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Tacking Point Lighthouse and coast at Port Macquarie

Local events · Attractions · Places to explore

Things to do in Port Macquarie

Find things to do in Port Macquarie. Explore local events, attractions, markets and family activities, with dates, places and prices.

Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.

Explore the region

Explore Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and nearby Hastings towns. Wauchope and coastal villages are separate outings, not central Port Macquarie.

Listings across Bonny Hills, Kendall, Kew, Lake Cathie, Lake Innes, Laurieton, North Haven, Port Macquarie, Wauchope.

Attractions and places to visit

56 places in this selection. Opening hours, access and admission vary; check the place details.

Grants Beach looking north toward Grants Head.

Natural Attractions

Grants Beach

North Haven

Grants (North Haven) Beach is located on the northern side of the Camden Haven River mouth. The southern end is protected by the break wall which offers great 'right handers' with a southerly swell. The beach is home to the Camden Haven Surf Lifesaving Club, which patrols the beach throughout the summer weekends. Dogs are allowed north of the patrolled area. The beach runs north-south for about 3.5 kilometres and is paralleled by a lovely walking track through the littoral forest and heathland. The beach is patrolled by council lifeguards and the Camden Haven Surf Club during school holidays. There are showers, toilets, and picnic tables at the southern end.

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Grants Beach Coastal walk track head

Natural Attractions

Grants Beach Coastal Walk

North Haven

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. Birdlife is rich along the track with species ranging from honeyeaters and thornbills to glossy black cockatoos and white-bellied sea eagles.

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Beach to Beach shared pathway at North Haven

Landmarks and Buildings

Beach to Beach Shared Path

North Haven

The Beach to Beach Shared Path is a scenic route that stretches from the North Haven breakwall all the way to Pilot Beach in Dunbogan, tracing the picturesque shoreline of the Camden Haven River. This well-loved coastal pathway weaves together river views, natural landscapes, and charming village pockets, making it a standout experience for both locals and visitors. Covering approximately 11 kilometres one way, the path is predominantly flat and smooth, offering an easy and enjoyable ride or walk for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you're cycling, strolling, or simply taking in the coastal atmosphere, the Beach to Beach Shared Path provides a relaxed and accessible way to explore one of the region's most beautiful waterways.

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Joseph Laurie Blue Plaque

Image: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Joseph Laurie Blue Plaque

Laurieton

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Joseph Laurie who was a 19th century pioneer of the NSW timber industry and one of the first Europeans to settle permanently on the mid-north coast. Visit the blue plaque on the Camden Haven Museum, School of Arts Building, 58 Bold Street, Laurieton NSW 2443 and scan the QR code there to learn more.

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Laurieton Track

Image: Photo: John Spencer/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Laurieton Track

Laurieton

Laurieton track is a challenging walk on a rough trail, perfect for the intrepid adventurer. It’s easily accessible, quickly transporting you from the bustle of life in Laurieton and Port Macquarie to the serenity of the forest full of wonderful wildlife. The trail heads through burly, towering blackbutt and eucalyptus forest, making it easy to reflect back on a time when these forests provided the timber lifeblood for the growing community of Laurieton. Some of the enormous old stumps are still there between the regenerating forests, remnants of this pioneering past. Those preferring a less strenuous outing will find Rainforest loop equally enjoyable. This relaxed trail heads through cloud-formed subtropical rainforest, and is a great introduction for people with limited bushwalking experience.

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The view from North Brother Mountain

Natural Attractions

North Brother Mountain

Laurieton

Situated in the Dooragan National Park, North Brother Mountain offers some of the most accessible, panoramic views on the east coast of Australia. The immediate view is over the magnificent Camden Haven Inlet with the Camden Haven River winding between Queens and Watson Taylors Lakes. Views extend to Crowdy Head in the south and as far as Mount Yarrahappini in the north. The picnic facilities and open lawn area is the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying the view. Easy accessibility makes it a fantastic destination to bring guests and visitors to the region. You will find excellent trails and walks suiting all fitness levels. If you are looking for more than a view, then try the challenging Laurieton Track - if you dare! You will go through spectacular blackbutt forests which mingle with enormous old stumps, reflecting the old days of timber harvesting in the park. The mountain is also a 'mecca' for para-gliders and hang gliders and is a sight to enjoy as they launch from the summit.

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Nancy Bird Walton Blue Plaque

Image: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Nancy Bird Walton Blue Plaque

Kew

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Nancy Bird Walton was a pioneering Australian aviator and founder of the Australian Women Pilots' Association. Nancy forever changed how women were seen, both on the ground and in the skies.

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Kendall Craft Co Operative

Shopping and Markets

Kendall Craft Co Operative

Kendall

Kendall Craft co-op is located in Kendall's village, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. It is situated within the railway building which is also a heritage-listed attraction for the train buffs. Put the shop on your must-visit list when in the area, five minutes off the Pacific Highway at Kew exit makes a leisurely stop on a busy day also. You will find an amazing array of quality home-created items, nothing is mass-produced and everything is home-created by the friendly local members who also staff the shop. Artwork, gift cards, pottery, condiments, jewellery, knitted, crocheted and stitched pieces, toys, something for almost everyone. Arrive in your car, off the train or via the bus, and they are easy to find.

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Tourism listings supplied by the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse. Listings retain their existing detail URLs.