Hastings River

Flowing through the lush hinterland of the Mid North Coast, the Hastings River is the lifeblood of the Port Macquarie region. This broad, tidal waterway meanders from the Great Dividing Range to the Tasman Sea, offering a serene escape into nature. Paddle a kayak through mangrove-lined channels, cast a line for bream and flathead, or simply soak up the peaceful riverside atmosphere. The river is also steeped in Birpai Aboriginal heritage, with significant cultural sites along its banks. Whether you're exploring by boat, on foot, or from a waterside café, the Hastings River delivers a quintessentially Australian river experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Paddle the Hastings: Kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Settlement Point to the Maria River, spotting ospreys, stingrays, and maybe a dolphin. Hire gear from Port Macquarie’s waterfront.
• Fishing spots: The river is renowned for estuary fishing – try the breakwall at the mouth or the quieter reaches near Wauchope for whiting and mud crabs.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre: On the southern bank, this boardwalk winds through coastal rainforest – listen for wompoo fruit-doves and look for goannas.
• Historic Wauchope: Upstream, this charming town has a railway museum and the Timbertown heritage park, celebrating the region’s logging past.
• Hastings River Wine Region: A handful of boutique vineyards produce excellent Verdelho and Semillon – cellar doors are dotted along the river’s mid-reaches.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least half a day to truly appreciate the Hastings River. A morning kayak trip from Settlement Point to the Maria River takes 2–3 hours, leaving time for a picnic or a seafood lunch at a riverside café in Port Macquarie. If you plan to explore Wauchope and the wineries, dedicate a full day, or combine it with a visit to the rainforest at Sea Acres for a complete nature immersion.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – the coastal hub at the river’s mouth, with its historic convict-built breakwall and lively waterfront dining.
• Lake Cathie – a tranquil coastal lagoon just south, ideal for swimming and birdwatching.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – north of the river, this park offers dramatic coastal heath and the iconic Diamond Head rock formation.
• Bago Bluff National Park – inland from Wauchope, with walking trails through tall eucalypt forests and panoramic views.
• Ellenborough Falls – a spectacular waterfall in the hinterland, about 45 minutes’ drive from Wauchope.

Please check official sources for current details.