Popular Walks in The Great Lakes

 FORSTER/TUNCURRY

PILOT HILL ROTARY WALK/PEBBLY BEACH BICENTENNIAL WALK This nature walk follows along the beautiful foreshores of Forster. Starting from John Holland Park at Boat Harbour, (car park adjacent) follow the shoreline to the boat ramp and view the fish catches of the day and the patiently waiting pelicans. Cut across the car park towards the children’s playground and ascend the stairs of the Pilot Hill Rotary walk, passing huge Norfolk Island pines. From here you can view the Wallis Lake inlet, breakwall and G.L Coastal Patrol. Walking along the grassy hilltop, take in the views north to Nine Mile beach beyond to Crowdy Head and below to Forster Main Beach.  Descend to the wooden walkway and continue along the beach viewing the painted murals or travel along the foot path past Forster Ocean baths, known to locals as the Bull Ring. The next leg of the walk (adjacent to the toilet block) takes you through bushland to Second Head with two ocean view lookouts. Take the stairs to Pebbly Beach. At this point, the journey should have taken you about 25min. The walk then continues along the foreshore past the popular ‘Tanks’ swimming area (there are toilet facilities here) and onto Bennetts Head another great vantage point to spot dolphins and watch the day go by. ‘The Tanks’ is a natural rock pool which has formed due to water tanks being situated there to provide water for the steam train which transported rock from Pebbly Beach to the Breakwall. For those of good fitness, continue down the Rotary Walk onto One Mile Beach to Palmgrove Park at the southern end - here you will find toilet facilities, children’s play equipment and a kiosk. Throughout this walk there are a number of seating areas and lookout points to take in the views.

JOHN WARD RAINFOREST WALK This walk starts at the Collendina Reserve at the northern end of Underwood Rd located next to the golf course. There is adequate parking to be found here and public toilets with disability access. Enjoy this Littoral Rainforest Walk with the knowledge that the 130 native plant species that have been identified (some endangered) are being protected. At the end of the boardwalk you are greeted with a viewing platform and One Mile Beach and the northern sand dunes are clearly visible from here. Return to the carpark via the same route or continue down onto One Mile Beach via the sandy track to the left of the viewing platform. There are five individual seating areas along the boardwalk, sit and enjoy the uniqueness of the vine covered canopy or relax awhile next to the lofty trunks of the cabbage tree palms. This 255m boardwalk is a tribute to the hard work of the local dune care and Lions Club.

TUNCURRY FLORA PARK Turn left at the first roundabout into South St and turn right into Stewart St, Mayers Dr is located on the left, This delightful Bi-Centennial project supports an abundance of birdlife. Many other native animals live amidst the seven acres of parkland. Many trees and plants have been identified along the memorial walk.

TUNCURRY WALKABOUT The walk commences at Rockpool Rd and continues along the foreshore out onto the Tuncurry Breakwall. From here, dolphins are often sighted in the channel or catching a wave on Nine Mile Beach. Fishing off the breakwall is very popular and often rewarding. For the energetic, a hike up Nine Mile Beach will bring you to Halliday's Point.

FORSTER TUNCURRY BRIDGE WALK Starting at the Forster breakwall and passing Cape Hawke Harbour and John Holland Park, cross over the bridge into Tuncurry. At the end of the bridge turn right and follow the shoreline  through John Wright Park and onto the Fisherman’s Co-op. Call in and sample the wide variety of fresh seafood our area has to offer. Retrace your steps along the foreshore, take the pedestrian passage under the bridge and continue past boat ramps and oyster leases along Point Rd.

CAPE HAWKE LOOKOUT & BI-CENTENNIAL WALKING TRAILS Situated on the tallest peak of Cape Hawke total height of 224m, the 37 zig zags cover a 440 metre steep grade, rest areas are provided every 100m. At the summit of Cape Hawke there is a viewing tower, 8.4m in height giving you a panoramic view of the Forster lakes and beaches. Landmark points to be seen from Cape Hawke include Seal Rocks, Crowdy Head, the Great Dividing Range and Wallis Lake.

BURGESS TO MCBRIDES The southern end of Burgess Rd provides access to Booti Booti National Park, there is a well trodden walking track over the headland to Cape Hawke. From here there is a steep descent to secluded McBrides Beach, only suitable for those of excellent fitness. McBrides Beach can also be accessed from the first viewing area on Cape Hawke Dr, there is a 4WD track onto the beach -however, it is quite rough and can only be used to get to the beach - driving on McBrides Beach is prohibited.

JANEY’S CORNER Turn off the Lakesway at the second dirt road on the left after Sweet Pea Rd, marked with a yellow 40km winding road sign, park your car on the grass verge and enjoy a 1.5 km walk through the Booti Booti National Park onto this popular surfing beach (Seven Mile Beach). Hunting for pippies is also popular on Seven Mile.

PACIFIC PALMS

BOOTI BOOTI NATIONAL PARK Commencing at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach in the Booti Booti National Park Camping area - ‘The Ruins’, a short walk towards the headland takes you to flat rock, continue around the headland to Elizabeth Beach, the grade is steep and best suited to those of good fitness. An alternative for the less energetic, is to cross the Lakesway to the edge of Wallis Lake and follow the shoreline around to the Green Cathedral. The ocean and lake side walks combined cover 7km.  From the Elizabeth Beach end, the access is via Lethbridge Rd up the headland to a good viewing point of the beach and coastline. This walk is excellent for viewing local birdlife.

CHARLOTTE HEAD/SHELLEY BEACH Distance: 1km return, allow 30 minutes.Easy grade. Start this short stroll to Shelley Beach from the carpark at the southern end of Elizabeth Beach. The proximity of this small, secluded, “clothing optional” beach to the carpark make it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. A rough track leads uphill away from Elizabeth Beach to a well-formed service trail, " The Trail". This track continues uphill through a small patch of littoral rainforest before starting a gradual easterly descent towards the beach. The view from the beach extends beyond Lindemans Cove and Booti Hill to Cape Hawke at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. This is a steep but short walk that will take you to one of the prettiest beaches on the coast. There are toilet facilities at Shelley Beach.

PACIFIC PALMS TOWN WALK Starting at the Pacific Palms Resort and following Lakeside Crescent past Elizabeth Beach, turn left and follow Coast Ave along Boomerang Beach, continue along Boomerang Beach until you come to the end and walk through the track to Boomerang Drive. There is a reserve on the left of Headland Dr which gives good views over Boomerang Beach. Further along Boomerang Dr you will pass the shopping centre, continuing further will bring you out on the Lakesway turn right towards the Recreation Club, a good spot for a cool drink before returning back the start of the walk a few hundred metres further along the Lakesway.

WALLINGAT FOREST WALKS There are a number of good walks in the Wallingat National Park. Following fire trails will lead you down onto the river systems which provide good fishing for the keen angler. There are a number of picnic tables located in the forest and all roads are well signposted. Once in the Wallingat National Park, drive to the top of Whoota Whoota lookout for a 360 degree view over Forster Tuncurry, Coomba Park and along the coastline to Diamond Beach or south over the Myall Lakes system and Seal Rocks.

SUGAR CREEK FLORA RESERVE Wallingat National Park - Two tracks cater for all walkers - one takes 20 minutes and the other 45 minutes to 1 hour. Both walks will take you through superb rainforest which features a proliferation of Cabbage Tree Palms. The starting point for both walks is off Sugar Creek Rd and are well signposted

CELLITO AND SANDBAR BEACHES Take Sandbar Rd of the Lakesway, turn near the golf course and continue on to the carpark at the near Cellito Beach. There is a boardwalk from the carpark through the rainforest onto the beach making beach access possible for all ages and fitness levels. An alternative to this is to continue along Sandbar Rd to the caravan park where you can walk down on to the southern end of Cellito Beach. Walking south along the beach will bring you to Sandbar Beach - a thin stretch of land which separates the ocean from Smiths Lake, there is plenty of soft sand so the walking can be tough.

HINTERLAND

TALLOWOOD FOREST Tallowwood park is 7 hectares of beautiful rainforest gullies nestled among a moist eucalypt forest that is dominated by Tallowwoods. Located in the Myall River State Forest, this park is a short 30 minute drive north-west of Bulahdelah, take Markwell Rd out of Bulahdelah, then turn into Cabbage Tree Rd into the State Forest. The Carabeen walk takes 30 minutes, this walk passes through tropical rainforests where orchids, treeferns and other exotic trees abound. The picnic area is set in pleasant surroundings and has a BBQ, tables and drinking water.

O’SULLIVANS GAP O’Sullivan’s gap Flora Reserve is located 9 kms north of Bulahdelah along Wootton Way. (Formerly Pacific Hwy) It is part of the Meyers range with an elevation between 45m to 250m. The Flora Reserve was set aside by the former owner, State Forests, and has a history of selective light logging. The Reserve has now been incorporated into Myall Lakes National Park.The walk is through wet and dry rainforest and takes about 30 minutes. Park your vehicle at the northern end of the reserve and walk to your left, step over an iron bar gate and walk to a green water tank on your left. Turn right here and follow an unmarked track along the eastern side of a creek line. Follow the creek to a bridge crossing below some rock falls that are picturesque after rain. It then turns south along the western side of the creek, as it climbs you will see some very large and tall trees as well as evidence of logging. Some trees are labelled along the way. The track then crosses back across the creek at it’s southern end and you will then find yourself back to the rest area. The bridge here has been removed as it was in a dangerous condition, so you will have to scramble up the bank.

STONEY CREEK Situated 14 kms north of Bulahdelah along the old Pacific Highway the Stoney Creek Rd will take you to the ‘Grandis’, the tallest tree in NSW. A flooded gum, the Grandis stands 76 metres, a short rainforest walk provides easy access to the forest giant, while there are a number of walks branching off Stoney Creek Rd into the Bangalow Palm area. Stoney Creek Rd and the Grandis can also be accessed from the Lakes Way.

WOOTTON HISTORICAL RAILWAY WALK The reconstruction of part of the old Mayers Point Wootton Horses Creek Timber Tramway which was used to transport logs from state forests to the Coolongolook River and Myall Lakes earlier this century has resulted in a restored railway walk. The railway walk forges a 6.5 km long and 130 metres wide trail through the forest with its lush rainforest vegetation and waterfalls running from the state forest boundary west of Wootton (entry via Squires Rd) and ending at the historic Trestle Bridge. There are picnic areas and toilet facilities located at the Trestle Bridge end of the walk. However, only remnants of the bridge can now be viewed.

VIOLET HILL RESERVE Violet Hill Rd is located of the southern end of the Lakes Way. Facilities available include toilets and camping area. There is a walk from the camping area along the foreshore of the Myall Lake.

BULAHDELAH MOUNTAIN PARK Alum Mountain Park is found by driving up Meade St, through tall forests to the heights of Bulahdelah Mountain and passes by the historic workings of old Alunite Mines. There are three separate treks situated here called Alunite, Myall and Twin Dams Walking trails. At the summit you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Myall River System, Crawford River and the township of Bulahdelah.

STROUD Stroud Court House, St Johns Anglican Church, Quambi House and Silo Hill Lookout are four spots on the Stroud Heritage Walk that shouldn’t be missed. Silo Hill takes in the beauty of the rolling green hillside that surrounds Stroud and is also home to the Cannons of the Crimean War Vintage. These were transported to Booral in 1909 and by bullock dray to Silo Hill. Stroud has one of the finest collections of convict constructions in Australia. The churchyard has many historic graves and the church holds many plaques  - well worth inspection.

NABIAC Nabiac is a small village, a stroll along Nabiac St will take you past Hancocks Heritage. Woodworm Toymakers are located a little further south on Minimbah Road. Nabiac reserve is located off Wharf St alongside the Wallamba River and from here you can walk in either direction along the riverbank. A wood BBQ is available and makes the perfect picnic area.

THE MYALL COAST

SEAL ROCKS Vehicular access to the lighthouse grounds is for authorised vehicles only. However, a short walk of a couple of kilometres along the road will take you past the impressive ‘blow-hole’ (which is at its best during large swells). The lighthouse headland offers panoramic views over lighthouse beach in the south toward Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens and Broughton Island and to the north, the headland at Boomerang Point (Pacific Palms ) can be easily seen. Near the shop at Seal Rocks, a road leads off to the south, this will take you to Treachery Head where there are a number of walking trails. However, the grade is quite steep and best suited to those of good fitness. Following the coastline south from Treachery Head will lead you into the Myall Lakes National Park to a popular camping area known as Yagon. There are a number of good bushwalks from this point. The Gibber Track that runs off the Seal Rocks Road offers the possibility of a number of easy and enjoyable walks. There are many sand trails that branch off this road. The magnificent angophora and black butt forest on the old dunes can be seen at its best in this area.

THE TOPS TO MYALLS HERITAGE TRAIL A long but popular walk from Barrington Tops into the Myall Lakes area. This walk is broken up into 11 days trekking and takes in several state forests and national parks. The trail is well signposted but it is advisable to purchase a copy of the walkers guide documenting this trek from either the Great Lakes Visitors Centres or from the Tea Gardens Lions Club.

MYALL AREA WILDFLOWER WALK 4km one way (1-2 hours) From Dark Point car park, this flat easy walk follows the old sand track on the western side of Mungo Brush Road through open heath, displaying a variety of wildflowers in the spring. The sand track joins an old road near a collapsed culvert, and shortly after the track takes a sharp turn to the east towards Mungo Brush Road. Return by walking east to Mungo Brush Road then onto the beach. Follow the beach to Dark Point (Little Gibber) then west through the dunes, past the Aboriginal middens to Mungo Brush Road.

WINDA WOPPA WALK Starting at the southern end of The Boulevarde in Hawks Nest, take the gravel road to the end of the peninsular to the river mouth. You can return 3 different ways: a) Retrace your steps back to The Boulevarde. b) Where the gravel road meets The Anchorage, turn left and follow the sealed road to the carpark (near lagoon). At low tide you can walk along the western edge of the lagoon to the carpark. Many varieties of birdlife can be sighted here. c) Return along the beach.

SWAN BAY WALK Starting on Mungo Brush Rd, take Albatross Ave down onto the bay, follow the foreshore north, at the end of Kiewa St there is a bush track running parallel to Mungo Brush Rd follow this north. You can return at any time by taking one of the many tracks to your right back onto Mungo Brush Rd where it is an easy walk back into Hawks Nest.

KOALA ZONE WALK- TEA GARDENS / HAWKS NEST We are privileged to have an urban Koala population, but unfortunately it is classified under NSW Government legislation as endangered. As few as eleven or twelve individuals remain. The decline to the point of extinction is primarily the consequence of fragmentation and loss of habitat which has accompanied urban growth. The perimeter of the Kolala Reserve on the northern side of the Singing Bridge offers good prospects. As the swamp mahoganies are on the perimeter, excursions into the reserve itself are NOT recommended. East of Tuloa Avenue, the area taking in Streets such as Booner, Margaret, Coorilla, Bowral, Cooloon and Russell Streets and East Close/West Close is a favoured location. Hawks Nest Beach Caravan park, Jimmys Beach Caravan Park and the Golf Club all have good prosepects. West of Tuloa, Mermaid and Binda Streets and Eagle Avenue are other likely spots. Best prospects in Tea Gardens are Yalinbah Street area.

YACAABA HEADLAND WALK This walk starts at the Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club, located at the end of Booner St. From here head south following the beach past Jimmy’s Beach Caravan Park and up to Yacaaba headland. From here take in the panoramic view of Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens, up the coast to Seal Rocks and south over Nelson Bay. Return via the bayside of the peninsula.

MUNGO TRACK Mungo Brush is a popular camping area in the Myall Lakes National Park. There are a number of walking trails in this area all leading down onto the banks of the Myall Lake or east to the ocean. Mungo Brush is a littoral rainforest which differs from other rainforests in canopy height, species and composition and in appearance of the leaves. The area is also home to many cabbage tree palms, paperbark trees and strangler figs drawing a wide variety of fauna into the area.

TEA GARDENS WALK Starting at the bridge in Tea Gardens, follow the foreshore north along Marine Dr past a number of cafes, parkland and boatsheds to Coupland Dr. Return either via one of the many residential streets to the bridge or retrace your steps along the foreshore.

Guided walks and talks  are available,  for more information click here.  This Environmental Education program is an initiative of Great Lakes Community Resources Inc.