Best walks around Myall Lakes
As the largest lake within Myall Lakes National Park, Myall Lake offers a captivating blend of lakeside vistas, coastal forests, pristine beaches, and extensive sand dune systems, accessible from various starting points. Whether you begin your journey from Hawks Nest, Bulahdelah, or traverse the winding Lakes Way, there are plenty of places to wander, and a walk or hike to suit all level of fitness.
Looking for a place to start? Start here:
Dark Point Walking Track
Known also as Little Gibber, this brief stroll commences from the carpark on Mungo Brush Road, guiding visitors to the headland overlooking Broughton Island. It serves as an ideal opportunity to delve into the unique history of the region. Traverse the rugged, unformed path through coastal dunes, pausing to relish the invigorating ocean breeze. Along the way, encounter historic middens as you approach Dark Point, an area steeped in cultural and historical significance for the Worimi People.
Please be aware that Aboriginal sites form a rich part of the cultural history of the region. Please help to protect this cultural heritage by not removing any relics or artefacts.
Distance: 2km return
Mungo Walking Track
Embark on a rewarding journey starting from Mungo Brush Campground, spanning a distance of 21km one way and taking approximately 10 to 12 hours to complete. This medium-grade trail offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from significant Aboriginal and historical sites to diverse vegetation. Traverse the scenic route, passing through Tamboi village and historic mining routes, before concluding your trek at Hawks Nest Surf Club.
This is a collection of walks, so you can either tackle it in one day, or complete a series of the smaller ones across many days.
Distance: 21km one way
Mungo Rainforest Walk
This leisurely 1.5km loop walk offers a delightful immersion into rare coastal rainforest. Encounter ancient trees and vibrant birdlife, including golden whistlers, rufous fantails, and regent bowerbirds, as you meander through this lush environment.
Starting from Mungo Brush campground, you can kick off your adventure here. Follow the Tamboi walking track to check out the historic Tamboi fishing village. Or, if you’re up for it, you can tackle the longer Mungo walking track that leads all the way to Hawks Nest.
Distance: 1.5km loop
Neranie Headland Walking Track
The Neranie Headland walking track, nestled near the eastern edge of Myall Lakes National Park, offers awe-inspiring vistas of tree-lined waterways and bustling wetlands filled with wildlife.
Beginning in a clearing that once belonged to the historic Neranie timber mill village, the trail meanders past an ancient cemetery adorned with gravestones dating back to the nineteenth century. As you make your way up the track to Neranie Headland, be sure to pause and soak in the serene beauty of Myall Lakes, surrounded by lush swamp oak and paperbark trees. The wetlands attract a flurry of bird activity, with lively friar birds and rainbow lorikeets adding to the symphony of nature. As you near the end of the trail, you’ll pass through a majestic stand of towering blackbutt trees before concluding your adventure at the nearby Hearts Point picnic area.
Distance: 1.4km return
Yacaaba Headland Walking Track
If you’re up for a challenge and crave breathtaking scenery, lace up your hiking boots and head to the Yacaaba Headland walking track. This moderately challenging trail takes you across the northern headland of Port Stephens, situated in the southern expanse of Myall Lakes National Park.
Starting from the southern end of Bennetts Beach, the trail begins with a steep ascent, transitioning from smooth-barked angophoras to rugged banksias and grass trees. As you continue northward, take a moment to catch your breath and marvel at the panoramic coastal views. On clear days, you can even spot the distant blue ridgeline of Barrington Tops.
As the path winds onwards, expect rockier terrain and steeper inclines. However, your efforts are rewarded with sweeping coastal vistas overlooking Seal Rocks and Tomaree Headland. Offshore, Cabbage Tree Island, also known as John Gould Nature Reserve, provides sanctuary to one of the world’s rarest birds—the Gould’s petrel, making this trek a truly memorable experience.
Distance: 7km return
There’s also more great walks in the northern precinct of Myall Lakes National Park around Seal Rocks to explore:
- Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse walk
- Treachery Headland Track
- Submarine Beach Walking Track
No matter which walk you choose prepare to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring panoramas of deserted beaches, serene lakes, and lush coastal forests that await adventurers on the Barrington Coast.