Violet Hill - Myall Lakes National Park NSW

Violet Hill Myall Lakes National Park NSW

A little known treasure on the western boundary of Myall Lakes National Park. Easily reached with a van in tow even though there are a couple of nasty hills and the road is gravel with a creek crossing in the first few metres! Facilities are pretty basic - a couple of pit toilets, running water, cold water showers, a few wooden tables and one BBQ. Wood is not supplied and you are encouraged to use your own stove. Water is OK for washing, but best to bring your own drinking water. The camp is situated in hilly country on a small heavily timbered plateau.

The caravan/motorhome camping area

You can camp this close in a tent

It is very picturesque as it is bounded by water on three sides. Campers get the best deal as they are allowed to pitch anywhere on the foreshore and these sites can only be described as idyllic and all are extremely shady and cool. One can while away the day sitting on the jetty contemplating the serenity of this delightful place. There is a good concrete launching ramp but fear not, as very few powered boats use it.

Dawn at Violet Hill National Park

Swimming wise there is a small sandy beach and the water is clean although a large sign warns of the dangers of blue-green algae. A ranger is supposed to collect camping fees, however during our visit the only living soul we came across was the garbage man! There is a separate area for vans which consists of a fenced off paddock. There is very little shade but there is lush grass everywhere - kept well mown by a dozen or so wallabies. All roads within the campground are bitumen and there are ample garbage bins.

Luxury houseboat - great idea!

On wildlife there are long nosed bandicoots, lace monitors and an abundance of bird life. If you have a boat/canoe head north though the channel and you will come to the most delightful little beach on the entire lake. This is known as Tickerabit and it can only be reached by boat or on foot. Pit toilets are the only facilities. Despite the coverage maps stating otherwise, Telstra mobiles will not work in the campground. However signal strength is good back on the Lakes Way. On bugs and bities this place is wonderful. All you get is the odd mozzie around sunset.

Photo courtesy of www.luxuryhouseboat.com.au

Looking towards Mungo Brush

Our visit was at Xmas too! There are excellent bike riding opportunities. Just head out on the gravel road and pop down every track you come across. There is no logging in this area. The highlight of any trip to Violet Hill is a walk up the mountain. Believe me this is heavy going and should not be attempted by anyone with any type of mobility problem. Watch out for spider webs if walking early and we also picked up a couple of ticks - so do be careful!. The climb takes 20 minutes but one is rewarded with the vista of three lakes plus the ocean. On our trip the track was a little overgrown in parts with the dreaded lantana. Oddly enough before this area was gazetted as a National Park the whole hill was open grass affording absolutely spectacular views.

Telstra mobiles both CDMA and GMS work very well right up here! Another good walk is to follow the road back to the first turnoff to your left. This reveals a lovely little shaded campsite ideal for small vans and campers. There are no facilities at all and it looks straight out across the water. There are similar little gems in this area - one is at the end of Clarks Road of Lakes Way. A word on maps. The NRMA Map One, Port Stephens/Coffs Harbour although on quite a good scale leaves out a lot of info. Once again those with a boat should climb Johnston's Hill just behind Tickerabit. Other places of interest in the immediate area is Coomba Park, Smiths Lake and the delightful forest park areas around Sugar Creek. Try not to miss Seal Rocks and take a peek at the Yagon campsite just south of seal Rocks and right on the ocean. Again this is not on the map. There is a caravan park in Seal Rocks with spectacular ocean outlook but sadly all the trees have been cleared!

The most scenic route in is via Forster using the Great Lakes Way. Coming from the south head to Buladelah and turn right onto The Lakes Way. Watch out for a VERY small sign on the right saying Violet Hill. It is a fair dirt road. We used the excellent NRMA Touring Map 1. Watch out though as Violet Hill is not actually mentioned even though it is in a good scale. There is a fair climb coming from either direction on The Lakes Way, but it is bitumen and none of it 1st gear stuff. The actual track into Violet Hill is good gravel, but there is a tiny creek crossing at the start. You could get a motorhome in there if you took your time. If you arrive during the week chances are you will have the place to yourselves - paradise! Have a good look at our roughly marked mud map under the compass. You can get lots more information about the surrounding area on the Walkabout Australia site - really excellent! There is a very thought provoking article by Alan Catford of National Parks on this interesting site:- http://dazed.org/npa/npj/200002/FebMyall.htm

The Myall Lakes area is a wonderful spot for touring around in a houseboat and this activity is very high on our "must do" list. To fire you up have a look at this site - www.luxuryhouseboat.com.au/photos.htm. There are no security problems with leaving your van as the operators in Buladelah have a huge fenced in parking area.

If peace and quiet in lovely surroundings is your idea of bliss, then head on down to Violet Hill! Absolutely recommended!

Click on the compass for a map of the area