Myall Lakes National Park: Lakes, Rainforest Walks & Family Adventures
Just minutes from Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, Myall Lakes National Park is where coastal lakes, ancient rainforest, sandy beaches and giant dune systems all come together in one extraordinary natural playground.
It’s the kind of place where days are slow, kids are happily exhausted, and every turn reveals something new — from glassy water and wildlife to hidden forest trails that feel straight out of a storybook.
A nature-filled escape made for families
Myall Lakes is perfect for families who want to swap screens for sand, and noise for birdsong. Whether you’re paddling, walking, swimming or simply exploring, there’s something for every age and energy level.
But two standout experiences really capture the magic of this place.
🌿 Mungo Rainforest Walk – a real-life enchanted forest
Tucked within the park, the Mungo Rainforest Walk feels like stepping into another world.
This easy loop winds through rare coastal rainforest, where towering ancient trees and dense greenery create a cool, shaded escape from the coastal sun. Expect to spot unique plant life including plum pine, mock olive, coogera and brush bloodwood — a living reminder of how ancient and special this ecosystem really is.
Kids will love the “wildlife treasure hunt” feel of this walk. Keep an eye (and ear) out for colourful birds like golden whistlers, figbirds, rufous fantails, and satin and regent bowerbirds. And if you hear rustling in the undergrowth, don’t be surprised to see brush turkeys foraging with their bright red heads bobbing through the leaves.
The walk begins at Mungo Brush campground, and from here you can:
- Take the Tamboi walking track to the historic Tamboi fishing village
- Or continue further along the Mungo walking track all the way to Hawks Nest
It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of experience — with rainforest magic at every turn.
🐚 Northern Broadwater picnic area – slow, sunny family days
On the sandy northern shores of Bombah Broadwater, the Northern Broadwater picnic area is one of those places that instantly shifts you into holiday mode.
Fringed by majestic paperbarks and shaded by whispering she-oaks, it’s a peaceful, sheltered spot that’s perfect for a relaxed family day out. The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for little swimmers, lilo floating, and safe water play — while parents can actually sit back and enjoy the view.
Settle in with a picnic rug, enjoy a long lunch under the trees, and soak up the serenity. If you’re feeling lucky, cast a line and try your hand at fishing while the kids explore the shoreline.
Birdlife is everywhere here too. Look out for white-faced herons stalking the shallows and elegant black swans drifting across the lake — a reminder that this place is as alive as it is peaceful.
Wildlife everywhere you look
Across Myall Lakes National Park, wildlife is part of the experience, not just something you might spot in passing.
From kangaroos grazing at dusk to sea eagles circling overhead, and a chorus of birdlife throughout the forest and wetlands, it’s a constant reminder that nature is doing its own thing here — and you’re just lucky enough to witness it.
Why the off-season is the best time to visit
While summer is popular, the real secret to Myall Lakes is visiting in the quieter months.
🍂 Autumn & winter perks
- Peaceful walking tracks and picnic areas
- Crisp, clear days perfect for exploring
- Better wildlife sightings (less human noise, more animal activity)
- Glassy lake conditions for kayaking and photography
🌼 Spring bonus
- Fresh green landscapes and blooming wildflowers
- Comfortable temperatures for longer adventures
- Ideal conditions for family picnics and rainforest walks
Off-season visits let you slow down and truly connect with the landscape — no crowds, no rush, just nature at its best.
A must-visit escape near Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest
With rainforest walks, picnic spots, beaches, lakes and dunes all in one place, Myall Lakes National Park is one of the most diverse natural experiences on the Barrington Coast.
Base yourself in Tea Gardens or Hawks Nest, and you’re only minutes away from days filled with adventure, relaxation, and a whole lot of fresh air.
Because sometimes the best holidays aren’t about doing more — they’re about slowing down, exploring together, and letting nature do the rest.