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.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

A perfect guide to Boomerang Beach