Remy Brand 284 Surfer Girl Town beach

Local's Beach & Surf Guide

Local's Beach & Sur…

Think 17 pristine beaches is too much of a good thing? Nah, of course not. But... if you just want to know which one will suit, we've rounded up some local intel below.

Think 17 pristine beaches is too much of a good thing? Nah, of course not. But... if you just want to know which one will suit, we've rounded up some local intel below.
Remy Brand 2022 Flynns Beach morning mist 80

Family Friendly

Flynns Beach is one of the iconic beaches of Port Macquarie and one that ticks all the boxes as a beach that will please all the family. With a patrolled beach, shaded picnic areas, plenty of space to set up for the day under the big Pine Trees and a friendly kiosk serving up all your favourites on the timber decking, you are sure to make this one of your favourite beaches too!

Lake Cathie Beach is patrolled during Christmas school holidays. With family friendly picnic facilities and playground, takeaway outlets and a bowling club across the road, it is the perfect place to set up for a fun day with the family.

Town Beach is located next to the CBD, with a couple of kiosks, a playground and skate park thrown in for free. Plus it's nice. Really nice.

Rainbow Beach early morning surf by Matt Cramer

Surfers' Pick

Lighthouse Beach known as the summer saviour with protection from the north easterlies, the beach faces south and picks up all available swell so it’s great for the intermediate surfer and above, with short powerful rides. Care must be taken however as it can be dangerous and strong rips and currents occur. Conditions are ideal when there are north west to north east winds with waves under 2 metres.

Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills is at its best with an east or south swell of up to 3 metres and winds west to south west. The beach offers a variety of breaks from the typical beach breaks to point breaks.

Town Beach located within walking distance from Port Macquarie CBD, offers the best conditions to surf when the winds are from the south west to south and light to moderate north to north east winds as well. Waves of up to 2.5 metres cater for all abilities and provide a variety of surfing options. Car parking, shower and picnic facilities make this a popular beach to surf and relax. Salty Crew Kiosk is right on the beach front serving up fab food, smoothies and coffee, and our fantastic skate park can be found at the northern end (over the breakwall).

Kids at Shelly Beach

Chilled

Oxley Beach is a short distance from Port Macquarie’s CBD and part of the coastal walk offering tracks to nearby lookouts. A less crowded beach than others with picturesque picnic facilities and views, it’s a beach to go to when looking for some extra space and solitude.

Shelly Beach with a natural tidal lagoon, a long stretch of white sandy beach and surrounded by spectacular rainforests, you are guaranteed to find yourself the perfect spot to set up for some time on the beach with nature surrounding you everywhere. Care must be taken however as it can be dangerous and strong rips and currents occur. Conditions are ideal when there are north west to north east winds with waves under 2 metres. Shady BBQ facilities and new amenities makes this a popular picnic spot.

Washhouse Beach by Lindsay Moller

Like, super chilled and away from it all...

North Beach, North Shore is a secluded open beach that you can access via ferry from Port Macquarie’s Settlement Point. The beach can be accessed by car at Queens Head where there is a car park and picnic area providing an excellent view south along the beach. This beach is popular for 4WD driving and beach fishing.

Wash House Beach south of Pilot Beach in the Camden Haven offers nature lovers the perfect opportunity to explore and discover rock pools from below and majestic birdlife such as soaring sea eagles from above. Care must be taken however as it can be dangerous and strong rips and currents occur. Conditions are ideal when there are north west to north east winds with waves under 2 metres.

Dog Friendly Nobby s Beach by Matt Cramer

Dog-friendly Beaches

Nobbys Beach can get pretty hectic with all the happy hounds, but if you love dogs, and your dog loves the beach, it's the place to be!

Oxley Beach is right in town and allows leashed dogs. It's super pretty and you can take a section of the coastal walk to get there.

Lighthouse Beach (South of Watonga Rocks) allows dogs off-leash on a huge stretch of beach, and is also really popular with dog lovers, horse and camel riders, and 4WDers. Head south past the Surf Club for a few hundred meters until you get to the middle carpark (adjacent to the base of Watonga St).