Southport

Southport is a sleepy, sun-bleached hamlet on the southern bank of the Hastings River, just a 20-minute drive from Port Macquarie. With a handful of historic buildings, a rustic pub, and a working boat ramp, it feels like a step back into a quieter, more authentic river community. The real draw here is the water: the broad, calm river is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and crabbing, while the nearby coastline offers wild, empty beaches and dramatic headlands. For travellers seeking a low-key, nature-focused escape away from the resort crowds, Southport delivers with genuine, unpretentious charm.

Highlights & What to See

• Southport Beach & Lagoon – A sweeping stretch of sand backed by dunes and a placid lagoon; ideal for a quiet swim, surf-casting, or a long beach walk with几乎没有 another soul in sight.
• Hastings River Waterfront – Launch a kayak or tinny from the public ramp, or simply sit on the jetty and watch pelicans and oyster boats go by. The river here is wide and tidal, with excellent flat-water paddling.
• Southport Hotel – A classic Aussie pub with a wraparound verandah, cold beer, and hearty counter meals. It’s the social hub of the village and a great spot to chat with locals over a pot of prawns.
• Lake Innes Nature Reserve – Just inland, this reserve protects a large coastal lake and paperbark wetlands. Walk the short boardwalk trail to spot waterbirds, kangaroos, and goannas.
• Historic Cemetery & Pioneer Cottages – Scattered around the village are remnants of Southport’s 19th-century timber-getting and shipbuilding past, including a tiny cemetery with graves dating to the 1870s.

Suggested Time to Spend

Southport is a half-day or full-day escape from Port Macquarie. Most visitors come for a few hours: launch a kayak, have lunch at the pub, and explore the beach. If you’re keen on fishing or a longer paddle, plan for a full day. There’s no accommodation in the village itself, so it works best as a day trip or a stop on a loop drive through the Camden Haven region.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The lively coastal city offers the Koala Hospital, historic convict sites, and a bustling waterfront dining scene.
• Lake Cathie – A serene coastal lake with a surf beach, great for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching.
• Bonny Hills – A laid-back surf village with a patrolled beach and excellent fish and chips.
• Camden Haven – The string of waterways and towns (Laurieton, North Haven) south of Port Macquarie, perfect for boating and exploring national parks.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – Dramatic headlands, coastal heath, and the quirky “Diamond Head” rock formation – a must for hikers and photographers.

Please check official sources for current details.