Wallingat National Park

Wallingat National Park is located in New South Wales, Australia, near the state's Mid North Coast, approximately 40 kilometers south of Forster. The park covers an area of about 6,557 hectares and is bordered by the Wallingat River. Nearby towns include Pacific Palms, Bulahdelah, and Smiths Lake, providing access points to the park. Established in 1999, Wallingat National Park was created to protect its lush forests and rich biodiversity. The area has been important to the Worimi people, the traditional custodians of the land, for thousands of years. Today, the park preserves significant Aboriginal cultural heritage sites. Parking facilities are available at various points throughout the park, with designated parking areas near popular attractions such as Sugar Creek Picnic Area and Whoota Whoota Lookout. Most parking areas are free, though access may be more limited during wet weather due to unsealed roads. The park is home to a variety of native wildlife, including swamp wallabies, koalas, and gliders. Birdwatchers can spot species such as the wedge-tailed eagle, powerful owl, and various parrots and honeyeaters. The park’s waterways support platypuses and a range of aquatic life, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts. Wallingat National Park is known for its diverse flora, including towering eucalypt forests of blackbutt, tallowwood, and flooded gum. Subtropical rainforest thrives in the damper areas, with tree ferns and vines creating a lush undergrowth. The park is particularly vibrant in spring when wildflowers such as boronias and grevilleas are in bloom. Notable features include Whoota Whoota Lookout, which offers panoramic views over Wallis Lake and the surrounding landscape, and the scenic Wallingat River, ideal for kayaking and fishing. Public transport to the park is limited, so it’s best accessed by private vehicle. Visitors from nearby towns can reach the park via unsealed roads, but a 4WD is recommended for some areas. Photo Credit: John Spencer