Close your eyes and you could be on a remote island of the Pacific. All you can see in every direction is glassy clear water, curved golden beaches and steep hills covered in forest. Then you shake your head and realise you’re only a few hours north of Sydney. Welcome to Seal Rocks.
Seal Rocks is a remote coastal area near Forster on the NSW Mid North Coast. Before you get your hopes up, the seal colony has long since moved on. But if you like the sound of pristine beaches, rocky headlands and thick forest then you won’t be disappointed. This is the traditional land of the Worimi people. The combination of salt waters, sand dunes, rocky headlands and forest provided them with a variety of food and resources. Today, it provides visitors with a remote coastal escape that is soothing to the soul. It’s not hard to fall in love with the scenery and tranquillity at Seal Rocks. One tip, this might not be a Pacific island but it is quite remote so bring what you need with you. There is a local Post Office that stocks the essentials like bread and milk, but the nearest decent grocery store is a 20-minute drive.
What to do …
1. Laze Around on Number One Beach
Number One Beach is a wide, circular bay with an island-like headland on the south end and sweeping views of jagged rocky coastline to the north. The sand is golden and the beach is never crowded. Step into the glassy water and you’re immediately amazed at how clear it is. Look down and you see watery patterns of light dancing on the sand below. Kids will love exploring the rock pools around the island-like headland, which at high tide really is an island. The only problem is, the view of the bay is so panoramic it’s impossible to get it all into a photo!
2. Walk over the Hill to Boat Beach
Boat Beach is the next beach along, over a headland. You’ll pass an eclectic Post Office which is also a little general store and the only shop in Seal Rocks. The beach is protected by headlands on both sides and by an offshore reef. It’s a calm alternative for families if the surf is up on Number One Beach. The snorkelling is also good along the rocks and out to the rocky island you can see in the photo.
3. Walk the trail to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is behind Boat Beach at the end of Lighthouse Road. It’s a short walk through a tunnel of trees, past a mountainous sea cave straight out of a pirate movie, and up to the lighthouse keepers’ quarters and outbuildings, now converted to holiday accommodation. It’s got a pretty name and it is a pretty spot, with a stunning lookout over Lighthouse Beach. The final part of the climb up to the lighthouse is quite steep. If you do venture to the top (of course you will) you can check out the old lighthouse which dates back to 1875 and take in the views of the wild ocean beyond.
4. Take the 4WD for a Spin on Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is situated on the south side of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. There is 4×4 access from the car park at Treachery Road, but you’ll need a permit from NSW National Parks. You can also walk to the beach from the Lighthouse Walk. It’s a wild, rugged beach with high dunes, ending at Treachery headland. Treachery Beach is beyond this and the popular Treachery Camp is tucked in behind it.
