8 breathtaking walks and hikes in Port Macquarie

Discover the region’s boundless beauty at your own pace with the most captivating walks and hikes in Port Macquarie.

Beaches, wildlife, rainforest and spectacular coastline – everything shifts into vivid focus on any well-positioned NSW North Coast hiking route. But when it comes to the expansive, picturesque beauty of the Hastings Region, Port Macquarie and its surrounds are the ultimate place to be. Here, find all you need to know about the best walks and hikes in Port Macquarie and nearby.

Easy hikes in Port Macquarie

Looking for an easy hike in Port Macquarie? These trails are relatively smooth, with very few obstacles or elevation gains, and are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Some even feature wheelchair access.

1. Kooloonbung Creek Walks — Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park

Time from Port Macquarie centre: 3 minutes

Its prime location and ease of accessibility make Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park’s two individual walks worthy of exploration by people of all abilities and fitness levels.

Koalas, sugar gliders, lizards, flying foxes and over 165 known bird species have been sighted within the park, providing ample opportunity for animal-spotting along the way. There is also a historic cemetery that dates to 1821, home to the graves of notable early colonisers. The Cath Le Page Arboretum, or the Garden of Trees, also contains several native trees that are endemic to the area.

Choose Circuit 1 or Circuit 2. The former clocks in at 2.3 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes to complete. It contains some steps, so prams and wheelchairs are unfortunately too tricky to navigate. The latter is a 1.3-kilometre trail that takes about 25 minutes to do and, again, is not suitable for wheeled transportation.

Distance: Either 2.3 kilometres or 1.3 kilometres — or combine them for one epic trek.

Getting there: The park boasts ten access points with two located off Circuit 1 on Gordon St, right in the centre of town.

Accessibility: None

Facilities: Circuit 1 features two sheltered picnic tables (there aren’t any along Circuit 2) and there are toilets and an information board near the cemetery off Gordon St.

2. Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk

It’s an easy 1.3km walk through the rainforest canopy. (Image: Destination NSW)

Time from Port Macquarie centre: 10 minutes

This walk in Port Macquarie, located within Sea Acres National Park, will guide you to a rainforest canopy, rising seven metres above the forest understorey to help you marvel at the magic from above. The boardwalk platform begins at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre where you can mentally prepare to encounter rainforest birds, goannas and the mostly harmless diamond python.

Take the time to read educational resources that shine a light on the park’s threatened resident species, signposted along the way, as well as the significance of this habitat to the Indigenous Biripai people. The original custodians used the walking stick palm as a travel aid and made weapons from the python tree, which is the second hardest wood in the world.

Distance: 1.3 kilometres

Getting there: From the centre of town, head south on Pacific Drive until you hit Sea Acres Rainforest Centre at the entry to Sea Acres National Park just after Shelly Beach Rd.

Accessibility: Yes, as the trail is mostly flat and there are no steps. Two accessible car parks at the entry, plus an accessible toilet at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre.

Facilities: The Sea Acres Rainforest Centre has toilets and there are five bench seats dotted along the walk.

3. Grants Beach Coastal Walk

Time from Port Macquarie centre: 25 minutes

Eucalyptus, paperbark and banksia woodlands offer plenty for nature lovers to marvel at along the Grants Beach Coastal Walk, particularly in late winter and early spring when native flowers are in bloom. The glorious stretch begins at North Haven alongside the Camden River, passes by Grants Beach and ends at Grants Headland in Bonny Hills.

This popular trail is also a great way to kick off your hiking adventures in Port Macquarie as it’s considered an entry-level option. Ensure you take lots of water, as there are no shops or amenities along the route.

Distance: 7.4 kilometres return

Getting there: Head out of Port Macquarie and drive south to North Haven. The entrance is located on The Parade, near the mouth of the Camden Haven River.

Accessibility: None — the trail is sandy at many parts.

Facilities: None

4. Old Bottlebutt Walking Track  

The track meanders through an area of remnant rainforest. (Image: Destination NSW)

Time from Port Macquarie centre: 30 minutes

Old Bottlebutt is a Port Macquarie legend found within the Boorganna Nature Reserve. The incredible tree is the largest Red Bloodwood in the Southern Hemisphere and the family-friendly Old Bottlebutt Walking Track will escort you right to it.

This walk will take you through rainforest, creek crossings and footbridges to meet the 200-year-old beauty. Once you arrive at the viewing area, marvel at the magic of one of the most unique towering wonders in the country.

Distance: 600m loop

Getting there: Punch Wauchope into your Maps and when you get there, travel south on Bago. Rd another 10 kilometres before turning left onto Internal Break Road and following the signs.

Accessibility: Yes, it caters for visitors with access needs including wheelchairs.

Facilities: None, but the trail starts at the Burrawan Picnic Area which has toilets and picnic tables.

Moderate hikes in Port Macquarie

If you’re keen for a more challenging walk and hike in Port Macquarie, these picks feature steeper climbs and obstacles to be navigated with caution. Some parts may be wheelchair accessible, but most will have limited accessibility considering the elevation gains. They are suitable for people with intermediate fitness levels.

5. Port Macquarie Coastal Walk

Pass historic sites and stunning coastal scenery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Time from Port Macquarie centre: 5 minutes

This Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, set within Sea Acres National Park, is as iconic as the town itself with its breathtaking coastal scenery and spectacular views. You’ll be in good company, with friendly locals, cyclists, skaters, walkers and runners all flocking to the coastal walk daily.

Commit to the entirety, which typically takes about three to four hours to complete (pushing this walk’s grading up from easy to moderate) or tackle one of its four sections: Westport to Town Beach (2 kilometres), Town Beach to Flynns Beach (2.2 kilometres), Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach (2.2 kilometres) and Shelly Beach to Tacking Point (2.7 kilometres).

Many opt to join the track just outside The Westport Club, and weave nine kilometres to the south along the Hastings River and the iconic Breakwall, hugging the coastline all the way to Tacking Point Lighthouse. There are plenty of spots to stop along the way, providing food, coffee and entertainment to match the views.

Distance: 9 kilometres one-way, but you can split the walk up into sections (outlined above).

Getting there: Kick your expedition off at Westport Park on Park St in Port Macquarie’s town centre.

Accessibility: None, as there are regular steps, steep sections and some obstacles

Facilities: Picnic areas, accommodation and shops can be found along the way so check out a map of the entire stretch to know what’s where.

6. Diamond Head Loop Walk

The route of this loop trail provides breathtaking views. (Image: Destination NSW)

Time from Port Macquarie centre: 50 minutes

Introduce yourself to the exceptional beauty of Crowdy Bay National Park by way of the Diamond Head Loop Walk. The trail links through the forest on a moderately difficult hike packed with highlights. Marvel at the swathes of forest and foliage as well as the quartz crystals in the cliffs, which often sparkle in the sunlight on a bright day.

Kylie’s Lookout is a great place to stop and enjoy the view. It’s famed for delivering some of the best dolphin and whale sightings from land. Meanwhile, the headland provides panoramic views out to Crowdy Bay, north towards Perpendicular Point and south towards Crowdy Head.

Distance: 4.3-kilometre loop

Getting there: You’ll find its entry via Diamond Head Rd — go through the Diamond Head campground in Crowdy Bay National Park.

Accessibility: None

Facilities: None but there are toilets and picnic tables at the Diamond Head campground where the walk begins.

Hard hikes in Port Macquarie

The toughest hikes in Port Macquarie are moderate to arduous paths, which may feature treacherous areas and steep climbs. They are only appropriate for experienced bushwalkers and hikers and not suitable for people without a sufficient level of fitness.

7. Laurieton Track

Time from Port Macquarie centre: 40 minutes

The Laurieton Track in Dooragan National Park is reserved for the most intrepid of nature lovers. This rousing walk in Port Macquarie takes you atop the picturesque summit, where views rank among the best in the state.

Part of the Three Brothers Track, this easily accessible route will weave you through eucalyptus and blackbutt trees amid an abundance of wildlife. While we recommend this walk for anyone with an affinity for the great outdoors, there are long, winding and steep sections that may be too challenging for beginners.

Distance: 3 kilometres one-way

Getting there: Walk through the council park on Laurie St to find the trail behind some houses. There is very limited signage throughout the entire trail, FYI.

Accessibility: None

Facilities: None

8. Rawson Falls Walk

Time from Port Macquarie centre: 1hr 

Many make the mistake of visiting the Boorganna Nature Reserve without doing the Rawson Falls Walk – don’t be that person. Instead, make the 2.5km journey down to the very bottom of the waterfall, stopping to take a dip in the deep, tranquil plunge pool at its base.

For those who don’t feel like a swim, there is a viewing platform that shortens the distance to about 3.4 kilometres return. Take in the sights and sounds of varied flora and fauna, encompassed by the 40-metre-tall trees around you. Spring brings flowering orange blossoms and cinnamon orchards, which can be marvelled at while you eat a packed lunch by the picnic area.

Distance: 5 kilometres return

Getting there: Hit Main St, north of Comboyne, and stay on it as it turns into Wingham Rd. Chuck a right onto Innes View Rd to follow signs to the Boorganna picnic area where this trail begins.

Accessibility: None

Facilities: There’s a picnic area at the waterfall, and educational signposts dot the trail.

Originally written by Eliza Sholly with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams.

Port Macquarie cafes are as sophisticated as any you will find in a major city. Here’s where to get your fix and find the best coffee in Port Macquarie.

Take a short detour off the highway between Brisbane and Sydney and you will find a range of excellent Port Macquarie cafes. Follow the smell of roasting beans off the street to find the best cafes in Port Macquarie, which run the gamut from long-standing establishments to cult roasters who helped kickstart the specialty coffee scene. Van lifers no longer need to rely on jars of instant coffee while road-tripping down the east coast of Australia. Here’s our guide to the best cafes in Port Macquarie that will help you get a sense of place in the seaside town.

The Shortlist

Hidden gem: Banks Cafe
Best for brunch: Chop ’n Chill
Best for digital nomads: Holy Goat Coffee
Family-friendly spot: Seasalt
Best coffee: Peak Coffee
Best pastries: Baked Culture
Dog-friendly: The Hill Café
Best for gluten-free dining: Bent on Food

1. Banks Cafe

people outside the Banks Cafe, Port Macquarie

Step into Banks Cafe for breakfast overlooking the Hastings River.

Banks Cafe is housed in a repurposed waterfront cottage appropriately named after its location on the banks of the Hastings River. The dinky beach shack is always filled with locals who exude a kind of robust pride in their lifestyle. You’ll see them pulling up on their stand-up paddleboards for the Banks Breaky Hot Pot or Pork Belly Benny. Follow Banks Cafe on Instagram to see what’s on as the café morphs into a restaurant offering dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. Although this tucked-away gem is mostly crewed out with locals you’ll find a steady trickle of tourists joining them for brekkie with a view.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Beach club vibes
Location:  9 Mcinherney Cl, Port Macquarie

2. The Hill Café

It’s clear the winds of change have roared through Port Macquarie when you stumble across cool-as cafes like The Hill in nearby Thrumster. If we’re using sourdough as the litmus test then The Hill proves its pedigree by using its loaf and making its toasties from Baked Culture. The Hill Café is near the gateway service station centre dubbed ‘the Donut’ so you can order ahead on the Hey You app if you’re passing between Wauchope and Port Macquarie. Have more time to spare? Order the Not Avo Toast special which offers a more seasonal green splash of colour with zucchini, peas, mint and goat’s cheese with alfalfa sprouts and charred lime on sourdough.

Cuisine: Expect specialty coffees and killer toasties.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Super-super friendly. Good music, food and coffee.
Location: T16, 15 Chancellors Drive, Thrumster

3. Baked Culture

pouring milk over a latte cup at Baked Culture, Port Macquarie

Get your coffee fix at Baked Culture.

Plastic bags are a no-go in Wauchope. Avoid the evil eye from locals and tote your retro eco bag into Baked Culture so you can stock it with sourdough, seasonal fruit Danishes and cruffins lacquered with honey. The patisserie has evolved from a pop-up at the Foreshore Markets to a brick-and-mortar bakery in Wauchope (pronounced War Hope puh-lease) that locals love. If you can’t get to Wauchope, you can enjoy the artisan baked goods at Port Macquarie cafes such as Studio 3 and The Hill Café. You can also pick up a loaf from Wild Culture Organics. Sourdough is the specialty at Baked Culture which sources its grain from Wholegrain Milling.

Cuisine: Pastries
Average price: $
Location:  2/3 31 High St, Wauchope

4. Cafe Red @ Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries

Have you even been to the Mid-North Coast of NSW if you haven’t stopped off at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries. The business that sprouted from an honesty box is the perfect pit stop located just one minute from the M1 roundabout just north of the Port Macquarie turnoff. In addition to filling your esky with jams, chutneys, salsas, passatas and soups, you can keep the kids entertained by picking their own strawberries for lunch. Families who have booked accommodation in Port Macquarie can pick up fresh produce from nearby farms for a picnic or settle in at the sunny Cafe Red for afternoon tea featuring house-made strawberry jam.

Cuisine: Mod Oz.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 221 Blackmans Point Road, Port Macquarie

5. Salty Crew Kiosk

a woman holding an acai bowl on her lap at Salty Crew Kiosk, Port Macquarie

Tuck into a healthy acai bowl at Salty Crew Kiosk. (Image: Supplied)

Port Macquarie cafes are at an advantage when they have a waterfront view. And few cafes can boast a location as quintessentially Port Mac as the motley gang behind the Salty Crew Kiosk. The dinky cafe is at Town Beach and is a popular hangout thanks to its orientation; it’s protected from southerly busters and close to the centre of Port Macquarie. Start your day with a wind-in-the-hair walk along the breakwall before heading to the Salty Crew Kiosk for a latte. The cafe is one of the best places in Port Macquarie to see the sunrise and is known to take care preparing its coffee, tea and espresso blends – all from Clandestino Roasters in Noosa. Ask the staff for a surf report while tucking into a ham-cheese-tomato toastie and double espresso under a stripey umbrella.

Cuisine: Classic Aussie café fare.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Beached as.
Location: Town Beach, William St, Port Macquarie

6. Peak Coffee

Peak Coffee is for those who are passionate about supporting ‘crop to cup’ businesses. Peak was one of the first coffee roasters on NSW’s Mid North Coast and is considered one of the best Port Macquarie cafes to get a hit of caffeine. As early exponents of specialty coffee, owners Sean and Kristine Edwards have been blazing a trail in the Third Wave coffee movement for decades. And they’re responsible for training up some of the best baristas in Port Macquarie with a roster of courses on offer for those who want to turn their passion for coffee into a career. Visit the brew lab and roastery to enjoy a coffee flight in the tasting room featuring a mural of Francesco Illy by local street artist PSY.

Cuisine: Grab-and-go toasties and baked goods from the display cabinet
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Gritty industrial feel with an edgy street vibe.
Location: 30 Jambali Road, Port Macquarie

This lovely Port Macquarie cafe dishes up Mediterranean and Aussie-style breakfast favourites.

Social Grounds has been considered one of the best cafes in Port Macquarie for rhythm and brews since opening its doors in 2014. This graffiti-clad cafe with indoor and outdoor seating is perennially packed with loyal locals. Sip on an exceptional espresso inside the rustic space where the walls are charcoal and the floors are timber. The courtyard outside is a lovely spot to sit admiring the street art and crayon-green plants in the courtyard, espresso in hand. Order a bowl of Grounds Granola and flat white brewed from beans ethically sourced from Ethiopia, Sumatra, Colombia or Rwanda. Check the blackboard for daily specials such as the Brisket Benny Stacker or Social Roll stuffed with smoked bacon, fried egg, sriracha, baby spinach and beetroot relish.

Cuisine: Traditional Aussie breakfast fare served with Mediterranean twists.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Groovy.
Location: 1/ 151 Gordon St, Port Macquarie

8. Chop ’n Chill

A lot of visitors to Port Macquarie are surprised to discover that the town is starting to rival NSW towns like Newcastle and Wollongong for their live music scene. Places like Chop ’n Chill are at the centre of the action and serve as incubators for young local musical talent. In addition to its line-up of DJs and live bands, Chop ‘n Chill is a draw for its Asian-American big brekkies. Fuel up after a surf on excellent options such as smoked chicken rolled up in a roti taco with cream cheese, fresh Asian salad, slaw and lime. Chop ’n Chill has river views and overlooks the Town Green, making it popular with families.

Cuisine: Asian American
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Bright and breezy.
Location: 17-19 Horton St, Port Macquarie

9. The Meeting Point Cafe

coffee koala at The Meeting Point Cafe, Port Macquarie

Enjoy playful latte art. (Image: Supplied)

Parents visiting Port Macquarie during the school holidays should drop a pin at Billabong Zoo, one of the best places to visit in Port Macquarie. We advise parents to start with an espresso, the grounded equivalent of putting your oxygen mask on before being able to properly attend to your kids. The shady courtyard cafe overlooks the enclosure of spider monkeys so you can compare the behaviour of your children with their evolutionary cousins. Gather at the Meeting Point Cafe before your mooch around the zoo to enjoy frappes, muffins, croissants and fish and chips. Find a few pun-tastic options on the Little Lion $12 meal deals menu such as the Egg-chidna, Pandacakes and Chicken Little.

Cuisine: Old-school Aussie cafe options.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Unique.
Location: 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie.

10. Seasalt

Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant, Port Macquarie

Dine on fresh seafood overlooking the marina at Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant. (Image: Supplied)

Make sure you have conquered the art of having flawlessly tousled beach hair before you lob at Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant for your morning coffee. The weather in Port Macquarie is near perfect so you will likely join salty sea dog types who are wearing thongs (of the flip-flop variety) and arranging to wet a line later in the day. Don’t worry if you can’t speak fluent fisho; the locals here are super friendly. Seasalt cafe is barnacled to the Port Macquarie Marina and a top spot to start your day. Head to Seasalt if you’re looking for Port Macquarie cafes with a waterfront view. Find a list of classic breakfast options such as eggs benedict and bacon and egg rolls with gluten-friendly alternatives, too.  Ask the staff for a tub of fish food so your kids can feed the bream off the marina.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Casual and friendly.
Location: 18 Park St, Port Macquarie

11. Rivermark Cafe

You’ll need plenty of energy to go stand-up paddleboarding in Port Macquarie. Drop a pin at the Rivermark Cafe so you can locate this riverside haunt just a short paddle up the Hastings River. Find a place to dock and then kick back with a hot cup of coffee while feasting on views of the surrounding waterscape. Sit at a coveted window seat or in the shade in the outdoor area, where you might spot dolphins enjoying an early-morning frolic. Although the menu has the ubiquitous avo on toast, there’s nothing ordinary about its version served with haloumi and slathered with a hollandaise sauce. The Rivermark Cafe is licensed so you can enjoy a crisp glass of vino after your paddle.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Bright and breezy
Location:  261 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie

12. Bandwagon

a spread of food at Bandwagon cafe in Port Macquarie

Bandwagon has an enticing breakfast menu to choose from. (Image: Supplied)

It’s easy to get onboard at Bandwagon. Port Macquarie’s latest destination for specialty coffee, quality food, live music, good vibes and sick views. The casual, rustic cafe is set within a century-old beach house and should be on itineraries for sun-seekers and families keen on coastal hang. The piccolos here are perfect made using Ona beans, which are also available for sale. But Bandwagon is not just a place for breakfast. Follow Bandwagon on Instagram to book a special-themed dinner or find inspiration before ordering. Order the sourdough made bright with cooked pumpkin and spices, fried sage and pelted with fetta, house macadamia and pepita.

Cuisine: Colourful and creative.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 76 William St, Port Macquarie

13. Bent on Food

alfresco dining at Bent on Food cafe in Port Macquarie

Enjoy your coffee outdoors in a lush garden setting. (Image: Jake Davey Studios)

Donna Carrier is a legend of the hospitality scene and Bent on Food the most awarded tourism cafe in the Legendary Pacific Coast region. The vibe is Port Macquarie casual with colourful artwork lining the walls and jars of jams, chutneys and preserves available to procure for your pantry. This cafe is in the pedestrian-friendly township of Wingham, which will automatically make you change down a few gears and remind you you’re on holiday. Spicy corn fritters, pork tacos and poke bowls are the go-tos. But to truly maximise your experience make sure you time your visit to coincide to return to sip on local wines and listen to live music.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 93/95 Isabella St, Wingham

14. Little Fish

Book somewhere cosy to stay near Lake Innis, which is just 12 kilometres from Port Macquarie, so you can visit the Little Fish Cafe & Vineyard. Book a tasting with the winemaker from Innes Lake Vineyard and then head to the cafe to enjoy authentic French fare prepared by Steve Delandemare. Adventurous epicureans will also enjoy tasting the wines paired with Little Fish dishes the chef grew up with. Think pork filet mignon with tomato Dijon sauce or Braised Bourguignon beef cheeks with a glass of the Innes Lake Shiraz. And confit duck leg served with vegetables and red wine jus and an Innes Lake rose. Visiting the vineyard is one of the best things to do in Port Macquarie.

Cuisine: Oh-so French
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Country
Location: 147 The Ruins Way, Innes Lake Vineyard, Port Macquarie

15. Holy Goat Coffee

Holy Goat Coffee is an essential stop for a good brew. (Image: Astyn Saggers)

Don’t expect to hear any yacht rock at Holy Goat Coffee. The industrial-chic cafe is cool and quirky with multiple odes to goats, which inspired the name of the business. Ask the barista and she’ll explain Holy Goat Coffee considers the very origins of coffee in 600AD when the hollow-horned animals reportedly discovered the glorious red coffee cherries.  Come sup on the nectar of productivity here in the espresso bar at Holy Goat HQ, which includes a dedicated co-working space aimed at digital nomads. Start strong with a double espresso and then pick up bespoke blends such as Scape Goat and the Hairy Goat. Expect a rotating roster of baked goods supplied by Casseras Bakery and Sugar Mummah such as baguettes, quiches and donut cookies with salted caramel.

Cuisine: Bakery treats.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Busy and buzzy.
Location: 5/8 Merrigal Road, Port Macquarie.

16. The Beach House

This place is already recognised as a favourite hangout for sunset drinks. But few are aware of its reputation as a bastion for barista-made coffees. Port Macquarie is a mecca for water sports such as surfing and kayaking. It also has quiet waterways such as the Hastings River, where The Beach House is located. You’ll need to be energised to squeeze everything onto your itinerary. Try and play it cool as you arrive by kayak to The Beach House to find a range of brekkie options to satisfy your cravings for carbs. The Beach House is one of the most visited spots around, thanks to its location on the Town Green and Hastings River. Use it as a pit stop while getting their steps up along the iconic Port Macquarie Breakwall walk.

Cuisine: Old-school Aussie favourites.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed and breezy.
Location: 1 Horton St, Port Macquarie

Discover the best pubs and bars in Port Macquarie

8 breathtaking walks and hikes in Port Macquarie

Discover the region’s boundless beauty at your own pace with the most captivating walks and hikes in Port Macquarie.

Easy hikes in Port Macquarie