Myall Lakes National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- A look at the past
- Natural features
- Native plants
- Wildlife
- NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
- NPWS Great Lakes (02) 6591 0300
- NPWS Hunter (02) 4987 3018
- NPWS Nelson Bay (02) 4984 8200
- CANOE on the shimmering lake waters
- GO beachcombing as the Pacifi c Ocean breaks on the coast’s silvery sands
- WALK through the sun-fi ltered rainforest at Mungo Brush
- NET for a feast of prawns on a balmy evening
- WATCH for migrating whales from June to October
Introduction
Myall Lakes National Park, on the mid-north coast, encompasses New South Wales’ largest coastal lake system, with 10 000 hectares of stunning waterways, 40 kilometres of magnificent beaches washed by the Pacifi c Ocean, high sand dunes and dramatic headlands, and a wealth of birdlife.
Fact file
Access
From Bulahdelah via Myall Rd (Lakes Rd) to Bombah Point car ferry (operates half-hourly 8am–6pm); at southern end, from Old Pacific Hwy via Tea Gardens Rd to Hawks Nest then Mungo Brush Rd (vehicle access prohibited in some park areas; contact NPWS)
Best Season
All year; autumn and spring are most peaceful times
Location
230 km north of Sydney; 50 km north of Newcastle
Park Information
Permits
Permits are needed to drive along the beach north of Hawks Nest
Size
44 000 ha
Where to Stay
Bulahdelah/Forster/Tea Gardens (02) 6554 8799
A look at the past
Many families have been associated with the area since the early 1800s and their various activities have left a legacy of historic sites – old saw-milling relics, farmhouses, shipwreck remains, pioneer graves and more.
Natural features
The chain of lakes stretches for 50 kilometres and dominates the park, with the interconnected, brackish lakes – Bombah Broadwater, Boolambayte Lake and Myall Lake – bounded by high, tree-covered dunes along the coast and a backdrop of mountains cloaked in forest to the west. Broughton Island, off the coast, is part of the park.
Native plants
West of the lakes is mainly eucalypt forest, much of it logged in the past. Around Mungo Brush coastal rainforest thrives, forming a thick canopy of rosewood, tulipwood, strangler fig and other species, edged by swamp mahogany and Australian fan palms. Open woodland and banksia heathland cover around one-fifth of the park, and the swampy area known as the Moors is fringed by splendid old paperbarks, which give off a heady scent when in flower.
Wildlife
In 1999 Myall Lakes were placed on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Pelicans fish in the shallows, swans glide by, ducks, egrets, herons and whistling kites congregate in large numbers, and the gawky-looking black-necked stork is one of several threatened species. Honeyeaters, pigeons, parrots and doves flock to the flowering heathlands, rainforest and eucalypt forests.The watery environment suits frogs and toads, with around 30 species identified. The most likely mammals to be spotted are kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots and bush rats, and the most common reptile is the red-bellied black snake. Offshore migrating whales cruise along the coast between June and October, making for a memorable wildlife-watching experience. Climb the outside stairs at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (1875) at Seal Rocks for one of the best vantage points for whale-watching and you might also see fur-seals.
Featured Activities in the National Park
Introduction
There are numerous water-based pursuits and you can hire a craft (from a powerboat to a canoe) if you do not own one. Bushwalking and wildlife-watching are other options
Bushwalking
The relatively mild climate, easy terrain, wildflowers in season, fantastic birdwatching and lovely views make this an excellent park for walking. One popular short stroll is the Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk (1.5-km circuit, 30 minutes, easy), which loops through a patch of coastal rainforest and is excellent for birdwatching. Check with NPWS for details of other walks.
Canoeing/kayaking/boating/sailing
Watch the weather conditions, which can change quickly, and note that the Lower Myall River is tidal. There are major boat-launching facilities at Mungo Brush, Violet Hill and Nerong. There are wharves at Violet Hill, Korsmans Landing and Bombah Point, as well as three wharves on the Lower Myall River.
Fishing
There is good ocean, lake and river fishing (mullet, bream and flathead are likely hauls) and you can try your hand at netting for prawns at night.
Other activities
Four-wheel driving is permitted along the beach between Hawks Nest and the Big Gibber, unless signs indicate temporary closure. Access to the beach tracks is off Mungo Brush Drive. Cyclists can explore the park on roads and trails; the 40-kilometre-long Mungo Brush Road is a flat and fairly easy ride. There are a multitude of picnic venues – use the ones with barbecues and tables or just find a shady spot.
Swimming and surfing
The beaches can be a little rough for swimming but there are sheltered coves around some lakes that are more suitable. Broadwater is known for its safe swimming. Surfers will find some good breaks.
Campsites
Brambles Green camping area (walk-in camping)
Freshwater (walk-in and boat-based camping)
Joes Cove (boat-based camping)
Mackaway Bay (boat-based camping)
River Mouth (walk-in and boat-based camping)
Shelley Beach camping area (walk-in and boat-based camping)
Sunnyside (boat-based camping)
Two Mile Sands (boat-based camping)
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