Duffys Forest

Duffys Forest is a serene pocket of coastal bushland just west of Port Macquarie, offering a quiet escape into nature with towering eucalypts, tranquil creeks, and excellent birdwatching. This small locality feels a world away from the beachside bustle, yet it's only a 15-minute drive from town — perfect for travellers seeking a dose of wild tranquillity without venturing far.

Highlights & What to See

• Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park – A network of walking trails through rainforest and paperbark swamps, with boardwalks and bird hides. Keep an eye out for wallabies and water dragons.
• Duffys Forest Reserve – A patch of protected bushland with picnic tables and short walks where you can spot koalas and glossy black-cockatoos.
• Lake Innes Nature Reserve – Just south, this wetland reserve is a haven for birdlife, with a 6 km walking/cycling track around the lake.
• Port Macquay Koala Hospital – A short drive away, this world-famous hospital cares for injured koalas; you can see them in the outdoor enclosures.
• North Brother Mountain – A 15-minute drive brings you to this peak with panoramic views over the Camden Haven River and coastline.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ample to explore Duffys Forest itself — combine a morning walk at Kooloonbung Creek with a picnic lunch at the forest reserve. If you're keen on birdwatching or want to cycle around Lake Innes, allow a full day. The area is best visited as a relaxed side trip from Port Macquarie, slotting in between beach time or before heading south.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The vibrant town centre, with its historic gaol, coastal walk, and excellent cafes, is just 10 km east.
• Wauchope – A charming rural town on the Hastings River, known for the Wauchope Railway Museum and weekend markets.
• Camden Haven – A series of coastal villages (Laurieton, North Haven) with stunning waterways and the Camden Haven River.
• Bago Bluff National Park – For longer hikes and dramatic escarpment views, this national park is 30 minutes west.

Please check official sources for current details.