Taree to Werrikimbe via Port Macquarie

This 4 day suggested itinerary has been provided by Greater Port Macquarie Tourism.

Day 1

Turning off the Pacific Highway at the southern entrance to Taree tour through riverside villages and take in stunning hinterland views. This is the gateway to the Ellenborough Falls. From Bobin, there is 16kms of gravel road so drive to the conditions and please note the road from Bobin to Elands is not recommended for caravans. After visiting the second longest single drop waterfall in the southern hemisphere, continue on to the lush fertile plains of the Comboyne plateau and the picturesque village of Comboyne. From here you will make your way to Kerewong State Forest and your first night at Swans Crossing camping and picnic area. Swimming is popular in the nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek. Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk is located a short drive away, with other walking trails leading off from the site. Caravans and Campervans are welcome, but no power is available.

Day 2

Wake up to the birds and wildlife on your second day and you will head to the village of Kendall. If you like craft visit the Kendall Craft Co-operative at the Kendall Railway Station and stop at Miss Nellie’s cafe for some delicious home baked treats. From here the trek will take you to the coast, along the way take in spectacular views from North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park before you pass through the township of Laurieton. This is a good spot to get fuel or stock up on any essentials. The trek will take you for some sightseeing in Camden Haven, there are plenty of options to add to your experience; have a coffee while the kids feed the fish at Dunbogan boatshed, take a BBQ boat out for lunch on the extensive waterways, visit Pilot Beach and Wash House Beach, explore Kattang Nature Reserve by taking the Perpendicular Point walking track you might even spot a whale. From here you head north along the coast road to Port Macquarie travelling through the townships of Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie. Take your pick of places to stay either in Port Macquarie itself or one of the near-by villages.

Day 3

Port Macquarie’s town centre is embraced by the Hastings River on one side and beaches on the other in a unique natural setting. So take a walk along the Town Green, you might catch sight of a dolphin, to the iconic breakwall and Town Beach. World-class attractions, waterside dining and accommodation are all walking distance. There are 52+ things to see and do - something for every week of the year - The Koala Hospital, the only one in the world, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Ricardoes Tomatoes and the Glasshouse arts and entertainment centre to name a few. You are spoilt for choice.
Heading west on your way to Wauchope stop in at Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park to see koalas, snow leopards, penguins, red pandas and Shrek the 5m Crocodile. The township of Wauchope has vibrant cafes, funky boutique shopping and is home to Timbertown Heritage Theme Park. The kids can run wild in an all abilities playground at Bain Park while Mum and Dad take a break at Watermans Cafe or stock up on supplies for bush camping.

From here you head back into the stunning hinterland, passing through fertile farming land as you make your way to Mount Boss State Forest, a short drive from Wauchope. The Cobrabald recreation area is your home tonight; it offers a place for those who enjoy camping off the beaten track. Wild Bull Camping Area has BBQ facilities and a deep waterhole just perfect for a summer dip – it’s also home to some catfish!

Day 4

For some exploring on day 4 the Bluff picnic area, a further 1.4 kms down the river, a lovely secluded spot with a vast rock formation covered in grass trees on the opposite side of the river. Or head to Number 1 Tower picnic area and lookout which offers sweeping views of the Wilson River catchment and forests stretching all the way to the coast. The area you will travel through today has a long cultural history, which is central in the development of the timber industry in the area and a gold mining boom in the 1800s. Keep and eye out for old huts and machinery, testament to the drive and ingenuity of the early settlers who tackled the difficult terrain with dreams of striking it rich.

As you wind your way through Willi Willi and into Werrikimbe National Parks you will see Gondwana rainforest and enjoy amazing scenery. You’re likely to encounter a range of forest birds such as eastern yellow robins, scarlet robins and rufous fantails. You will spend the night at Mooraback Campground a small, isolated campground tucked amongst the snow gums. Your only company is likely to be eastern grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies coming to graze in the afternoons. Stroll along Mooraback walking track, a short loop walk from the campground. Or wander out to Platypus Pools in the upper reaches of Hastings River and see if you can spot a platypus or two. At night, enjoy a barbecue dinner, sit by the warmth of a campfire and listen to the sounds of the bush. Stay a few days to explore this World Heritage listed area or head back to the Oxley Highway to complete your adventure.

Environment

Seventeen beaches, river systems, coastal rainforest and National Parks are just some of the top reasons to visit Greater Port Macquarie. Those looking for a challenge can tackle Werrikimbe National Park, a World Heritage-listed site with several walking trails and 4WD tracks to explore the wilderness. Kattang Nature Reserve offers great easy day walks with impressive views. The sharp cliff faces of Perpendicular Point jut out into the sea at the centre of the reserve, and Dooragan National Park provides a dramatic inland backdrop. Small pockets of rainforest are dominated by flowering coastal heathland. The Flower Bowl Circuit is a must visit in the early Spring if you're a native flower lover. Swans Crossing in the Kerewong State Forest is a popular picnic and camping area where there are a number of walking trails, the area is now surrounded by regenerated native forest and hardwood plantations. Swimming is popular in the nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek. The Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk located a short drive away follows the original logging tramline (1913) used to haul timber to the Camden Haven River where it was punted to a mill in Laurieton.

History

The original custodians of Greater Port Macquarie were the Birpai Aboriginal people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Sea Acres Rainforest Centre in Port Macquarie is home to the Spirit of the Land exhibition which takes you on a journey through the regions rich Aboriginal culture. In 1821, Port Macquarie was founded by the British as a penal settlement, one of Australia's first settlements outside of Sydney, and is home to a number of historic buildings and sites that date back to our colonial and convict days. Visit Roto House, built in 1891 and a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and craftsmanship. Lake Innes House, the home of colonial entrepreneur Major Archibald Clunes Innes grew to the proportions of a grand country mansion, and these extensive ruins are a highly significant part of Australia’s convict and colonial heritage. Convicts built St Thomas' Church in 1824, feel the atmosphere of this remarkable building the fifth oldest Anglican Church still in use in Australia.

RouteID: 775

GPS signal is poor throughout the area so ensure you carry paper maps. Please also note that electronic maps may differ to actual maintained trails. Even though a trail may be on a map not all trails are still open and / or maintained annually as many are old snig tracks.

Some sections of this trek are noted not suitable for towing a caravan (such as Racecourse Trail) and there are 3 creek/river crossings - 2 of which may become impassable after heavy rain. You can modify this route to bypass that section. A 4WD is recommend although sections could be done in AWD - weather and track conditions permitting. We recommend that if you are going to tow a Camper Trailer that it is suited for Off-Road use.

Sections of this trek could become impassable after heavy rain with the Forbes River likely to become impassable for 1-2 days after rains. Wet trails in summer dry out quickly however in winter they can stay wet for weeks. Tree falls are also not uncommon, so be aware that you may have to back track if you find a tree that is too large for your axe to handle (chainsaws are not permitted to be used in NSW National Parks).

Always check local conditions as tracks conditions vary considerably due to weather.

Permits

No specific access permits are required for driving any of the roads listed in this trek. Camping fees and entrance fees to National Parks may apply. State Forests offer both free entry and free camping.

Fuel Usage

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 52 litres	4cyl 60 litres	4cyl 75 litres
6cyl 57 litres	6cyl 68 litres	6cyl 66 litres
8cyl 57 litres	8cyl 62 litres

Best Time To Visit

The Greater Port Macquarie region is generally pleasant to visit year round with a temperate climate. Weather can vary greatly within forest areas, especially in the rainforests. Most rainfall occurs in summer and although heavy rain can cause flooding of river crossings, the wet trails in summer will dry out quickly. In winter, rain is less likely but wet winter tracks may take weeks to dry out.

This area is packed with lots of things for you and your family to see and do. Port Macquarie is a true water lover's paradise, there are plenty of tour opertors ready to take you on a cruise along the stunning rivers of the region, be mesmerised by the sight of whales off the coast, or board a charter boat for a day of deep sea fishing. Those after something with a bit more pace can try their hand at water skiing, jet skis and jet boats for a ride you'll never forget! The great outdoors are full of endless options to spend a day bushwalking, wildlife spotting, kayaking, fishing and horse-riding. For animal encounters you can visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie for a free Walk, Talk and Feed tour at 8am or 3pm. Morning Camel rides from 9:30am along iconic Lighthouse Beach is a favourite activity and you will learn some amazing camel facts. Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park is home to Australian and exotic animals, reptiles and birds and Shrek the Monster Croc.

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this route