Hastings River Walkway

Following the tranquil Hastings River as it winds through Port Macquarie, the Hastings River Walkway offers an easy, scenic stroll that connects the town’s historic heart with its natural surroundings. This paved path is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, providing a peaceful escape with constant water views, birdlife, and glimpses of the region’s colonial past.

Highlights & What to See

• Historic Town Centre to Settlement Point: Start near the Town Green and walk past the Port Macquarie Museum, the old Courthouse, and the 1840s St Thomas’ Anglican Church, all set against the river backdrop.
• Settlement Point Reserve: The walkway ends at this leafy park with picnic tables, a playground, and a jetty where you can watch boats bobbing on the river.
• Birdwatching & Mangroves: Keep an eye out for pelicans, cormorants, and herons along the mangrove-lined banks; interpretive signs explain the estuarine ecosystem.
• Marina and Boatshed Café: Halfway along, stop for a coffee or fish and chips at the Boatshed, a laid-back waterside spot with outdoor seating.
• Sunset Strolls: The walkway faces west, making it a prime location for golden-hour photography as the sun dips behind the river.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–2 hours for the full 4 km return walk from the town centre to Settlement Point and back. It’s flat and wheelchair-friendly, so you can take it at a leisurely pace, stopping for photos or a picnic. Many visitors combine it with a morning visit to the Port Macquarie Historic Cemetery or an afternoon at the nearby Town Beach.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie Town Beach: A golden-sand beach just a 5-minute walk south, perfect for a swim or surf after your riverside walk.
• Koala Hospital: A 10-minute drive west, this renowned facility cares for injured koalas and offers a unique wildlife experience.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre: A 5-minute drive east, featuring a boardwalk through coastal rainforest and a canopy tower with panoramic views.
• Tacking Point Lighthouse: A 15-minute drive south, this historic lighthouse sits on a headland with sweeping ocean views and a popular whale-watching spot.
• Port Macquarie Historic Cemetery: Located near the walkway’s start, this atmospheric cemetery tells stories of the town’s convict and pioneer past.

Please check official sources for current details.