Port Macquarie-Hastings: Ten top tracks and trails to keep you active during autumn
The recent storms may have wreaked havoc on Port Macquarie’s most popular coastal walk, but there’s plenty of other breathtaking walks for adventure seekers. See the full list.
Mid-North Coast
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Breathtaking landscapes, be it beaches or inland rain forests, are well and truly some of the Mid-North Coast’s best natural assets – and you don’t have to venture too far from home to get a glimpse of the beauty on offer.
With news Port Macquarie’s most popular coastal walk from Town to Lighthouse Beach is still out of action at Oxley Beach due to landslips, we’ve compiled a list of some of the region’s other jaw-dropping trails that people of all fitness skills and abilities are capable of completing.
These inland tracks and waterside walks are some of the best ways to see the region’s amazing natural sites, and the best thing is – they won’t cost you a thing.
Remember, be sure to take plenty of water, mosquito repellent and protective sun wear - and follow the directions of signage at all times. Enjoy.
1. BOORGANNA NATURE RESERVE — RAWSON FALLS
At Boorganna Nature Reserve, near Comboyne Village, you can bushwalk, bird watch, picnic, see scenic views and gaze at the stunning waterfalls all while learning more about local indigenous history.
More than a century old, Boorganna Nature Reserve is the second-oldest nature reserve in NSW.
It is located on the southern edge of Comboyne Plateau and protects a significant remnant of rainforest, which once covered the entire landscape.
Make sure you soak up the beautiful and varied scenery, which encompasses six types of rainforest among more than 400ha of diverse vegetation, including eucalypt forest to luxuriant subtropical rainforest.
The reserve is popular with birdwatchers and there are some 85 species you can encounter here.
There are lots of other wildlife to see, including interesting and vulnerable species you don’t often see elsewhere, such as long-nosed potoroos, parma wallabies, and yellow-bellied gliders.
2. BURRAWAN STATE FOREST — OLD BOTTLEBUTT
‘Old Bottlebutt’ is a grand and ancient Red Bloodwood tree located in Burrawan State Forest.
The tree is unique in shape, with its large flared ‘butt’ encompassing a circumference of more than 16 metres just above its base.
At over two centuries old, the Old Bottlebutt is a towering and unique attraction.
The tree is the main feature on a picturesque 600-metre loop, starting and finishing at the Burrawan picnic area. It is a special place, where you can enjoy the sounds and sights of nature.
From Wauchope, travel south on the Bago Road 10 kilometres, then turn left onto Internal Break Road and follow the signs.
3. CROWDY BAY NATIONAL PARK — DIAMOND HEAD LOOP WALK
Diamond Head loop walk is a fantastic way to see the Crowdy Bay National Park.
Starting at Diamond Head campground, the track links up with the Headland walking track and Forest walking track which is packed with visual delights.
During the journey, pass through heath and forests of paperbark and swamp mahogany, but make sure to pause to take in the beautiful views at Kylie’s lookout and look out over the water for pods of dolphins.
Diamond Head derives its name from the quartz crystals in the cliffs. You might even see them sparkling in the sunlight.
The headland offers panoramic views across Crowdy Bay to Perpendicular Point and south to Crowdy Head.
You'll be able to get a great view of the Three Brothers mountains from the top.
4. DOORAGAN NATIONAL PARK – NORTH BROTHER MOUNTAIN
North Brother Mountain offers some of the most accessible, panoramic views on the east coast of Australia.
The vantage from the top allows you to look out over the Camden Haven Inlet with the Camden Haven River winding between Queens and Watson Taylors lakes.
The view also extends to Crowdy Head in the south and as far as Mount Yarrahappini in the north.
Picnic facilities and an open lawn area provide for the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Easy access makes it a perfect destination to take friends. The trails and walks will suit all fitness levels.
If you are looking for more than a view, then try the challenging Laurieton Track. it will take you through the spectacular blackbutt forests with enormous old stumps, reflecting the old days of timber harvesting in the park.
The mountain is also popular among para gliders and hang gliders where you can watch them launch from the summit.
5. LAKE INNES NATURE RESERVE — GOOGIK HERITAGE WALKING TRACK
There are few more enjoyable ways to soak up the sights of picturesque Port Macquarie than a hike or stroll along Googik Heritage walking track.
Set in a pristine natural environment, the 2km walk starts at Lake Innes Nature Reserve on Lake Road and extends south all the way to St Columba Anglican School.
While making your way along this track, you’ll be keeping active as well as discovering some of the Port Macquarie area’s best-kept natural secrets.
The track winds along gently undulating hills and, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings, allows you to see the local bird life that call Lakes Innes Nature Reserve home, making it a lovely scenic journey for those who enjoy walking, cycling and bird watching alike.
6. KEREWONG STATE FOREST — LONGWORTH’S TRAMWAY HERITAGE WALK
Swans Crossing in Kerewong State Forest is a popular picnic and camping area for families set on a former dairy/beef property owned by the Swan family.
Now, surrounding regenerated native forest and hardwood plantations provide a lush backdrop to this beautiful expansive area.
The nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek provide a cool, quiet swimming spot. The historical Longworth’s Tramway Heritage Walk is only a short drive away, with connecting bushwalking trails offering even more for the nature lover.
7. GRANTS BEACH COASTAL WALK
The Grants Beach Coastal Walk starts at North Haven near the mouth of the Camden Haven River and ends at the cliffs of Grants Headland at Bonny Hills.
It is well signposted and passes through heathland, rich in wildflowers during late winter and early spring. There are areas of melaleuca swamp, littoral and eucalypt forest.
Bird life is rich along the track with species ranging from honey eaters and thornbills to glossy black cockatoos and white-bellied sea eagles.
8. ELANDS – ELLENBOROUGH FALLS
At 200 metres, Ellenborough Falls is the tallest single drop waterfall in NSW and among the tallest in the southern hemisphere. It is an iconic experience of the Manning Valley region along the Barrington Coast.
There are four ways to experience Ellenborough Falls depending on your fitness level.
At the top of the falls near the car park is the first viewing platform and nearby there is a short walk to another viewing area near the waterfall drop-off. Both of these are easy effort.
The third option is a 10-minute walk down the timbered walkway to The Knoll. This viewing platform is directly opposite the falls for a top-to-bottom vista of the waters of the Ellenborough River tumbling into the ravine below.
The fourth option is truly worth the effort. You descend 641 steps to the base of the falls, with rest stops that you will appreciate on the way back up.
At the bottom is a rock pool misted by the spray of the water, splash some of the icy water on your face to cool off.
The view looking back up the waterfall is mesmerising, it puts their small human scale into perspective. On the slower walk back up those steps, notice the changing plants and foliage, keeping an eye out for the birds and animals that make this special place their home.
9. LAKEWOOD — QUEENS LAKE WALK
The Queens Lake Walking Trail is a 4.4km walk along the picturesque Queens Lake in Camden Haven.
The trail will take you through eucalypt groves, tidal mangrove flats and paperbark forests with stunning views across Queens Lake.
This walk is ideal for bird watching as it showcases various vegetation communities along the waters’ edge.
10. KATTANG NATURE RESERVE — PERPENDICULAR POINT
It’s not hard to see why this beautiful spot is a favourite among locals and nature-lovers alike.
Wander through the shady grove on this short walk and you’ll emerge at majestic Perpendicular Point.
From the lookout, you’ll see north to Port Macquarie, south to Diamond Head, and southwest to the dramatic North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park.
Sitting on the top of the sheer cliffs is a fantastic place to gaze out at the sparkling blue waters and a great vantage point for whale watching and spotting dolphins. To see the view south head to the nearby Charles Hamey lookout.
You’re sure to see plenty of bird life as honey eaters come in to feed off the banksias and glossy black cockatoos nibble at the black she-oaks. If you‘re a native flower lover, this easy walk is a must in early spring. You’ll see boronia, flannel flower, everlasting daisy and wedding bush dotted among the bushes.
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