Photo: Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
Murrays Beach is a serene, uncrowded stretch of golden sand tucked between rocky headlands on the New South Wales coast, just south of Port Macquarie. With its crystal-clear waters, lush bushland backdrop, and excellent surf break, this beach offers a quintessential coastal escape that feels a world away from the busier tourist hubs. It’s a favourite among locals for swimming, surfing, and long, contemplative walks, and it’s also a prime spot for spotting dolphins and whales during migration season.
Highlights & What to See
- Swimming and Surfing: The beach is patrolled in summer and offers a reliable, quality surf break that suits intermediate surfers. The northern end is generally calmer for swimming.
- Coastal Walk: Follow the track from the car park to the headland for panoramic views of the coastline and the chance to spot migrating whales between May and November.
- Rock Pools: At low tide, explore the rocky platforms at the southern end, where small pools teem with marine life – perfect for curious kids.
- Picnic and BBQ Facilities: The grassy reserve behind the beach has shaded picnic tables and electric barbecues, making it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with a trip to the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie or the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre for a dose of wildlife and nature.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors find that half a day is ideal – a couple of hours for swimming and sunbathing, plus a short coastal walk and a relaxed picnic. If you’re keen on surfing, plan for a longer session, or combine it with a morning at Port Macquarie’s main beach and a late lunch at one of the nearby cafés. For a full day, add a walk through the nearby Sea Acres National Park or a kayak tour of the Hastings River.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Macquarie: Just a 10-minute drive north, this lively town offers the Koala Hospital, a historic breakwall, and a vibrant café scene.
- Sea Acres National Park: Home to a breathtaking raised boardwalk through subtropical rainforest, with guided tours and abundant birdlife.
- Lighthouse Beach: A longer, more exposed stretch of sand popular with surfers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, located at the southern end of Port Macquarie.
- Hastings River: Explore the river by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, with calm waters and scenic mangrove-lined banks.
- Camden Haven: A cluster of picturesque villages and waterways about 30 minutes south, offering great fishing, oysters, and coastal walks.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Sea Acres National Park — Poyt448 Peter Woodard / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Hastings River — Sky rockets in flight at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Camden Haven — Rohan Stelling / CC BY-SA 3.0