Billabiri National Park

Just a short drive from Port Macquarie, Billabiri National Park is a rugged coastal wilderness that feels a world away from the town's beachy buzz. This is a place of dramatic sea cliffs, dense littoral rainforest, and secluded beaches where the only soundtrack is the crash of waves and the call of bellbirds. For travellers seeking a raw, uncrowded slice of New South Wales nature, Billabiri delivers with quiet authority.

Highlights & What to See

• Coastal Walk: The 9km return track from Shelly Beach to the northern end of the park is the standout. It weaves through rainforest, past blowholes and over headlands with heart-stopping views of the Tasman Sea. Allow 3–4 hours and bring water.
• Bago Bluff: This massive sea cliff plunges 200 metres to the ocean. The lookout is a short walk from the car park and offers a perfect picnic spot – watch for whales during migration season (June–November).
• Hidden Beaches: Shelly Beach and the more remote Laggers Point are great for a quiet swim or a surf when conditions are right. The park's beaches are patrolled only in summer, so check conditions before entering the water.
• Birdwatching & Wildlife: The park is a haven for bell miners (bellbirds), whipbirds and sea eagles. You might also spot wallabies and goannas. Dawn and dusk are best for sightings.
• Picnic Areas: There are several well-maintained picnic spots with barbecues and tables – the one at Bago Bluff has the best views. No shops in the park, so pack supplies.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day here – either tackling the coastal walk or doing a shorter loop with a picnic. If you're keen on both the walk and a beach session, set aside a full day. The park is compact enough that you can easily combine it with a morning in Port Macquarie and an afternoon drive to the nearby vineyards of the Hastings Valley.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – 20 minutes south, with its koala hospital, historic breakwall and excellent café culture.
• Lake Cathie – a serene coastal lake perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, just 15 minutes south.
• Hastings Valley Wine Region – a cluster of boutique vineyards and cellar doors around Wauchope, 25 minutes west.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – another stunning coastal park 45 minutes north, with the iconic Diamond Head and dramatic heathlands.
• Kempsey & the Macleay Valley – a historic river town 40 minutes north, with pioneer museums and the beautiful Macleay River.

Please check official sources for current details.