Bombah Point Ferry

Crossing the Myall River on the Bombah Point Ferry is a charming, old-school way to access the wilder reaches of the Myall Lakes National Park. This free cable ferry runs 24/7 and saves you a long drive around, making it a favourite shortcut for locals and a delightful mini-adventure for visitors. The short crossing offers views over the peaceful river and surrounding bushland, and it’s a great prelude to the pristine lakes, beaches, and walking tracks waiting on the other side.

Highlights & What to See

• The ferry ride itself: A five-minute crossing on a small cable-driven punt – watch for pelicans and ospreys as you glide across the tea-tree stained waters.
• Myall Lakes National Park: Once across, you’re in a vast playground of clear lakes, paperbark forests, and secluded beaches like Mungo Brush and Jimmy’s Beach.
• Walking and cycling: The park has excellent trails, including the Mungo Walking Track and the longer Myall Lakes loop; the ferry is a key link for multi-day paddling or cycling itineraries.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for goannas, wallabies, and a huge variety of birdlife, especially around the lake edges and coastal heath.
• Fishing and boating: The river and lakes are popular for flathead, bream, and whiting; you can launch a kayak or small boat from the ferry landing.

Suggested Time to Spend

The ferry crossing takes just a few minutes, but factor in at least half a day to explore the national park on the far side. If you’re driving the loop from Hawks Nest to Bulahdelah, allow an hour for the ferry plus time for a walk or picnic. For a fuller immersion, plan a full day: combine the crossing with a bushwalk, a swim at Mungo Brush, and a lakeside lunch. The ferry runs continuously, so you never have to wait long.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hawks Nest: Just north, this laid-back coastal village has great surf beaches, the Myall River walk, and the famous “singing sands” of Bennetts Beach.
• Tea Gardens: Across the bridge from Hawks Nest, this historic town offers river cruises, seafood dining, and the Moonshadow wine region.
• Myall Lakes National Park: The whole park is your oyster – explore the lake system by canoe, hike to the coast, or camp at Mungo Brush.
• Bulahdelah: A short drive west, this town is the gateway to the Upper Myall region and has a handy supermarket and pub.
• Port Stephens: The broader region has dolphin cruises, sand dunes at Stockton Beach, and the Tomaree Headland walk – all within an hour’s drive.

Please check official sources for current details.