water (book ahead). Fall asleep to the sound of frogs and lapping water.
Suggested Time to Spend
You can experience the essence of Bombah Point in a few hours – ride the ferry, take a short walk, and enjoy a picnic by the water. However, to really soak up the tranquillity, plan a half-day or overnight stay. A full day allows for a kayak exploration of the broadwater and a longer bushwalk. If you're camping, two nights let you fully unwind and explore the wider Myall Lakes area.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Hawks Nest – Just 10 minutes north, this laid-back coastal village has a surf beach, cafes, and a golf course. Great for stocking up supplies.
- Myall Lakes National Park – The park's vast lake system, towering sand dunes, and rainforest walks are a paddler's paradise. Launch a kayak from Bombah Point into the heart of the lakes.
- Tea Gardens – A charming historic town across the river from Hawks Nest, with boutique shops and riverside dining.
- Port Stephens – 45 minutes south, this tourism hub offers dolphin-watching cruises, sandboarding at Stockton Bight, and the stunning Tomaree Head Summit walk.
- Seal Rocks – About 30 minutes north, this remote coastal hamlet has a lighthouse, great surf breaks, and a resident seal colony at Seal Rocks Point.
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
- Hawks Nest — Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Tea Gardens — George Morland / Public domain
- Port Stephens — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Stockton Bight Sand Dunes — AussieLegend / Public domain