Beaches, Port Macquarie

Flynns Beach, situated three kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is almost 500 metres long and nestled between a pair of rocky headlands to the north and south. It has good protection from westerly and southerly winds and suits learn-to-surfers most of the year. The Surf Club has a kiosk that serves meals. There is plenty of accommodation available within a short walk of Flynns Beach. https://portmacquarieinfo.com.au/see-do/flynns-beach

Grants (North Haven) Beach is located on the north side of the Camden Haven River mouth. The southern end is protected by the break wall which offers great 'right-handers' with a southerly swell. The beach is home to the Camden Haven Surf Lifesaving Club, who patrol the beach throughout the summer weekends. Dogs are allowed north of the patrolled area. The beach runs north-south for about 3.5 kilometres and is paralleled by a lovely walking track through the littoral forest and heathland. The beach is patrolled by council lifeguards and the Camden Haven Surf Club during school holidays. There are showers, toilets, and picnic tables at the southern end. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-macquarie-area/north-haven/attractions/grants-beach

Harrington Beach stretches from Harrington village to the picturesque fishing village of Crowdy Head, and is part of the Harrington Beach State Park. This quiet beach location between the two villages is ideal for relaxing strolls and fishing opportunities. Harrington break wall is a very popular spot for fishing, walking, and taking in the views of the ocean. There is a fish cleaning facility conveniently located at the beginning of the break wall. The Harrington Lagoon is located off the beach area; it is a safe swimming spot for families and is very popular during the warmer months. Car parking is available at the lagoon area off Crowdy Road. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/forster-and-taree-area/taree/attractions/harrington-beach

Harrington Beach State Park is situated on the New South Wales Mid North Coast and comprises lands surrounding and including the Manning River's northern entrance. The 431 hectare site stretches from Harrington to the picturesque fishing village of Crowdy Head. The foreshores of the coastal beaches and estuary provide an array of year round recreation and tourism opportunities. The State Park also includes a small littoral rainforest that is accessible to the public. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/forster-and-taree-area/taree/attractions/harrington-beach-state-park

At Lake Innes Nature Reserve, near Port Macquarie, visitors can enjoy cycling, fishing, birdwatching, swimming, kayaking and learning about NSW convict settlement history. Whether you’re an eager history student or an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty to do at Lake Innes Nature Reserve, not far from Port Macquarie. The reserve features a fascinating historic site set in gorgeous natural scenery with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, birdwatching and water sport activities. Lake Innes lies at its heart and is a picturesque setting for the historically significant Innes Ruins, which is a great place to learn all about early settlement and convict history in NSW. You can book a tour of the ruins through the Port Macquarie Information Centre. The lake is also a gorgeous backdrop for picnicking, birdwatching, walking or cycling. Or, get out on the water by kayaking or canoeing across it or enjoying a splash of swimming in its tranquil waters or spot of fishing from Perch Hole. There’s an impressive array of wildlife to admire here too, including osprey, ducks and swans paddling on the lake and the kangaroos, wallabies and dingoes that can be seen throughout the reserve. https://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/see-do/lake-innes-nature-reserve

Rainbow Beach trends south-south west for 2.5 kilometres from the dolerite rocks at Middle Rock Point to the sedimentary rocks at Bonny Hills, The beach is backed by a foredune, then two kilometres long Duchess Gully Creek that drains across the southern end of beach, where it is called Little Vinegar Creek, linking with a second small creek. Ocean Drive skirts round the beach with access only available at Middle Rock, where there are no facilities, while Bonny Hills has the surf club, a park and picnic area, and two caravan parks. Rainbow Beach is patrolled during school holidays October through April. https://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/see-do/rainbow-beach