
Wallarah National Park
Wallarah National Park, perfect for fishing, cycling, hiking, surfing and picnicking, is less than an hour’s drive from Newcastle and Gosford, yet completely remote.
- Fees
Free park entry
- Things to do
- 3
- Where
- North Coast
Itinerary
You'll find plenty of places to angle - as well as go swimming, walking, camping, picnicking and paddling - on this spectacular fishing trip along the NSW North Coast. Learn more about staying safe whilst fishing.
Read more about Itinerary: NSW North Coast fishing
Visit Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area and cast your line from a kayak on Lake Macquarie, the largest salt lake in the Southern Hemisphere. After taking in the blissful lake lifestyle, make your way a bit further north and fish from the lovely beaches and bays around Port Stephens stopping in at Tomaree National Park along the way. Keep an eye out for whiting, bream and flathead in the pristine beaches and estuaries, fish off the rocky headlands for prized snapper and kingfish, or head out in a boat to catch marlin and tuna.
When you're not angling for fish, plenty of other adventures await you in this picturesque region. Embark on a scenic coastal walk, bring your binoculars along for a spot of whale watching and enjoy a swim or surf at one of the many stunning beaches. There's something for everyone on this fishing trip, including scenic campgrounds and places to picnic where you can barbecue your catch of the day.
This journey starts in Sydney and follows the first section of The Pacific Coast Drive along Pacific Highway. Check out the Visit NSW website for more information.
You'll need to organise a fishing licence before setting out. Please visit the NSW Fisheries website for more information.
For weather forecasts in the area, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Head north from Sydney along the Central Coast. Stop to fish from the rocks in Wallarah National Park before driving round to Morisset picnic area to cast your line in Lake Macquarie, the Southern Hemisphere's largest permanent salt lake. You'll find great fishing spots near Morisset, where you can bushwalk and picnic with the local wildlife. Barbecue your catch and enjoy a comfortable night's accommodation in Baileys Cottage, which sits on the doorstep of Newcastle, surrounded by beaches and littoral rainforest.
Wallarah National Park, perfect for fishing, cycling, hiking, surfing and picnicking, is less than an hour’s drive from Newcastle and Gosford, yet completely remote.
Free park entry
Morisset picnic area is located in Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area. This area is closed until further notice for safety reasons.
Special Offer
Baileys Cottage in Glenrock State Conservation Area offers holiday accommodation near Newcastle. There’s a load to do, including mountain biking, fishing and walking.
Head to Port Stephens for some meditative fishing in Worimi National Park, or from the pretty bays in Tomaree National Park. Be sure to visit secluded Fishermans Bay foreshore to explore the rockpools, indulge in a spot of beach fishing or go for a dip if the weather's warm. Once you've had your fill of exploring, make your way to Little Mountain campground in Karuah National Park and cast your line into the river to unwind at the end the day. Set up your tent, lie back, relax and listen to the chorus of birds in the trees above as you settle in for the night.
Worimi National Park is a special Aboriginal place near Newcastle. Enjoy whale watching, fishing and beach driving on the Worimi Conservation Lands.
Beach Vehicle Permit required. Annual passes are not valid for this park.
Tomaree National Park near Port Stephens is a great weekend getaway. Explore the historical significance of Fort Tomaree on a school excursion, or go whale watching, walking to see koalas or fishing and have a tasty picnic lunch by the beach.
Free park entry
Fishermans Bay foreshore close to Anna Bay and Nelson Bay on the north coast, is a great spot for family picnics, swimming, kayaking, rockpool walks or whale watching.
Little Mountain campground is a quiet riverside camping area in Karuah National Park. Enjoy 4WD touring, mountain biking, fishing, paddling and birdwatching from your campsite near Karuah.