Shoes off, stress gone. That’s usually how it goes, a few hours into a Great Lakes getaway. Tucked between lakes, rainforests, and untouched beaches, this coastal haven is a truly unforgettable place to visit in NSW. For anyone craving a trip that’s as easygoing as beautiful, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the Great Lakes’ natural wonders to help you unplug and breathe deeply.
Your Next Peaceful Place to Visit in NSW Starts Here
There’s something special about the Great Lakes, where every lookout offers a deeper kind of escape.
- Located on the NSW Mid North Coast, the Great Lakes is a region defined by lakes, rainforests, and quiet beaches.
- Offers a serene, natural escape—ideal for those searching for a place to visit in NSW that feels untouched.
- Invites visitors to slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore the outdoors without the noise of busier destinations.
Coastal Beaches That Feel Like Your Own
The Great Lakes coastline has wide, sandy beaches perfect for slow days and scenic walks.
- Boomerang Beach is known for its surfing, space, and laid-back atmosphere.
- Elizabeth Beach has family-friendly, calm water and shaded picnic spots.
- Seven-Mile Beach is expansive, less crowded, and great for beachcombing.
- Cellito Beach (Sandbar Beach) is accessed via a boardwalk through the rainforest.
- Seal Rocks Beach is popular for its remote and raw beauty.
- Number One Beach is good for swimming and watching the waves roll in.
- Boat Beach has snorkelling, paddling, and coastal views.
Lakes and Waterways Made for Unplugging
Calm mornings and shimmering shorelines make these lakes an essential stop on any NSW coastal escape.
- Wallis Lake is great for paddleboarding, kayaking, scenic inlets, and birdlife.
- Smiths Lake is a local favourite, with peaceful swimming and casual dining.
- Myall Lakes is great for boating, camping, and wildlife watching.
- Brambles Reserve is boat-friendly, has shaded areas, and has a peaceful vibe.
- Green Point Foreshore Reserve is great for lakeside walking and family-friendly activities.
Walks and Rainforests Worth the Journey
Take a deep breath and step into the region’s most calming walking tracks and national parks.
- Booti Booti National Park has incredible ocean views, wildflowers, and lakeside paths.
- Wallingat National Park has elevated lookouts, dense bushland, and peaceful drives.
- Myall Lakes National Park – lakeside trails, camping spots, forest loops.
- Barrington Tops National Park – alpine forest, waterfalls, cooler climate.
- The Cabbage Palm Loop Walking Track has a cabbage palm rainforest and a shaded track.
Waterfalls and Lookouts with Unbeatable Views
Beaches are just the beginning in the Great Lakes region—some of the most stunning views await high above the treetops.
- Ellenborough Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Whoota Whoota Lookout – sweeping views over Wallis Lake and the surrounding forest.
- Cape Hawke Lookout is an accessible platform ideal for sunrise and whale watching.
- Flat Rock Lookout – quiet bushland setting, elevated views, good for wildlife.
Natural Attractions You Won’t See Anywhere Else
Unusual landmarks and one-of-a-kind spots make the region even more memorable.
- Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse walk has panoramic views and is a top whale-watching spot.
- Seal Rocks Lighthouse is historical and scenic, close to hidden beaches.
- The Grandis Tree is the tallest known tree in NSW, and it is ancient and awe-inspiring.
- Submarine Beach is a hidden local gem that is good for a quiet swim.
- Burgess Beach is secluded, has rockpools, and is perfect for low-tide exploring.
Wildlife Encounters Along the Coast
Dolphins, whales, and a diverse range of marine life make the Great Lakes one of the best regions in NSW for ocean wildlife experiences.
- Dolphin Watching at Forster-Tuncurry – tours daily, as well as estuary and ocean sightings.
- Whale Watching (May to November) – Cape Hawke and Sugarloaf Point are prime locations.
- Pipers Creek Picnic Area – native bushland, chance to spot kangaroos.
- Broughton Island – Snorkelling, seabird nesting, and day tours are available.
When to Visit and How to Get Around
Make the most of your trip with seasonal tips and local travel advice.
- Best seasons:
- Autumn is ideal for hiking conditions and low humidity.
- Spring is a good choice as this is when wildflowers bloom, and the temperatures are perfect for water activities.
- May to November is the whale migration season.
- Getting around:
- A car is recommended—public transport is limited.
- Most attractions are within 5–40 minutes of each other.
- Parking is easy at lookouts, parks, and lakeside reserves.
Let Nature Set the Pace
There’s no need to rush in a place like this. Each moment is its own adventure. It’s not the kind of destination you’ll find in a travel brochure full of hype. It’s better. Quiet, authentic, and rich with discovery, the Great Lakes might just be the most rewarding place to visit in NSW for those seeking calm and connection. So, take your time. Watch the water shift with the light. Let the land unfold at its own pace—and follow it.
A Beachside Stay Surrounded by Nature
Meanwhile, if you are looking for a base that’s as peaceful as the places you’ll explore, Shores Lake & Beachside Villas offers exactly that. We are ideally located between Wallis Lake and Elizabeth Beach and just minutes from walking tracks, lookouts, and the region’s most loved beaches.
Choose from spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom self-contained villas, including a pet-friendly option for those travelling with four-legged companions. With onsite facilities like a heated spa, outdoor pool, sauna, tennis court, BBQ area, and gym, it’s the kind of place that makes unwinding easy after a day spent out in nature.
Book directly for the best stay rates and start your Great Lakes escape today.
Image Credit: Visit NSW