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.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Port Macquarie’s best beaches and swimming spots