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Image credit: Artist

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Lake View Gallery

Thanks to a collaborative effort with the Pacific Palms Recreation Club, affectionately known as 'The Recky,' Pacific Palms proudly presents a welcoming art gallery open to the public every day of the week. Situated within The Recky's dining auditorium, the Lake View Gallery may be small in size, but it regularly showcases an impressive collection of large and awe-inspiring artworks, all available for purchase and created by exceptionally talented local artists. Inside the gallery, guests can enjoy a comfortable and air-conditioned environment, while outside, the open-air terrace provides a breathtaking vantage point to witness stunning views and sunsets. These vistas encompass the expansive beauty of Wallis Lake and the distant mountain ranges.

Elizabeth Beach NSW

1.1 km away

Inside — Image credit: Trisha

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Trisha's on Blueys

Trisha Fitzpatrick is a remarkably versatile artist, possessing the ability to tailor her artistic style to accommodate a diverse range of commissions. Despite her adaptability, her distinctive artistic identity shines through in all her creations. Trisha, calls Blueys Beach home, where she dedicates her time to her studio and gallery. Her talent has earned her recognition, including being chosen as a finalist in the Art Prize Challenges for the Australian Artist Magazine. Additionally, her insightful writings on art have been prominently featured in the magazine. Visitors are warmly welcome to drop by Trisha's studio during her working hours. For those seeking a more private viewing experience, appointments can be arranged to explore her captivating artworks.

Boomerang Beach NSW

1.3 km away

Blueys Beach at Pacific Palms

Natural Attractions

Blueys Beach

Blueys Beach is a famous beach located in the beautiful Pacific Palms precinct with great surfing, swimming and stunning views across to Seal Rocks. Legend has it the beach gained its name from a misadventure by a local cow. Cows can still be spotted on the southern headland. There are no lifeguards at this beach. Public amenities are located to the south of the beach at Williams Park. With its stunning views across to Seal Rocks this is the perfect beach for those wanting a beach wedding. And bring your dog as they can be walked (on leads only) at specific times, please see website for further information.

Blueys Beach NSW

1.3 km away

Boomerang Beach at Pacific Palms — Image credit: Naomi Hughes

Natural Attractions

Boomerang Beach, Pacific Palms

Boomerang Beach is the best surfing beach in the Pacific Palms precinct, with rock ledges helping to form great waves. The beach is actually boomerang-shaped and is ideal for swimming with protection from prevailing winds at either end. It is balanced at each end with headlands and faces east, capturing the best swell from the Pacific and offering brilliant sunrises. The rocky headlands have some great rock pool rambles at low tide. This beach is not patrolled. Dog walking is allowed on Boomerang Beach on leads only, at specific times in the morning and early evening.

Boomerang Beach NSW

1.5 km away

Elizabeth Beach, Pacific Palms — Image credit: Destination Barrington Coast

Natural Attractions

Elizabeth Beach, Pacific Palms

Elizabeth Beach is part of Booti Booti National Park at Pacific Palms. North-facing means this beach is often calm making it a great family beach. The beach has a beautiful aspect looking towards Cape Hawke and Seven Mile Beach. There is also a magnificent walking track at the North end of the beach accessed via Lethbridge St. Elizabeth Beach is the only beach in the Pacific Palms precinct which is patrolled in summer.

Elizabeth Beach NSW

1.7 km away

Elizabeth Beach picnic area

Natural Attractions

Elizabeth Beach picnic area

Framed by a scenic backdrop of the imposing Booti Hill, Elizabeth Beach is a popular spot for families, surfers and day-trippers. More intimate than the nearby Boomerang Beach, it's a great place to throw down the towel and soak up some sun as sea eagles and shore birds glide past. Visit in summer to make the most of the beautiful beaches, where you can swim, surf or snorkel. In winter, whales can be glimpsed migrating off the coast so don't forget the binoculars. All time of year is great for a bit of adventure, with the Booti walking track threading right past. The picnic area is just a short stroll from the beach, making it a perfect place for a leisurely barbecue by the sea. Bring a packed lunch or check out the nearby cafes for coffee and delicious fresh food.

Elizabeth Beach NSW

1.7 km away

Shelly Beach at Pacific Palms — Image credit: Mark Fitz Photography

Natural Attractions

Shelly Beach, Pacific Palms

Shelly Beach is a secluded beach that is accessed via a short walking trail from the road at Elizabeth Beach in the Pacific Palms precinct of the Barrington Coast. It faces north west and is completely protected. The swimming and snorkeling here is first class and its aspect creates a sense of remoteness. This beach is not patrolled.

Elizabeth Beach NSW

2.0 km away

Booti Hill and Wallis Lake Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Ian Brown

Natural Attractions

Booti Hill and Wallis Lake Walking Track

The Booti Hill and Wallis Lake walking track touches both the ocean and the shores of Lake Wallis. Bring your swimmers and make a day walk of it with beautiful views from the headland and plenty of wildlife to keep the camera active. Start at Ruins campground and travel clockwise, so the hardest part is knocked off early. Walk out to the stunning Seven Mile Beach and look for the signposted track – this climbs up the northern side of Booti Hill through twisted eucalypts. There are rest spots along the way, and a small opening with a scenic view of Seagull Point right before you enter some refreshing rainforest. Eventually the track emerges onto the ridge-crest above Lindemans Cove and joins a fire trail that leads to a small clearing. Go straight ahead for Elizabeth Beach and a terrific opportunity for an ocean dip. If it’s winter, you might even spot a migrating whale. There are also tables and a barbecue just 100m along the trail, so don’t forget the picnic.

Booti Booti NSW

3.7 km away

Cellito Beach at Smiths Lake — Image credit: East Coast Photography

Natural Attractions

Cellito Beach

Cellito Beach, also known as Sandbar Beach, offers great views towards Seal Rocks as well as challenging surfing. The water is crystal clear and produces great left and right-hand breaks. There's a five-minute walk along the timber boardwalk through a beautiful remnant patch of coastal rainforest to remind you of how the area used to look. At the end of the boardwalk, there's a viewing area to check out the breaks. Behind the sandbar is Smiths Lake which has great family-friendly swimming options. The lake is occasionally opened to the ocean to refresh the lake waters. This beach is not patrolled. Dogs can be walked on leads only, at certain times in the morning and evening on Cellito Beach. Four-wheel drive access to the beach is via Sandbar Caravan Park.

Sandbar NSW

4.0 km away

The Green Cathedral on Wallis Lake in the Barrington Coast

Landmarks and Buildings

Green Cathedral

The Green Cathedral is a majestic open-air sanctuary and a unique feature of the Barrington Coast. It's a beautiful place with rough timbered pews and wooden lectern, situated under a canopy of rainforest on the shores of glittering Wallis Lake. Constructed in 1922, this alfresco cathedral is a favourite spot for weddings, worship, blessing of children, baptisms and funeral services.

Tiona NSW

4.3 km away

Wallingat Forest Drive — Image credit: Photo: Ian Charles/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Wallingat Forest Drive

Prepare to see all Wallingat National Park has to offer in one easy drive. The 25 kilometre loop that is Wallingat Forest drive takes you through the thick forest, the snow-white trunks of gum trees towering over you, and underneath the vast leaves of the cabbage palm shading the road. The route takes in all the major sites of the park, including Wallingat River picnic area, where you can stop for a swim. Be sure to bring an esky full of sandwiches and barbecue essentials so you can relax at Sugar Creek picnic area. You’ll see birds swooping low throughout the drive, wallabies bounding across your path, and maybe even a goanna basking in the sun – so be sure to drive with care. This is an unsealed road, so plan your trip well – wet weather makes it unsuitable for two wheel drive vehicles. If you’re feeling energetic, you can go mountain biking or horse riding along the circuit. Any way you enjoy this route, take your time, relax and enjoy.

Whoota NSW

5.3 km away

Santa Barbara picnic area

Natural Attractions

Santa Barbara picnic area

This picnic area has everything you need for a great day at the beach: toilet facilities, free barbecues, and an easy drive to the towns of Forster and Pacific Palms. Relax on the grass in the sunshine while your barbecue lunch sizzles away, or cool off with a dip in the ocean. Seven Mile Beach is a favourite among surfers and offers incredible views of the whale migration between May and November. Santa Barbara picnic area is surrounded by coastal heathland which blooms with pretty wildflowers in spring. It can get busy over summer so if you need an alternative, visit Sailing Club picnic area nearby. It offers a shady rest spot on the shores of Wallis Lake, where you can enjoy kayaking or let the kids splash in the shallow waters. If you want to explore the green stretch of bushland between the beach and the lake, set out on the Booti Hill and Wallis Lake walking track. It loops past the shores of Wallis Lake, through lush rainforest and twisted eucalypts. The Ruins campground is nearby, so you can make a weekend of it with tent, car-based or caravan camping.

Forster NSW

5.9 km away

Southern Boundary Trail — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Southern Boundary Trail

It doesn’t matter how experienced you are on a mountain bike – Wallingat National Park has something to suit every level. A great place to start for people with moderate experience can be found at Southern Boundary trail. This relatively flat track starts at Gur-um-bee picnic area, following Sugar Creek Road onto Southern Boundary trail before turning onto Thomas Road back to Gur-um-bee. It winds through tall eucalyptus forest and cabbage tree palms that are popular with native birds, so be sure to pack a camera. The picnic spot features a shelter shed with information about the park, as well as basic picnic facilities, where you can enjoy lunch after exploring the forest. Adventurous cyclists can try the steep terrain around No Return trail, Reedy Creek trail, or Whoota Lookout Road. Visitors looking for a good multi-use trail can try Double Wharf trail.

Wallingat NSW

7.4 km away

Gur-um-bee picnic area

Natural Attractions

Gur-um-bee picnic area

Gur-um-bee picnic area is an ideal base to explore the coastal forests within Wallingat National park, either on a car tour or by mountain bike. Located on the NSW Mid North Coast, near Forster, it's ideal for a leisurely family picnic. Set within a tranquil bush setting of moist eucalypt forest with majestic flood gums and lush cabbage tree palms, this picnic area is a great spot for birdwatching. Look for king parrots and wonga pigeons and if you're lucky, you might even see a shy bower bird darting through the bush. Unroll the picnic blanket in a shady spot on the grass or make use of the sheltered picnic tables. Either way, there's plenty of space for the kids to kick a ball while you prepare lunch. For scenic views across the park, check out Whoota Whoota lookout, or enjoy a cycle or leisurely drive along Wallingat Forest drive.

Wallingat NSW

7.5 km away

Whoota Whoota lookout

Natural Attractions

Whoota Whoota lookout

This is not only the best viewpoint in Wallingat National Park, but also one of the greatest in NSW. Drive right up to Whoota Whoota lookout and prepare to be amazed. Peer out one way and you can see the vast stretches of eucalypt forest that make up much of the park. Look in the other direction and you can see the expanse of Wallis Lake as well as the winding, rugged coastline. If you’re lucky, you might also see the sea eagles that like to soar here. Don’t forget your camera, because this is one view you won’t want to miss. There’s also a picnic table here if you want to dine with the best natural view of the NSW mid-North Coast as your backdrop.

Wallingat NSW

7.7 km away

Sailing Club picnic area

Natural Attractions

Sailing Club picnic area

Booti Booti National Park offers numerous places to relax in front of the ocean. Sailing Club picnic area faces away from the ocean, sitting on the shore of scenic Wallis Lake instead. The lakeside beach is just as sandy, the water just as refreshing, but safe shallow swimming and shady paperbark trees make this a terrific alternative for families and holiday-makers alike. Find an ideal picnic spot and settle down with binoculars for a bit of birdwatching: osprey and sea eagles are often in the area. Break out the swimmers, or bring your kayak for a leisurely afternoon paddle among the sail boats. Sailing Club picnic area can get busy in summer, but nearby picnic alternatives like Santa Barbara and Elizabeth Beach mean there’s enough room for everyone.

Forster NSW

7.9 km away

Cabbage Palm Loop Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Cabbage Palm Loop Walking Track

Cabbage Palm loop walking track begins at Sugar Creek picnic area in Wallingat National Park and follows the first section of Coachwood walk. Along the way, you’ll meander over the alluvial flats of Hotel Creek, which are dominated by striking cabbage tree palms, as well as a variety of rainforest species including turpentines and coachwoods. The track continues past majestic flooded gums, Sydney blue gums and into the slightly drier forest featuring brush box. If you’re lucky, you might hear the mimicking calls of a male superb lyrebird engaging in his courtship serenade. Continuing along an old logging road, the track passes another dense canopy of cabbage tree palms before emerging onto Hotel Creek track. Approximately 200 species of birds can be found in and around the park, including wonga pigeons, king parrots, satin bower birds and glossy black cockatoos. Wallabies, kangaroos, goannas and echidnas all also call this area home.

Wallingat NSW

8.0 km away

Sugar Creek picnic area — Image credit: NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Sugar Creek picnic area

Looking for a place to relax and admire nature? Walk through the forest? Maybe cook up a snag or two? Sugar Creek picnic area is a cool sanctuary among the tall timber. Make use of the gas barbecue before heading off on one of the easy walks. The tall cabbage palms and flooded gums are awe-inspiring, having survived logging in the area that continued until 1999. From September to December, you might see the purplish flowers of the red beard orchid or, in early spring, the mauve blossoms of the velvet mint-bush. These forests are also home to hundreds of species of birds, including catbirds (not surprisingly, their call sounds a bit like the mewling of a cat), as well as kangaroos, wallabies, possums and frogs. Those with eagle eyes might also be able to spot koalas in the tall eucalypts, although they’re much easier to see if you bring binoculars.

Wallingat NSW

8.0 km away

Sugar Creek Trail — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Sugar Creek Trail

Sugar Creek trail, also known as Hotel Creek track, is a short walk through lush rainforest and dense palm forest. Starting from Sugar Creek picnic area, it’s a nice hike or easy mountain bike trail that the whole family will enjoy. There is an abundance of wildlife to keep you entertained. You’re bound to spot popular locals such as wallabies, goannas and echidnas. If you’re lucky you might also spot koalas, yellow-bellied gliders and a powerful owl. There are also over 200 bird species found in Wallingat so keep your binoculars handy to get close up views of king parrots, glossy black cockatoos and blue wrens. Find a place along the way to sit and take in the peaceful sounds of the forest. You can then head back to the picnic area to cook up a storm on the barbecue and relax among the tall cabbage palms and flooded gums.

Wallingat NSW

8.0 km away

Coachwood Loop Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Coachwood Loop Walking Track

This short loop walk in Wallingat National Park begins at Sugar Creek picnic area and wanders gently through striking cabbage palms and tall eucalypt forests. A little further on, the coachwoods appear – their smooth trunks completely covered in horizontal patches of grey lichens. The loop track forks off to the left and returns back along the watercourse. While this track is Grade 5 due to not having directional signage, you'll still find it a gentle walk. An impressive 258 animal species have been recorded in the park, with 47 of these species considered threatened or of conservation significance. Over 300 plant species have also been identified, and the park’s vegetation ranges from tall moist forest, swamps and rainforest to dry forests and woodlands. Particularly striking are the majestic white flooded gum and dense cabbage tree palm forests.

Wallingat NSW

8.2 km away

Mining Road Fire Trail, Old Gibber Road Rire Trail — Image credit: Photo: Shane Chalker

Natural Attractions

Mining Road Fire Trail, Old Gibber Road Rire Trail

The former Mining Road was constructed as an access road when the area was being mined for heavy mineral sands like rutile and zircon, before the establishment of Myall Lakes National Park. Today, the Mining Road fire trail joins with the Old Gibber Road fire trail to make a popular day or overnight ride within the park. The trail starts at Seal Rocks Road, travelling along the former Mining Road for 10 kilometres through coastal forest to a swampy area that is known as ‘The Moors’. If you're riding in spring you'll see stunning wildflowers and you're bound to see lots of birds. The route then joins up with the Old Gibber Road fire trail for another 10 kilometres, finishing at Boomeri campground. Other camping options along the way include Shelly beach campground and Johnsons Beach campground.

Yagon NSW

9.4 km away

Number One Beach at Seal Rocks

Natural Attractions

Number One Beach

Number One Beach is well-named; it really could be the best beach in the state or even Australia: the beach, the views and the waters are just beautiful! Number One Beach faces north, providing sweeping views back towards Pacific Palms and offering protected swimming. It is also a good surf beach with a rocky headland walk. At times weed can appear on the beach with rough seas, at this time Boat Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Treachery Beach are a good alternative.

Seal Rocks NSW

9.8 km away

Hearts Point picnic area

Natural Attractions

Hearts Point picnic area

Hearts Point picnic area is a lovely spot for a break in the northern edge of Myall Lakes National Park, at Neranie, that overlooks scenic Myall Lake. It's a great spot for a family picnic on a day trip, or a pit stop while car touring in the park. There's a large grassy area where the kids can run around, while you cook up a feast on the free gas barbecues. Enjoy a leisurely lunch while you take in the tranquil vista. After eating, check out Neranie Headland walking track with its spectacular views and abundant birdlife, and take a stroll through the historic timber town of Neranie. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch. You can even launch the canoe and paddle the idyllic waterways. If you're tempted to stay, head to nearby Neranie campground for a relaxing lakeside holiday.

Bungwahl NSW

10 km away

Booti Booti National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Booti Booti National Park

Scenically located between the coast and a tranquil lake, on the NSW mid-north coast, Booti Booti National Park takes in scenic headlands, beautiful beaches, refreshing rainforest, and 11km of estuarine foreshore. The name comes from butibuti, the local Worimi Aboriginal word meaning plenty of honey. Plenty is certainly a common theme here plenty of hiking, swimming, birdwatching, and whale watching in the winter as they migrate along the coast. There are plenty of opportunities to settle down in a picnic spot beneath the paperbarks, and plenty of surfing and mountain biking for the young at heart. The beaches are an enduring favourite, with families and sun-lovers turning weekends into energetic gatherings. Add in terrific driving tours and some truly stunning lookouts like the one at Cape Hawke, and you have a park that appeals across the board. Booti Booti has plenty for everyone.

Pacific Palms NSW

10 km away

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