Summer in Australia has a way of humbling even the toughest explorers. From the parched outback to the stormy coast, the blazing summer sun can be unforgiving. But it’s also in this season that the landscapes come alive in all their rugged, unfiltered glory. National parks around NSW in particular are rife with opportunities for exploration, each offering verdant scenery, majestic waterfalls you can swim under, and beautiful walking trails. One spot that should make your summer itinerary is the Booti Booti National Park on the Mid-North Coast of NSW, a favoured spot for a relaxing coastal getaway. Here sun-loving adventurers will find ocean beaches, dense rainforests, scenic headlands, and a perfectly bright blue lake waiting to be explored. Here’s everything you need to know before planning a trip to the national park.
Things to do in Booti Booti National Park
With exciting water activities, diverse local wildlife, campgrounds, surfing, and seasonal whale watching, there is ample opportunity to admire nature at Booti Booti National Park — and hardly any chance of getting bored. The park stretches along a narrow peninsula, beautifully positioned between the coast and Wallis Lake near Forster. Booti Booti is a Worimi Aboriginal word, Butibuti that translates to “plenty of honey,” a nod to the area’s bountiful natural resources. Here’s how you can make your trip here unforgettable.
1. Explore the beaches
The beaches at the national park are excellent for swimming, surfing, and picnicking by the ocean. There are plenty to choose from and local favourites include Elizabeth Beach which is the only beach patrolled in summer and with generally calm waters making it an excellent choice for families. Other popular spots include Boomerang Beach with beautiful crystalline waters and rockpools to swim in, Blueys Beach, famous for great surf, the remote Seven Mile Beach and Shelly Beach, just north of Boomerang. You can also relax by the water at Wallis Lake.
2. Camp at Booti Booti National Park
If you want to make the most of your trip, stay a while and consider setting up camp by the beach. The Ruins campground and picnic area is a great option nestled among cabbage tree palms and just a short stroll to the nearby beaches. It includes all the essentials including drinking water, showers, BBQ, and picnic tables. If you’re looking for more options nearby, Smugglers Cove Holiday Resort (just a 24-minute drive) and Pacific Palms Caravan Park are also great places where you can stay the night.
3. Go on a coastal bushwalk
Beaches and bushwalks are the premiere offerings at Booti Booti National Park, each offering a wonderful sense of calm and pockets of complete seclusion. The Booti walking track is a popular loop trail that shows off some of the most striking features of the park, meandering through sheltered rainforests and flanked by ocean views. Starting at Elizabeth Beach, the trail leads to Seven Mile Beach where you can enjoy a peaceful swim away from the crowds. The Cape Hawe Lookout is another must-visit and worth the 420-step climb for the views of the surrounding coastline. If you’re after a shorter trail, the McBrides Beach walking track is a stellar option that leads to the beach with rainforest views and local flora along the way.
The best time to visit
For warm-weather activities like swimming and surfing, the best time to visit the park is from January to May, although it’s wise to avoid peak periods like the school holidays. Autumn offers mild temperatures, ideal for bushwalks and swims. If whale-watching season is on your agenda, plan your visit when the season is at its peak, between May and November. Find more information about the park including parking, entry fees, and more on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Getting there
A trip from Sydney to Booti Booti National Park would take around 3 hours and 15 minutes by car, so driving is the most convenient option. Alternatively, you can catch a train from Central to Broadmeadow Station and then hop on a bus towards Tuncurry, which would take you around 5 hours and 45 minutes. Forster is a quick 15-minute drive to the park.