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

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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

4. Old Bottlebutt Walking Track  

Old Bottlebut 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

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

Diamond Head Loop Trail — 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.

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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.

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

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