South Bank Parklands

Stretching along the Hastings River, South Bank Parklands is Port Macquarie’s premier waterside escape – a lush, landscaped ribbon of parkland that blends family-friendly recreation with pockets of natural bush. The boardwalk here is perfect for a lazy stroll or bike ride, with picnic tables, sculptures, and panoramic river views that shift from dawn to dusk.

Highlights & What to See

• Hastings River Boardwalk – A scenic 2.5 km path that winds along the riverbank, offering prime spots for dolphin spotting and sunset photography.
• Rotary Park Playground – An imaginative, nature-inspired play space with climbing nets, slides, and water-play features that kids adore.
• Historic St. Thomas’ Anglican Church – A beautiful 1820s sandstone church set within the parklands, surrounded by shady fig trees.
• Koala Hospital – Just a short walk away, this world-famous rehabilitation centre lets you see rescued koalas up close (donations appreciated).
• Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park – A serene boardwalk through mangroves and melaleuca wetlands, teeming with birdlife and turtles.
• Port Macquarie Museum – Housed in a former courthouse, this small museum dives into the area’s convict and maritime history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ideal to fully enjoy the parklands – start with a morning coffee at one of the riverside cafés, then meander the boardwalk, visit the Koala Hospital, and settle in for a picnic lunch. If you’re short on time, a two-hour stroll covering the main boardwalk and playground still rewards. The parklands are flat and easy, making them a relaxed break on a longer road trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tacking Point Lighthouse – A striking 1879 lighthouse on a headland, with coastal walks and whale-watching viewpoints (seasonal).
• Port Macquarie Beaches – Town Beach and Flynns Beach are both within a 5-minute drive, offering surf and swimming.
• Billabong Zoo – A wildlife park 10 km west, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and see crocodiles.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – 40 km south, with dramatic sea stacks, coastal heath, and the historic Diamond Head campground.
• Wauchope – A charming timber town 20 km inland, gateway to the lush rainforests of Werrikimbe National Park.

Please check official sources for current details.