The Myall River and Myall Lakes system is located approximately three hours north of Sydney in New South Wales, within the Myall Lakes National Park and Great Lakes Marine Park. The system encompasses a series of interconnected lakes — including Bombah Broadwater and Myall Lake — that drain southward through the tidal lower Myall River, running roughly 25 kilometres from Tamboy at the southern end of the lake system to Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, where it empties into Port Stephens behind Corrie Island. The headwaters originate in Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park, with several tributaries joining the river as it flows through Bulahdelah before reaching the lakes.

The lower river is tidal, and tidal flows can take over three hours to move upstream — a high tide at Tea Gardens at 8am will not reach Tamboy, 24 kilometres upstream, until around 11am or later. There are many sandy shallows, particularly on the lower sections of the river, and paddlers should follow the marked navigation channel carefully, especially at low tide.

The Myall Lakes are designated as a Ramsar wetland of international significance. Wildlife commonly encountered includes kangaroos, sea eagles, whistling kites, goannas, lace monitors, and dingoes. The area is considered suitable for year-round paddling, though winter nights can be cold by Australian standards.

Several access points exist for paddlers. At Tea Gardens, there are two concrete boat ramps — one adjacent to the south end of the bridge and another at the upstream end of the shopping centre, both with parking. The Nerong Boat Ramp on Whimbrel Drive provides access to Nerong Inlet and the Broadwater. Violet Hill Road leads to a campsite giving access to Wallis and Bolambyte Lakes. Mungo Brush campsite, reached via Mungo Brush Road off Tea Gardens Road, provides access to the Broadwater. Hearts Point and Neranie Sands also have boat ramps with toilet facilities. Many campsites within the national park are boat-accessible only and are described as secluded.

There are no commercial facilities, food, or drinking water along the river itself, so paddlers must be self-sufficient. Guided kayak tours and multi-day hire are available through operators based in Tea Gardens, and multi-day itineraries of three days or more are commonly offered for exploring the lakes system.