Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales

The weather warming beautifully, this was a perfect day for taking a break from boat work for an explore.

First off, though, was this beauty coming alongside. A replica paddle wheel steam sailer.

Just over an hour north of Newcastle, and 16km east of Bulahdelah, is the picturesque Myall Lakes National Park.

The largest coastal lake system found in New South Wales, comprised of fresh water lakes, sea, and islands, we discovered this would require more than a half day visit.

Originally home to the Worimi people, the lake system provided a bountiful supply of food sources for thousands of years. Although we didn’t do the walk, Dark Point Aboriginal place was the site for ceremonies and feasts.

The tree tannins created beautiful colours within the water.

 

Walks suitable for all fitness levels, picnic and camping sites, a beach suitable for 4WD, places to fish are all in this one spot. It is even possible to hire boats if you don’t own one!

It is only the beginning of spring, and already the flowers today are stunning. Banksia, Tea Trees,

Flannel flowers – another bucket list item ticked – and more delighted the eye. My Olympus macro was christened.

Surprise of the day was this beauty!

It looks like an ant, but is actually a flower wasp!

The vibrant blues on this female are stunning to behold! I discovered it is constantly on the move, so taking images wasn’t the easiest thing to do. She walks with her backside raised almost fully upright, appearing quite fearsome – making attackers think otherwise (that pic just didn’t work out).

The female acts like an ant, and dines on nectar, which in turn also pollinates the flowers, whereas the male is darker has white spots on his belly, wings and flies: he is smaller, too!

2.5cm in length, you wouldn’t like to be stung by this beauty!

Whilst walking along the —Mungo Walking Track, a movement in the darkened understory caught my eye.

Hopping – or I should say with more of a bound – the flecks of sunlight lit up a green coloured bird. Initial reaction was a parrot, but they don’t move in that manner. A sign at the walk’s commencement stated Satin bowerbirds inhabited the area. Knowing how the birds move, it made more sense that this was one of those.

A check on the internet. Yep. We sighted a female satin bowerbird! Bucket list item ticked! You never know, I may get a photograph one day.

 

Interesting Facts

Myall Wetlands
  • 47,493 hectares of land
  • 40kms of beaches (swimming and surfing)
  • Summer temperatures range between 19° and 27°
Blue Ants
  • Prefer to be solitary
  • Have curved antennae – those on ants are straight
  • The males can be green or blue and also pollinates flowers
  • The larvae eat insects that have been paralysed
  • Females lives in burrows in the ground. She lays her eggs in there and finds beetle larvae and other insects for them to dine on.
Satin Bower Bird
  • Males are blue black, females green
  • Eat insects during summer and leaves during winter

 

 

Links

Blue Ants

Satin Bowerbird

Satin Bowerbird Call (get to hear their Call)

Plants & Animals of Myall Lakes

Myall Lakes Attractions

Myall Lakes Visitor Information

Myall Lakes National Park