Welcome to the amazing Great Lakes – Mid North Coast, NSW – home to one of the most dazzling
stretches of coast you will ever see and Australia’s only triple lakes system, which includes the
‘Ramsar’, listed Myall Lakes. The Great Lakes is a unique blend of great places to stay, eat and shop
coupled with perfect beaches, dazzling lakes and wide expanses of forest broken up with historic rural hinterland. Add to this enough activities to fill a year, from adventure thrills such as diving with sharks or mountain biking, to kayaking quiet lakes as the sun sets, trekking through ancient palm forests, tackling waterslides and go karts, catching an elusive bass, and your holiday is complete.
Throughout the Great Lakes, you will discover secluded bays and exciting surf beaches, stunning coastal scenery and historic hinterland. Here you can take time out and celebrate, breathe, explore, be amazed and clear your soul.
From self–contained apartments with water views to secluded camping by the lake, from a quiet B&B sharing dinner with a local to a motel in the heart of town – there are many fantastic places to stay in the Great Lakes, with options to suit any budget.
This region stretches from the twin towns of Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest through the Myall Lakes National Park to Seal Rocks. This piece of coast is truly unique and home to vast tracts of wilderness and is the southern gateway to the Great Lakes.
Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest lie at the mouth of the Myall River and reflect a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a sense of peace and tranquillity. From here you can journey into the Myall Lakes National Park which is a spectacular blend of lakes, coastal forests, pristine beaches and a huge sand dune system. The National Park is internationally recognised for its wetland ecology and home to hundreds of species of birds.
Off shore is Broughton Island, home to white sandy beaches, volcanic peaks and wind-swept vegetation.
It has some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in NSW and a vast array of wildlife including penguins, turtles and seabirds.
Ancient ranges, fascinating villages and the sense of steady human endeavour in gentle harmony with the environment describe the Great Lakes Hinterland. A launching point to explore this area is the township of Bulahdelah located on the Myall River. Historically linked with the timber industry today these areas such as Bulahdelah Mountain Park host a number of walks of varying grades and magnificent views. A must is the trek up Alum Mountain and discover the old mining quarries. The mountain is home to 85 varieties of orchids and fascinating landscapes. There are tracks crisscrossing the mountain, which are very popular with climbers.
The Wang Wauk Forest Drive in the Myall Lakes National Park passes by some of New South Wales’s largest flooded gum trees including The Grandis, the tallest known tree in the State. These forests now provide a refuge for fascinating wildlife and industrial archaeological remains. Gentle farmlands now surround the forests and here you can explore villages such as Nabiac and its traditional lifestyle or experience new pursuits of the land such as wineries and boutique farm product.
Follow Thunderbolts Way to the historic township of Stroud. Part of the original grant to the Australian Agricultural Company, Stroud was established in 1826 as the centred of operations for the country’s growing wool industry. Many of Stroud’s buildings were built by convict labour and today a heritage walk takes you on a journey through the town and Australian history.
Stroud has also become famous in recent years as the home of the International Brick &Rolling Pin Contest. Held in July each year this competition involves the towns of Stroud in Australia, England, Canada and America.
Surf down the giant sand dunes at Dark Point
Paddle up one of our scenic rivers and camp overnight on a special weekend escape and experience nature unspoiled by kayak
Check out the famous Bulahdelah Bass Bash
Visit the Stroud Brick and Rolling Pin throwing contest
Yacaaba headland is a volcanic peak part of the Myall Lakes experience. Pack a drink and something to eat and head off for a moderate graded walk.
Drive through one of the states largest stands of Flooded Gum Trees
For more information about any of these interesting, fun, free activities and other great things
to see
and do in the Great Lakes contact the friendly team at the
Tea Gardens or Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centres.
Tea Gardens – Myall Street, Tea Gardens NSW 2324
Bulahdelah – cnr Pacific Highway & Crawford Street, Bulahdelah NSW 2423