Beach Guide

For surfing, the best spots are Town, Flynns, Lighthouse, Rainbow and North Haven beaches. The Breakwall at Town Beach works best with swell from the south through to the north-east. The Middle has some powerful lefts and is for the experienced surfer only, while Flagstaff is the protected southern headland of Town Beach. At Flynns Beach, waves can be found with swells from the south to east with offshore north-west winds through to south-east winds. Lighthouse Beach has a protected northern corner that handles north to north-east swell. Further south, Cathie is an open beach, which can offer powerful waves with south to east swell. Rainbow Beach is a protected southern headland with a right point break and beach breaks. Grants Headland picks up the smallest of swells and is best in the north-east swell with west to northeast winds. North Haven (Grants Beach) offers beach breaks with the best waves south to east swell, and works best with west to south-east winds. The bar can hand out some large waves but tidal flow from the river affects the wave quality. (With thanks to Port Macquarie Surf School for surfing information).

PORT MACQUARIE SURF SCHOOL Learning to surf is fun and easy, especially at the multi award winning Port Macquarie Surf School where they have lessons daily. All coaches are fully accredited, licensed and insured with Surfing Australia. You will learn surf safety and awareness as well as how to catch a wave. They cater for all ages and abilities from beginners through to advanced. Port Macquarie Surf School is Council approved and a licensed Surfing Australia Surf School. All equipment is provided, including safe softboards, wetsuits and rashvests. They also have hire boards if you know what you're doing and just want to get out there. Jump onto their website portmacquariesurfschool.com.au and book a lesson or board hire today. If you have some questions drop into their booking office at 46 Pacific Drive right opposite Flynns Beach or call them on 6584 7733. If you are looking for calmer waters and a great place to take the little ones, there are couple of options to choose from - all of which require parent supervision. With its rocky outcrop, Shelly Beach creates a somewhat protected lagoon and is ideal for the littlies. Other good areas for kids include Settlement Point, Lake Cathie lagoon (when open to the ocean) and Pilot Beach in Dunbogan. Town Beach is also good with a long break and plenty of rock pools towards the point for the kids to explore. Beach fishing is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Rocky Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Rainbow Beach and Grants Beach are all popular spots. If you want somewhere to get your 4WD dirty, try North Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Rainbow Beach, Grants Beach or Dunbogan Beach – all of which have a 4WD entrance. A licence is required for recreational fishing (service.nsw.gov.au) and you also require a permit to drive on the approved 4WD beaches. Beach driving permits are available from the Visitor Information Centre located at the Glasshouse, Cnr of Clarence & Hay Streets. Map ref K8.

*Patrolled by Australian Lifeguard Services in the school holidays (excluding winter) only. At other times volunteer life savers are on duty only when the red and yellow flags are displayed. For more information on beach safety please go to beachsafe.org.au

PORT MACQUARIE

LAKE CATHIE

BONNY HILLS

NORTH HAVEN

DUNBOGAN/CAMDEN HAVEN Pilot Beach

Wash House Beach Just south of Pilot Beach, rock pools & fishing

Diamond Head Located in Crowdy Bay National Park and popular for camping/caravaning

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