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BULAHDELAH - FULL OF SURPRISES!
Let’s ponder something for a moment. Say your family lives in Newcastle or perhaps Sydney and you really, really need a break. There's a long weekend coming up and you want to get away to relax and recharge but where do you go where everyone in your family can make great memories? If you could imagine a place that had beautiful mountains, captivating lakes and rivers, stunning bush walks, pristine world class beaches and fabulous food and wine you'd think it was too good to be true right? Well prepare to be surprised.
Bulahdelah, is part of the Barrington Coast. The town is 3 hours from Sydney and 1 hour from Newcastle. And once you're here you are right in the middle of one the most exciting tourism destinations in NSW. Why? Because everything is within easy reach and best of all, it’s made for families.
Book into any of the fabulous local accommodation facilities like the Big 4 River Myall Holiday Resort, the first of its kind and a sanctuary for families who want a real outdoor escape in a beautiful, natural environment and, the winner of the best Big 4 holiday resort in NSW. There are a range of options to suit your family’s style from spacious camp sites to modern family cabins and top class glamping tents. The kids will love the swimming pool, games room, mini golf, giant jumping pillow and lots more while you both enjoy some stolen moments together strolling along the fantastic river board walk.
Or, settle in at the beautiful Bombah Point Eco Cottages, a 4.5-star retreat for the eco-conscious family. Situated on the edge of town, relax and tread lightly on untouched sand, wash in rainwater, forage from the eco gardens and learn the local ways. Get the kids excited by challenging them to see who can be first to spot a koala – seriously, nature is so close you can reach out and touch it. Your next door neighbor is the fabulous Myall River National Park, the perfect environment for some of Australia's most diverse and abundant wildlife to flourish. Discover giant sand dunes, kayak and swim or ‘catch’ some fresh local Myall oysters and prawns (from the local fish Co-Op of course).
Or, for an unforgettable experience on the magnificent Myall Lakes, hire a luxury houseboat from Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboats and let the family relax or, just go crazy! The freshwater Myall Lakes are part of The Great Lakes which also include Smith’s Lake and Wallis Lake (both saltwater) near Forster. Wake up to the sounds of Cockatoos, Magpies and Rainbow Lorikeets. Roll over to peer out of your bedside window and catch the first glimpses of the unspoilt wilderness that surrounds you. Catch a fish, swim, go canoeing, sail boarding or just do nothing while enjoying a glass of award-winning local wine.
But wherever you choose to stay, you get to end every perfect day, by sitting back and enjoying a magnificent Bulahdelah sunset.
The town itself is situated on Worimi country at the meeting of the Crawford and Myall Rivers. White settlers began moving into the district from about 1840. In the early days the key industries were timber and mining. Mount Alum, or Bulahdelah Mountain, contains the world’s largest deposit of the rare mineral Alunite once used as a source of potash and alumina. Take a stroll down the main street and visit the local gift shops and charming cafés. Bulahdelaheans love their coffee so only the best is served here.
The local tourist information centre is right there and ready to help you get around. Visit the historic Courthouse located to the east of town overlooking the Myall River, take a stroll along the river and don’t forget that selfie beside the sculpture of the Big Bass. Bulahdelah is a well-known fishing spot and hosts the annual Big Bass fishing competition so if you’re an angler get excited or, at least get your story ready for the ‘one that got away’.
For the kids or the young at heart there is a new concrete skate park with lots of fun stuff like kickers, hips, rails and ledges and, the park is right at the start of the Bulahdelah Mountain Walk. It’s a sensational walking trail and the views from the top are breath-taking. For the foodies who don’t want to travel far you have Australian, Chinese, home-made Pizza and authentic Indonesian plus award-winning local wine. Sensational!
And when you are ready, jump in the car and discover what’s just around the corner. Open the Itinerary on the Bulahdelah website and find out for yourself why Bulahdelah really is, Full of Surprises!
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Bulahdelah - Full of Surprises
Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast of NSW is not just a town, it’s a destination – a destination that’s right in the middle of one the most exciting tourism hotspots in NSW. Why? Because everything is within easy reach. To the North and West there are magnificent eucalypt forests with towering flooded gums including the spectacular Grandis which stands over 70 metres tall, the tallest tree in NSW. And breath-taking natural features like the Ellenborough Falls, the largest single drop waterfall in NSW and of course the world heritage listed Barrington Tops. To the East is the tourism hub of Forster and so many pristine beaches that it’s hard to choose. If you don’t know these names you soon will and once seen, you will never forget - Seal Rocks, Elizabeth Beach, Bluey’s Beach or Boomerang Beach, recently voted the second most beautiful beach in the world! To the South is Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, well known for fresh seafood, fine cuisine, great golf courses, bushwalks and more first class beaches. And right in and around Bulahdelah you will find the award winning Big 4 River Myall Holiday Resort, the relaxing Bombah Point Eco Cottages, the magnificent Alum Mountain and the gateway to the fabulous Myall Lakes – Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboats. And this is just a taste. In fact we are sure you will find that Bulahdelah is Full of Surprises.
Day one
Morning - in town
Aim to reach Bulahdelah by 10.00am (3 hours North from Sydney and 1 hour North from Newcastle). Check into your chosen accommodation and start your long weekend with a relaxed bite to eat at Café on Main or Myalla Magic - ask any local where to get the best coffee and cakes on the Mid North Coast and they will point the way. When you have finished take a stroll through the local gift shops for that special little something and why not get setup for a picnic, you’ll learn why in a minute. Mr Ben & the Weasel stocks fabulous local cheeses, honey and sour dough bread plus mouth-watering charcuterie. Bulahdelah is also famous for its pork sausages and meat pies. Wander across to the Tourist Information Centre and ask for Kevin - he loves to chat about local history, local characters and great places to visit.
Afternoon - local walk
It’s getting close to lunch so take the short drive from the Information Centre to Bulahdelah’s Historic Courthouse built in 1888 on a hill to the east of town overlooking the Myall River. From there it’s a short hop across to the base of Alum Mountain. This mountain is significant to the local Worimi Aboriginal people who call it Boolah Dillah, meaning 'the Great Rock' so take care to respect your surroundings and keep to the track please. Let the kids loose in the skate park while you prepare for the hike up the mountain. There are easier walks if you have young ones or take the hike to the top, depending on how fit you feel. If in doubt, make the effort because the view from the top is absolutely spectacular and, you’ve got that wonderful picnic as a reward.
Evening - local food
Wherever you have chosen to stay there will be a hot shower and a magnificent Bulahdelah sunset to get you ready for dinner. The views over the river from the fabulous glamping tents at the Big 4 River Myall Holiday Resort are sensational – add that to the luxury bathroom with large double shower and the only other requirement is a glass of locally grown, award winning, Old Inn Road Wine. Send the kids off to play on the giant jumping pillow, take a swim in the pool or have a game of mini golf while you enjoy some together time. Finish the day with home-made pizzas served fresh at the Lady Jane Pizza Bar Café. The pizza bases are hand-made and there are plenty of interesting toppings with gluten free and vegan options for adults and kids. Don’t stay up too late because tomorrow is a big day.
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THREE DAYS IN BULADELAH
Bulahdelah is an Aboriginal Worimi word meaning the meeting place of two rivers. That's appropriate because as a destination Bulahdelah, is also a tourism hub.
It's the centre of the Mid North Coast's best tourism region. Look North and West for gigantic eucalypt forests, green rolling hills, breath-taking natural wonders and historic villages. Look South and East for bustling holiday towns, pristine beaches, stunning coastal vistas and spectacular riverine landscapes. Sometimes the sheer majesty of nature makes you pause, rebalance and recommit to what's important in your life. That's what memorable experiences do, and Bulahdelah? It's full of surprises.
