Your Guide To Boomerang Beach - Australian Traveller

The sleepy NSW beach town you need to know about now.

Located in the Pacific Palms region of NSW’s North Coast, the tiny township of Boomerang Beach is what the summer holidays of our childhoods were made of. Where days are spent hot-sand hopping along the beach, fossicking around rock pools, chowing down on fish and chips drenched in vinegar, and around a campfire at dusk… sun-kissed skin, salty hair and sandy feet for the win.

an aerial view of Elizabeth Beach, Booti Booti National Park — Take the scenic route to Elizabeth Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s the simplicity of life here that is the lure. Tourism Australia’s ‘Beach Expert’ Brad Farmer seems to agree, placing this “sunburnt Aussie surfing haven" in second place on his 2023 list of Best Beaches in Australia. He describes the region’s tapestry of beaches, lakes, rivers and coves as nature’s gift and an idyllic place for campers and van-lifers. We dig our toes a little deeper in the sand to bring you this weekend getaway guide.

an aerial shot of Boomerang Beach — Dip into the crystalline waters. (Image: Undertow Snaps)

How to get to Boomerang Beach

Boomerang Beach is located on NSW‘s Barrington Coast, a 20-minute drive south of Forster and two hours north of Newcastle.

a path leading to Boomerang Beach — Head out with the fam for a beach holiday at Boomerang Beach. (Image: Claudia Gabriel Lim)

Top things to do in Boomerang Beach

Swim, surf, and sunbathe at the many beaches

The region is known for its vast, uncrowded beaches, where soft, pristine sand is lapped by crystalline water. It’s also a surfer’s utopia. Aptly named Boomerang Beach is a kilometre-long curved stretch of sand that is bookended by headlands.

an aerial view of a person surfing on the turquoise blue waters, Hola Palms, Boomerang Beach — Surf on gigantic translucent waves. (Image: Tom Radcliff Visuals)

Its east-facing position and rock ledges capture ideal and consistent swell, drawing surfers in far and wide, and has also hosted major surf events. Blueys Beach, to its south, is another favoured surfing spot.

Just north of Boomerang lies Booti Booti National Park where you’ll find Shelly Beach, which is popular with rock fishermen and nudists who stick to the northern corner, and Elizabeth Beach, a calm spot for relaxed swimming and families, and Seven Mile Beach, which stretches all the way to Forster.

a stunning beach and grassy landscape at Booti Booti National Park — Soak up nature and stunning beach views at Booti Booti National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

While a little further south, Sandbar (also known as Cellito Beach) is an absolute beauty with next to sugar-white sand and turquoise water, accessed by a boardwalk that cuts through littoral rainforest. You can four-wheel-drive on the beach at Sandbar, but you need to apply for a permit.

Scenic coastal views across Elizabeth Beach in Booti Booti National Park. — The region is known for its vast, uncrowded beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

Isolated surf village Seal Rocks is also nearby (around 25 minutes south of Boomerang). Its main beach, also known as Number One, is popular with beginner surfers and SUP riders, while Treachery Beach and Lighthouse Beach are both magnets for advanced surfers.

a surfer catching waves at Seven Mile Beach which stretches from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads — Get ready to catch the waves at Seven Mile Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Learn to surf with Gary Hughes Surf School , which runs lessons all over the Barrington Coast. Or if gliding about on a SUP is more your pace, hire a board or book a lesson with Pacific Palms SUP.

three surfers heading out into the water at Elizabeth Beach in Booti Booti National Park — Learn to surf with your mates at Elizabeth Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Trail the many bushwalks

Booti Booti National Park is an eight-kilometre peninsula wedged between ocean and lake just north of Boomerang. Meaning ‘plenty of honey’ in the local Worimi language, this protected paradise comprises The Booti Hill and Wallis Lake Walking Track, a seven-kilometre loop through coastal rainforest, past white-sand swimming spots and along headlands with views.

an aerial view of Number One Beach, Seal Rocks — Hike up the headlands for incredible views of Number One Beach, Seal Rocks. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you’re venturing to Seal Rocks, make time for the easy Treachery Headland Walking Track, a two-kilometre walk through rainforest with views of Sugarpoint Lighthouse.

Or drive inland to Wallingat National Park, which comprises forest and swamp landscapes and is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as goannas, echidnas and kangaroos, with a number of tracks including the hyper-green 1.7-kilometre Cabbage Palm Loop.

an aerial view of scenic waters off Number One Beach, Seal Rocks — Capture breathtaking views of Number One Beach, Seal Rocks. (Image: Destination NSW)

Relax at Blueys Beach Natural Health Centre

Located within the small village of Blueys Beach, Blueys Beach Natural Health Centre is a wellness hub offering yoga, pilates and qigong in the garden. Or book in for a relaxing treatment such as a massage, facial or remedial therapy, including acupressure, naturopathic Chinese medicine, iridology, reiki and more.

Where to eat in Boomerang Beach

Blueys Beach may be a tiny village, but it has all the essentials you need for a blissful weekend getaway, starting with coffee. Kembali Cafe does a mean cuppa with an Indo-inspired menu for both breakfast and lunch, while across the road Drift Palms is a casual spot with acai bowls, burgers, fish and chips and the like. Hueys at Blueys Pizzeria serve up gourmet pizzas (and they also deliver) or pick up some local provisions such as cheese, cured meats and wine at Blueys Cellars and Deli.

A little further afield, The Recky at Elizabeth Beach is perched on Wallis Lake and has a pub-style menu with a large lawn that is great for kids; they also run a courtesy bus.

people dining on the lakeside lawn at The Recky, Elizabeth Beach — Dine al fresco in front of Wallis Lake at The Recky.

Or venture to Forster for a host of excellent eateries, including Mexican cantina Si Senorita or Wharf Street Distillery to dine on modern Australian and sample the gins made onsite.

Where to stay in Boomerang Beach

Mahalo

Mahalo in Boomerang Beach is an exquisite home located a stone’s throw from the beach. It sleeps up to 10 guests and prioritises fun family time as much as it does luxury (think a swimming pool, fire pit, pizza oven, board games, bunk beds, skateboard, beach cart and more). It is just one of the exquisite holiday homes hosted by Hola Palms , a bespoke collection of architecturally designed properties around Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach and its surrounds.

Moby’s Beachside Retreat

Moby’s Beachside Retreat is a short walk from Blueys Beach and has a variety of beach houses that sleep two to six guests, with a pool and spa, gym, tennis court and Sips at Moby’s, a bistro that is open all day.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

A perfect guide to Boomerang Beach