Luisa's suggestions to uncover the lakeside serenity of Coomba Park, to find your inner peace again.
Coomba Park is a lakeside gem near Pacific Palms, caressed by the waters of Wallis Lake and snug against Wallingat National Park. Here are my suggestions for exploring more of this beautiful place.
Set on the western shores of the lake, Coomba Park is perhaps one of the most tranquil and understated places of the Barrington Coast.
Although it’s just 4km across Wallis Lake to Forster, the feeling of serenity at Coomba Park is preserved by its secluded setting: there’s calm water on three sides with the forest-clad hills of Wallingat National Park rising behind, plus the oceanside forests of Booti Booti National Park beckoning across the lake to the east. With just one road in, it’s the perfect place to escape the daily grind and really feel like you’re away from it all.
Turning off the Lakes Way onto Coomba Road, you can already feel the holiday vibe. The drive is very scenic, lined with cabbage palm trees amongst a deep forest of eucalypts, with the lake itself often close to the road.
Following the lakefront, you’ll soon arrive at Coomba Park which has plenty of accommodation options, many with lake frontage or just a stone’s throw from it. (My recommendation of course is the charming and stylish accommodation Lakeside Boathouse, awarded Most Charming Lakeside Cottage by LuxLife Magazine Resorts and Retreats Awards 2022)
If you’re visiting Coomba Park, then you’re probably here for the lake, so let’s start with a good look at it.
There’s a walking track that skirts the lake’s edge and you’ll probably come across the local kangaroos, they are friendly and always hanging around. The track starts opposite Kooyong Place and offers a mix of tantalising lake glimpses together with awesome panoramic vistas to fill your camera.
The views across Wallis Lake are always changing, depending on the time of day, the weather and the season. But the lake is always beautiful to look at and invites you to experience more.
The track brings you to the Coomba Park Foreshore Reserve. At this pretty park you’ll find a netted tidal swimming enclosure, shaded picnic tables, drinking water, barbecues, toilets, change rooms, lots of grassy areas to spread a picnic plus a kids’ playground. Access to the lake is easy here with a boat ramp and jetties dotted around the lake for fishing, kayaking and more.
If you’re here on a Sunday pop into the Brunch Café for the most delicious cooked breakfast at great prices run by the friendly locals. This café is run by volunteers for the benefit of local community groups, available 9.30am-12.30pm on the deck of the Coomba Community Hall.
After breakfast you can head onto the lake for some fun on the water: paddle a canoe or kayak, keep your balance on a stand up paddleboard, or run around the lake in a boat. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a few friendly dolphins or even a sea turtle.
Back onshore you’ll find the cutest local shop at Pollard's General Store with some essential supplies plus ice creams of course. They also have a nice selection of cheese and wine to take back to your accommodation for an easy afternoon.
The Coomba Aquatic Club holds a bunch of events including a weekly Friday night family barbecue where all are welcome. The club house has a spectacular location right on the lake with a wraparound verandah, and it’s popular for weddings and other events. The club offers free Junior Sailing lessons in the school holidays.
You can also learn how to paddle a dragon boat with the Learn to Paddle Program offered by Wallis Spirit Dragon Boat Club. It's open to anyone wishing to join this fun rowing sport that's growing in popularity.
Here you’ll also find the On The Lake Bistro, open for takeaways on Wednesdays or for dining in on Saturdays (lunch 12pm-3pm; dinner 5pm-8pm). The menu has lots of club favourites, from Surf & Turf to the famous Coomba schnitzel.
Coomba Growers hold a Buy/Swap/Sell homegrown produce market in Coomba Park (at the Aquatic Club) at 9am every 2nd Saturday of the month. You’ll love the locally grown fresh produce and flowers sold or swapped, it’s a wonderful opportunity to buy organic produce direct from the growers.
If you’d like to learn Reiki or how to make raffia or to weave cane baskets, visit Pearl and Stone by Jen. This local business is run by Jen, a talented fibre artist, Reiki master and circle facilitator. Join one of her regular workshops or private classes in her Coomba Park studio.
If you’re feeling like a quick trip to busy Forster, why not get a water taxi across the lake? The journey is about 10 minutes and it makes shopping trips a truly unique experience. (Call Aussie Boatshed who currently operate the water taxi service: 6555 4477 or 0418 616 668).
For surf beaches, glorious Pacific Palms offer the best of the coast: Boomerang, Elizabeth and Blueys Beaches are just 25 minutes drive. Watch for whales and dolphins or the catch the waves that draw surfers here from around the world. A bit further afield, Seal Rocks is an amazing destination for a day trip from Coomba Park, especially the walk to the Seal Rocks Lighthouse.
Coomba Park is an ideal peaceful place for families and couples, it’s great for groups of friends, girls’ weekends, whatever you choose. It’s the perfect choice for enjoying a secluded and tranquil getaway on the pristine waters of beautiful Wallis Lake.
There are so many things to see and do around this beautiful area, be sure to check it out on your next getaway to the Barrington Coast.
