Port Macquarie Hinterland

Beyond the coastal buzz of Port Macquarie, the hinterland unfurls into a lush patchwork of rainforests, rolling farmland, and historic villages that feel a world away. Here, the pace slows to the rhythm of country lanes and the call of lyrebirds. This is where you'll find hidden waterfalls, boutique wineries, and a genuine taste of rural New South Wales — perfect for a self-drive escape that combines nature, food, and heritage.

Highlights & What to See

• Bilpin Springs Farm – Wander through a working avocado orchard and macadamia farm, where you can sample homemade jams and nut oils while soaking up valley views.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia's tallest single-drop waterfalls, plunging 200 metres into a fern-filled gorge. The short walk to the lookout is a must, though the longer trail down rewards with a cool misty spray.
• Wingham Brush Nature Reserve – A pocket of subtropical rainforest alive with flying foxes and bellbirds. The boardwalk loop takes you beneath towering figs and ancient palms — a serene spot for a picnic.
• Comboyne Plateau – A bucolic highland area with dairy farms, artisan cheese producers, and the Comboyne Showground. Stop at the local providores for fresh produce and honey.
• Boorganna Nature Reserve – Explore one of the few remaining lowland rainforests in the region, with walking trails leading to pristine swimming holes and giant brush box trees.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a full day to explore the hinterland's highlights, ideally as a self-drive loop from Port Macquarie. Start early to tackle the winding roads and visit Ellenborough Falls before the midday heat. If you're keen on bushwalking or visiting a couple of farms, an overnight stay in a village like Comboyne or Wingham gives you a deeper taste of country hospitality. For a relaxed pace, break the drive with a long lunch at a hinterland café.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the historic breakwall — a natural start or end point for your hinterland adventure.
• Wauchope – A charming timber town on the Hastings River, with antique shops and the Timbertown heritage park.
• Camden Haven – A string of waterways and national parks just south, great for kayaking and spotting dolphins.
• Kempsey – Further north, this historic town sits on the Macleay River and is a gateway to the Macleay Valley's food trails.
• Dunbogan – A quiet coastal village with stunning views of North Brother Mountain, ideal for a scenic detour.

Please check official sources for current details.