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It’s not every day you find a place where you can swim in the ocean, paddle a lake, and hike through rainforest all before lunch. But that’s exactly what makes Booti Booti National Park such a local gem.
Tucked along the NSW Mid North Coast, just south of Forster and not far from Hallidays Point, this eight kilometre stretch of peninsula packs in everything you’d want from a nature escape. Think quiet surf beaches, hidden bushwalks, lakefront picnics and sweeping lookouts all easy to reach and even easier to love.
What’s so special about Booti Booti?
Booti Booti (pronounced “booty booty”) is named after the Worimi word for “plenty of honey” and there’s certainly plenty of sweet stuff to discover.
Flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side and Wallis Lake on the other, the park is a mix of rainforest, heathland, dunes and beach. You can spend the morning walking under a canopy of palms, the afternoon beachcombing and swimming in turquoise ocean, and the evening watching sunset over Wallis Lake. It’s that kind of place. The kind that quietly surprises you, in the best way.
Top things to do in Booti Booti National Park
A beachcombers paradise
- Seven Mile Beach (southern end) is where the surf rolls in long and steady. It’s quieter than most popular coastal spots, so you’ll often find a stretch of sand all to yourself.
- Elizabeth Beach is smaller and more protected perfect for families or a gentler swim. Nearby Shelly Beach is generally a little less busy if you're after solitude.
Hike the Booti Hill & Wallis Lake Walking Track
This 8 km loop walk is a must. It climbs Booti Hill with views out over the ocean, winds through coastal rainforest and loops along the tranquil edge of Wallis Lake. You’ll pass cabbage tree palms, wildflowers in spring and birdlife galore — all while soaking in some of the best lookouts on the Mid North Coast.
- Distance: 6–8 km loop
- Difficulty: Moderate. Some stairs and natural surfaces
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Trail map & details
Kayak the calm of Wallis Lake
On the western side of the peninsula, Wallis Lake is a glassy, saltwater haven. It’s ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding or just floating about with a picnic. The water is shallow and clear in parts, perfect for spotting rays, fish and seabirds along the way.
Cape Hawke Lookout (whale watchers, this one’s for you)
Just north of the park, Cape Hawke Lookout gives 360-degree views from the mountains to the sea. It’s a short walk through rainforest to a timber viewing platform, and if you visit in winter, bring the binoculars — humpbacks often cruise past close to shore.
Getting there
Booti Booti National Park sits just south of Forster on the NSW Mid North Coast — around 30 minutes’ drive from BIG4 Happy Hallidays Holiday Park, or 3.5–4 hours north of Sydney.
- From BIG4 Happy Hallidays: Head south on The Lakes Way, following signs toward Pacific Palms. It’s a scenic drive through bush and farmland, with several turn-offs into the park — including Elizabeth Beach, the Ruins campground, or the Wallis Lake picnic area.
There’s plenty of parking at trailheads, picnic spots and beach access points. Some areas may require a NSW Parks day pass, which you can purchase online or on arrival.
What to bring
- Good walking shoes – Trails are natural, with roots and occasional stairs.
- Swimmers & towel – You’ll want to cool off in the surf or lake.
- Water & snacks – Especially on longer hikes.
- Camera or binoculars – For birds, views and maybe even whales.
- Sunscreen, hat & insect repellent – This is Australia, after all.
And always take your rubbish with you — Booti Booti is home to delicate ecosystems and wildlife, and we want to keep it pristine for the next explorer.
Make a day (or weekend) of It
One of the best things about Booti Booti is how easy it is to dip in for a few hours or spend the whole weekend exploring. Stay based at BIG4 Happy Hallidays Holiday Park, where you can unwind in a cabin or on a leafy site, then head out each day for a new coastal adventure.
You could spend Saturday walking Booti Hill, grab fish and chips in Forster for lunch, swim at Elizabeth Beach, and finish with sunset and a cold drink by Wallis Lake. Then do it all again, differently, on Sunday.
Why visitors love Booti Booti
- For families: Sheltered beaches, picnic spots and easy walks.
- For couples: Sunrise swims, lookout moments and peaceful picnic spots.
- For solo travellers: Quiet trails, birdlife and space to breathe.
- For all of us: A place where nature feels close, easy and wildly beautiful.