Photo: MRichards01 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Telegraph Point is a sleepy hamlet on the banks of the Wilson River, just a short drive from Port Macquarie. It’s the kind of place where you stop for a pie at the historic general store and linger by the water, watching pelicans glide past. For travellers exploring the North Coast, it offers a quiet detour into rural river life, with excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities.
Highlights & What to See
- Wilson River – Cast a line for flathead and bream, or launch a kayak for a peaceful paddle through mangroves. The river is the heart of the town.
- Telegraph Point General Store – A classic country store and café serving hearty pies, good coffee, and local ice-cream. Sit on the deck overlooking the river.
- Historic Railway Bridge – The timber bridge over the Wilson River is a fine example of early 20th-century engineering and a favourite spot for photos.
- Birdwatching – Keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles, kingfishers, and countless waterbirds along the riverbanks.
- Nearby National Parks – A short drive takes you to Lake Innes Nature Reserve or the coastal heath of Kattang Nature Reserve, both great for walks and wildlife.
Suggested Time to Spend
Telegraph Point is a brief stop rather than a destination. Plan 30 minutes to an hour to stretch your legs, grab a bite at the store, and enjoy the river views. If you’re a keen angler or kayaker, allow half a day to fish or paddle the Wilson River. It works perfectly as a lunch break on a drive between Port Macquarie and Wauchope.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Macquarie – 20 minutes east, with its beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and the Koala Hospital.
- Wauchope – A charming country town with antique shops, the Banksia Native Garden, and the start of the Hastings River.
- Lake Innes Nature Reserve – A peaceful spot for a short bushwalk and birdwatching, just north of Telegraph Point.
- Kattang Nature Reserve – Coastal heath and stunning ocean views, ideal for a sunset stroll.
- Port Macquarie-Hastings River – Combine a river cruise or kayak hire from Port Macquarie with your visit to Telegraph Point.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Port Macquarie — Inas / CC0
- Wauchope — Kim Gallery / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Lake Innes Nature Reserve — Unknown author Unknown author / Public domain
- Kattang Nature Reserve — Poyt448 Peter Woodard / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Hastings River — Sky rockets in flight at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Port Stephens — AussieLegend / Public domain