The Old Bar

Stretching along the rugged coastline just south of Port Macquarie, The Old Bar is a wild and windswept stretch of sand that feels a world away from the town's busier beaches. This is where the Hastings River meets the Tasman Sea, creating a dynamic landscape of shifting sandbars, dark volcanic rocks, and powerful surf. It's a favourite among local surfers and walkers who come for the raw beauty and the sense of solitude — there are no cafes or crowds, just the roar of the ocean and the cry of seabirds.

Highlights & What to See

• Surfing at The Point: The Old Bar is renowned for its consistent waves, with a classic right-hand break off the rocky point that draws experienced surfers. Even if you don't surf, watching the sets roll in from the headland is mesmerising.
• Coastal Walk to Saltwater Beach: Follow the track south along the cliffs for stunning views over the wild coastline. The path leads to quieter stretches of sand and rocky platforms perfect for exploring rock pools at low tide.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre: A short drive inland, this protected pocket of littoral rainforest offers a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through towering palms and ancient ferns — a cool, green contrast to the coastal exposure.
• Whale Watching: From June to November, the headland at The Old Bar is one of the best spots in the region to see humpback whales on their annual migration. Bring binoculars and scan the horizon for blows and breaches.
• Sunset Photography: The combination of dark volcanic boulders, golden sand, and dramatic skies makes this a prime location for capturing the coast at its most atmospheric, especially as the sun drops below the horizon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one to two hours here — enough to walk the beach, watch the surf, and take in the views from the headland. If you're planning to surf or do the longer coastal walk to Saltwater Beach, allow a half-day. The Old Bar works well as a quick stop on a road trip along the Pacific Highway or as a morning outing from Port Macquarie, pairing easily with a visit to the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre or a seafood lunch back in town.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie — the vibrant coastal town offers the Koala Hospital, historic lighthouse, and a thriving café scene, just a 15-minute drive north.
• Crowdy Bay National Park — a rugged park to the south with dramatic sea cliffs, coastal heath, and the iconic Diamond Head camping area, about 30 minutes away.
• Lake Cathie — a peaceful coastal lagoon popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching, only 10 minutes north of The Old Bar.
• Wauchope — the historic timber town on the Hastings River, with its charming main street and access to the forested trails of Werrikimbe National Park, 25 minutes inland.
• Bonny Hills — a quiet beachside settlement with great surf breaks and a scenic coastal walk, a short drive south along the coast.

Please check official sources for current details.