Port Macquarie Beaches and Swimming Spots: Here Are The Best

Get into the rhythm of life in Port Macquarie in these toes-in-the-sand hotspots.

If you took a fish-eye view of Port Macquarie, you’d see beaches sweeping all the way off to the periphery. All up, there are 17 beaches in the region, making it a very appealing destination for those who dream of days spent surfing, swimming or wading in rock pools.

But the region, located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, is not just renowned for its beaches: there are shady spots near rivers and lakes where you can also keep you cool. Here are some of the best beaches and swimming spots in and around Port Macquarie.

Lighthouse beach

The surf hits the rocky headland at Tacking Point Lighthouse like a roaring beast, taking tiny incremental bites out of the cliffs as it has been doing for thousands of years. In an east-southeast swell, experienced surfers flock to the seven-kilometre long beach that leads to the lighthouse. The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers during the school holidays, making it a favourite with families who follow up a swim with a camel ride .

Flynns Beach

Flynns Beach is protected by two rocky headlands to the north and south, making it idyllic for everyone from novice surfers to families who want to simply wallow in saltwater. Located three kilometres south of Port Macquarie, the roughly 500-metre long patrolled beach has shaded picnic areas and a kiosk, and is also popular for both rock and beach fishing.

Nobbys Beach

Go with the flow along Nobbys Beach and you will be funnelled along the beach with locals walking their four-legged friends. The dog-friendly beach comprises a 400-metre stretch of powder-soft sand between the 30-metre high Nobbys Head and southern rocks of Flynns Beach. You can access Nobbys Beach via the stairs connecting the beach with the car park.

Town Beach

Surfers will want to get up at dawn if they’re keen on a wave in Port Macquarie. If there’s even a whiff of a swell running, local board riders will be seen running down to Town Beach in their neoprene suits before the wind ruffles the sea as Town Beach is the pick of Port Macquarie’s surf beaches. Head to Salty Crew Kiosk for a coffee and then swim between the flags in the southern corner of the beach, within walking distance of the CBD.

Rainbow Beach

Cue the calming, hypnotic sound of waves lapping the shore and the scent of salt in the air and you will conjure up an approximation of Rainbow Beach. The best spot to swim at the beach, which is only patrolled during school holidays — between October and April –- is between the flags at the southern end. The beach, which is protected from howling southerly winds, is threaded with creeks that ribbon out to the sea.

Shelly Beach

Work up a sweat before your swim at Shelly Beach by walking along the bush track that skirts the 700-metre long arc of sand. It’s here you will find bush furniture, a unique sculpture park and a quirky hand-carved lookout dedicated to local artist Harry Thompson. The artist, who died in the year 2000, was known as the Mayor of Shelly Beach as he was its unofficial caretaker. Arrive at mid-to-low tide to swim in the natural rock pool.

Rawson Falls

Travel for just over an hour inland to Boorganna Nature Reserve to find Rawson Falls. The walk to the swimming hole at the base of the waterfall takes about two and a half hours if you’re stopping to take happy snaps along the way. Bring a pair of binoculars as you walk to the swimming hole as the nature reserve is home to species such as the scarlet honeyeater. While you’re chasing waterfalls, don’t miss Ellenborough Falls on the Barrington Coast, the longest single-drop waterfall in NSW.

The walk to the swimming hole at the base of the waterfall takes about two and a half hours

Wild Bull

The swimming hole at Wild Bull in Mount Boss State Forest is a secluded spot that is only a short drive from Wauchope. Walk past the eucalypts standing their ground and head to the crystal-clear swimming hole near one of two Cobrabald camping areas, where you will meet friendly locals and day trippers swimming in the silky waters of the Wilson River and using giant rocks as day beds while lazing in the dappled light.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

Port Macquarie’s best beaches and swimming spots