Comboyne Plateau

Rising abruptly from the Hastings Valley, Comboyne Plateau is a lush, volcanic tableland draped in ancient rainforest, dairy pastures, and a palpable sense of rural tranquillity. Just a 40-minute drive inland from Port Macquarie, this 600-metre-high haven offers a cool, green escape with walking trails, waterfalls, and sweeping views across the coast. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience a side of New South Wales that feels refreshingly off the beaten path.

Highlights & What to See

• Boorganna Nature Reserve – One of the few remaining stands of lowland subtropical rainforest in NSW, with the 2.4 km Rawson Walk leading to a swimming hole beneath a cascading waterfall. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds and wallabies.
• Comboyne Plateau Lookout – A short, easy walk to a platform with panoramic views over the valley and out to the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Perfect for sunrise or sunset.
• Ellenborough Falls – A spectacular 200-metre single-drop waterfall (one of the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere), with a viewing platform and a steep walking track down to the base. Allow at least an hour for the return walk.
• Comboyne Village – A tiny, historic settlement with a general store, a charming pub, and the Comboyne Museum (housed in the old school building), which offers a glimpse into the plateau’s pioneering past.
• Local Produce & Farm Stalls – The plateau’s rich volcanic soil yields avocados, macadamias, chestnuts, and berries. Look for roadside stalls and the Comboyne Farmers Market (Sundays).

Suggested Time to Spend

To do justice to the plateau’s natural highlights, plan for a full day trip from Port Macquarie. Start early to visit Ellenborough Falls and Boorganna Nature Reserve in the morning, then enjoy a pub lunch in Comboyne village before exploring the lookout and a farm stall or two. If you’re keen on walking, consider an overnight stay at one of the plateau’s B&Bs – the cool air and starry skies make it a memorable retreat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the Hastings River, perfect for a post-plateau seafood dinner.
• Wauchope – A historic timber town on the Hastings River, with the Timbertown heritage park and river cruises.
• Mount Seaview – A scenic drive through the Great Dividing Range, with views and picnic spots.
• Kempsey – The Macleay Valley’s main town, with a vibrant arts scene and the Yarriabini National Park.
• Willi Willi National Park – Rugged wilderness with remote walking trails and camping, south-west of the plateau.

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