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 the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Port Macquarie’s best beaches and swimming spots