Great Walks of the Great Lakes

Get ready, fellow adventurers, as we delve into the untamed beauty of coastal New South Wales. Nestled between the ocean and the lake, Tiona is a perfect base for exploring and discovering some of the most awe-inspiring walking tracks our region has to offer.

Collectively known as the Great Walks of the Great Lakes, these scenic routes span from rugged headlands to tranquil rainforests, inviting you to navigate through nature’s playground and discover hidden gems.

Our first stop takes us along a captivating 8km loop through the Booti Booti National Park. Starting at the Ruins Campground at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, the track ascends to a lookout with stunning ocean views where during the right season, you might even catch a glimpse of majestic whales frolicking offshore. Along the coastal side, pass through diverse landscapes before reaching Elizabeth Beach – the perfect stop for a refreshing mid-hike swim.

The final stretch winds through rocky outcrops and lush gullies before descending to the Wallis Lake Walking Track for a relaxing return journey.

Distance: 8km loop
Time suggested: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Grade 3 (Suitable for most ages and fitness levels)

For those craving panoramic views, a trek to the summit of a nearby cape awaits.

Cape Hawke Lookout offers breathtaking views of Booti Booti to the south and Wallingat National Park to the west. After a scenic 500m hike through regenerating littoral rainforest, visitors are rewarded sweeping vistas of the coastline, the glistening lake, and the surrounding landscape from the tower.

On clear days, sights extend as far as Barrington Tops and Crowdy Bay National Park. Birdwatchers will delight in year-round sightings of pelicans and terns, with the added bonus of whale watching during winter migration. It’s a short but invigorating climb that promises to leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur – pack your binoculars and camera for an unforgettable experience.

Distance: 500m
Time suggested: 1 hour
Difficulty: Grade 3 (Suitable for most ages and fitness levels)

Embark on a leisurely stroll along the picturesque coastline of our charming coastal town. This paved path caters to all fitness levels, offering uninterrupted views of the azure ocean and the serene expanse of the lake.

As you stroll along the coastline, the trail winds through greenery, accompanied by the sound of waves. Discover hidden coves and sandy stretches, pause at lookout points to enjoy ocean views, and explore rocky formations along the foreshore.

Extend your walk with two unique options, each with their own vantage points:

• One Mile to Burgess Beach: Wander from one pristine beach to the next, soaking in the stunning coastal vistas and indulging in some birdwatching along the way.
• Tuncurry Breakwall: Traverse the breakwall and rockpool area across the bridge, treating yourself to picturesque views of the lake and the connecting bridge between our twin towns.

Distance: 4km each way
Time suggested: 2 hours each way
Difficulty: Grade 1-2 (No bushwalking experience required)

Step into a world of lush greenery and tranquility with the Alum Mountain Rainforest Walk at Buladelah. This immersive experience takes you through verdant rainforest, with interpretive signs providing fascinating insights into the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Lose yourself in the beauty of nature as you meander along this enchanting trail.

As an Aboriginal Place of cultural significance to the Worimi people, Bulahdelah Mountain offers a respectful exploration of traditional walking tracks and lookouts. Discover traditional tree carvings, a cultural space with seating and fire-pit, and various visitor facilities at the Worimi cultural area; or take the mountain track to the Lookout, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Along the trail, the journey is enriched by remarkable rock formations and an array of flora, including seasonal wildflowers, making Bulahdelah Mountain walk an unforgettable adventure for all nature enthusiasts.

Distance: 4.5km
Time suggested: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Grade 3 (Suitable for most ages and fitness levels)

Sugar Creek Trail, nestled just a short drive from Forster and Pacific Palms, beckons families with its enchanting ambiance and abundant wildlife. Also known as Hotel Creek track, this leisurely walk or mountain bike trail starts from Sugar Creek picnic area and winds through lush rainforest and dense palm forests.

As you meander along the trail, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s diverse inhabitants, from wallabies and goannas to koalas and yellow-bellied gliders. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting over 200 species, including king parrots and glossy black cockatoos.

Take a moment to bask in the tranquil sounds of the forest before heading back to the picnic area for a barbecue surrounded by towering cabbage palms and flooded gums. Each season offers its own charm, whether it’s spring’s vibrant wildflowers, summer’s sunny camping opportunities, or winter’s serene exploration of the park’s unsealed roads. Whatever the season, Sugar Creek Trail promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages.

Distance: 1.7km return
Time suggested: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Grade 4 (Bushwalking experience recommended – limited signage)

If you’re willing to venture further afield, a two-hour drive south unveils a track leading to the summit of Yacaba Head, part of the Tomaree National Park. Breathtaking views of the port and the rugged coastline stretching as far as the eye can see, with rustic lunch options available in the nearby townships of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.

The Yacaaba Headland walking track offers a thrilling combination of challenging terrain and stunning vistas. Beginning at Bennetts Beach, hikers are greeted with a steep ascent through diverse vegetation, transitioning from smooth-barked angophoras to gnarly banksias and grass trees. Pause along the way to admire sweeping coastal views, with clear days revealing the distant Barrington Tops. As the track progresses, the terrain becomes rockier and steeper, rewarding adventurers with breathtaking panoramas of Seal Rocks and Tomaree Headland.

Keep an eye out for Cabbage Tree Island, home to the rare Gould’s petrel, making this trek an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

Distance: 7km return
Time suggested: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Grade 4 (Bushwalking experience recommended)

After traversing these remarkable trails, you’ll find yourself immersed in the untouched beauty and natural wonders of coastal New South Wales. From the rugged cliffs to the tranquil rainforests, each step unveils a new facet of this breathtaking landscape. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, serene strolls, or immersive encounters with nature, the Great Walks of the Great Lakes offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the environment and rejuvenate the soul.

Get ready to embrace the adventure and discover the magic along these enchanting paths. Your next unforgettable journey begins right here in Tiona.