Booti Booti National Park

Booti Booti National Park is a slender coastal reserve that stretches along a pristine peninsula between the sparkling waters of Wallis Lake and the Tasman Sea. This is one of the Mid North Coast’s most scenic and accessible wild spots, where you can walk through lush littoral rainforest, climb forested headlands for ocean panoramas, and swim at patrolled beaches. The park’s name comes from the local Aboriginal word for ‘plenty of birds’, and indeed you’ll hear whipbirds, wonga pigeons and sea eagles as you explore. It’s a perfect stop on a self-drive itinerary between Sydney and Byron Bay, or a day trip from Port Stephens.

Highlights & What to See

• Seven Mile Beach – A spectacular, unbroken sweep of golden sand that’s one of the longest beaches on the NSW coast. Great for swimming, surfing or simply strolling. The southern end is patrolled in summer.
• Bicentennial Trail – This 8 km return walk from the northern car park to the Cape Hawke summit lookout is the park’s signature experience. It winds through rainforest, then climbs a boardwalk to a viewing platform with 360-degree views of Wallis Lake, the beach and the hinterland.
• Cape Hawke – The rocky headland at the northern tip of the park offers dramatic coastal views and is a prime spot for whale watching (May–November).
• Wallis Lake – The calm, sheltered side of the park is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Launch from the picnic area near the northern entrance.
• Littoral Rainforest – A short boardwalk loop near the southern entrance reveals a remnant of the once-extensive coastal rainforest, with towering cabbage tree palms and strangler figs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring Booti Booti. Arrive early to walk the Bicentennial Trail (allow 2–3 hours round trip), then cool off with a swim at Seven Mile Beach. If you have a full day, bring a picnic and hire a kayak on Wallis Lake. The park can be combined easily with a morning at Pacific Palms or a seafood lunch at nearby Forster. Sunset from Cape Hawke is magical – time your visit accordingly if you can.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster & Tuncurry – Just 10 minutes north, these twin towns offer excellent cafés, the Forster Marina and the chance to swim in the Wallis Lake channel.
• Pacific Palms – A string of beautiful lakeside villages (Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach) with surf breaks and laid-back holiday vibes, 15 minutes south.
• Port Stephens – The busy holiday hub of Nelson Bay and its surrounds are 45 minutes south, with dolphin cruises, sand dunes and excellent seafood.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast labyrinth of lakes and forests ideal for canoeing and birdwatching, a 30-minute drive inland.
• Seal Rocks – A tiny coastal hamlet with a historic lighthouse, great surf and a resident seal colony, about 40 minutes south.

Please check official sources for current details.