Laurieton

Around 40km south of Port Macquarie on the banks of the Camden Haven River, Laurieton is a great base to explore the gorgeous beaches, vast waterways and rugged wilderness of the mid-North Coast of NSW. The town lies at the foot of North Brother Mountain in the Dooragan National Park, a great place to gain a breathtaking overview of the region and popular with paragliders.

North Brother Mountain across the waters, Dunbogan in Laurieton, Port Macquari

Views far & wide

Laurieton is all about views to die for. Drive or take the challenging 3km Laurieton Track to the scenic summit of North Brother Mountain. Enjoy views from Port Macquarie to Diamond Head from the Perpendicular Point Walking Track, set above pretty Pilot Beach in the Kattang Nature Reserve, where wildflowers carpet the ground in spring. Spot migrating whales between May and November from the dramatic Perpendicular Point Lookout; while Charles Hamey Lookout also offers sweeping coastal views.

The calm waters of Pilot Beach in Laurieton, Port Macquarie Area

Look out for koalas on the easy Metcalfe’s Walking Track in Crowdy Bay National Park, stopping by Kylie’s Hut, the rustic writing retreat of Australian author Kylie Tennant; or take the Diamond Head loop walk, a 4.3km path that celebrates the region’s sparkling beauty.

Dunbogan Boatshed and Marina in Laurieton, Port Macquarie

River fun

Hire kayaks, stand-up paddle boards or small boats from the original 1940s Dunbogan Boatshed and explore the Camden Haven River, keeping an eye out for dolphins and turtles. Don't forget to look up too – sea eagles are often seen soaring above Camden Haven River, Queens Lake and Watson Taylors Lake while hunting for fish.

Rockin' Oysters : Taste the Difference in Laurieton, Port Macquarie

Fresh is best

It goes without saying that the seafood in Laurieton is fresh and delicious. Try Laurieton Riverside Seafoods for fresh fish, crabs and prawns; or purchase freshly shucked oysters straight from the grower at Rockin’ Oysters between June and November.

Slice of Haven Festival in Laurieton, Port Macquarie

Meanwhile, buy regional produce as well as gifts and homewares from the Squeaky Gate Farm Shop at nearby Kew, or visit the popular Laurieton Riverwalk Market, a fun community event for the past 20 years held on the third Sunday of the month. Don’t miss the delicious Slice of Haven Festival each May, celebrating the region’s best food, wine, beer and music.

Seascape at Pindari in Laurieton, Port Macquarie

Getting there & where to stay

Laurieton is a four-hour drive north of Sydney, around seven hours from Brisbane and just 30min from Port Macquarie. Trains stop at nearby Kendall and Wauchope stations, and the journey from Sydney takes around 6hr 30min. Or fly into Port Macquarie Airport and hire a car to explore the region. Accommodation ranges from motels and caravan parks to beach houses and stylish riverside retreats.

Port Macquarie Airport

Fly into Port Macquarie Airport

Port Macquarie Airport is 4.5km from Port Macquarie’s town centre. Make the short trip into the city using the taxi services at the terminal or ride-sharing Uber. Alternatively, rent a car from the hire services available at the airport and explore the region at your own pace.

QantasLink operates direct flights from both Sydney and Brisbane to Port Macquarie, and Rex operates direct flights from Sydney. Fly Pelican flies direct between Canberra and Port Macquarie twice a week.

Laurieton Highlights

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Things to Do and Places to Stay

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