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Myall Lakes National Park is a national park in the Mid-North Coast region of New South Wales, close to Forster mostly renowned for its large sand dunes, encompassing one of the state's largest coastal lake systems. With 40 kilometres of beaches, rolling sand dunes, and the lake all makes it one of the most visited parks in the state.
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This indigenous site has been a Worimi gathering spot for over 4000 years and has been declared an Aboriginal Site of significance in 2002.
Built in 1875, there are stairs leading to some lookouts overlooking the ocean. If you're lucky to go here from May-November, you may as well have a chance of seeing whales. The lighthouse is also the second-most easterly one in Australia, after the Byron Bay lighthouse.
For the keen avid whale watchers, the months from May to November is the time for whale watching. While in most places throughout the state you will need to take a boat to see the whales, the elevation of the sand dunes in Myall Lakes National Park allow for better views of the whale migration without going on a boat or ferry.
2 km return trail, however rated as a grade 4 trail from the AWTGS and takes about 45mins-1.25 hours to do. The trail offers stunning views of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, the headland and the long coastline. The walk is quite an easy one, taking you through the park’s coastal rainforest.
2 km return trail, however rated as a grade 5 trail from the AWTGS. This trail passes through some of the state's untouched and finest sand dunes. On top of that, this trail leads to Dark Point Aboriginal Place, a culturally significant site where the Worimi people have been gathering for about 4000 years.
Bring your binoculars here if you're going to do this trail, as this trail is rich in birdlife, so that's not to be missed. Takes about 15 - 45 mins to do this trail, and rated as a Grade 3 trail by the AWTGS.
This track is 21 km one way, and traverses most of the park's coastline. It takes about 10 to 12 hours to do this trail so be prepared.
Small 1.4 km trail return, this is a very simple walk and only takes between 15-45 minutes to do, while still getting to explore the lush greenery of this park.
Another short 1 km trail passing through some of the sand dunes in the area. Should take about 15 to 45 minutes.
5.6 km return, and takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours to do. This track is easier than some others, but nevertheless, it's still rated as a Grade 3 track by the AWTGS.
7 km return track, and takes about 2.5-3.5 hours to do. The track is quite hard to do, and hence graded as a Grade 4 in terms of difficulty by the AWTGS. However, while all of this is difficult, the views are definitely worth it. Avoid doing this track in rain though, as it can get very slippery.
2 km return and should take approximately one hour to do. Has some stunning views of the sand dunes on the mainland.
Bike trail through coastal forest and swampy areas. 20 km one way and takes about 6 hours according to NSW Parks and Wildlife Services.
Suitable for beginners and first timers. Stand up paddleboard rentals also available and despite what the name says, if you would like, you can just rent a kayak.
Located on the southwestern banks of the Myall River, this picnic area is particularly known for a good place to go wildlife spotting.
Typical picnic area by the river, with a wharf nearby. Another spot for kayaking, although you will need to bring your own kayak.
This picnic area is right in the middle of the coastal forest, although it's still quite some distance from all the other parts of the park.
Another picnic area overlooking Myall Lake. This picnic area is generally more family friendlier than some others.
This is one of the few picnic spots by the sand dunes, next to some swimming and fishing spots by the beach.
This picnic area is right next to a popular swimming spot in the holiday season.
This is one of the new picnic areas west of the Pacific Highway surrounded with lush forest.
This picnic area is very close to the border of the Hunter region, and next to some boating and canoeing areas. You do however, have to bring your own boat.
This picnic area is near the historic site of the Tamboi fishing village, and located on the western banks of the Myall River. To arrive here, you'll need to come by boat and arrive at the old wharf.
Small cottage, overlooking, not one, not two but three lakes, plus the ocean. 3 bedrooms, and maximum 6 guests allowed.
A hillside cottage overlooking the ocean and right near Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. 3 bedrooms, and maximum 6 guests allowed.
Has villas, camping, glamping sites as well as a caravan park.
7 bedrooms, maximum 20 guests allowed. Accommodation in a heritage building with some stunning ocean views nearby.
15 campsites, although quiet since the sites are marked and unpowered. However, this would mean that you've more a beach to yourself.
Another lakeside camping area. 20 campsites available.
Nice small, quiet camping spot by the Myall River. The only downside to this camping site is it can only facilitate two campsites.
This is one of the few spots where you can legally camp in an active seabird colony. Apart from that, nearby activities in the sea include swimming, fishing, boating, snorkelling and scuba diving. While there's only five campsites here, it's for good reason - the island might feel like yours, as this isn't a well known campground.
24 campsites, a popular spot for boating and fishing.
Mackaway Bay Camping Area
3 campsites. Sunsets from here can at times, look stunning. However, getting here will need you to use a 4WD. Oh, and not to forget, eastern gray kangaroos and red-necked wallabies can be found here.
78 campsites available, although this spot is very crowded during holiday season. But it's right next to the bay where you can swim, fish and sailboard, but also kayaking too.
24 campsites. This campsite is generally more a paddleboat campsite and there's more padding activities nearby.
Only two campsites, and you will need to bring your items via a decently long walk. The water here also is not as clean as the water on the other side of the lake.
Northwestern side
When travelling on the Pacific Highway, exit onto Tourist Drive 6 The Lakes Way and then turn onto Stoney Creek Road. Then you'll be heading underneath the highway, and then you're on the other side.
Generally, it's best to take the car around given the large distance this park covers. Unlike other rural national parks in NSW, all main roads are paved and in very good quality to take around.
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