Sandy feet, fish n chips, salty breezes....
Hang five, from nine to five.
Covering the southern coastal area of the Port Macquarie region, The Camden Haven has us nostalgic for old-school summer holidays that stretched on forever. Pristine beaches and waterways for miles, uncrowded and super-relaxed, you can throw in a line, jump on a SUP or marvel at the rock formations at Diamond Head (pic below). In more recent times, the area has attracted many new eateries with great food and coffee now in plentiful supply! Boating and fishing are among the favourite pastimes, (with giant bream to be caught in Dunbogan), and you can get the local fishing intel here.
Walk through nature's flower bowl, Kattang Nature Reserve, to Perpendicular Point and spot the passing whales from May to November, or drive to the top of North Brother Mountain (pic below) for a picnic with one of the east coast's best views. Netted tidal pools at Dunbogan and North Haven, along with protected Wash House and Pilot Beaches, provide calmer waters suitable for kids. The region has a number of large holiday parks and campgrounds, boutique accommodation, motels and holiday lettings. It's uncrowded bliss.
Walk through nature's flower bowl, Kattang Nature Reserve, to Perpendicular Point and spot the passing whales from May to November, or drive to the top of North Brother Mountain (pic below) for a picnic with one of the east coast's best views. Netted tidal pools at Dunbogan and North Haven, along with protected Wash House and Pilot Beaches, provide calmer waters suitable for kids. The region has a number of large holiday parks and campgrounds, boutique accommodation, motels and holiday lettings. It's uncrowded bliss.
Camden Haven locals and businesses have built a website dedicated to their beloved region, packed full of handy visitor info, with things to eat, see, do and places to stay.
The Camden Haven region is serviced by the main township of Laurieton, which sits alongside the Camden Haven River. Dotted with eateries, a relaxed hotel/beer garden, an art-deco cinema, shopping and more, it's the home base for the local fishing fleet and one of the best fish co-ops on the coast! The monthly Laurieton Riverwalk Markets attracts visitors from all over, and the pretty hamlet of North Haven boasts a number of great eateries, including the very popular Moo & Bean Kitchen & Bar (pictured).
Head a little bit inland to discover the delightful villages of Kew and Kendall. The restored heritage Royal Hotel has a fabulous beer garden, and the Squeaky Gate Farm Shop is fabulous for local produce, sourdough, preserves, homewares and more. Miss Nellie's Cafe at Kendall is our fave spot for treats, and after being decimated in the floods, this icon of tastiness has been rebuilt!
The Camden Haven Slice of Haven Festival is held each May, and is one of the biggest Food & Wine Festivals on the North Coast, featuring local producers, makers, musicians, brewers and wineries.
We've got the inside intel on the best way to spend 3 days here, so that you check out the whole region - Camden Haven, Wauchope & Hinterland, and Port Mac! It's a busy one, but if you're on limited time, this could be handy!