Audiotur Port Macquarie Coastal Walk

Acknowledgement of country
Bilagabirang Gurrwagu From the River to the Sea
Bilagabirang Gurrwagu Coastal Walk

Always was, always will be Biripai Country.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is a 9km track from Westport Park along the Hastings River and the coastline to Tacking Point Lighthouse. Along the way is stunning coastal scenery, historical sites (izi.travel/en/9c7d-port-macquarie-heritage-walk/en) and other points of interest. Few places the size of Port Macquarie have so many wild places and such a splendid walk. You will learn about 3 remarkable locals, gardener Amy York, beach caretaker Harry Thompson and environmental trailblazer Grace Easterbrook. Experience the beauty of coastal ecosystems from banksia woodlands to littoral rainforests. The southern end of the walk is one of the few remaining places on the east coast where rainforest meets the sea. The walk is a sanctuary for birds and other native animals; if you are quiet and attentive you might see or hear them. Between May and November whales are on their annual migration. 

Few know that these highlights of the Coastal Walk are the legacy of decades of community efforts and collaborative conservation campaigns. From 1971, concerned residents formed the Port Macquarie Conservation Society to stop high rise development, preserve habitat and keep public access to waterways and foreshores.

The Port Macquarie coast has great geological importance. There is a Geotrail from Shelly Beach to Rocky Beach, with rare and amazing rocks telling the story of plate tectonics, how Earth’s crust formed and how it moved. Travel the equivalent of 6,000km across the Pacific Ocean in 4km from Shelly Beach to Rocky Beach (The Geotrail is in the same direction as the oceanic plate moved, the opposite direction to the Coastal Walk). Rocks made by volcanoes, by microscopic marine creatures, and by underwater gravity currents. Some of these formed at high pressures and temperatures over 100km below Earth’s surface and later returned to the surface (www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Facilities-Recreation/Outdoor-Spaces/Coastal-Walk-geotrail).

Reasonable fitness is needed to complete the entire walk but there are sections suitable for easy strolls. You can reverse the walk at Tacking Point Lighthouse or start anywhere along the walk at your own pace. There are opportunities for barbecues and swimming but be aware that not all beaches are patrolled. Five of the beaches and Sea Acres National Park do not allow dogs, fines apply. This is a one-way walk so you will need to walk back, arrange to be picked up or check the local bus timetable (www.busways.com.au/port-macquarie).

Stage 1. Westport Park to Town Beach.
Distance: 2km
Approx. Time: 40min
Difficulty: Easy. Flat, solid paths, suitable for those with mobility issues.
Amenities: Water bottle filling stations, public toilets, seating, shops.

Stage 2. Town Beach to Flynns Beach.
Distance: 2.2km
Approx. Time: 40min
Difficulty: Moderate. Some steep sections and staircases.
Amenities: Water bottle filling stations, seating and public toilets at Flynns Beach.

Stage 3. Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach.
Distance: 2.2km
Approx. Time: 45min
Difficulty: Moderate. Some steep sections and staircases, beach walking.
Amenities: Water bottle filling station at Shelly Beach car park. Public toilets at John Downes Park and Shelly Beach southern car park.

Stage 4. Shelly Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse.
Distance: 2.7km
Approx. Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Some steep sections and staircases, beach and bush walking
Amenities: Some seating. Water bottle filling station on Lighthouse Rd. No toilets.

Acknowledgement
Research: Krissa Wilkinson
Science: Michael Eddie
Text and photography: Michael Eddie, Krissa Wilkinson
Narration: Rachel Jacket