Photo: Abesty / CC BY-SA 4.0
St Peters is a serene coastal hamlet on the northern side of Port Macquarie, offering a peaceful escape with stunning river views and easy access to nature. This quiet residential area is perfect for travellers seeking a slower pace, with a lovely waterfront reserve and proximity to the Hastings River's best spots for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
Highlights & What to See
- St Peters Riverside Reserve – A grassy park with picnic tables, a boat ramp, and sweeping views of the Hastings River. It’s a prime spot for watching the sunset or launching a kayak.
- Hastings River – The river here is calm and wide, ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, fishing for bream and flathead, or taking a leisurely boat cruise.
- Port Macquarie Coastal Walk – The northern section of this iconic walk passes through St Peters, connecting to Lighthouse Beach and Tacking Point Lighthouse. Look for dolphins and whales (May–November).
- Nearby Koala Hospital – A short drive south, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is a must-visit for wildlife lovers, offering a chance to see rescued koalas in a natural setting.
Suggested Time to Spend
St Peters is best enjoyed as a half-day stop or a relaxed morning/afternoon. Combine a walk along the riverside reserve with a picnic or a paddle on the river. If you’re doing the full Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, you’ll pass through here in about 1–2 hours. Many visitors use St Peters as a quiet base for a longer stay in the Port Macquarie area.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Macquarie CBD – Just 5 minutes south, with restaurants, shops, and the historic town centre.
- Lighthouse Beach – A stunning surf beach with a walking track to Tacking Point Lighthouse, 10 minutes away.
- Cattai Wetlands – A birdwatcher’s paradise with boardwalks and bird hides, 15 minutes south.
- Lake Cathie – A tranquil coastal lake with walking trails and kayaking opportunities, 20 minutes south.
- Port Macquaire Koala Hospital – A must-visit wildlife sanctuary, 5 minutes from St Peters.
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
- Port Macquarie — Inas / CC0
- Cattai Wetlands — John Dalton at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Lake Cathie — Photnart ( talk ) / Public domain