The south end of Port Macquarie coastal walk is one of the few places on the NSW coast where the forest meets the foam. Spot historical sites along the way while enjoying stunning seaside scenery.
You might spot a whale or two on their annual migration between May and November. Don't forget to record whale sightings at Wild About Whales.
Starting the walk at Town Beach, you'll wind around the coastline via Flagstaff, Rocky Beach lookout, and Nobby's Beach. Get your camera out at Harry's lookout to capture views over to Sea Acres, before ending your walk at Tacking Point lighthouse.
You can break the walk up into shorter sections if you prefer, especially if you're walking with kids. There are lots of opportunities to cool off with a swim along the way or to have a barbecue. Shelley Beach is a favourite spot for both activities.
Take a virtual tour of Port Macquarie coastal walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Westport to Town Beach (2km)
Town Beach to Flynns Beach (2.2km)
Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach (2.2km)
Shelly Beach to Tacking Point (2.7km)
Shelly Beach car park to the north, or
Lighthouse Road to the south.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Sea Acres National Park.
The coastal walk starts at Westport Park in the town centre of Port Macquarie. Parking Parking is available in Port Macquarie or at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, as well as at various beaches and lookouts along the way.
Closest towns to this walk: Bonny Hills, Kendall, Lake Cathie, Port Macquarie, Wauchope
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Sea Acres National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.