PARK INFORMATION
NSWNPWS 1300 361 967 NPWS Great Lakes, Pacific Palms (02) 6591 0300
SIZE
1567 ha
VISITOR INFORMATION
Forster–Tuncurry (02) 6554 8799 www.greatlakes.org.au
LOCATION AND ACCESS
250 km north of Sydney via Pacific Hwy then The Lakes Way just north of Bulahdelah; 8 km south of Forster via The Lakes Way
CAMPING
The Ruins; all facilities; fees apply
Booti Booti National Park protects a narrow strip of coastal land with one of the state’s largest stands of littoral rainforest. Bordered by Wallis Lake on its western perimeter, this is ideal for those who like watersports and nature-based activities in a magnificent natural setting.
Between Cape Hawke and Booti Hill native heath flourishes, attracting various colourful parrots and nomadic honeyeaters. Birdwatching is a favourite pastime – look for rainbow lorikeets, yellow-faced honeyeaters and silvereyes in April; and numerous waterbirds, especially crested and caspian terns, the endangered little tern and pelicans (the state’s largest pelican-breeding colony is located here on Pelican Island). Brown and red-bellied black snakes are common, while goannas are often sighted around the camping area. Most of the park’s mammals are nocturnal; sharp-eyed observers may glimpse possums and gliders at night.
The surf beaches are beautiful but can be dangerous for swimming – Elizabeth Beach is patrolled in summer. Numerous walking tracks and trails suitable for cyclists traverse the park. The steep 30-minute trek (including 420 steps) to dramatic Cape Hawke is rewarding – climb the lookout tower (8.4 metres high) for sensational views over Myall Lakes and the Pacific Ocean. Booti Hill Walk (7 km, 4 hours return, medium difficulty) leads over Booti Hill to Elizabeth Beach, then along the Lake Wallis foreshore. Boating, canoeing, windsurfing and waterskiing are all possible on the lake, which is also renowned for its succulent oysters. Picnic spots abound, and campers will find sites at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach (bookings advised).