Camebah Bay

Camebah Bay is a serene coastal enclave just south of Port Macquarie, where the Hastings River meets the sea. This quiet pocket of the Mid North Coast offers a blend of river and surf beaches, making it a versatile spot for swimming, fishing, and bushwalking. With its uncrowded shores and pockets of littoral rainforest, Camebah Bay feels like a secret hideaway for those who venture off the main tourist trail.

Highlights & What to See

• Camebah Bay Beach – A patrolled surf beach with golden sand and rolling waves, ideal for swimming and bodyboarding. The northern end is popular for fishing.
• Camebah Headland – A short walk leads to panoramic views over the bay and along the coast. Keep an eye out for migrating whales (June–November).
• Kattang Nature Reserve – Bordering the bay, this reserve protects coastal heath and offers walking trails through banksia scrub and paperbark swamps. Look for wallabies at dawn and dusk.
• Hastings River Mouth – Where the river meets the sea, this area is excellent for flat-water kayaking and spotting pelicans, cormorants, and sea eagles.
• Shelly Beach – A small, sheltered cove just north of the headland, perfect for a calm swim or a picnic among the rock pools.

Suggested Time to Spend

A half-day visit is enough to explore the beach, headland, and a short walk in the nature reserve. If you want to kayak the river mouth or settle in for a full day of sun and surf, plan for a full day. Combine with a morning at Lighthouse Beach or an afternoon exploring Port Macquarie’s historic town centre for a well-rounded itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The lively town centre, with its waterfront precinct, boutique shops, and the Koala Hospital, is just a 10-minute drive north.
• Lighthouse Beach – A long, wild surf beach at the base of Tacking Point Lighthouse, popular with walkers and dog owners.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre – A boardwalk through a remnant coastal rainforest, home to lush ferns, towering palms, and diverse birdlife.
• Lake Cathie – A pristine coastal lake with calm waters for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, plus a scenic walking trail around the lake.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – A rugged coastal park to the south, featuring dramatic sea cliffs, diamond-shaped rock formations, and the historic Diamond Head campground.

Please check official sources for current details.