Wallingat National Park

Hidden on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Wallingat National Park is a wild and wonderful pocket of coastal forest, paperbark swamps, and pristine lakes. Less visited than its famous neighbours, this park rewards those who make the trip with serene waterways, abundant birdlife, and the chance to truly escape the crowds. The centrepiece is Wallingat Lake, a large, shallow lagoon perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The park also protects significant Aboriginal cultural sites, including middens and scar trees, offering a glimpse into the deep history of the Worimi people.

Highlights & What to See

• Wallingat Lake – A peaceful, tea-tree-fringed lagoon ideal for paddling. Launch a kayak or canoe from the small boat ramp and explore the quiet backwaters, watching for waterbirds like pelicans, black swans, and egrets.
• Paperbark Swamp Walk – An easy 1.5 km loop through melaleuca wetlands on a raised boardwalk. Look for swamp wallabies, goannas, and the distinctive call of the wonga pigeon.
• Picnic by the lake – The Wallingat Lake picnic area has tables, barbecues, and toilets. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed lunch surrounded by forest.
• Aboriginal cultural sites – Scattered throughout the park are shell middens and culturally modified trees. Treat these with respect – they are protected and offer a tangible link to the area’s Indigenous heritage.
• Birdwatching – The park is a haven for birdlife, including glossy black-cockatoos, azure kingfishers, and white-bellied sea eagles. Bring binoculars.

Suggested Time to Spend

Wallingat National Park can be comfortably explored in half a day – enough for a paddle on the lake and a short walk. If you have a full day, bring a picnic and spend the afternoon kayaking further into the lake’s channels or simply relaxing by the water. Overnight camping is not available within the park, so most visitors combine it with a stay in nearby Pacific Palms or Forster.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pacific Palms (Blueys Beach & Boomerang Beach) – Stunning surf beaches and a laid-back village vibe, just 15 minutes south. Great for a swim or a coffee after your park visit.
• Forster-Tuncurry – A larger coastal town with excellent dining, whale watching in season, and the beautiful Booti Booti National Park.
• Myall Lakes National Park – Another lake-based park further south, offering more paddling, fishing, and the famous Mungo Brush rainforest walk.
• Port Stephens (Nelson Bay & Shoal Bay) – About an hour south, this is the region’s hub for dolphin watching, sand dunes, and marine parks.

Please check official sources for current details.