Mona Vale Beach

Mona Vale Beach is a serene stretch of golden sand on the NSW Mid-North Coast, just south of Port Macquarie. Backed by low dunes and spotted with rock pools, it offers a quieter alternative to the town's main beaches. The clear waters and consistent swells make it a local favourite for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the adjacent headland provides a scenic walking track with ocean views.

Highlights & What to See

• Surfing & Swimming: The beach breaks evenly over a sandy bottom, ideal for intermediate surfers. The northern end is patrolled in summer and offers the safest swimming.
• Rock Pools at Low Tide: Explore the rocky shelves at the southern end – perfect for kids to discover crabs, starfish, and tiny fish.
• Mona Vale Headland Walk: A short, easy trail from the carpark leads to panoramic views over the beach and out to the Tasman Sea. Great for whale watching (June–November).
• Fishing: Cast a line from the rocks or the beach for bream, whiting, and tailor. Early morning is best.
• Picnic & BBQ Facilities: Sheltered tables and electric BBQs sit just behind the dunes, making it easy to spend a full day here.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is plenty to enjoy Mona Vale Beach. Arrive mid-morning for a swim and a walk along the sand, then tackle the headland trail (30 minutes round trip). Pack a picnic lunch at the sheltered tables, or grab fish and chips from the nearby takeaway. If you're a keen surfer or fisher, you could easily while away a full day. Combine it with a morning at Town Beach or a late afternoon at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie Town Beach – the bustling main beach with a lively café strip, just 10 minutes north.
• Koala Hospital – a must-visit wildlife sanctuary, 15 minutes north in Port Macquarie.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre – a boardwalk through coastal rainforest, only 12 minutes away.
• Port Macquarie Hastings River – hire a kayak or join a cruise to explore the river's scenic banks and oyster leases.
• North Brother Mountain – a 30-minute drive south offers a challenging hike with spectacular views from the summit.

Please check official sources for current details.