8 Port Macquarie camping spots for epic waterfront activity

Campers will rejoice at the multitude of camping options on offer around Port Macquarie.

From sites next to the ocean to riverside campgrounds where you can rough it while remaining close to the town, located on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Come for the chance to unwind, stay for the scenery and friendly campsite vibes.

Here’s our guide to the best Port Macquarie camping spots, which we’ve narrowed down to eight.

1. Camp Jordan at Jordan’s

There are various accommodations available, from river view cabins to retro caravans. (Image: Supplied)

Craving fresh Instagram fodder? Camp Jordan at Jordan’s, which encompasses Port Macquarie camping and a water sports retailer, is a photo-perfect stay right in the heart of the coastal town. Riffing on perky 1950s Palm Springs-inspired design, the grounds house spacious bell tents, two vintage Airstreams named Betty and Burt (the interiors are magazine cover-delicious), three converted shipping containers and self-contained riverfront cabins. It’s a breeze blocked, cruiser bike-laden, cactus-dotted, festoon light-drenched holiday haven for families, groups and couples.

You’ll find further Kodak moments on Maggie Beach, right at the foot of this fabulous stay, which the team has splashed with timber deck chairs and retro Pagoda umbrellas to extend the fun right to the water’s edge.

Price: Cabins start from $320 per night, the Airstreams start from $200 per night, the shipping containers start from $235 per night and glamping tents start from $165 per night.

Facilities: Camp kitchen with a coffee machine, amenities block, games room, mini golf, lawn games, swimming pool with cabanas, table tennis, bike and water sport equipment hire, giant chess, barbecues and food delivery thanks to their affiliation with a nearby burger joint.

Accessibility: There are no ramps, but you’ll find an accessible bathroom within the amenities block and the grounds are quite flat.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, but you’ll incur an additional cleaning fee.

Address: 11 Mcinherney Cl, Port Macquarie

2. Diamond Waters Caravan Park

Tucked away in native bushland on the shores of the Camden Haven River, this leafy campground and caravan park is sandwiched between the river and the sea. Diamond Waters Caravan Park has its own frontage and boat access to the waterway, which makes it easy to escape the throngs and explore the Camden Haven waterways by boat or kayak, which you can hire from the Dunbogan Boatshed & Marina.

The Port Macquarie camping spot is near to the mouth of the Camden Haven River, which connects with various lakes and lagoons, making it a popular spot for fishos who converge here to try and catch estuarine species such as bream and flathead. The caravan park has en-suite cabins, powered sites and non-powered sites. It is also located within walking distance of a pet-friendly beach.

Price: Tent sites start from $38 per night and cabins start from $145 per night.

Facilities: Undercover barbecues, picnic tables, boat ramp, games room with a TV, off-leash dog area, amenities block, laundry, dump point.

Accessibility: Campsites and cabins are set on flat, grassed land, however, there are no designated access-friendly facilities.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, across campsites and selected cabins as long as they’re registered prior to your arrival

Address: 152 Diamond Head Rd, Dunbogan  

3. Diamond Head Campground at Crowdy Bay National Park

The beachside campground at Diamond Head is a popular spot. (Image: NSW National Parks)

If you’re looking for true coastal connection, it doesn’t get much better than Diamond Head Campground, a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) spot near Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay National Park. After a day spent photographing Split Rock and lounging around the picnic area at this Port Macquarie camping destination, you can gaze at the stars while listening to the snap, crackles and pop of the campfire (hire a brazier and access firewood from the onsite office).

Less than an hour’s drive from Port Macquarie, this beachside campground is suitable for caravans, camper trailers and tents. Hike to the top of Diamond Head on the 4.8-kilometre loop track to enjoy panoramic views of the glittering sea. A little too strenuous? There’s the equally rewarding, and shorter, Mermaid Lookout track, too.

Price: Free, but you’ll need park entry, which is $8 per vehicle, per day.

Facilities: Amenities block, outdoor showers, picnic shelters with tables, a carpark for day trippers and gas barbecues.

Accessibility: Yes — the campground is flat with barely any steps, so it rates as medium according to NPWS. Even better, there are accessible flush toilets in two spots, however, it should be noted that the showers are not accessible.

Dog-friendly?: No

Address: 763 Diamond Head Rd, Diamond Head

4. Cobrabald — Wild Bull Camping Area

If you’re a seasoned camper looking for a shady, serene spot to unwind, plug Mount Boss State Forest into your GPS. Only a short drive from Wauchope, Mount Boss State Forest is a bit of a hidden secret (not anymore!) for locals who like to free camp. What this Port Macquarie camping spot lacks in amenities, it makes up for in rugged beauty.

Walk through the tangle of jungle near the Cobrabald — Wild Bull recreation area and you will find the perfect waterhole for a dip, if you don’t mind sharing the pool with catfish that is. Although Cobrabald — Wild Bull sounds like it could be in coyote country, in the US, it’s actually a lovely, secluded spot just a short drive from Wauchope and one of the best camping spots on the Mid-North Coast of NSW.

Price: Free

Facilities: Barbecues, firepits and toilets.

Accessibility: No

Dog-friendly?: Yes

Address: Cobrabald Rd, Kippara

5. NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park

Enjoy the great outdoors on a spacious caravan site. (Image: Supplied)

It’s no wonder the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is one of the most sought-after Port Macquarie camping hot spots. Park your van or pitch a tent and take in the sunrise close to the boulder-strewn breakwall along the coastline. Popular for its outstanding waterfront views, beautifully manicured gardens and friendly staff, the holiday park is located near the 9.1-kilometre coastal walk along the Hastings River, which stretches from Westport Park to the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse.

If you’re more of a wimper (wimpy camper) than a hard-core outdoorsy type you will be stoked by the park’s convenient location right by the beach and city centre, where you will find a plethora of great places to eat. What makes this holiday park so loved by campers and caravanners is the fact you can be lulled to sleep by the sound of ocean waves and the smell of salty sea air. Check into a Breakwall or Riverside cabin if you fancy a waterfront upgrade.

Price: From $58 per night for unpowered sites to studio cabins from $228 per night.

Facilities: Undercover barbecues, laundry, playgrounds, camp kitchen, library, swimming pool, school holiday activity programs, dump point, dog wash, e-bike hire and electronic car charging stations.

Accessibility: Some accommodation is suitable for visitors with access needs but there is no dedicated wheelchair access.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, excluding the cabins.

Address: 1 Munster St, Port Macquarie

6. Swans Crossing Campground

String up your hammock and kick back near your campsite at Swans Crossing Campground in Kerewong State Forest, a popular Port Macquarie camping destination revered by families who return year after year.

The camping spot, about a 40-minute drive from Port Macquarie (between Taree and Kempsey), is located on former farmland that was owned by the Swan family. Surrounded by regenerated native forest and hardwood plantations it’s a lush backdrop to a beautiful expansive area. The nearby shallows of Upcalls Creek provide a cool, quiet swimming spot.

Take a hike along the historical Longworth’s Tramway Heritage Walk, which is only a short drive away, or tackle one of many bushwalking trails that crisscross Kerewong State Forest. Fancy a dip? Skip the crowds and unwind at nearby Upsalls Creek, a tranquil swimming spot.

Price: Free

Facilities: Drop toilets, fire pits and picnic tables

Accessibility: No

Dog-friendly?: Yes

Address: Swans Crossing, Kerewong State Forest

7. Bonny Hills Holiday & Caravan Park

There are premium AstroTurf-powered sites that are perfect for all setups. (Image: Supplied)

Forget rolling out your swag in the middle of the NSW outback, although that option does have merit. If you want to take a break from your busy life and reconnect with nature then why not do it in style at one of the glamping options on offer at Bonny Hills Holiday & Caravan Park?

Camping here does not equate to roughing it. Conveniently located between Port Macquarie and the waterways of Camden Haven near picturesque Lake Cathie and overlooking Rainbow Beach, the Reflections property offers a range of stays, from camping and glamping to cabins and powered caravan sites. You are still technically sleeping under the stars when glamping in a luxury tent, it’s just that you’re doing so with a fully equipped kitchen and comfy bed, TV and private bathroom. So there.

Price: Standard powered sites start from around $59 per night, glamping starts from around $123 per night and cabins start from around $203 per night.

Facilities: Barbecue area, amenity blocks, laundry, dump point, camp kitchen, school holiday activity program and a dog wash.

Accessibility: Yes, they offer both accessible stays and amenities.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, across some of the campsites.

Address: 920 Ocean Drive, Bonny Hills

8. Flynns Beach Caravan Park

A fuss-free Port Macquarie camping spot set against a beautifully wild stretch of coastline, Flynns Beach Caravan Park offers chilled out digs right on the water. The vibe is low-key (no extravagant splash zones and school holiday programs here), making for a tranquil destination if soaking up serious R&R tops your priority list. Pitch a tent, wheel in your trailer, small campervan, caravan or motorhome, or drop and flop in a clean and comfortable cabin — there’s ample space to recharge those batteries no matter how you’re travelling.

If it’s the latter option, the cabins range from studios that sleep up to two guests to family picks that house up to six, and all feature ensuite bathrooms, lounge rooms with TVs and full kitchens. 

Price: Unpowered sites start from $40 per night and cabins start from $135 per night.

Facilities: Swimming pool, amenities block, camp kitchen with gas barbecues, laundry and free wi-fi.

Accessibility: Guests with access needs are welcome as the grounds are mainly flat but be mindful that the roads are unsealed and there are no ramps. An accessible bathroom, however, is on site.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, across the campsites.

Address: 22 Ocean St, Port Macquarie

Originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best things to do in Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie accommodation is all about being in position to savour the simple pleasures.

Port Macquarie accommodation has put the country town on the map as a magnet for road-trippers making a beeline for Brisbane or Sydney. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a holiday home with space for the whole crew, or a hotel with river views, this coastal town has much to offer. Initially conceived as Australia’s third largest penal settlement, the town is now known for its chain of beautiful beaches, stunning hinterland, waterfalls and views as well as wineries and restaurants. Here are a few of the top spots to stay that will lure you away from the hum of the highway.

Port Macquarie hotels & motels

The accommodation in Port Macquarie has evolved to include brands that have upped the ante, offering a multitude of reasons to pull away from the hum of the highway.

Rydges Port Macquarie

Raise a glass on the balcony as you soak up incredible water views. (Image: Supplied)

Rydges Port Macquarie has been reimagined into the sunny new coastal retreat of our dreams. All 103 of the guestrooms, as well as 16 self-contained apartments, have been updated to include eucalyptus hues found in the Australian bush. Linger over cocktails at Zebu Bar & Restaurant. Cool off in the pool. Hop on a paddleboard. Climb into a kayak. Or use the hotel as a launching pad for day trips that promise adventure and leisure. Guests staying at the Rydges Port Macquarie can walk right out of their airy room and onto the waterfront in a matter of minutes.

The stylish hotel is in a prime location in the heart of the CBD, and in terms of accommodation in Port Macquarie, it has a lot to offer, including – but not limited to – King and Twin rooms to Superior and Deluxe King and Twi and Deluxe Family Interconnecting rooms. While the colour palette in the interior of the hotel is quite restrained, the view from the heated pool and spa overlooking the Hastings River pops in technicolour blue.

Address:  Hay St, Port Macquarie

Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges

Laze on the shaded sun loungers next to the Hastings River. (Image: Supplied)

Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges is so close to the Hastings River you may as well be on a lilo. The revamped hotel reads like an ode to the river with an open-plan foyer, infinity pool and large windows designed to enable guests to appreciate the water from different angles. Sails has personality plus while remaining pared back, and the airy coastal-themed rooms make this Port Macquarie accommodation feel like a breeze.

Curl up on a chair on the balcony and read a book, or head for the heated spa, which looks out onto the water. Enjoy breakfast at the Boathouse Bar & Restaurant, then hire a paddleboard and head upriver. Looking for somewhere on the NSW Coast to have a destination wedding? The renovated hotel has a Hamptons-style wedding chapel and private pavilion. Go full bridezilla and arrive by superyacht.

Address: 20 Park St, Port Macquarie

The Mid Pacific

a bedroom with a window that opens up to river views, Port Macquarie

Book a room with river views at The Mid Pacific. (Image: Supplied)

The boutique Mid Pacific Port Macquarie has nailed what you need during a holiday on the Hastings River. And it’s worth making the pilgrimage to Port Macquarie just to stay in the Pacific Suite at the mid-range motel, which also overlooks the Town Green.

The motel is also a short walk to the beaches and shops and a top spot to hole up in while binging on the complimentary Foxtel and wi-fi. The rooms are bright and airy and there is a heated outdoor pool and spas with water views. The boutique Port Macquarie accommodation is well maintained. Once you get your early-morning surf in, you will be ready for the day exploring Port Macquarie, one of NSW’s Top Aussie Towns.

ibis Styles Port Macquarie

Simplicity is key at the ibis Styles Port Macquarie. The beachfront hotel accommodation has just 49 contemporary rooms perched on the headland at Port Macquarie. Choose from a range of rooms, terraces and suites suitable for girls’ getaways, family groups or a romantic weekend away.

Unwind in the guest lounge, which has 180-degree views and a soundtrack of crashing waves, before doing a few lazy laps in the outdoor swimming pool or visiting the nearby beaches. The bedrooms are light and bright and talk to the landscape in muted nautical hues. The breakfast lounge also adheres to a minimalist palette that avowed escapists will appreciate.

Address: 1 Stewart St, Port Macquarie.

Mercure Centro Hotel Port Macquarie

The water is never far away in Port Macquarie. And that’s the way we like it. Whether you’re motoring up the highway to Byron Bay or zooming back to Sydney, the Mercure Centro Hotel provides an incentive for a pit stop. The rooms are basic and comfortable but the position near to many of Port Macquarie’s picturesque surf beaches makes Mercure Centro Hotel Port Macquarie a magnet for business and leisure travellers.

Each of the 72 rooms has a balcony and free movies and casting options and there’s a day spa and heated pool too. There are restaurants on your doorstep such as the onsite Birdrock Bar & Grill. And the Glasshouse Regional Performing Arts Centre is a hop, skip and a jump away. Take a bow Port Mac.

Address: 103 William St, Port Macquarie

Luxury homes, apartments, and Airbnbs

A lot of Port Macquarie’s best accommodation options are dotted along the oceanfront or by the river where it winds its way out to sea. As the demand for leisure travel increases, these homey stays – which range from high-end to budget-friendly – allow for better connectedness to the community.

Tallowwood House

Retreat into the tranquil Tallowwood House surrounded by rainforest.

There are white breezeblocks that recall the 1950s and 60s. Glass louvres that let the light in. And interiors and exteriors that reveal a reverence for both natural textures and mid-century design at Tallowwood House in Port Macquarie. There are two thoughtfully curated suites at the well-appointed adults-only bed and breakfast retreat: one is dog-friendly  – the Driftwood  – and the other – the Tallowwood – is not. Both suites have private entryways.

Relax into a settled calm on your road-trip between Byron Bay and Sydney or vice versa when you pull into this brand-new house located just a short walk from Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie. The house is surrounded by rainforest and the beautiful thing about the built form is that it seems to blend in with nature. The arrangement of furniture and soft subdued lighting also lands an air of tranquillity. Charge your EV while you recharge in the king-size floating bed made from tallowwood by a local artisan in the suite of the same name. Or bask in the luxury of the concrete bath in the Driftwood Suite.

Address: 34 Reading St, Port Macquarie

Braelee Stays

Get cosy in a charming country cottage at Braelee Stays. (Image: Heart and the Sea Photography)

Fans of flea-market chic will appreciate these country cottages filled with vintage furniture and quirky objects such as velvet easy chairs and old suitcases, bits of driftwood and potted plants. Braelee Stays includes Braelee Bower and Braelee Studio, small but perfectly formed options for accommodation near Port Macquarie that are hidden in the hinterland.

While Braelee Bower is open plan, with an outdoor bath and firepit, the pet-friendly Braelee Studio has a hammock and spa and indoor and outdoor fire. Depending on the weather, you can either shut out the outside world or invite it in. The rustic cabins have stunning Manning Valley views are are just a half-hour drive from Port Macquarie. Gather for s’mores and stargazing at night.

Address: 1483 Rollands Plains Road, Rollands Plains

Ana Mandara Luxury Bed & Breakfast

Keen anglers will be the first to cast a line in at dawn from the front lawn of Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat, the conveniently located Port Macquarie accommodation on a bend of the Hastings River. Three of the luxurious four rooms feature private balconies and views over the river so you can step outside your private guestroom and shout ‘G’day’ to passing kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders gliding past.

The Hastings River haven has a resident chef who creates three-course gourmet breakfasts each day. Want to organise most romantic proposal ever? Book a Helicopter Coastal Experience, which includes a scenic flight over the coastline as well as lunch at Cassegrain Wines and a one-night stay at Ana Mandara. The retreat is adults only.

Address: 152 Settlement Point Road, Port Macquarie

Blue Vista

Port Macquarie has 17 beaches. And you will overlook quite a few of them when you book a stay at Blue Vista luxury beachfront apartment. Spend your time exploring the rock pools, walking along the coastal path, enjoying a bracing dunk in the sea and watching the waves roll to shore from the three-bedroom apartment, which is swathed in glass in a low-rise complex directly opposite Town Beach.

Inside, the apartment is all soothing whites and turquoise tones with colourful artworks and the ocean, as ever in the periphery. Bring your laptop and work in idyllic seclusion. Or sit in a corner of the balcony which is bathed in light and more light, which heightens the saturation of both sea and sky. The entire rental unit sleeps six guests and includes a barista-style coffee machine and Weber BBQ.

Address: 4 Stewart St, Port Macquarie

Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat

Relish the treehouse vibes at this lush, five-hectare retreat. (Image: Supplied)

Guests staying at this NSW Tourism Gold award-winning eco-friendly retreat sandwiched between the Camden Haven River and the sea will wake up to a chorus of birdsong during a stay in one of the treehouses on the five-hectare property. There’s free wi-fi. But most guests at Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat want to switch off and relax in the luxury hand-crafted treehouses, which have well-appointed kitchens and expansive balconies that look out over the wetlands.

Tread lightly by exploring the waterways in a canoe hired from Dunbogan Boatshed or wandering over the wetlands on purpose-built new accessible wetland walkways. The Treehouses have been designed with full accessibility along hard-surface pathways that will accommodate guests with mobility issues. A bright and airy pavilion has been added to the property to facilitate gatherings that range from yoga and wellbeing retreats to family gatherings and weddings.

Address: 128 Diamond Head Road, Dunbogan

Toms Creek Nature Domes

Sleep under the stars in a luxe glamping dome. (Image: Quilman Cruz)

These luxury glamping domes are not just a place for sleeping, but for discovering the beauty of Port Macquarie. Perfect for everything from a romantic weekend to a girls’ getaway, the dinky Nature Domes are dotted around the hinterland and are a magnet for climate-conscious travellers.

But you won’t be roughing it at these elegant structures which are energy efficient and empathetic with the setting near a squiggle of Toms Creek. Attention to detail gives the domes a luxe feel. Take your foot off the pedal and pull off the highway to find the domes which feature Dutch hot tubs, campfire pits and kitchenettes.

Address: 2001 Toms Creek Road, Toms Creek

Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel

One of the best ways to get to know the Mid North Coast NSW town of Port Macquarie is to live like a local for a week. This multi-award-winning 4.5-star boutique apartment hotel lets you do just that, providing a comfortable base in the heart of the city that has been curated with comfort and convenience in mind.

The apartments at Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel are within walking distance of some of Port Macquarie’s best restaurants and cafes. There’s also a roof deck with a hot tub and a newly renovated pool, making this one of the best places to stay in Port Macquarie with a family.

Address: 11 Clarence St, Port Macquarie

Bellbird Hill Bed & Breakfast

The deck at Bellbird Hill Bed & Breakfast offers idyllic views. (Image: Supplied)

This boutique bed and breakfast is filled with hand-crafted furniture and quirky objects and, like its owners, has personality in spades. The single-level sandstone dwelling feels very homey, albeit in your wildest patchwork quilt and shabby chic Escape to the Country fantasies.

The three rooms all have ensuites and air conditioning and French doors that lead out onto the balcony. Bellbird Hill Bed & Breakfast offers easy access to the hinterland and surrounding national parks and has views over the Manning River.  There’s a large lounge with a combustion heater for a weekend getaway in winter.

Address: 298 Karaak Flat Road, Karaak Flat

Flynn’s Beach Resort

One of the perks of staying at Flynn’s Beach Resort in Port Macquarie is the easy access to Flynn’s Beach. Families return again and again to the deluxe two-bedroom apartments, which tick all the boxes on parents’ and kids’ wish lists. Families who want to self-cater will want to book this Port Macquarie accommodation for its well-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.

In addition to the comfortable lounge room and private balcony, Flynn’s Beach Resort features family-friendly facilities such as two heated pools, BBQ cabanas and a tennis court. Look out for the resident koalas who live in the grove of gum trees near the resort and work through the list of how to keep the kids happy in Port Macquarie.

Address: 68 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie

Club Wyndham Flynns Beach

The heated outdoor pool instantly puts you in a relaxed mood.

This Trademark Collection by Wyndham Resort is steps away from the sugar-white sands of Flynns Beach. It’s also close to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, one of the most popular places to visit in Port Macquarie. Despite being so near to the beach, the Port Macquarie resort has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub as well as a children’s retreat and pool.

The Port Macquarie resort has a restaurant onsite, Henry’s Restaurant & Bar, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also call room service and dine on your balcony overlooking the pool. What makes a beach holiday at Club Wyndham Flynns Beach such a success is that staying put is so appealing.

Address: 14-20 Flynn St, Port Macquarie

Pet-friendly accommodation

There’s an increasing demand for pet-friendly accommodation around Australia as parents of fur babies don’t want to leave Fido behind when they’re headed off on holiday. Luckily, Port Macquarie accommodation includes some of the most paw-fect pet-friendly stays.

NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall

NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall has a resort-style pool perfect for a relaxing dip.

Great restaurants and cafes, culture, adventure, natural beauty and surf beaches. This Port Macquarie accommodation checks a lot of boxes. While the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is positioned to encourage visitors to get out and explore, it’s also very enticing to just stay put. Pick up a dozen oysters to enjoy with a bottle of local Cassegrain wine on the balcony of your cabin where you can keep watch for dolphins.

Pitch your tent or pull up your caravan to one of the pet-friendly sites a short stroll away from the resort-style pool, which includes a wading pool designed for toddlers. Give yourself over whole-heartedly to the rhythms of daily life here which revolves around the sun, sea, sailing and surfing or taking the dog for a walk around the breakwall and along the path to Oxley and Rocky Beaches.

Address: 1 Munster St, Port Macquarie

Stoney Park

Keeping the kids happy while on holiday has a beneficial trickle-down effect on parents. And the huge inflatable obstacle course on the manmade lagoon at Stoney Park enables both parents and children to have a blast. For many, the pleasure will simply be about just camping out with your family.

Families can also relax and unwind with a kayak around the lake. Play a round of Stoney Aqua Golf. Enjoy Astronomy Nights and a two-hour guided sky show. All the accommodation at the family-friendly G’day Park is pet-friendly including the Lakeview Lodge cabin, which sleeps up to seven people, the fully self-contained villas and studio cabins. There are also powered sites and campground sites.

Address: 16 Hacks Ferry Road, Telegraph Point.

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