Area Hotlist — Great Lakes NSW
20 lifestyle anchors proven to sell property across the Great Lakes area
Area Hotlist — Great Lakes
Wallis Lake
Crystal-clear turquoise water, famed Sydney rock oysters and 25 kilometres of sheltered inlets make Wallis Lake the postcard hero of Forster-Tuncurry. Paddleboards, houseboats and waterfront cafés keep weekends buzzing, while sunset fishing on the public wharves is pure Great Lakes tradition.
Port Stephens
Dolphin-watch cruises, sand-dune quad bikes and 26 beaches wrapped around a giant natural harbour only an hour south. Holiday vibes meet job prospects in tourism and defence, giving locals a choice of sea-change lifestyle or quick-fire day trips.
Newcastle Airport
Fast-growing domestic hub with Bali and NZ flights on the horizon. Freeway access trims the drive to just 50 minutes, putting interstate business, family catch-ups and fly-in fly-out work firmly on the cards without trekking to Sydney.
Old Bar
Retro surf shacks, an ocean-front skate park and annual Kombi Fest give Old Bar old-school coastal charm. Patrolled beaches and a breezy café strip sit just twelve minutes from Taree, offering laid-back living with city services nearby.
Manning River
Australia’s only double-delta river splits into two navigable arms flanking Taree. Riverside parks, rowing regattas and houseboat holidays deliver endless on-water fun, while fertile flats power the region’s farmers’ markets year-round.
Hawks Nest
Beach-side village with dolphin cruises, wind-protected Jimmy’s Beach and a championship golf course frequented by resident kangaroos. The Singing Bridge links across to Tea Gardens, turning a Saturday seafood lunch into a scenic loop.
North Arm Cove
Quiet village on Port Stephens’ northern foreshore where sailing boats anchor off the oyster leases and bush tracks meet hidden coves. Perfect for retirees or remote workers craving absolute water views without tourist traffic.
One Mile Beach
C-shaped surf beach backed by rainforest headland and a family-run kiosk. A dedicated learner break at the southern end means toddlers paddle while groms chase green waves—holiday park next door keeps visitors returning year after year.
Nelson Bay
Bustling marina town with boutique shopping, seafood restaurants and ferry links to Tea Gardens. Charter boats hook marlin offshore, while sunset cocktails at the D’Albora boardwalk seal its status as Port Stephens’ social hub.
Tea Gardens
Riverside cafés, art galleries and pelican-filled boardwalks set an unhurried pace opposite Hawks Nest. Kayak tours glide past mangroves at dawn, while the Myall River ferry makes a car-free beach day laughably easy.
Diamond Beach
Seven-kilometre stretch of uncrowded sand famous for horse-riding at low tide and whale-watching from Red Head headland. Pet-friendly zones and holiday rentals lure families seeking a peaceful coastal escape.
Tallwoods Village
Leafy golf-course estate where kangaroos laze on fairways and architect-designed homes hug rolling greens. Five minutes to Black Head Beach, yet worlds away in tranquillity—ideal for lifestyle upsizers and weekender seekers.
Black Head Beach
Patrolled surf, ocean baths carved into volcanic rock and a cliff-top park with iconic Norfolk pines. Monthly bazaar markets add extra buzz, transforming the foreshore into a craft-and-coffee haven.
Myall River
Tannin-stained water winds through paperbark forests into Port Stephens. Houseboats, kayak campers and bird-watchers relish the national-park serenity, while Tea Gardens’ pubs pour cold schooners right on the riverbank.
Smiths Lake
Bar-closed coastal lake where calm shallows and Breckenridge Channel sandbar create a natural kids’ pool. Frothy coffees from the Frothy Coffee Boatshed and SUP board hire complete the chill-out package.
Karuah River
Meandering tidal river dotted with oyster sheds, riverside campgrounds and hidden picnic spots. Highway-side rest areas sell freshly shucked dozens—perfect road-trip pit-stop en-route to the Mid-North Coast.
Hallidays Point
Cluster of four beach hamlets—Black Head, Red Head, Diamond Beach and Tallwoods—linked by coastal walking trails and surf lookouts. Friendly village shops and a new IGA keep everyday needs covered without leaving paradise.
Manning Base Hospital
Taree’s modernised regional hospital offers 24-hour ED, maternity ward and specialist clinics, delivering peace of mind and steady health-sector employment for Great Lakes locals.
Burgess Beach
Secret cove south of Forster framed by rocky headlands and sea caves. Small swell makes it a snorkelling favourite, while sunrise photographers chase the pink-hued glow on sandstone stacks.
Old Bar Beach
Sandy point break prized by long-boarders, with a dog-friendly northern stretch and coffee van parked daily. Direct beach-view parking and public BBQs make spontaneous after-work dips irresistible.