Myall Lakes National Park

Myall Lakes National Park is a pristine wilderness of shimmering waterways, ancient paperbark forests, and untouched beaches, just north of Port Stephens. It's one of the state's largest coastal lake systems, offering a serene escape into nature where you can kayak through mirror-like lakes, spot kangaroos on sandy tracks, and fish in tranquil lagoons. This is a place for true immersion—no flashy resorts, just the rustle of wind in the casuarinas and the call of a sea eagle overhead.

Highlights & What to See

• Myall Lakes: The heart of the park, a chain of interconnected lakes perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Paddle through narrow channels lined with paperbarks and reeds, and find secluded sandy beaches accessible only by water.
• Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk: A short boardwalk trail through a lush, cool rainforest of towering palms and ancient figs—a surprising contrast to the surrounding dry bushland.
• Bombah Point: A historic ferry crossing (cable ferry) that connects the northern and southern sections of the park. It's a charming, slow-paced way to cross the Myall River.
• Seal Rocks: A rugged coastal headland with a historic lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and excellent whale-watching from June to November. The nearby beach is a popular surfing spot.
• Lakeside camping: Several campgrounds like Mungo Brush and The Sandhills offer direct access to the water, with basic facilities. Fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the park's diversity, plan for at least two days. Spend the first day exploring the lakes by kayak or boat, with a picnic on a remote beach. On the second day, drive to Seal Rocks for coastal walks and whale watching, then meander through the Mungo Brush rainforest. If you're short on time, a full day can give you a taste—drive the scenic loop, take a short paddle, and walk the rainforest boardwalk. But the real magic happens when you linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens: The gateway to the park, with dolphin cruises, sand dunes at Stockton Beach, and excellent seafood in Nelson Bay.
• Nelson Bay: A lively waterfront town where you can book a kayak tour or hire a boat to explore the lakes.
• Booti Booti National Park: Just south, with coastal walks linking pristine beaches like Shelly Beach and Elizabeth Beach.
• Pacific Palms: A string of stunning lakeside villages (Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach) with great surf and cafes—ideal for a relaxed lunch stop.
• Forster & Tuncurry: A larger town 40 minutes north, offering whale-watching cruises, the Wallis Lake system, and the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge.

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