Coastal walk
Coastal walk
4.5
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- Simon CAshtead, United Kingdom782 contributionsGreat - but some very steep partsThis is a walkway not a board walk, which means there are a number of significant steep hills and/or steps to climb as the route goes from sea level to the top of the headland and back. We walked about 5km from Nobby’s Beach to Tacking point lighthouse and it was a good workout, one moment our feet were in the warm pacific, the next we were on a tight path through dense foliage before emerging back down a steep drop to the next beach. Enjoyable – especially in the right weather.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 March 2023
- Barb CMelbourne, Australia314 contributionsWonderful walkThis is a fabulous walk on a fine day. It is 9km from the start to the finish at the lighthouse. The paths are good but there are a LOT of steps and some walking on the sand. The signage was problematic at times eg. at Flynn’s beach, it’s not apparent where to go to next until you see, way over the sand, steps heading up from the beach. But the scenery is outstanding and well worth the full walk. We are in our mid to late seventies and found walking one way was enough for us so caught the bus back. When you get to the lighthouse, look over the beach to the lifesaving club. There are steps down to the beach. The bus (322) stop is opposite the club. The bus comes once an hour and can be paid by CreditCard. It takes you to the Glasshouse in the middle of Port Macquarie.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 August 2023
- Bobcat18793Denver, Colorado233 contributionsBeautiful views, worth the time.Walked from Flynn Beach to end of Shelley Beach - took about an hour with lots of stair climbing. Beautiful views, highly recommend. One tip: Always bring your raincoat in November. It started raining and we were soaked by the time we got back to our hotel room!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 November 2023
- Lisa KLane Cove North, Australia258 contributionsStunning sceneryWe walked from Sails to the start of the walk, then completed the full walk to the lighthouse - so approx 11km in total. We are fairly fit and it took us approx 2hrs (estimated is 3hrs I think). It’s a great walk but some of it is quite taxing, so be mindful of that. The scenery and views make it well worth the walk. Beautiful beaches, most completely deserted, and the prize of the pretty lighthouse at the end. We loved it.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- MaddySydney, Australia27 contributionsTook a while, but 100% worth it!This was a must on our list when visiting Port Mac as we love hiking and exploring. We are fairly experienced walkers but this took us a while as there are so many gorgeous places to stop along the way!! We were staying on Lighthouse Beach so it was perfect that the walk ended there. During the second half of the walk we didn’t see anyone for ages - we had the majority of beaches to ourselves!! Would recommend but bear in mind it does take 2.5-3 hours one way.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,393 reviews
Excellent
1,045
Very good
321
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Maddy
Sydney, Australia27 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This was a must on our list when visiting Port Mac as we love hiking and exploring. We are fairly experienced walkers but this took us a while as there are so many gorgeous places to stop along the way!! We were staying on Lighthouse Beach so it was perfect that the walk ended there. During the second half of the walk we didn’t see anyone for ages - we had the majority of beaches to ourselves!! Would recommend but bear in mind it does take 2.5-3 hours one way.
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy H
Pukekohe East, Auckland, New Zealand370 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Great walk was a little harder in the heat. Lots of views up down and out on the track ..then down stairs into sand... deceptive distance as you do stop look then maybe walk in the water??a few hours minimum.
Written 8 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Going Gone
Terrigal, Australia37 contributions
Nov 2023 • Business
Great country good peaceful walks in Australian bush by the coast. Aussies travel all over the world for this and it’s here too.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa K
Lane Cove North, Australia258 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We walked from Sails to the start of the walk, then completed the full walk to the lighthouse - so approx 11km in total. We are fairly fit and it took us approx 2hrs (estimated is 3hrs I think). It’s a great walk but some of it is quite taxing, so be mindful of that. The scenery and views make it well worth the walk. Beautiful beaches, most completely deserted, and the prize of the pretty lighthouse at the end. We loved it.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobcat18793
Denver, CO233 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Walked from Flynn Beach to end of Shelley Beach - took about an hour with lots of stair climbing. Beautiful views, highly recommend.
One tip: Always bring your raincoat in November. It started raining and we were soaked by the time we got back to our hotel room!
One tip: Always bring your raincoat in November. It started raining and we were soaked by the time we got back to our hotel room!
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barb C
Melbourne, Australia314 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is a fabulous walk on a fine day. It is 9km from the start to the finish at the lighthouse. The paths are good but there are a LOT of steps and some walking on the sand. The signage was problematic at times eg. at Flynn’s beach, it’s not apparent where to go to next until you see, way over the sand, steps heading up from the beach. But the scenery is outstanding and well worth the full walk. We are in our mid to late seventies and found walking one way was enough for us so caught the bus back. When you get to the lighthouse, look over the beach to the lifesaving club. There are steps down to the beach. The bus (322) stop is opposite the club. The bus comes once an hour and can be paid by CreditCard. It takes you to the Glasshouse in the middle of Port Macquarie.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon C
Ashtead, UK782 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This is a walkway not a board walk, which means there are a number of significant steep hills and/or steps to climb as the route goes from sea level to the top of the headland and back.
We walked about 5km from Nobby’s Beach to Tacking point lighthouse and it was a good workout, one moment our feet were in the warm pacific, the next we were on a tight path through dense foliage before emerging back down a steep drop to the next beach.
Enjoyable – especially in the right weather.
We walked about 5km from Nobby’s Beach to Tacking point lighthouse and it was a good workout, one moment our feet were in the warm pacific, the next we were on a tight path through dense foliage before emerging back down a steep drop to the next beach.
Enjoyable – especially in the right weather.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica D
Sydney, Australia83 contributions
Jan 2023
We enjoyed doing this walk during the late afternoon. Great views, good walking track. We spotted some interesting wildlife along the way.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eyekaytoo
Leverkusen, Germany3,045 contributions
Nov 2022
I got up fairly early (6:00 a.m.) one Sunday morning and did my best to complete the coastal walk which takes you as far as the Tacking Point Lighthouse. Unfortunately I didn't make it.
I started off with all good intentions and made my way from my hotel close to the Breakwall and headed along the promenade with the graffiti painted rocks up to the Town Beach Lookout. As the name suggests you have a great view over to the Town Beach. From there I walked to the Flagstaff Lookout and the easy to follow path takes you to Oxley Beach. The path takes you up and down quite a bit but you soon reach the paths down to Rocky Beach before getting to Flynn's Beach. I got here around 8:30 a.m. At this point I needed some refreshment so I stopped off at the Sandbox there. I was intrigued to see many families there with kiddies in their life saving kit clearly participating in a life saving club event on the beach and in the surf. They even had a group for the under 5s.
Anyway, I walked on just a little further before remembering that the check out time from my hotel was 10:00 a.m. Oops. No way to get all the way to the lighthouse. So I turned on my heels and, following the road parallel to the beach made it back to time - late but still OK after some negotiation with the hotel reception.
All in all this was a lovely walk with good paths and fantastic views over the ocean. I was lucky that it was such a beautiful sunny day which made everything even more pleasant. Next time I come I'll factor in more time to do this properly.
I started off with all good intentions and made my way from my hotel close to the Breakwall and headed along the promenade with the graffiti painted rocks up to the Town Beach Lookout. As the name suggests you have a great view over to the Town Beach. From there I walked to the Flagstaff Lookout and the easy to follow path takes you to Oxley Beach. The path takes you up and down quite a bit but you soon reach the paths down to Rocky Beach before getting to Flynn's Beach. I got here around 8:30 a.m. At this point I needed some refreshment so I stopped off at the Sandbox there. I was intrigued to see many families there with kiddies in their life saving kit clearly participating in a life saving club event on the beach and in the surf. They even had a group for the under 5s.
Anyway, I walked on just a little further before remembering that the check out time from my hotel was 10:00 a.m. Oops. No way to get all the way to the lighthouse. So I turned on my heels and, following the road parallel to the beach made it back to time - late but still OK after some negotiation with the hotel reception.
All in all this was a lovely walk with good paths and fantastic views over the ocean. I was lucky that it was such a beautiful sunny day which made everything even more pleasant. Next time I come I'll factor in more time to do this properly.
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juli M
Reading, UK37 contributions
Nov 2022
Did most of this walk - would have done more but a bit tired after lying on the beach all day! Path and boardwalks well maintained and lots of interesting info along the way. Takes about 2 hours so do it in morning …
Written 16 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason Yang
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
As we need go back to our car, we decide to do only half of the coastal walk. What part do you suggest? From town beach or tacking point? Thank you.
Foodys2
Port Macquarie, Australia105 contributions
I would suggest you start wherever you can get a parking spot and having the sun against your back would be the most pleasant way to do it if it's hot
Mark H
42 contributions
Where does it start and end. Thank you.
Sherpa123
Sydney, Australia448 contributions
It starts in the centre of Port Macquarie (Westport near Settlement City) and finishes up at Tacking Point. There are a number of sections so you don't need to do it all at once. It's a good idea to take water with you as it can be a thirsty walk depending on the weather.
The walk can be divided into four sections:
Westport to Town Beach (2km)
Town Beach to Flynns Beach (2.2km)
Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach (2.2km)
Shelly Beach to Tacking Point (2.7km)
You can also start the walk at Town Beach near the Breakwall, winding along the coast via Flagstaff, Rocky Beach lookout, Nobby’s Beach and Harry's lookout to Sea Acres. There are several historical sites along the way and from May to November you could quite possibly see whales on their migration.
The walk ends at Tacking Point lighthouse; however you can break it up into shorter sections if you feel like a short walk or are walking with kids. There are opportunities for barbecues and swimming along the way, including at Shelley Beach and a beachside café at Flynn’s Beach that serves up gourmet burgers.
You could also start the walk at Tacking Point; finishing up at the Royal Hotel in Port Macquarie.
simone stanford
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
I was just wondering whether this walk is wheelchair accessible?
Russell S
Castle Hill, Australia452 contributions
I'd say not wheelchair accessible for a good portion of the walk. There are some steps, and although a good deal of the walk is sealed, there are parts that are not. Even the sealed parts a bit rough here and there
annevd2016
London, UK2 contributions
Is there public transport at the end of the walk to get me back to my car?
Phillip Field
Lake Macquarie, Australia215 contributions
It depends on which way you walk. If you walk in to town from Lighthouse Beach there is a bus that goes to the lighthouse area. I'm not sure how often the bus runs though as it is a private bus service and may be infrequent. On weekends it will be very infrequent.
I am visit port maquirie Next week with my 19 months old. Is it advisable to the coastal walk... We have a pram.. What sections could be suitable ?
Tim J
Esperance, Australia1,519 contributions
Probably not a good idea with a pram. It is quite steep in sections and sandy beaches. There are other nice walkways around Port that you can do with a pram. Be advised that the area is in for a deluge rain front over the coming days with flooding expected. A severe weather warning is in place for the whole eastern seaboard. It may be a good idea to check on conditions before heading there.
restless2006
Brisbane, Australia300 contributions
Could you tell me how much the walk is. $37 is mentioned but not what countries currency that is.
Phillip Field
Lake Macquarie, Australia215 contributions
The only charge you may have is transport back to your vehicle. There are plenty of taxis and A$20 should easily cover the fare from one end to the other.
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Claim your listingCOASTAL WALK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Coastal walk
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