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Port Macquarie coastal walk

Sea Acres National Park

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Overview

You'll pass historic sites, stunning coastal scenery, beaches, and rainforest along the Port Macquarie coastal walk. It can be enjoyed as a full day walk or broken up into several short walks.

Distance
9km one-way
Time suggested
3 - 4hrs
Grade
Grade 4
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
The walk can be divided into four sections:
  • Westport to Town Beach (2km)
  • Town Beach to Flynns Beach (2.2km)
  • Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach (2.2km)
  • Shelly Beach to Tacking Point (2.7km)

You can access the 2.7 km long section of the coastal walk that goes through Sea Acres National Park via :

  • Shelly Beach car park to the north, or 
  • Lighthouse Road to the south.

Please note that the Port Macquarie coastal walk does not connect to the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk.

The south end of Port Macquarie coastal walk is one of the few places on the NSW coast where the forest meets the foam. Spot historical sites along the way while enjoying stunning seaside scenery.

You might spot a whale or two on their annual migration between May and November. 

Starting the walk at Town Beach, you'll wind around the coastline via Flagstaff, Rocky Beach lookout, and Nobby’s Beach. Get your camera out at Harry's lookout to capture views over to Sea Acres, before ending your walk at Tacking Point lighthouse. 

You can break the walk up into shorter sections if you prefer, especially if you're walking with kids. There are lots of opportunities to cool off with a swim along the way or to have a barbecue. Shelley Beach is a favourite spot for both activities.

Take a virtual tour of Port Macquarie coastal walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Roto House, Roto House Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer/NSW Government

    Roto House

    Step back in time and explore the rooms of Roto House, a beautifully preserved, late-Victorian building in Port Macquarie. If you're lucky you might spot a koala in the surrounding trees.

  • A woman and child walk towards the boardwalk entrance of Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Sea Acres National Park. Credit: Adam Hollingworth/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

    Sea Acres Rainforest Centre

    Close to Port Macquarie, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is the gateway to your rainforest experience. Friendly staff provide information and there is a café where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch.

  • A couple enjoys the Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk

    The Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk is an easy 1.3km walk through the rainforest canopy. You’ll see rainforest birds and animals. It's a great walk for all ages.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

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