Port Macquarie beaches are among some of the best beaches along the east coast of Australia and not to be missed during your visit to this beautiful coastal town in New South Wales. Conveniently, Port Macquarie beaches can be explored via an easy scenic coastal walkway which takes 2 hours one way.
Apart from the beaches, Port Macquarie is home to an abundance of wildlife and is known for having the highest koala population on the east coast of Australia!
I recommend spending anywhere between 2 days and 1 week to explore all the sights and, of course, the beautiful Port Macquarie beaches.
In this guide, I have put together a complete list of the 7 Best Port Macquarie Beaches including where to find them and what to expect.
Also, at the bottom of this Port Macquarie beach guide, I have included some useful information on where to stay in Port Macquarie, the best time to visit Port Macquarie and other points of interest on Australia’s east coast.
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Contents
WHERE IS PORT MACQUARIE & HOW TO GET THERE
Port Macquarie is approximately a 7-hour drive south of the Gold Coast and around 4.5-hours drive north of Sydney.
Click here to see the exact location on Google Maps.
It’s best to have your own vehicle to visit Port Macquarie NSW as public transportation options are scarce.
Search All → Car Rentals in Gold Coast
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Another great option for traveling along the east coast of Australia is to rent a campervan that comes fully equipped with a double bed, fridge, gas cooker, kitchen utensils, lots of storage and many more great features. It’s a recipe for a good time and from my own personal experience, I highly recommend renting a campervan with Travellers Auto Barn, one of the most reputable and top-rated campervan rental companies in Australia!
Click Here to check availability and rates with Travellers Auto Barn.
View of Town Beach Port Macquarie
7 BEST PORT MACQUARIE BEACHES
Please see below for an overview of the 7 Best Beaches in Port Macquarie that you will find in this post:
- Town Beach
- Oxley Beach
- Rocky Beach
- Flynns Beach
- Nobbys Beach
- Shelly Beach
- Lighthouse Beach
#1 TOWN BEACH PORT MACQUARIE
Town Beach is the most northern Port Macquarie beach and the perfect place to start your adventures!
Located near the town center, Town Beach features a large sandy shoreline with azure waters, grassy picnic areas, a skatepark, outdoor gym, beach-side kiosk and bathroom amenities.
At the northern end of Town Beach Port Macquarie, you can find the colorful break wall which has brightly painted rocks and artworks. A great spot to take some photos and enjoy the views of this beautiful Port Macquarie beach.
The south end of Town Beach is where you’ll find the trailhead for the Port Macquarie beaches coastal walkway. From this point, you can explore all of the beaches in Port Macquarie from north to south with the journey taking around 2 hours one-way to complete.
Town Beach – Port Macquarie Beaches
Colorful break wall at Town Beach Port Macquarie
Town Beach Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie beaches coastal walk
#2 OXLEY BEACH
Next up on this list of best Port Macquarie beaches is Oxley Beach which can be found right around the headland to the south of Town Beach.
On the way, be sure to stop into Flagstaff Lookout for an awesome view of Oxley Beach before continuing along the coastal walkway to reach the sandy shoreline.
Oxley Beach is a common spot for surfers and beachgoers who come here to avoid the crowds on the more popular beaches in Port Macquarie.
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Oxley Beach – Port Macquarie Beaches
#3 ROCKY BEACH
Rocky Beach is another awesome spot worth adding to your list of Port Macquarie beaches to visit.
Heading along the coastal walkway, Rocky Beach Port Macquarie is the next beach along from Oxley Beach, featuring a rocky shoreline with tidal rock pools, blue waters and golden sands.
The Rocky Beach Lookout can also be found on top of the hillside which boasts panoramic views of the Port Macquarie beaches to the north and south.
Rocky Beach – Port Macquarie Beaches
Rocky Beach Lookout
The view from Rocky Beach Lookout
#4 FLYNNS BEACH PORT MACQUARIE
Flynns Beach is the most popular Port Macquarie beach and for a good reason! Featuring a 500-meter long stretch of glistening white sands, azure blue waters, rideable waves and grassy picnic areas. Flynns Beach is pretty hard to beat and not to be missed on your list of Port Macquarie beaches to visit.
You could easily spend an entire day down on Flynns Beach Port Macquarie with plenty of things to do such as sunbaking along the shoreline, swimming between the red and yellow flags, learning to surf in the bay, grabbing a meal at the Surf Club, BBQing by the beach and exploring the rocky headlands.
There is a parking lot located right down on the beachfront at Flynns Beach making it easy to access and it’s suitable for people of all ages to come and enjoy this spectacular Port Macquarie beach.
Flynns Beach Port Macquarie – Photo: @meraki.pho
#5 NOBBYS BEACH
Next up on this list of best beaches in Port Macquarie is Nobbys Beach which is ideally located just a stone’s throw from Flynns Beach.
The most unique feature of Nobbys Beach is Nobby Head, a rock formation covered in trees that sticks out into the ocean. Nobby Head is an iconic landmark in Port Macquarie which makes for an epic photo so be sure to have your camera at the ready. You can also hike to the top of Nobby Head to the Henry Gardiner monument and viewpoint.
Nobbys Beach is not patrolled but it’s still possible to go for a swim if the sea conditions are calm. Nobbys Beach is also dog-friendly making it a perfect spot to take a stroll with your dog along this short stretch of sandy shoreline.
At the southern end of this Port Macquarie beach is John Downes Park which boasts elevated views of Nobbys Beach from the lookout.
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Sunset at Nobbys Beach – Photo: @meraki.pho
Nobbys Beach – Photo: @meraki.pho
View of Nobby Head – Port Macquarie Beaches
#6 SHELLY BEACH
Shelly Beach is my personal favorite Port Macquarie beach which can be found on the southern side of Nobby Head. Just like Flynns Beach, there is a parking lot located along the shorefront making it very easy to access.
Surrounded by lush forest, Shelly Beach is a great place to go for relaxing in the sun, swimming in the tidal rock pools or simply perching up on one of the beach-side park benches and marveling at the ocean.
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Shelly Beach boasts a long stretch of golden sands, perfect for a casual beach stroll. I also recommend taking the bush trail to Harry’s Lookout for extensive views of this epic Port Macquarie beach from above.
Shelly Beach – Port Macquarie Beaches
The beautiful Shelly Beach Port Macquarie
Harry’s Lookout at Shelly Beach
View of Shelly Beach – Port Macquarie Beaches
#7 LIGHTHOUSE BEACH
Last but not least on this list of best Port Macquarie beaches is Lighthouse Beach.
Featuring a cement lighthouse on a grassy headland, a rocky cove on the north side and a long 9km stretch of golden sands on the south side, Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie is well worth the visit!
There are wooden stairwells on either side of the lighthouse which you can use to access both beaches. There is also a wooden viewing platform at Lighthouse Beach where you can spot humpback whales cruising along the coast.
If you can time your visit to Lighthouse Beach for sunrise, I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Lighthouse Beach – Port Macquarie Beaches
The stairs to Lighthouse Beach Port Macquarie
Lighthouse Beach
Tacking Point Lighthouse
Viewing deck at Lighthouse Beach – Port Macquarie Beaches
WHERE TO STAY IN PORT MACQUARIE
There are countless accommodation options to choose from in Port Macquarie so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers and everyone in between.
See below for a list of accommodations that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Flynns Beach Resort
Mid Range: Waters Edge Port Macquarie
Budget: Beachside Backpackers
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN PORT MACQUARIE, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BEST TIME TO VISIT PORT MACQUARIE
Port Macquarie sees glorious sunshine almost all year round.
If you want the best of the best conditions weatherwise, I recommend visiting between May and October (Autumn, Winter, Spring) which is most ideal for beach bumming, nature walks and water sports.
Summer in Port Macquarie is between December and February which sees hot temperatures and rainfall.
MAP OF PORT MACQUARIE BEACHES
MORE AUSTRALIA TRAVEL GUIDES
The coastline and hinterland areas along the east coast of Australia boast countless beaches, lakes, waterfalls, hikes and many more fun-fuelled adventures waiting to be had!
This is what Australia is all about and what I love to share with you in my detailed destination guides.
Click on the links below to see more related posts:
- Crescent Head: 9 Things To Do In Crescent Head
- Byron Bay: Things To Do In Byron Bay
- Gold Coast: 3 Day Gold Coast Itinerary
- Springbrook: Springbrook Waterfalls
- Brisbane: Things To Do In Brisbane
- Fraser Island: Fraser Island Day Trip
- Sydney: Things To Do In Sydney
- Melbourne: Things To Do In Melbourne
LONELY PLANET – AUSTRALIA
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Australia Travel Guide!
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AIRBNB PORT MACQUARIE
Another option for accommodation near Port Macquarie beaches is to stay in an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals in the area!
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JOIN MY FACEBOOK TRAVEL TRIBE
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WHAT TO PACK FOR PORT MACQUARIE
Everyday Backpack: One of the best backpacks on the market! The Nomatic 20L Backpack is perfect for on the go adventures. Featuring multiple storage spaces for valuables, drink bottles, chargers, notebooks and more. This sleek backpack was designed for you.
Universal Power Adapter: Don’t leave home without one! I highly recommend getting this Universal Power Adapter so that you are able to charge all of your electronics when you’re on the road. Compatible in Asia, UK, Europe, Africa, USA, SA and Australia.
Hidden Money Belt: I never go on a trip without one! The best thing is they are always out of sight, hidden beneath your clothing. With RFID blocking, they are perfectly designed to keep your credit cards, cash and other valuables safe when you’re out adventuring!
Waterproof Phone Case: A waterproof phone case is a must-have item! This universal case will keep your phone safe from water damage, sand and scratches during your adventures. Suitable for all smartphone models.
Portable Charger: One of the best portable chargers on the market! The Anker Power Bank keeps your phone and accessories charged on those longer adventures. Featuring 2 USB charging ports, rechargeable battery, works with iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Oppo and Android.
Microfibre Travel Towel: To pack a towel or not to pack a towel? A standard bathroom towel can take up a lot of space in your travel bag. Get your hands on a quick-dry Microfibre Travel Towel which is perfect for the beach, backpacking, camping and general traveling.
Rain Jacket: A light-weight rain jacket is an absolute must when traveling! North Face waterproof rain jackets come in both men and women sizes, featuring a breathable mesh lining and adjustable hood that can be tucked away inside the collar.
Kindle: The best alternative for books! Kindle e-readers are perfect for long haul flights, reading on the beach or a quiet evening away from the bars. Kindle’s are waterproof with rechargeable batteries and adjustable light settings to suit indoor/outdoor conditions.
Packing Cubes: My favorite item in my backpack! Perfect for organizing your shirts, pants, jackets, socks, underwear and more. This 5 Set Packing Cubes makes packing easier and more efficient, adding extra space in your bag for your next trip.
Activated Charcoal Tablets: Want to avoid food poisoning? Most of us have been a victim of travelers diarrhea from eating street food. Organic Activated Charcoal Tablets are fast-acting and will rid your system of the bad bacteria that causes stomach upset.
MY CAMERA GEAR
Everyday Camera: The most affordable mirrorless camera on the market! I personally use the Sony A7ii Mirrorless Camera on all of my adventures. It’s compact, lightweight and super easy to use for all levels of photography. A 28-70mm Sony lens is also included.
Drone Camera: Take your photography to new heights! The DJI Mavic Pro 2 Drone is at the top of the game when it comes to high-quality images and video, easy to control functions and traveler-friendly capabilities. I guarantee you won’t regret purchasing one.
GoPro Hero 8: One of the most popular cameras on the planet! I love using the GoPro Hero 8 for all of my underwater shots and fast-paced adventures. The GoPro Hero 8 captures the best moments with its wide range of functions that are very simple to use!
Camera Bag: My favorite camera bag I have ever owned! The Lowepro Protactic 450 AW II Camera Bag features a waterproof rain cover, drink bottle holder, padded compartments for cameras, drones, lenses, accessories and it also has a laptop pocket.
Selfie Stick: Everyone loves a good selfie, right!? The Sandmarc Metal Edition Selfie Stick is sleek, stylish and can extend to 1.2m. I find it much easier to take photos and videos with the GoPro when it is mounted to the Sandmarc Selfie Stick!
Camera Tripod: The Joby GorillaPod is suitable for all cameras. This tripod is easy to use and perfect for setting up a time-lapse video or even using it as a selfie stick. The legs are flexible so you can wrap it around a tree or a pole to get creative with your shot.
GoPro Dome: Have you ever wanted to capture those under/over water shots with the GoPro? This epic underwater GoPro dome housing is the best camera accessory to have to create the perfect 50/50 shot. I use mine every time I am in the ocean!
Memory Card: The best thing about SanDisk Extreme Pro is that it delivers maximum speed for images and videos. Having 64GB of storage means that you can store hundreds of files on this SD card for 2-3 days and not have to worry about running out of space.
External Hard Drive: As a photographer, my images and video files take up a lot of space on my MacBook so I use the WD Elements External Hard Drive to store everything. With 4TB worth of storage space, this is more than enough for 1 years worth of content.
ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHING
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MY SHOP
Before you go from this Port Macquarie Beaches post, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
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FINAL THOUGHTS OF PORT MACQUARIE BEACHES
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about Port Macquarie Beaches, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
Happy Adventuring!
Hey, I’m Jonny – surfer, skater, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia!
With a burning passion for travel and the outdoors, I launched this Adventure Travel Blog in 2017, and I’ve been exploring the world ever since!
My little corner of the interwebs is a space where I love to share all of my epic adventures, cultural experiences, and captivating photos from around the globe with the ultimate goal to inspire and motivate other like-minded travelers to explore this wonderful earth too!
