Northern Beaches Walk

Stretching along the wild, wind-sculpted coast between Port Macquarie and the Camden Haven River, the Northern Beaches Walk is a sublime coastal ramble that strings together a series of sparkling beaches, rocky headlands and pockets of littoral rainforest. This is the kind of walk that makes you want to kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes – a perfect introduction to the raw beauty of the Mid North Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Shelly Beach to Town Beach: The most popular section, with boardwalks winding above the surf and views across to the lighthouse. Watch for dolphins and migrating whales (May–November).
• Miners Beach: A clothing-optional stretch – but even if you keep your kit on, the rock platforms and tide pools here are excellent for exploring at low tide.
• Lighthouse Headland: The historic Tacking Point Lighthouse, built in 1879, offers panoramic coastal views. Arrive at sunrise for the best light and fewest people.
• Rainforest Gully: A short detour into a cool, fern-filled gully that feels a world away from the beach – listen for bellbirds and whipbirds.
• North Shore Beaches: Quieter stretches like Lighthouse Beach and Nobbys Beach, perfect for a picnic away from the crowds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 2–3 hours for the full 9 km (one-way) walk from Town Beach to the northern end at North Haven. Many walkers do the return trip in a half-day, but it's equally rewarding to walk one way and catch a bus or taxi back. If you only have an hour, the section from Town Beach to the Lighthouse is the most scenic and accessible. Bring water, sun protection and a camera – you'll want to stop often.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: The lively town centre, with its excellent cafes (try The Stunned Mullet for seafood) and the Koala Hospital, is just a short drive from the walk's southern trailhead.
• Camden Haven: A string of sleepy villages and national parks to the north – Laurieton and Dunbogan offer great kayaking and birdwatching.
• Sea Acres National Park: Home to a stunning boardwalk through coastal rainforest – combine with the walk for a full day of nature immersion.
• Bago Bluff National Park: For a change of scenery, head inland for bushwalks through tall eucalypt forests and dramatic escarpments.

Please check official sources for current details.