Bilbun Berry Nature Reserve

Hidden in the lush hinterland near Port Macquarie, Bilbun Berry Nature Reserve is a pocket of ancient rainforest that feels a world away from the coast. The reserve protects one of the last remnants of lowland subtropical rainforest on the mid-north coast, where towering figs, strangler vines, and the rare Bilbun Berry (a local endemic shrub) create a green cathedral. For travellers seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path nature experience, this is a serene spot to stretch your legs and listen to the forest.

Highlights & What to See

• Bilbun Berry Loop Walk – A short, easy 1.5 km circuit that winds through the rainforest understorey, past giant buttress roots and epiphytic ferns. Keep an eye out for the white blossoms of the Bilbun Berry in spring.
• Birdwatching – The reserve is a haven for rainforest birds, including wompoo fruit-doves, green catbirds, and noisy pitta. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best sightings.
• Giant Strangler Figs – Several impressive specimens demonstrate the dramatic life cycle of these jungle giants, with their lattice of roots enveloping host trees.
• Picnic Area – A small clearing with a couple of tables makes for a peaceful lunch spot, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
• Seasonal Wildflowers – Spring and early summer bring a carpet of orchids, lilies, and native violets along the trail edges.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can comfortably explore the loop walk and enjoy a picnic in 1–2 hours. The reserve is compact, so it works well as a quick nature break on a day trip from Port Macquarie or as a stop along the way to Wauchope or the Comboyne Plateau. If you’re a keen birder or photographer, allow an extra hour to linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – Just a 20-minute drive east, the coastal town offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the scenic Coastal Walk.
• Wauchope – A historic timber town on the Hastings River, with a charming main street and the Timbertown heritage park (15 minutes west).
• Comboyne Plateau – A lush agricultural area with rolling green hills, waterfalls, and the Boorganna Nature Reserve (about 30 minutes north).
• Lake Cathie – A peaceful coastal lake and beach precinct ideal for swimming, kayaking, or a sunset walk (20 minutes south).
• Kendall – A small village with a vibrant arts scene, the historic Kendall Railway Station, and access to the Kendall Rainforest Walk (25 minutes south).

Please check official sources for current details.