Port Macquarie Beaches

The Port Macquarie region is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, and with 17 to choose from in the immediate vicinity, you are bound to find one that’s perfect for you. Whether for family fun in the sun, surfing, 4WDing or learning to surf, it’s easy to find an uncrowded stretch of sand to lay your towel out.

Surf’s up

With world-class breaks and consistent swell, Port Macquarie’s beaches are a surfer’s delight, with popular spots including the Breakwall at Town Beach, Grants Beach in North Haven, Flynns Beach and Shelly Beach. Learn to surf at accredited schools such as Soul Surfing and Port Macquarie Surf School; or head to the renowned kite-surfing spot Lighthouse Beach, which curls for 9km south of the heritage-listed Tacking Point Lighthouse, built in 1879. The point is a great spot for whale watching.

Beach activities

Riding ‘the ship of the desert’ along the rippled sand of Lighthouse Beach with Port Macquarie Camel Safaris is a fun and unique family activity, with safaris operating Sunday through Friday between 9.30am and 1pm (no bookings, just come on down – and cash only). There are eight dog-friendly beaches in the area, including all of Nobby’s Beach, Lighthouse and Lake Cathie Beach. You can also take 4WDs on some beaches – just make sure you have a permit.

Coastal walks

For breathtaking views, the Port Macquarie coastal walk from the town centre to Tacking Point Lighthouse to is a wonderful walking trail that winds past a number of stunning beaches, including Town, Flynns and Shelly, and through Sea Acres National Park.

The walking track is 9km one-way and can be broken into four smaller sections. Picnic tables and barbecue facilities are located at:

• Flynns Beach
• Shelly Beach
• Lake Cathie Beach
• Rainbow Beach, south of Duchess Creek
• Grants Beach, near the breakwall
• Pilot Beach

Beach cafes & where to stay

Port Macquarie boasts some charming beach-front cafes where you can soak up the sun and take in the beach action, including dolphins riding the surf. Just along from the Town Green, Little Shack is a popular breakfast spot; while Salty Crew Kiosk enjoys magnificent views of Town Beach.

There are plenty of places to stay with beach views, from ritzy resorts, apartments and beach houses to camping and holiday parks, such as the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park.