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Camden Haven
Beach to Beach Shared Pathway, Dunbogan, by Witney Studios
The Camden Haven, Bonny Hills & Lake Cathie
Head south of Port Mac and the pace drops a notch or two, in the best possible way.
Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and the Camden Haven are the kind of places that attract ‘in the know’ regulars year after year. Uncrowded, unspoiled and seriously good for the soul. Think shoes optional, fish and chips at the breakwall, and coffee with a proper water view. This is old-school coastal holidaying and it’s absolutely glorious.
This region makes a fabulous day trip from Port Macquarie! We’ve mapped it out for you here.
Lake Cathie
Long Point Vineyard
Lake Cathie
Pronounced ‘cat-eye’ (and yes, locals will notice if you get it wrong), Lake Cathie is a laid-back gem just 15 minutes south of Port Mac. When the lake opens to the ocean the swimming and paddleboarding is incredible. It’s perfect for a relaxed family day with picnic tables, BBQs, a playground and a walking track. Nearby Cathie Beach has great waves for surfers and beach lovers, and there’s a brand new skate park that’s a hit with the younger crew. Lake Cathie also has a shopping centre and a popular, newly renovated Lake Cathie Tavern which has a playground and beer garden. Head down Houston Mitchell Drive and turn off towards Lake Cathie’s hidden gem - Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery. Don’t miss this lovely property with a cozy cellar door, tastings, art and more.
Bonny Hills and Rainbow Beach
Just down the road, Bonny Hills delivers jaw-dropping coastal views and the golden stretch of Rainbow Beach : a legitimate surfer’s paradise. When the Australian Surfing Championships come to the region, this is where they set up. The beach is patrolled in summer, there’s a great picnic and BBQ area, and the surf club has a cafe with an ocean view that’s hard to beat for a long breakfast. Keen mountain biker? The Jollynose MTB Park is right here with 60km of single tracks for all skill levels, 15 minutes south of Port Mac.
If you’re after something more tranquil, head a few minutes south west to the majestic Queens Lake Nature Reserve - one of those spots that stops you in your tracks. A serene waterfront picnic area, walking trails and a beautiful lakeside setting. Pack a picnic and a kayak and you’re set. Bonny Hills Garden Centre & Cafe is also a popular spot.
North Haven Break Wall
The Camden Haven
Head around 30 minutes south of Port Mac for an uncrowded stretch of coast, river and hinterland, along with a collection of tiny villages with nostalgic, old school holiday charm - see below:
North Haven
Cross into North Haven and the vibe shifts to something genuinely lovely. Grab a coffee from a number of charming cafes with a view, stroll out along the breakwall, or swim at the beach or the netted tidal pool in the river. For beach front coffee, head to Beach Break Cafe. For fab food (and even cocktails with a river view), try popular Moo & Bean. It’s also the start of the Beach to Beach shared pathway which connects North Haven to Laurieton and Dunbogan. It’s paved, riverside-picturesque, and mostly level- perfect for keen walkers and bike riders.
Laurieton
Cross Stingray Bridge from North Haven and you’re in Laurieton, a charming main street just a block from the river. Browse for homewares, fashion and art supplies, grab freshly shucked oysters direct from Armstrong Oysters, catch a movie at the genuine art deco cinema, or settle in at one of the eateries overlooking the river. The Laurieton Riverwalk Markets are on the third Sunday of the month.
North Brother Mountain is the star of the show: Take the short drive up to the summit and lookout in Dooragan National Park and prepare to have your mind blown. This is genuinely one of the best coastal panoramas on the East Coast. You can take the short drive or challenge yourself to the steep-ish walk to the top: either way, do not skip this one.
Dunbogan
Over in Dunbogan, the heritage Dunbogan Boatshed is the spot for a cuppa, a treat, and feeding the fish off the jetty (the fish know the routine). You can also hire tinnies and BBQ Boats. The newest section of the Beach to Beach shared pathway passes right by, which includes an over-water timber walkway with great river and mangrove views. Nearby Pilot Beach is a favourite with families, and Kattang Nature Reserve and Perpendicular Point offer bushland coastal walks and prime whale-watching spots.
Kew and Kendall
Head a few minutes inland from Laurieton and you’ll find two tiny villages with personality. Kendall, known as the Poets Village, celebrates poet Henry Kendall with artsy vibes, antique stores, and the popular Miss Nellie’s Cafe and Kendall Craft Coop. Kew is a peaceful semi-rural escape with the beautifully restored heritage Royal Hotel at Kew, which has elevated pub meals and a fabulous beer garden. Kew also has a great golf course with mini-golf, and the iKew Visitor Information Centre (look for the Big Axe).
Crowdy Bay National Park and Diamond Head
At the southern tip of the region, Crowdy Bay National Park and Diamond Head are worth every kilometre of driving. Wild beauty, great bushwalks, beachside camping and a warm welcome from the resident kangaroos. The Diamond Head Loop Walk is a must-do.
Dunbogan Boat Shed
Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay National Park
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