Hastings River Foreshore

The Hastings River Foreshore is the sparkling heart of Port Macquarie, a beautifully revamped waterfront promenade that perfectly blends natural beauty with urban convenience. With its wide, paved pathways, lush parklands, and uninterrupted views of the Hastings River, this is where locals come to stroll, cycle, fish, or simply watch the boats glide by. The foreshore buzzes with a relaxed coastal energy, and its easy accessibility makes it a must for any visitor.

Highlights & What to See

• Stroll the Foreshore Path: A scenic 2km walk from Town Beach to the Settlement City shopping centre, with benches, public art, and picnic spots along the way.
• Rainforest Walk at Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park: A short detour from the foreshore leads into a peaceful boardwalk through mangroves and paperbark forests, alive with birdlife.
• Port Macquarie Museum: Housed in a historic 1836 convict-built building, this museum offers a deep dive into the region's Indigenous and colonial past.
• Glasshouse Regional Gallery & Glasshouse Theatre: A striking contemporary arts venue right on the foreshore, featuring rotating exhibitions and a lively performance calendar.
• Westport Park: A large, family-friendly green space with a playground, skate park, and barbecue facilities, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that a leisurely half-day is ideal for exploring the Hastings River Foreshore. Start with a morning walk along the path, pop into the Glasshouse or Museum, then settle in for a riverside lunch at one of the cafes near Town Beach. If you're keen on a longer visit, combine it with a kayak rental or a cruise on the river – allow a full day to soak it all in.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tacking Point Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse on a dramatic headland, just a 10-minute drive east, with stunning ocean views and whale-watching in season.
• Koala Hospital Port Macquarie: A world-famous wildlife hospital dedicated to koala conservation, located within the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park.
• Port Macquarie Beaches: Town Beach is right at the foreshore's edge, while Flynn's Beach and Shelly Beach offer more secluded swimming spots a short drive away.
• Billabong Zoo: A wildlife park with koalas, crocodiles, and big cats, about 15 minutes' drive west, ideal for families.

Please check official sources for current details.