Putting your best foot forward - a definite 'must do' activity when in Port Macquarie is the Coastal Walk - a 9km easy-grade walk that follows one of the most dramatic and inspiring coastlines in NSW. This walk features beaches, headlands, historic sites, rainforests and fantastic views.
Starting at Westport Park in town, all the way to Tacking Point Lighthouse, the walk takes approx 3.5 hours. Nearly 3kms runs along the coastal boundary of the beautiful Sea Acres National Park.
The Coastal Walk hugs the coastline and features boardwalks, steps for easier access to the headlands, viewing platforms and picnic shelters. Opportunities abound for viewing dolphins plus there is a variety of birdlife and the annual whale migration from May to November.
The Coastal Walk is the result of a partnership between Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with both organisations contributing infrastructure along the walk.
For your convenience, Council and the NPWS have installed quality signage on topics such as local history, whale watching and underwater ecology. Maps are also featured to make it easy for locals and visitors to enjoy and use the walk.The Coastal Walk is mostly easy grade and can be divided into four sections:
- Westport Park to Town Beach - 2 km (flat)
- Town Beach to Flynns Beach - 2.2 km
- Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach - 2.2 km
- Shelly Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse - 2.7 km
- Keep to the track and keep away from cliff edges.
- Beware of traffic when close to the road.
- Please take rubbish with you or use bins provided.
- Dogs are not allowed in the Sea Acres section anywhere south of Shelly Beach. For more information about Dog Friendly areas, please visit Port Macquarie-Hastings' Council's website
- Remember to take water and have adequate sun protection.
Pram friendly sections include Westport Park to Oxley Beach (south), and Kenny Walk (Nobbys Beach to south Shelly Beach).
)
