Bulahdelah

Myall Lakes National Park  

Bulahdelah is the western gateway to the Myall Lakes National Park, the largest natural freshwater lake system in NSW. This is an incredible spot for kayaking, walking and fishing. It’s also home to the Grandis, the tallest tree in NSW. The flooded gum is over 400 years old and more than 70 metres tall. The park has many beautiful wide sandy beaches and fantastic swimming spots.

Neranie campground and picnic area, Myall Lakes National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Aboriginal heritage  

Overlooking Bulahdelah, Bulahdelah Mountain is a legislated Aboriginal Place, in recognition of its cultural and spiritual significance to the Worimi people, the traditional custodians of this land. Also called Alum Mountain due to mining in the area in the 19th century, its walking trails pass traditional tree carvings, an Aboriginal scatter site and a cultural space with seating and a fire pit. 

The Boolah-Dillah Track is 2.2 kilometres return from the Worimi Cultural Area. From here you can take the 1.7-kilometre return Mountain Track to Mountain Lookout or take the 840-metre return Ted Baker Track which starts along the Boolah-Dillah Track. 

Bulahdelah Mountain Lookout sign post, Buladelah - Credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Historic buildings & trails 

There are many beautiful bushwalks near Bulahdelah, including the Wootton Historical Railway Trail in the Wang Wauk State Forest. This six-kilometre walk follows an old logging railway through a rainforest gully, passing creeks, waterfalls and stands of flooded gums before finishing at the remains of an old trestle bridge. 

Wootton Historical Railway Walk, Bulahdelah - Credit: Louise Faulkner Photography

The Court House Museum offers a fascinating insight into the town’s history. Built in 1886 with sandstone shipped from England, the heritage-listed building overlooks the Myall River and houses a collection of historical items including old courthouse and police artefacts, a large genealogy database and photo displays. You can even visit the old cells out the back.

Eat & drink

Sample boutique gin flavoured with fruit, spices and native botanicals at The Farmer's Wife Distillery in Allworth. The welcoming distillery door looks out over tranquil farmland and serves breakfast, lunch and grazing boards. At Great Lakes Paddock, pasture to plate dining is the star. See the herd of Angus cattle grazing on the property as you enjoy fresh local produce and wine made from the property's own grapes.

The Farmer's Wife Distillery, Allworth - Credit: Jess Porter Photography | Farmers Wife Distillery

Where to stay 

With more than 130km of tranquil waterways to explore, hiring a houseboat is a great way to experience the lake in all its moods. Bulahdelah-based Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboats allow you to skipper a boat to Myall Lakes National Park, where you can kayak, fish, swim and look for wildlife on bushwalks. 

Within the Myall Lakes National Park are heritage cottages and campsites, as well as the NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park. And in the town itself, is the BIG4 River Myall Holiday Resort and several motels and hotels.  

Getting there  

Bulahdelah is just over a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney and a 55-minute drive from Newcastle Airport, which services most major Australian cities. Coaches and trains also run from Sydney, via Newcastle. You can make this a memorable stop on a North Coast road trip.