Sea Acres Reserve

Sea Acres Reserve is a sanctuary of coastal rainforest, where the air smells of damp earth and salt, and the sound of the Pacific Ocean filters through the canopy. This 72-hectare reserve protects one of the last stands of littoral rainforest in New South Wales, offering a serene escape just minutes from Port Macquarie’s town centre. A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk meanders through towering palms, ancient figs, and flowering vines, with frequent glimpses of crimson rosellas and water dragons. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with a wilder, greener side of the coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Rainforest Boardwalk – An elevated 1.3 km loop that weaves through the canopy, with interpretive signs revealing the ecology of this rare forest type. Go early for birdwatching.
• Sea Acres Café – A breezy spot at the entrance serving excellent coffee, fresh local seafood, and house-made cakes. The deck overlooks the reserve – a perfect post-walk reward.
• Guided Night Walks – Join a ranger-led tour after dark to spot possums, owls, and glow-worms. Book ahead; spaces fill quickly.
• Shelly Beach – A short walk from the reserve, this patrolled beach is ideal for a swim or picnic. The headland offers whale-watching from June to November.
• Aboriginal Heritage – The reserve is on Birpai Country; look for cultural interpretation panels and occasional talks that share the area’s Indigenous significance.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–2 hours for the boardwalk and café, or half a day if you combine it with a guided walk and a swim at Shelly Beach. The boardwalk is easily done in under an hour, but lingering at the café and beach makes for a leisurely morning or afternoon. Sunset is magical here, with the light filtering through the trees.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – Stroll the town’s historic waterfront, visit the Koala Hospital, or explore the glasshouse brewery scene.
• Tacking Point Lighthouse – A short drive south, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic coastal views and a great whale-watching platform.
• Kattang Nature Reserve – A smaller coastal reserve with a loop walk through heath and forest, plus a secluded beach.
• Lake Cathie – A tranquil lake system just south, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching.
• Port Macquarie Coastal Walk – A 9 km trail linking several beaches and headlands; Sea Acres is a key stop along the route.

Please check official sources for current details.