Port Macquarie to Nambucca

Situated mid-way between cosmopolitan Port Macquarie, with its eclectic range of shops, cafes and restaurants, and the tranquil waterways of pretty Camden Haven, Bonny Hills offers some of the best surfing beaches and fishing holes on the coast.

And this laid back village is the perfect base from which to explore this fascinating and rewarding area. Go bushwalking, swim in a waterhole, take a river cruise, visit a winery or watch migrating whales – Bonny Hills has it all.

Things to See & Do

• Billabong Koala & Wildlife Park
• Timbertown
• Se Acres Rainforest Centre

Located at the base of North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park, there are a number of villages that make up the Camden Haven area on the North Coast of NSW.

Laurieton is 30km south of Port Macquarie and offers an idyllic holiday spot for families, nature-lovers and anyone who enjoys a holiday by the beach. The town is well serviced by plenty of places to eat – from cafes to pubs and clubs  as well as offering a good range of accommodation.

Dunbogan is a seaside village just half an hour south of Port Macquarie and offers sheltered swimming beaches for a great family day at the beach.

Things to See & Do

• Grants Beach Coastal Walk
• North Brother Mountain
• Kattang Nature Reserve
• Swim in Crowdy Bay National Park
• Coastal views from North Brother Mountain
• Explore Kattang Nature Reserve
• Walk the Laurieton Track
• Shop at Riverwalk Markets
• Relax on Pilot Beach

The pretty seaside village of Crescent Head is tucked into the lee of Big Nobby, a volcanic remnant which slopes towards the sea in a tumble of basalt boulders. Crescent Head is hemmed on the south by Goolawah Reserve and Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve. The nature reserves protect spectacular rock formations, beautiful beaches, heathlands and wetlands. And there is no better way to play golf than on a unique six hole waterfront golf course.

Surrounded by the Hat head National Park, the coastal village of Hat Head is popular for the avid fisherman and also offers spectacular bushwalks.

For nature lovers, this area is the ideal place to spot sea eagles, echidnas, kangaroos and numerous small birds. A popular destination for the surfing enthusiast, you can catch a great wave at the beach or enjoy rock and beach fishing, swimming or experiencing spectacular nature walks.

Things to See & Do

• Arakoon National Park
• Goolawah National Park
• Crescent Head Beach
• Limeburners Creek National Park

With a rich shipping and timber history, Nambucca Heads is a welcome detour off the Pacific Highway and popular destination for travellers in search of natural beauty and serene surrounds within the Port Macquarie-Nambucca region.

Learn of the area’s historical sites with a stroll along a series of boardwalks along and over the water to the river entrance. Gordon Park Rainforest and Nature Walks offer a unique network of trails in the midst of commercial and residential development.

Fishing is also a popular past time in Nambucca Heads, whether you prefer heading offshore, from the beach or estuary, or hopping into a boat for a day on the river from the break wall at the river entrance.

Things to See & Do

• Nambucca Heads Beach
• Nambucca Valley Visitor Information Centre
• Hot Rod Rally and Shine (October)

North Haven boasts alfresco cafes, shady barbeque areas and a surf beach for the avid surfer. Or you can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch.

Things to See & Do

• Grants Beach Coastal Walk
• North Brother Mountain
• Kattang Nature Reserve

Port Macquarie is a popular holiday destination that boasts a temperate climate and a variety of on water and land based activities to satisfy every traveller’s recreational pursuits.

The coastline around Port Macquarie is dotted with white sandy beaches, punctuated by rocky headlands where hidden treasures can be found in rock pools. Explore the wetlands of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park, an oasis in the heart of the city with three kilometres of walking tracks and boardwalks that weave through the mangroves, melaleucas and rainforest. Taking a stroll along the riverside breakwall may more to your liking or simply watch the pelicans drift by for a relaxing afternoon.

Dine out on some fresh Hastings River Oysters or visit the patients of the Koala Hospital where feeding time is at around 3pm. Keep an eye out for pods of dolphins as you stroll along the coastal walking track from Town Beach to Lighthouse Beach.

Things to See & Do

• Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park
• Sea Acres National Park
• Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard

South West Rocks offers clear aquamarine waters, tiny coves, a peaceful bay and lush, green forests fringed by light-coloured sands. Legend has it that escaped convicts abandoned their sinking boat, “The Trial”, and decamped to this beautiful area.

This natural wonderland is a hidden gem on the north coast, surrounded by eight beautiful beaches, numerous river tributaries and the Arakoon State Recreation Area.

Discover the treasures of the sea while scuba diving at Fish Rock or enjoy an historic visit to Trial Bay Gaol. There is an abundance of water activities on offer with eco river cruises and fishing charters available, or for those looking for a unique and interesting, it may be worth visiting the local arts, crafts and antique shops.

And don’t forget to stop off and taste the delicious oysters fresh from the Macleay River.

Things to See & Do

• South West Rocks Dive Centre
• Visit Trial Bay Gaol
• Smoky Cape Lighthouse
• Relax at Hat Head National Park

Between South West Rocks and Nambucca Heads you will discover a number of towns that are perfect places to stay and experience the best of this region.

This area is famous for it’s surfing, fishing, dolphin and humpback whale watching and there are excellent surf beaches along the way.

Things to See & Do

• Scotts Head Surf School
• Main Beach
• Little Beach
• Wakki Beaches
• Mt Yarrahapinni
• Yarriabini National Park