Surrounded by Myall Lakes National Park, Seal Rocks is one of the easiest ways to get properly away from it all without leaving the region. There’s no strip of cafes, no traffic lights and only patchy mobile coverage. What you get instead is bush, beach and the historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, all about 90 minutes north of Newcastle.
Whether your family is into swimming, surfing, fishing, birdwatching or just a good walk, Seal Rocks is worth the drive. Here’s what to do, where to stay and what to know before you go.
Getting to Seal Rocks
From Newcastle, head north on the A1 past Bulahdelah, then take The Lakes Way the rest of the way to Seal Rocks. It’s a winding, slower drive, but that’s part of the appeal. Budget around 1 hour 30 minutes depending on where you’re starting from.
Coming from the north, drive via Forster for a scenic run south, passing Wallis Lake and the coastal spots of Elizabeth Beach, Blueys Beach and Smiths Lake. Stock up on groceries in Forster before you arrive, since options in Seal Rocks itself are limited.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Walk
Built in 1875, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is the reason most families make the trip. It’s easy to reach: drive up Lighthouse Road to the car park, keeping to one side since guests staying in the lighthouse cottages use the same road.
From the car park, it’s a 700 metre walk up to the lighthouse. We saw families walking up with kids of all ages, though be prepared to carry younger ones up the steeper final stretch. There’s a toilet block along the way, and it’s your last chance before the top. Strollers and bikes can make it most of the way up, but you’ll need to leave them on the flat area before the stairs to the lighthouse itself.
Sugarloaf Point Headland
Before tackling the climb, it’s worth detouring to the Sugarloaf Point headland area, a fenced grassy spot with sweeping views over Lighthouse Beach.
Sit a while and you’ve got a good chance of spotting dolphins or white-bellied sea eagles offshore.
At the Top
The final approach is short but steep, so take it at your own pace. Along the grassy slope near the lookout, three memorials commemorate people connected to the lighthouse’s history.
Completed in 1875, Sugarloaf Point is one of only two lighthouse towers in Australia with an external staircase, which you can climb for an even better view.
Information boards at the top cover local shipwrecks, including the SS Catterthun, which sank nearby. There’s also a separate observation area next to the lighthouse with its own outlook.
At the top though, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views.
Beaches at Seal Rocks
Lighthouse Beach at Seal Rocks
Below the lighthouse headland, stairs lead down to Lighthouse Beach. It’s a good spot for a wander, particularly heading north along the rocky shore beneath the headland.
There are stairs leading down to the beach and you can walk down and wander along the beach.
Keep an eye out for 4WDs, which are permitted on this beach with a NSW National Parks vehicle permit, with access near Treachery Beach.
Boat Beach at Seal Rocks
Boat Beach is the place to go for an early morning walk. You can watch the sun coming up over the horizon. It’s also a beautiful beach with a small outcrop of rocks just offshore. It’s a great beach to relax and swim at. Just watch out for 4WDs bringing boats down to the water.
Across from the beach, you’ll find the Seal Rocks General Store and Post Office. This is the only place to pick up basic provisions. You’ll also spot the Single Fin Coffee Caravan which serves coffee, chai and cakes.
Number One Beach at Seal Rocks
Number One Beach is the first beach you see as you drive into Seal Rocks and it’s stunning. Popular with surfers and swimmers, this beach is across the street from Reflections Holiday Park. Larger than Boat Beach, there is more than enough room for everyone.
Treachery Headland Walk
If you’ve got the time, the Treachery Headland walk (1.2 kilometres) is a scenic loop with views over both Lighthouse Beach and Treachery Beach.
It starts from the Treachery Headland car park in Myall Lakes National Park.
Follow the track past the sign to Treachery Head, walking through coastal rainforest and past Treachery Camp, a popular holiday accommodation spot.
A side track leads down to Treachery Beach if anyone in the group is keen for a swim or surf.
You’ll see peeks of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse across the bay before you emerge on the grassy headland.
The headland section can be rough underfoot and windy, so keep young kids close.
The trail loops back to the main path once you’ve taken in the view north over Treachery Beach.
For track conditions, check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for more information about the Treachery Headland walking track before you go.
Good to Know
- No shops or restaurants beyond the general store, so bring supplies from Forster or Bulahdelah
- Mobile coverage is patchy to non-existent in the village
- Best for all ages, though the final lighthouse climb suits kids who can walk or be carried
- Bring a hat and water for the lighthouse walk, there’s limited shade
- 4WD permit required for beach driving between Lighthouse Beach and Treachery Beach
Where to Stay in Seal Rocks
Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages
For an iconic experience, book into one of the Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages. There are three Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages to choose from: The Head Keeper’s Cottage sleeps up to 8 across three bedrooms, while the two Assistant Keeper’s Cottages each sleep 6 and can be combined via an internal door for larger groups of up to 12. It’s a splurge but worth it, if you love the appeal of lighthouses.
We stayed in the Assistant Keepers’ South Cottage. Comfortably appointed yet keeping with the historical period, it was easy to imagine ourselves as lighthouse keepers. Built in 1875, the cottage is solid, needing to be able to withstand the coastal gales that whip the coast. In front, the kitchen area has been added to the cottage to make it self-contained. However, it has wide stone steps, not ideal for those with young children who might fall down them.
From the verandah, you’ll look out over Lighthouse Beach and can watch the lighthouse beam sweep across the bay at night. Behind the cottage is a fenced grassy area with a barbecue and views up towards Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. At night, you can look out from the cottage and see the lighthouse beams of lights travel across the bay.
Reflections Seal Rocks Holiday Park
Other accommodation in Seal Rocks includes Reflections Seal Rocks Holiday Park which has cabins, glamping and powered sites. Located across the beach from Number One beach, it’s an ideal location.
Treachery Camp
Stay near gorgeous Treachery Beach. Treachery Camp has a selection of accommodation to choose from. There’s a variety of cabins, free form camping as well as a Beach Lodge which accommodates up to 45 people in twelve bedrooms.
Places to Eat in Seal Rocks
Options are limited. The Seal Rocks General Store covers basic provisions, and the Single Fin Coffee Caravan next door serves coffee, chai and cakes. For a proper supermarket shop, The Friendly Grocer at Smiths Lake is the closest option, alongside a bakery, butcher and bottle shop in the same strip. Full supermarkets (Woolworths and Coles) are in Forster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though the lighthouse walk has a steep final stretch, so be ready to carry younger children for the last section. The beaches suit all ages, and Boat Beach in particular is calm enough for younger swimmers.
Around 90 minutes by car, via Bulahdelah and The Lakes Way.
Just the general store and a coffee caravan. Stock up on groceries in Forster or Bulahdelah before you arrive.
4WD access is permitted on sections of Lighthouse Beach with a valid NSW National Parks vehicle permit, with access near Treachery Beach.
Coverage is patchy to non-existent in the village, so let people know you’ll be off the grid for the day.
More Family Day Trips from Newcastle and the Hunter
Seal Rocks is a great overnight or weekend escape, but it’s just one of many family-friendly spots within reach of Newcastle. If you’re after a longer family holiday, Port Macquarie is an easy few hours up the coast with plenty to keep kids busy. Further north again, Coffs Harbour makes a solid multi-day trip with its beaches and attractions.
Heading inland, Dubbo is worth the drive for our full guide to Western Plains Taronga Zoo, and you can pair it with a stop in Coonabarabran for the Warrumbungles. If you’d rather head south, our guide to the Blue Mountains covers another great family option within a few hours of home.