Comboyne

Perched atop the escarpment west of Port Macquarie, Comboyne is a serene village that feels a world away from the coast. Its cool, lush landscape is a patchwork of dairy farms, ancient rainforest remnants, and rolling green hills—a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace.

Highlights & What to See

• Boorganna Nature Reserve: A pocket of pristine subtropical rainforest with towering trees, fern gullies, and a tranquil picnic spot by the creek. The 2.5 km rainforest walk is a must.
• Comboyne Plateau Lookouts: Several viewpoints, such as the one at the end of Koppin Yarratt Road, offer sweeping panoramas over the Hastings Valley and distant mountains.
• Dairy Country: Drive the backroads past black-and-white Friesians and historic farmsteads. Stop at the Comboyne General Store for a milkshake made from local milk.
• Ellenborough Falls: A short drive north, this dramatic single-drop waterfall plunges 200 metres into a gorge—one of the tallest in NSW. The viewing platform and walking track are not to be missed.
• Local Produce: Comboyne is known for its avocados, chestnuts, and honey. Look for roadside stalls or visit the weekly farmers market for seasonal treats.

Suggested Time to Spend

A half-day is sufficient to explore the village and Boorganna Nature Reserve, but you could easily fill a full day if you include Ellenborough Falls and a leisurely lunch. For a weekend escape, combine Comboyne with a night at a nearby farm stay or B&B to fully soak up the plateau's tranquillity.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: The coastal hub offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the Hastings River walk—a 45-minute drive east.
• Wauchope: A historic timber town with the Timbertown heritage park and gateway to the beautiful Bago Maze & Wine.
• Hastings River Valley: Follow the river through lush farmland and vineyards; sample local wines and cheeses along the way.
• Mapleton & the Upper Hastings: Further west, the road winds through rainforest to the edge of the Great Dividing Range, with more lookouts and walking trails.

Please check official sources for current details.