The Great Lakes of the Barrington Coast, Australia’s largest coastal lake system, comprises three large incredible lakes – Wallis, Myall, and Smith – and is a paradise for fishing, boating, and beach holidays.

Our surrounding beautiful natural lakes make the ideal backdrop for a short getaway or a longer relaxing stay. The great lakes area features kilometres of stunning white sand beaches on the seaside and vast eucalypt forests to the west, making it the perfect place to explore and nature bathe.

There are plenty of things to do in the Great Lakes region, from exploring the local towns and villages to enjoying the activities on offer. The Barrington Coast is a great place to fish, with bream, flathead, whiting, and jewfish all common catches. Plenty of boats are available for hire. There are many walks and bike tracks along the coastline for those who want to stay on dry land.

If you’re keen to see the Great Lakes in a day, here’s our suggested itinerary and top spots for spending a day exploring the Great Lakes on the Barrington Coast.

Great Lakes Day Drive Itinerary

Lake Wallis

A day exploring the great lakes wouldn’t be complete without, well, a great lake!
Lake Wallis, known as the ‘sparkling jewel in the crown’ of the Great Lakes, spans 25 kilometres from it’s ocean meeting point at Forster, south to Booti Booti National Park south of Tiona.

We’re lucky enough to be positioned right on the banks of Lake Wallis, so be sure to check out our Pavillion and spend a lazy afternoon taking in a vivid sunset over the lake.

And at over 9km wide, the calm, pristine and sheltered waters make the perfect place to enjoy safe watersports, paddle boarding, fishing and some of Australia’s best oysters.

Blueys Beach

Blueys Beach is a great starting point for your day drive. This beautiful beach is located on Myall Lake and is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing. There is also a picnic area where you can enjoy a bite before hitting the road.

Blueys Beach offers some of the most spectacular views in all of the Pacific Palms area, extending from Seal Rocks to Aldinga.

It’s said a local cow is responsible for its name after it got lost nearby while being herded by a group of farmers!

Elizabeth Beach and Boomerang Beach are two equally beautiful adjacent south coast beaches that are great for the whole family.
Professional lifeguards patrol these two beaches as well.

Seal Rocks

Seal Rocks is a small town located on the Myall River, about halfway between Blueys Beach and Bulahdelah. The town is home to a lighthouse built in 1875 and still operates today. The light warns ships of the dangerous reefs that surround the village.

Seal Rock is also a great place to go surfing, with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The town is also home to several cafes, restaurants, and a general store.

Seal Rocks is a family-friendly destination with year-round insta-worthy scenery. Seal Rocks offers unspoiled snorkelling, surfing, and diving.

And if you have time, take the walk to the lighthouse through coastal jungle up to the headland for incredible views!

Booti Booti National Park

Booti Booti National Park, an 8km long peninsular located just to the south of Tiona Holiday Park and north of Seal Rocks, is home to various plant and animal life. The park features rainforest, eucalypt forest, and vast ecosystems. Several walking tracks wind through different habitats, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and unwind in unspoilt national park.

Booti Booti is a great place to explore – providing a place for swimming, hiking, photography, and bird and whale watching.
In addition, there are several places to relax beneath the paperbarks, as well as plenty of spots for surfing and mountain biking.

Bulahdelah

A day drive from Tiona through the Great Lakes region wouldn’t be complete without a stop by one of the freshwater lakes. Bulahdelah is just one of the renowned stops worth checking out.

Meaning ‘the meeting place of two rivers’, Bulahdelah is well known for boating, fishing and houseboating.