Port Macquarie, NSW Parks & Gardens

Dedicated as a National park reserve in 1987, this coastal nature park and rain forest features boardwalks, educational programming, an on-site gallery, a gift shop and a full-service cafe. Assorted tours are also available.

Located northeast of town near the community of North Shore, this nature reserve offers a mixed wilderness of coastline, rainforests and mixed vegetation. Camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking, boating and fishing are popular activities.

Highlights of this urban nature reserve include expansive green spaces for picnicking, an historic timber home, available for touring and the Koala Hospital and rehabilitation grounds.

Trial Bay Gaol is a popular historic attraction on the North Coast of New South Wales for its extensive gaol ruins set amidst spectacular coastal scenery. The gaol was established in 1886 as a works prison, then served as a WWI internment camp before being closed in 1918. Today, the ruins and grounds are operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and is open daily for self-guided tours, museum tours, bush walking, swimming and camping. Licensed restaurant, picnic tables and barbecues located on site.

A site of cultural significance to Aboriginal Peoples, this 1042 ha (2574 acre) parkland features mountain hiking through eucalyptus forests and is highlighted by summit trail to the top of North Brother Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the NSW coast.

Home to the largest blackbutt trees in New South Wales, this national park offers ample opportunities for hiking through old growth forests and picnicking. Accessible off of the Pacific Highway, follow signs indicating Bird Tree day use area.