Mount Coot Tha

Mount Coot Tha, rising 287 metres above Port Macquarie, offers a commanding vista over the Hastings River, the coastline, and the hinterland. This gentle summit is a favourite for walkers and cyclists, with well-maintained trails winding through open forest and patches of rainforest. The lookout at the top is the perfect spot to watch the sunset paint the sky over the Pacific, while the surrounding bushland is alive with birdlife and the scent of eucalyptus. Despite being so close to town, it feels like a proper escape into nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Summit Lookout: Sweeping 360-degree views across Port Macquarie, the coast, and the Camden Haven region. Come early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
• Mount Coot Tha Walking Track: A 2.4 km return walk through dry sclerophyll forest, with interpretive signs along the way. It’s a moderate climb, but the payoff is immense.
• Mountain Biking: The single-track trails around the mountain are popular with local riders. The Coot Tha Mountain Bike Trail offers a fun, technical descent for experienced cyclists.
• Picnic Areas: Shady tables and benches near the base make for a relaxed lunch stop. Pack a picnic and soak up the bush ambience.
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for rainbow lorikeets, king parrots, and the occasional wedge-tailed eagle circling overhead.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–2 hours for a leisurely walk to the summit and back, plus extra time to sit and take in the view. If you’re mountain biking or combining the visit with a picnic, plan for half a day. The walk is best done in the cooler morning hours, especially in summer, to avoid the midday heat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie Coastal Walk – A stunning 9 km coastal trail that passes through beaches, headlands, and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre.
• Koala Hospital – A unique wildlife rehabilitation centre in Port Macquarie, dedicated to caring for injured and sick koalas.
• Billabong Zoo – A wildlife park with koalas, crocodiles, and native Australian animals, just a short drive from Mount Coot Tha.
• Tacking Point Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse on the coast with panoramic ocean views and a great spot for whale watching in season.
• Camden Haven – A scenic region of lakes, rivers, and national parks to the south, ideal for a day trip or longer exploration.

Please check official sources for current details.