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National park · Australia

Myall Lakes National Park

Enter free and drive in: no gate fee, so budget only fuel and the Bombah Point cable ferry (about A$15–20 per car return, 2026 estimate, check). Walk the 2 km Dark Point track for dunes and Worimi heritage, or the 2 km Treachery Headland track for lighthouse views. Come May–Nov for whales and dry tracks; skip Christmas–January school holidays if you want empty beaches.

Not field-verifiedRamsar wetland 1999Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
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From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

448 km²

approximate

Established

1972

Best months

Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7
  • Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
  • Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
  • Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
  • Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
  • Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
  • Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
  • Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.

At a glance

Country
Australia
Area
448 km²
Roughly 448 km² including the four lakes and Broughton Island; boundary figures vary by source (check).
Established
1972
Best months
Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov
Permits
For some areas

Myall Lakes National Park is a coastal lake system on the NSW Mid-North Coast, about 3.5 hours north of Sydney and 1.5 hours south of Port Macquarie. It is one of the state's most visited parks: 40 km of ocean beach, rolling sand dunes, four linked freshwater lakes and dense littoral rainforest. There is no entrance fee and no visitor centre — you drive in on paved roads, and the only paid crossing is the Bombah Point cable ferry. The Worimi people have used Dark Point for gatherings for at least 4,000 years, and it remains a registered Aboriginal Place. Most visitors come for the day from Forster or Seal Rocks; campers stay at Mungo Brush or on Broughton Island.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • Ramsar wetland · 1999Myall Lakes Ramsar wetland of international importance.

Size and age

448 km² · national park since 1972

Roughly 448 km² including the four lakes and Broughton Island; boundary figures vary by source (check).

Why go

  • 40 km of ocean beach backed by dunes you can walk on, not just look at.
  • Four linked freshwater lakes for kayaking, swimming and fishing.
  • Dark Point Aboriginal Place, a Worimi gathering site used for at least 4,000 years.
  • Whale watching from the dunes and headlands, May–November, without a boat.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanCaution
  2. FebGo
  3. MarBest
  4. AprBest
  5. MayGo
  6. JunGo
  7. JulGo
  8. AugGo
  9. SepBest
  10. OctBest
  11. NovBest
  12. DecCaution
  • JanHot and busy; school holidays fill campsites
  • FebWarm; crowds thin after late January
  • MarMild, dry, quiet beaches
  • AprClear, comfortable walking weather
  • MayWettest month on average; whales arrive
  • JunCool nights; good whale season
  • JulCold mornings; few visitors midweek
  • AugWhale peak; bring a windproof layer
  • SepWhales still passing; warming up
  • OctDry, mild, whales tailing off
  • NovDriest month on average; warm
  • DecHot; Christmas crowds and booked-out campsites

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Myall Lakes National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Humpback whales on migrationMay–Nov · Seen from Dark Point, Treachery Headland and Sugarloaf Point.nonononoyesyesyesyesyesyesyesno
Bowerbirds, white-bellied sea eagles and tawny frogmouthsAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Long-nosed bandicoot (nocturnal)All year · Often seen around campgrounds after dark.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Striped marsh frog calling near ponds and swampsAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Sydney

M1 Pacific Motorway north, then The Lakes Way via Bulahdelah or the Seal Rocks Road turn-off; all park roads are paved.

3.5–4 h

Open the page →

From Forster–Tuncurry

The Lakes Way south, then Seal Rocks Road or Mungo Brush Road into the park.

45 min

From Port Macquarie

Pacific Highway south, exit at The Lakes Way, then Seal Rocks Road.

1.5–2 h

From Newcastle

Pacific Highway north to Bulahdelah, then Bombah Point Road and the cable ferry.

2–2.5 h

Zones and sectors

Zones of Myall Lakes National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Mungo Brush and the southern lakesCampground, rainforest walk, Dark Point track and the Bombah Point ferry crossing.Open; paved road, no fee.
Seal Rocks and Sugarloaf PointLighthouse, Treachery Headland track, Boat Beach and the village.Open; paved road.
Myall Lake and NeranieThe largest lake, Neranie Headland track and Hearts Point picnic area.Open; paved road via Bungwahl.
Broughton IslandOffshore island with walking tracks and campsites; part of the park.Private boat only; no ferry service.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 8 approximate points in Myall Lakes National Park, north up12345678
Approximate positions across the park, from Mungo Brush to Seal Rocks and Broughton Island, for orientation only.
  1. 1Mungo Brush campground · Sleep≈-32.538, 152.312Map ↗
  2. 2Dark Point Aboriginal Place · Viewpoint≈-32.601, 152.269Map ↗
  3. 3Bombah Point ferry · Gate≈-32.583, 152.248Map ↗
  4. 4Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse · Viewpoint≈-32.441, 152.539Map ↗
  5. 5Seal Rocks village · Town≈-32.436, 152.532Map ↗
  6. 6Neranie Headland · Trail≈-32.408, 152.452Map ↗
  7. 7Broughton Island · Beach≈-32.618, 152.314Map ↗
  8. 8Forster · Town≈-32.181, 152.514Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsModerate1–1.5 hDark Point walking track2 km return through sand dunes to the Worimi gathering site; grade 5, soft sand, no shade.
TrailsModerate45 min–1.25 hTreachery Headland walking track2 km return through coastal rainforest to clifftop views of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.
TrailsEasy15–45 minMungo Rainforest walkShort loop through littoral rainforest; bring binoculars for bowerbirds and sea eagles.
TrailsHard10–12 hMungo walking track21 km one way along the coast; plan a car shuffle or an overnight camp.
TrailsHard2.5–3.5 hYacaaba Headland walking track7 km return; steep and slippery when wet, with wide views over Port Stephens.
Boat tripsEasyHalf dayKayaking on Myall LakeThe lakes are shallow in places; guided paddling and sunset tours run from the Myall area.Booking: Guided tours or bring your own kayak
ViewpointsEasy30–45 minSugarloaf Point LighthouseBuilt 1875; stairs lead to lookouts over the ocean. Whale sightings May–November.
WildlifeEasy1–2 hWhale watching from the dunesMay–November; the dune elevation gives views of the migration without a boat.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

AUD ranges · check
Fees for Myall Lakes National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entryFreevehicleNo entrance fee for Myall Lakes National Park (check current NSW Parks advice).
Bombah Point cable ferryAUD 15–20vehicle2026 estimate; return crossing, cash or card at the ferry (check).
Camping at Mungo BrushAUD 12–25adult per night2026 estimate; book online with NSW National Parks before you drive in.
Broughton Island campsiteAUD 12–25adult per night2026 estimate; reachable by private boat only (check).

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry no permit

No ticket or permit needed for day visits; drive in and park at signed areas.

Camping permit or guide

Book online through NSW National Parks before arrival; Mungo Brush and Broughton Island sites fill in holidays.

Bombah Point ferry permit or guide

Pay the operator on board when crossing Two Mile Lake; the road is otherwise a dead end.

Dark Point 4WD beach access permit or guide

Beach driving near Dark Point is only allowed under set conditions; check with NSW National Parks first.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Dark Point
Registered Aboriginal Place; stay on the track, do not climb or damage the dunes, and do not remove anything.
Beach driving
4WD access near Dark Point is allowed only under set conditions; check with NSW National Parks before driving on sand.check
Fires
No fires outside designated fireplaces; total fire bans apply in summer and are enforced.
Dogs
Not allowed in the park, including on beaches and in campgrounds.
Litter and fishing gear
Carry out all rubbish; leave no fishing line or bait on the beach.

Where to stay

In the park

Mungo Brush campground

The main park campground between the lake and the beach; book ahead in holidays.

In the park

Cutlers Cottage

Three-bedroom park cottage above the lakes; sleeps up to six, book through NSW National Parks.

In the park

Davies Cottage

Hillside cottage near Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks; three bedrooms.

Near the park

Seal Rocks and Forster

Motels, holiday rentals and shops 20–45 minutes from the park gates.

Safety

Soft sand and heat on the Dark Point track medium

Walk it early or late, carry water, and wear shoes rather than thongs; there is no shade.

Slippery rock on Yacaaba Headland medium

Avoid the track in rain; the descent is steep and loose.

Unpatrolled surf beaches high

There are no lifeguards; swim between the flags at patrolled spots or stay in the lakes.

Remote roads and no phone signal medium

Fill the tank at Bulahdelah or Forster; tell someone your route before heading to Broughton Island.

Accessibility

  • Mungo Brush campground, picnic areas and the Mungo Rainforest walk are reachable by car with short, level paths.
  • Dark Point and Treachery Headland tracks are sand or rough rock and are not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
  • Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse has stairs to the lookouts; the base area is step-free.

Visiting lightly

  • Stay on marked tracks on the dunes; foot traffic kills the vegetation that holds them together.
  • Do not feed or approach wildlife, including bandicoots around campgrounds.
  • Take all rubbish out; the park has no bins at most trailheads.
  • Use the Bombah Point ferry rather than driving around if you are heading to the southern lakes.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Myall Lakes National Park?

Nothing. There is no entrance fee for day visits, and most roads are paved and open in any weather. The only regular cost is the Bombah Point cable ferry, roughly A$15–20 per car return (2026 estimate, check), if you cross to the southern lakes. Camping is booked and paid separately.

What are the best hikes in Myall Lakes National Park?

For most visitors the 2 km Dark Point walking track (dunes and the Worimi site) and the 2 km Treachery Headland track (lighthouse and clifftop views) give the best return for the time. The Mungo Rainforest walk is a short, easy loop for birdlife. Serious walkers do the 21 km one-way Mungo walking track or the steep 7 km Yacaaba Headland track.

When is the best time to visit Myall Lakes National Park?

March–April and September–November: mild, mostly dry and quiet outside school holidays. May–November is whale season, best seen from the dunes and headlands. December–January is hot and busy, and campsites book out; May is on average the wettest month.

Do I need a 4WD to visit?

No. All main park roads are paved and fine for a normal car. A 4WD is only relevant if you want beach access near Dark Point, which is allowed only under set conditions — check with NSW National Parks first.

Can I camp in the park?

Yes, at Mungo Brush and on Broughton Island, plus two park cottages. Book online through NSW National Parks before you drive in; holiday periods fill weeks ahead. There are no shops in the park, so bring food and water.

Is there public transport to the park?

No. Buses run on the Pacific Highway but do not divert into the park or stop nearby, so you need a car. The nearest towns with services are Bulahdelah, Forster–Tuncurry and Seal Rocks.

Related

Travel to Australia National park passes

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Sources