If you have not been to Boat Harbour yet or have not been for a long time, it is the perfect place to spend a few hours or even a whole day. Boat Harbour is a quintessential seaside village, just off the main tourist areas and tucked away between Anna Bay and Nelson Bay. It is a perfect ‘escape’ place and loved by the locals who live there (all very friendly) as well as those that love to visit – like us!
As well as having a beautiful family-friendly beach, Boat Harbour has a very extensive area dedicated for our 4-legged loved ones that extends from the beach at Boat Harbour around the headline to the top parking spot next to the northern headland lookout area. There are a number of signs along the roadway which shows the dog friendly areas.
The Headland (blue area in the map above) is completely off lead and the beach, is also dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed off-lead on the beach from May to September (off-peak season) and allowed on the beach between 5pm and 9am (on-lead only) during the peak times, between October and April. All other areas including the Lookout headland area, is on the lead.
The views of the ocean are everywhere and along the many walking trails in Boat Harbour. The easiest place to start and the most easily accessible is Boat Harbour Headland at the end of Noamunga Street. This short walk from a parking area allows for sweeping views south to Birubi and Stockton beaches and north as well. It is also a great vantage point for seeing whales and dolphins. In the dog-friendly area, there is a labyrinth of well-defined walking paths that allow you to meander through the bushland, over rock outcrops and to other wonderful locations for views of the ocean and the various vantage points. The walk will eventually take you to a cairn (a large pile of rocks – more on this in a future newsletter) – again the views north and south are truly breathtaking.
Along this trail, there is also a sign to the left which will take you down to the large reserve next to beach. This area and the surrounding areas of the bay have many picnic spots, all with views of the beach and ocean, all great locations for an early breakfast, picnic lunch or our favourite, fresh prawns, buttered rolls and a bottle of wine for dinner. Alternatively, take a quick car trip around the corner to One Mile Beach for fish and chips at One Mile Cafe or takeaway shop (yum!)
