Bannisters Point

Perched on a rocky headland just south of Port Macquarie, Bannisters Point is a serene coastal escape where the bush meets the sea. This quiet residential suburb is famous for its dramatic headland walks, sweeping ocean views, and the acclaimed Bannisters by the Sea hotel and spa. It's the kind of place you come to unwind, breathe in the salt air, and watch whales breach from the clifftops between May and November.

Highlights & What to See

• Bannisters Point Headland Walk – A short but spectacular coastal track that loops around the point, offering uninterrupted views of the Pacific, Tacking Point Lighthouse, and the chance to spot dolphins and migrating whales.
• Tacking Point Lighthouse – One of Australia's oldest lighthouses (built 1879), this charming whitewashed beacon sits atop the headland and is a favourite for sunset photography.
• Shelly Beach – A sheltered crescent of sand just north of the point, perfect for a quiet swim or snorkel in the rock pools.
• Bannisters by the Sea – Even if you're not staying, the hotel's poolside restaurant and cocktail bar are open to the public, serving fresh local seafood with a backdrop of the ocean.
• Whale Watching – Between June and November, the headland is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots on the NSW coast; bring binoculars.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ample to explore the headland walk, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy a meal at Bannisters. If you're after a more leisurely pace, combine it with an afternoon at Shelly Beach or book a spa treatment at the hotel. Most visitors tack Bannisters Point onto a longer stay in Port Macquarie, arriving for lunch and staying until sunset.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – Just 10 minutes north, with its bustling town beach, Koala Hospital, and the Hastings River waterfront.
• Lake Cathie – A calm coastal lake popular for kayaking and birdwatching, 15 minutes south.
• Camden Haven – A cluster of scenic villages (Laurieton, North Haven) around a stunning inlet, 20 minutes south—great for a day of boating or coastal walks.
• Port Macquarie Coastal Walk – This 9-km trail from the town beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse passes through Bannisters Point; plan a few hours to walk it in full.

Please check official sources for current details.