Myrall National Park

Stretching along the southern shore of Port Stephens, Myrall National Park is a serene patchwork of coastal heath, scribbly gum woodlands, and pristine beaches. Its quiet, uncrowded trails and bird-rich wetlands make it a favourite for nature lovers seeking an escape from the summer bustle. The park’s Aboriginal heritage—the Worimi people have lived here for millennia—adds a layer of quiet reverence to the landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Dark Point Walking Track – A 3.5 km loop through coastal heath and tea-tree forest to a lookout over Mungo Brush and the sparkling waters of Port Stephens. Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and goannas.
• Bennett's Bay – A sheltered, shallow bay perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The calm waters reflect the sky at sunrise, making it a photographer's dream.
• Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk – A short boardwalk through a cool, green pocket of subtropical rainforest, with strangler figs and cabbage tree palms. Listen for the whipbird’s distinctive call.
• Birdwatching at Ghosties Beach – The park is a haven for birdlife; spot pied oystercatchers, white-bellied sea eagles, and migratory waders along this wild stretch of sand.
• Aboriginal Heritage Walk – A self-guided trail with interpretive signs explaining the Worimi people’s connection to the land, including middens and scar trees.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find half a day (3–4 hours) sufficient to tackle the main walking trails and enjoy a picnic at Bennett’s Bay. If you’re keen on kayaking or a longer birdwatching session, plan for a full day. The park is best visited in spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. Combine it with a morning at nearby Shoal Bay for a perfect Port Stephens day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tomaree National Park – Just across the water, offering the iconic summit walk with panoramic views over Port Stephens and the coastline.
• Shoal Bay – A lively beachside village with excellent cafés, calm swimming beaches, and dolphin-watching cruises.
• Nelson Bay – The main hub of Port Stephens, with a marina, restaurants, and the departure point for whale-watching tours (May–November).
• Worimi Conservation Lands – Massive sand dunes (the Stockton Bight) where you can try sandboarding or quad biking.
• Tea Gardens – A charming historic town on the Myall River, known for its art galleries and the ferry across to Hawks Nest.

Please check official sources for current details.