Garawarra Farm Carpark

Garawarra Farm Carpark is the unassuming launchpad for one of Port Macquarie's most cherished coastal walks. Tucked behind a green headland, this gravel carpark feels a world away from the town bustle, yet it delivers you straight onto the stunning Kattang Nature Reserve trails. It's the kind of place where you pull up, lace your boots, and within minutes are breathing salt air and scanning the horizon for whales.

Highlights & What to See

• Coastal Track to Tacking Point Lighthouse – This 3.5 km one-way walk hugs the cliffs, offering uninterrupted ocean views, wildflower heathlands, and the chance to spot humpback whales (June–November). The lighthouse itself is a photogenic reward.
• Kattang Nature Reserve – A pocket of coastal bushland alive with birdlife. Listen for the whipbird's crack and watch for wallabies grazing at dawn or dusk.
• Shelly Beach – A short detour from the track leads to this sheltered cove, perfect for a quiet swim or picnic away from the crowds.
• Whale-Watching Platform – Near the lighthouse, a dedicated platform gives you a front-row seat for the annual migration. Bring binoculars.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours doing the return walk to Tacking Point Lighthouse and back, including stops for photos and whale-watching. If you want to linger at Shelly Beach or explore the reserve's shorter loops, budget half a day. The carpark itself is just a starting point – there's no reason to hang around once you've parked.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie Town Centre – 10 minutes' drive, with its café scene, historic gaol, and the Koala Hospital.
• North Haven & Camden Haven – A scenic 20-minute drive south offers river walks and quieter beaches.
• Lake Cathie – A coastal lake and beach ideal for kayaking and birdwatching, 15 minutes south.
• Bago Bluff National Park – 30 minutes inland, with dramatic escarpment views and rainforest walks.

Please check official sources for current details.