Itineraries Home » New South Wales Itineraries » Port Macquarie Coastal Walk: The Ultimate Guide to Beaches, Lookouts, and the Lighthouse
SHARE THIS POST
The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is a must-do experience, offering a stunning blend of golden beaches, scenic lookouts, and rugged coastal beauty. Stretching 9 kilometres from Town Beach to the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse, this walk promises breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities to explore hidden gems along the way. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or looking for a leisurely day out, the Coastal Walk is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural charm of Port Macquarie.
Getting there
Getting to Port Macquarie is easy, whether you’re driving, flying, or catching a coach. Located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Port Macquarie is approximately a 4-hour drive from Sydney, a 1.5-hour drive from Coffs Harbour or a 6-hour drive from Brisbane. If you’re flying in, the Port Macquarie Airport offers convenient connections from Sydney, Brisbane, and other regional centres.
The Coastal Walk begins at Town Beach, the perfect spot to park your car and kick off the adventure. After soaking up the scenic beauty and completing the 9-kilometre journey to Tacking Point Lighthouse, we recommend booking a cab or rideshare service to return to Town Beach and your parked vehicle. This way, you can fully enjoy the walk without worrying about the return trek!
Pro Tips
- Divide the Walk into Sections: If you prefer shorter walks, especially with kids, the Coastal Walk can be broken into manageable sections as follows:
- Town Beach to Flynns Beach (3 km)
- Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach (2.5 km)
- Shelly Beach to Tacking Point (3.5 km)
- Sea Acres National Park: Please note that this trail does not connect to the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk.
- Be Prepared for Detours: During our walk, the trail between Miners Beach and Little Bay was closed, necessitating a detour along Lighthouse Road. While these detours are well-signposted, be prepared to walk on the side of the main road for this section.
Key Facts
Provided below is an AllTrails map for the walk along with some key facts.
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
Stop #1 - Town Beach: Where the Coastal Walk Begins with Waves and Wonder
Kick off your adventure at Town Beach, a bustling hub with excellent surf conditions, picnic facilities, and nearby cafés. The Town Beach Breakwall, adorned with vibrant artwork and messages, is a highlight, setting a lively tone for your journey.
Kick off your adventure at Town Beach, a bustling hub with excellent surf conditions, picnic facilities, and nearby cafés. The Town Beach Breakwall, adorned with vibrant artwork and messages, is a highlight, setting a lively tone for your journey.
|
|
Stop #2 - Flagstaff Lookout: Climb the Steps to History and Breathtaking Views
Nestled between Town Beach and Oxley Beach, Flagstaff Lookout is a historical and scenic highlight along the Coastal Walk. To reach the lookout, you'll ascend (and come down!) a set of approximately 50 stairs, but the effort is well worth it. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Port Macquarie’s rugged coastline. Historically, this site served as a navigational point for early settlers, making it a place of both natural beauty and cultural significance. Whether you’re stopping to catch your breath or take in the sights, Flagstaff Lookout is a fantastic spot for a quick rest and a photo opportunity.
Nestled between Town Beach and Oxley Beach, Flagstaff Lookout is a historical and scenic highlight along the Coastal Walk. To reach the lookout, you'll ascend (and come down!) a set of approximately 50 stairs, but the effort is well worth it. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Port Macquarie’s rugged coastline. Historically, this site served as a navigational point for early settlers, making it a place of both natural beauty and cultural significance. Whether you’re stopping to catch your breath or take in the sights, Flagstaff Lookout is a fantastic spot for a quick rest and a photo opportunity.
|
|
Stop #3 - Oxley Beach: A Hidden Haven Between Headlands
A peaceful and scenic stop, Oxley Beach is nestled between headlands, offering a serene spot for photos or a quick break. Its golden sands and gentle waves make it the perfect spot to pause, unwind, and take in the beauty of the coastline. Whether you're capturing a few stunning photos, dipping your toes in the water, or simply relaxing on the sand, Oxley Beach delivers a serene moment to recharge before continuing your journey.
Stop #4 - BIG Spindle at Windmill Hill Reserve: A Quirky Tribute to Port Macquarie’s Spinning Past
Continuing toward Rocky Beach, you’ll come across the BIG Spindle at Windmill Hill Reserve. This artistic landmark celebrates Port Macquarie’s history as a major flax-growing area, where the crop was spun into thread using spindles.
|
|
Stop #5 - Rocky Beach Lookout: Rugged Beauty Where Land Meets Sea
Rocky Beach Lookout provides breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. This area is particularly photogenic during high tide when waves crash against the rocky outcrops.
Stop #6 - Flynns Beach: Family Fun and Surfing Bliss Await
A favourite among locals and visitors, Flynns Beach is ideal for surfers, families, and those looking for a relaxing break. With shaded picnic areas and a surf lifesaving club, this midpoint is perfect for a snack or coffee from nearby eateries. Keep an eye out for the rugged rock formations framing the beach, adding to its natural charm.
A favourite among locals and visitors, Flynns Beach is ideal for surfers, families, and those looking for a relaxing break. With shaded picnic areas and a surf lifesaving club, this midpoint is perfect for a snack or coffee from nearby eateries. Keep an eye out for the rugged rock formations framing the beach, adding to its natural charm.
|
|
Stop #7 - Nobbys Beach: The Perfect Coastal Playground for You and Your Pup
A haven for dog lovers, Nobbys Beach is an off-leash beach offering tranquil beauty and a more secluded atmosphere. Its cliffs and rock pools make it a delightful stop.
Stop #8 - John Downes Park: A Shady Spot to Pause, Rest, and Recharge
Between Nobbys Beach and Shelly Beach, John Downes Park provides a shaded rest area with picnic tables and benches. It’s a great spot to recharge before tackling the next section of the walk.
Between Nobbys Beach and Shelly Beach, John Downes Park provides a shaded rest area with picnic tables and benches. It’s a great spot to recharge before tackling the next section of the walk.
|
|
Stop #9 - Shelly Beach: Where Tidal Lagoons and Lookouts Create Magic
Known for its natural tidal lagoon and rainforest surrounds, Shelly Beach is one of the most picturesque stops on the walk. Take some time to explore Harry’s Lookout, which offers sweeping views of the beach and beyond.
Known for its natural tidal lagoon and rainforest surrounds, Shelly Beach is one of the most picturesque stops on the walk. Take some time to explore Harry’s Lookout, which offers sweeping views of the beach and beyond.
Stop #10 - Miners Beach: A Quiet Escape for Those Who Love Seclusion
Nestled between Shelly Beach and Tacking Point Lighthouse, Miners Beach is a lesser-known gem, often quieter than its counterparts. However, note that during our walk, the section between Miners Beach and Little Bay was closed, requiring a detour along Lighthouse Road.
Nestled between Shelly Beach and Tacking Point Lighthouse, Miners Beach is a lesser-known gem, often quieter than its counterparts. However, note that during our walk, the section between Miners Beach and Little Bay was closed, requiring a detour along Lighthouse Road.
|
|
Stop #11 - Little Bay: A Final Hidden Gem Before the Lighthouse
As you near the end of your journey, Little Bay offers a final secluded escape before reaching the Tacking Point Lighthouse. This small, rocky inlet is a great spot to pause and soak in the ocean views.
As you near the end of your journey, Little Bay offers a final secluded escape before reaching the Tacking Point Lighthouse. This small, rocky inlet is a great spot to pause and soak in the ocean views.
Stop #12 - Tacking Point Lighthouse: An Iconic Finish with Views to Remember
The walk concludes at Tacking Point Lighthouse, one of Australia’s oldest lighthouses, built in 1879. Perched on a rugged rocky headland, this historic landmark offers stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline, making it a truly rewarding end to your coastal journey. Tacking Point Lighthouse is also one of the best spots in Port Macquarie for whale watching, with humpback whales frequently passing by during their annual migration between May and November. For an even more magical experience, time your visit to catch the sunset — the golden hues illuminating the ocean and lighthouse create a picture-perfect finale to an unforgettable walk. After soaking in the breathtaking views, take a cab or rideshare service to conveniently return to your parked vehicle at Town Beach.
|
|
The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is a journey that perfectly blends natural beauty, history, and coastal charm. From golden beaches and secluded bays to breathtaking lookouts and iconic landmarks, every step offers something unique to discover. Whether you tackle the full 9 kilometres or break it into smaller sections, this walk is an unforgettable way to experience Port Macquarie's stunning coastline, that will leave you with memories as vibrant as the views!
Love our itinerary? Excited to visit Port Macquarie? Book your accommodation via Booking.com below at cheaper prices!
If you have an exciting itinerary that you’d like to be hosted in the Guests’ Itineraries section of our website, please contact us at [email protected] and we are super excited to collaborate with you on the same.
This post may contain affiliate links which means that at zero additional cost for you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to buy something via the links provided. This helps us in running our website. Thank you!
This post may contain affiliate links which means that at zero additional cost for you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to buy something via the links provided. This helps us in running our website. Thank you!