Where to find the best walks around Myall Lake

Myall Lake is the largest of the lakes within Myall Lakes National Park. There are many good reasons why this area is protected by an international conservation agreement (the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971).

From several starting points you can explore the best of its spectacular blend of lakes, coastal forests, pristine beaches and a huge sand dune system.

The top walks at Myall Lake

Whether you approach Myall Lake from Hawks Nest, Bulahdelah or from along the winding Lakes Way, an array of spectacular views await you around Myall Lakes National Park. Whether it’s from headland or mountain top, the vistas of wild deserted beaches, lakes and coastal forests are breathtaking, so refill your lungs with fresh sea air and head off on your Barrington Coast walking adventure.

1. Mungo Rainforest Walk, Myall Lakes National Park

Let's start with a short and easy one.

This easy loop Mungo Rainforest Walk takes you on a short trip through rare coastal rainforest with a lush environment of ancient trees, plum pine, mock olive, coogera and brush bloodwood.

Children and adults can have great fun looking out for the colourful birds that live in the rainforest, including golden whistlers, figbirds, rufous fantails, and satin and regent bowerbirds. You’re also likely to see brush turkeys scratching in the undergrowth; look for their distinctive red head.

The walk starts from Mungo Brush campground, from here follow Tamboi walking track to the historic Tamboi fishing village or for a longer walk follow the Mungo walking track to Hawks Nest.

• START: Northern end of Mungo Brush Campground
• DISTANCE: 1.5km loop
• TIME: 15 to 45 minutes
• GRADE: Easy

2. Neranie Headland Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park

Here's another easy one: drive to this beautiful picnic area and take a short lakeside walk.

Neranie Headland walking track is a short easy walk on the northeastern shore of Myall Lake with breathtaking views over tree-lined waterways and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Starting in a clearing that was once a part of the historic Neranie timber mill village, the track leads past an old cemetery where you’ll find gravestones dating back to the nineteenth century.

Ascending the track to Neranie Headland, stop for a breather and take in the beauty of Myall Lake National Park fringed with swamp oak and paperbark. Passing through a stand of towering black butt near the end of the track, finish off your walk with a picnic stop at Hearts Point picnic area.

• START: Hearts Point picnic area off Neranie Road
• DISTANCE: 1.4km return
• TIME: 15 to 45 minutes
• GRADE: Easy

3. Dark Point (Little Gibber) Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park

Here's a step-up into something a little more challenging but absolutely worth it for scenic coastal views and rich Aboriginal cultural heritage.

This short stroll packs quite a punch with breathtaking coastal views leading to the culturally significant Dark Point Aboriginal Place. Also known as Little Gibber, Dark Point walking track starts at the carpark on Mungo Brush Road leading to the headland overlooking Broughton Island. It’s a great spot to take in the unique history of the area, while on a camping holiday in Myall Lakes National Park.

Following this rough unformed track through coastal dunes behind the beach, stop and take in the refreshing breeze off the ocean. Passing by historic middens, this moderate path leads to Dark Point, an area rich with cultural and historical significance for the Worimi people. Humans have used this place for at least 4,000 years so kindly give it the respect it deserves.

• START: From the carpark on the short sealed Dark Point Access Road (off Mungo Brush Road)
• DISTANCE: 2km return
• TIME: 45 to 75 minutes
• GRADE: Moderate

4. Mungo Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park

Now you've got into the groove, how about something a little more challenging? Just don't forget to arrange a pick-up at the end or it's another 21km back the way you came!

Mungo Walking Track is a feast for the body, mind and senses. A delightful collection of walks which starts links Mungo Brush Campground on the shores of Bombah Broadwater to Hawks Nest. It’s a long yet easy walk south to Hawks Nest, taking in some important Aboriginal and historic sites and diverse vegetation.

From Mungo Brush Campground, set out towards the Myall River along Tamboi Walking Track arriving at the Tamboi village. Continuing south, meander along old sand dunes on historic mining routes, passing a part of the track between Brambles Green Campground and Dark Point Aboriginal Place which is known for its splendid display of colourful wildflowers.

The walk criss-crosses Mungo Brush Road and your final approach to Hawks Nest is along Bennetts Beach, exiting at Hawks Nest Surf Club. This walk can be done in one day or broken into sections by camping lakeside overnight.

• START: Mungo Brush Campground
• DISTANCE: 21km (one way)
• TIME: 10 to 12 hours
• GRADE: Medium

More walks in the northern precinct of Myall Lakes National Park around Seal Rocks:

1. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse walk

2. Treachery Headland Track

3. Submarine Beach Walking Track