Story by Katie
Cosy Stays & Coastal Days
Adventure in Coomba Park, North Coast, NSW, AU
The drive into Coomba Park hugged the edges of Wallis Lake, offering little glimpses of water through the trees as we wound our way towards our stay. We arrived in the late afternoon and instantly felt at home. The warm, welcoming vibe made it the perfect spot for a relaxing staycation. Dinner was easy to prepare in the well-equipped kitchen, before we snuggled into the comfort of the koala sofa to escape the rainy outside. A long soak in the bathtub was the perfect way to unwind.
The bedrooms were beautifully designed, with beds so cosy we woke only to the soft patter of rain against the windows. It was the perfect excuse for a lazy morning. After a slow start and a tasty breakfast, the rain began to ease, so we wandered down to the lake foreshore just a few minutes away. A little path winds around part of the lake, where choppy waters and tiny whitecaps greeted us. Before long the rain returned, and we looped back to the house, passing a group of kangaroos completely unbothered by the weather. Back inside, we curled up on the sofa to read, play games, and binge a few movies on the smart TV.
The next day unfolded in much the same way, grey skies and steady rain. After a hectic few weeks, we welcomed it as an excuse to slow down and recharge. We drove into Forster and found Nineteen 59, a cosy coffee shop selling not only delicious brews and snacks, but also surfboards, accessories, and merch. With warm cups in hand, we strolled along the river watching pelicans drift by before heading back to our lakeside retreat. By late afternoon the rain finally cleared, and we lit the outdoor fire pit, toasting marshmallows and soaking up the peacefulness of Coomba Park.
On our final morning, we woke to sunshine streaming through the window, though somehow the rain lingered lightly in the air. By the time we’d packed up and had our morning coffee, the sun was out in full force. We carried our paddleboard down to the lake, where the water had transformed into a glassy calm, a stark contrast to the days before. Later, we drove to the coast to meet friends and explore some of the region’s famous beaches, with Seven Mile Beach in Booti Booti National Park quickly becoming a favourite.
From misty mornings and rainy afternoons to golden sunshine on the lake, Coomba Park gave us a little taste of every season. Luisa was a wonderful and thoughtful host, making the Lakeside Boat House feel even more like a retreat for all moods and moments, a place we can’t wait to return to.
The bedrooms were beautifully designed, with beds so cosy we woke only to the soft patter of rain against the windows. It was the perfect excuse for a lazy morning. After a slow start and a tasty breakfast, the rain began to ease, so we wandered down to the lake foreshore just a few minutes away. A little path winds around part of the lake, where choppy waters and tiny whitecaps greeted us. Before long the rain returned, and we looped back to the house, passing a group of kangaroos completely unbothered by the weather. Back inside, we curled up on the sofa to read, play games, and binge a few movies on the smart TV.
The next day unfolded in much the same way, grey skies and steady rain. After a hectic few weeks, we welcomed it as an excuse to slow down and recharge. We drove into Forster and found Nineteen 59, a cosy coffee shop selling not only delicious brews and snacks, but also surfboards, accessories, and merch. With warm cups in hand, we strolled along the river watching pelicans drift by before heading back to our lakeside retreat. By late afternoon the rain finally cleared, and we lit the outdoor fire pit, toasting marshmallows and soaking up the peacefulness of Coomba Park.
On our final morning, we woke to sunshine streaming through the window, though somehow the rain lingered lightly in the air. By the time we’d packed up and had our morning coffee, the sun was out in full force. We carried our paddleboard down to the lake, where the water had transformed into a glassy calm, a stark contrast to the days before. Later, we drove to the coast to meet friends and explore some of the region’s famous beaches, with Seven Mile Beach in Booti Booti National Park quickly becoming a favourite.
From misty mornings and rainy afternoons to golden sunshine on the lake, Coomba Park gave us a little taste of every season. Luisa was a wonderful and thoughtful host, making the Lakeside Boat House feel even more like a retreat for all moods and moments, a place we can’t wait to return to.
Things We Did
- Café
- Standup Paddle
- Beach
- Walk
Tucked along the Forster foreshore, Nineteen 59 takes its name from the year the Forster - Tuncurry Bridge first opened, connecting the two towns. The café itself is stylish yet relaxed, with reclaimed local timber and a cosy atmosphere that draws you in from the water’s edge. Not only does it serve up delicious coffee and incredible-looking food, but it’s also part boutique, with surfboards and fins propped up for sale, alongside branded hats, totes, and a range of coffee accessories.We picked up takeaway coffees and wandered down along the river, watching pelicans glide across the surface of Wallis Lake with the bridge in the background.
The sun was shining as we carried our paddleboard down to Wallis Lake. The water was calm, and the sunlight danced across the surface. We paddled around, exploring the lake and its small inlets, pausing occasionally to take in the view and enjoy the quiet, feeling completely relaxed and lucky to have the lake mostly to ourselves.
We spent the day exploring some of the region’s famous beaches, each with its own charm. Seven Mile Beach in Booti Booti National Park quickly became a favourite, its long stretch of golden sand perfect for a walk, with the sound of waves rolling in. A few surfers were out, braving the water. We also stopped at Boomerang Beach and Bluey Beach, both stunning in their own ways, and famous for a reason.It was a fun day of beach hopping, discovering a mix of open stretches and tucked-away spots. By the end of the day, it felt like we’d experienced the full spectrum of coastal beauty with each beach offering its own little moment of magic.
A grey and rainy day didn’t stop us from exploring the Coomba Park foreshore of Wallis Lake, a sprawling coastal lake near Forster. The water stretched out under grey skies, its choppy surface dotted with tiny whitecaps. The Coomba foreshore walk followed the edge of the lake. When the rain got heavy, we looped back, passing a group of kangaroos completely unfazed by the weather. It was a simple, refreshing walk, a quiet moment that made the rainy day feel unexpectedly charming.
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Where we stayed
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