Holiday houses in Blueys Beach

The Great Lakes region of New South Wales lives up to its name. A seemingly never-ending array of waters (both fresh and salty) adorns the mid-North Coast of the state uniting vast Myall, Smiths, and Wallis lakes, cradling powdery beaches and postcard-perfect lagoons. But leave the shore behind and head west, and you’ll soon be ensconced in lush hinterland forest. At the heart of all the action is Blueys Beach, an idyllic hamlet in the town of Pacific Palms. Surfers are a regular sight here, but so are ocean swimmers and visitors just soaking up views across to the sleepy holiday village of Seal Rocks.

With such a bounty in your backyard, it’s no surprise that days here revolve around the great outdoors, whether kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding or fishing and hiking. Bring your appetite for adventure and for sustainably caught seafood: flathead, bream, and plump Sydney rock oysters are all local delicacies.

Weather doesn’t seem to faze the hardcore surfers here: You’ll find them on Blueys Beach regardless of the temperature or time of year. For everyone else, warmer weather is the biggest draw. Summer is peak season if you’re looking to swim and snorkel, but the cooler winter months of June through August are ideal for those opting to lace up hiking boots and take on coastal or inland rainforest trails. This time of year also brings with it the chance of spotting migrating whales (May through November).

Booti Booti National Park

On a long peninsula at the northern end of Pacific Palms, between the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake, you’ll discover this epic nature reserve, home to deserted beaches, vast rainforest webbed with hiking trails, and scenic headlands ideal for spotting humpback and southern right whales during migration and seabirds all year round. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and your swimsuit.

Barrington Tops National Park

Head inland for more outdoor adventures in Barrington Tops National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, protecting one of the largest patches of temperate rainforest in the country. Dozens of hiking trails zigzag the park, which also offers opportunities for kayaking, abseiling, and mountain biking, with native flora and fauna a constant whichever route you take.

Beach hopping

Once you’ve plumbed the depths of Blueys, a wide variety of other blissful stretches of sand await nearby. Stop past Boomerang Beach for uncrowded surfing; Elizabeth Beach for calm, turquoise waters; or Shelly Beach, where clothing is optional and views of Booti Booti National Park dazzle.