Fast facts
- Gateway to Myall Lakes National Park
- Situated on the Myall River, with a backdrop of soaring, forested hills
- 242 km north of Sydney, population 1,150
Why go there
Spilling across an area of almost 500 square km, Myall Lakes National Park is a vast system of shallow saltwater lakes connected by rivers and channels. Fringed by paperbark and casuarina trees and a natural playground for recreational boating, the lakes provide a habitat for pelicans, sea eagles, kangaroos and koalas.
There are several campsites and bushwalking trails in the national park, but Myall Lakes reveals its secrets only to those who approach it from the water. By far the best way to explore the lakes in leisurely style is by houseboat.
History
The area was initially cleared for its timber, but mining later became an important local industry. Bulahdelah began as a small river port, where cargo could be loaded onto vessels and transported downstream. It continues in this role as the centre of the houseboat industry for Myall Lakes National Park.
Things to do
- Hire a houseboat and get set for a great floating holiday.
- Spend a day fishing on the magnificent waterways of Myall Lakes National Park.
- Inspect the historic Bulahdelah Court House, now a museum of local history.
Events
- The Bulahdelah Rodeo and Show in November proves that the skills of the bush are still very much alive – from chainsaw artistry to working dogs, horses, camp drafting and show jumping.
Don’t miss
- Historic mining operations in Bulahdelah Mountain Forest Park.
- The prolific local wildlife in Nerong State Forest.
- Bulahdelah Markets, first Saturday of each month.
- The Grandis Tree, a 76-m giant, believed to be the State’s tallest tree.
- Wootton Historical Railway Walk.
