'Discover the Region' 3-day Itinerary

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'Discover the Region' 3-day Itinerary

'Discover the Regio…

1 November 2024

Blog

If you want a trip that gives you more than one version of the coast, this part of the Mid North Coast makes it easy. In one short break, you can spend time on the Camden Haven foreshore, head into the hinterland around Wauchope, and finish with the coastal walk, cafés and waterfront dining of Port Macquarie.

Day 1 - Camden Haven

Start in Camden Haven, where the pace is slower and the water is never far away. The Beach to Beach Shared Path links North Haven, Laurieton and Dunbogan along an 11-kilometre route between the North Haven breakwall and Pilot Beach and provides an easy and safe way to get around. Begin at North Haven, then follow the river toward Laurieton. If you are walking or riding the path, the appeal is not just the distance. It is the way it carries you through the villages and along the water without needing to think too hard about where to go next. Begin at North Haven, then follow the river toward Laurieton. If you are walking or riding the path, the appeal is not just the distance. It is the way it carries you through the villages and along the water without needing to think too hard about where to go next.

North Brother lookout at Dooragan National Park rewards you with iconic views after an easy drive (or less easy walk!). If you are feeling adventurous, you can also attempt the Laurieton Track, or even paragliding!

LUNCH

For lunch stop by Blue Buffalo Cafe for some of the best Vietnamese food in the area, Angkor Hut Cafe for Cambodian, or the SLSC for a classic parmi.

RAWSON FALLS WALK

On a visit to Boorganna Nature Reserve, near the charming country village of Comboyne, you can take a 5.4km return walking trail to scenic Rawson Falls. The falls are a 40m drop and there are signposts along the way with interesting facts about the rainforest and its history. On a hot day this is the place to be!

SWEET DREAMS

Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat is a multiple award winning secluded and private luxury oasis on the pristine Camden Haven River near the peaceful village of Laurieton. Take the air walk, open the front door and straight away, you'll feel the magic of living in the trees. Go to sleep and wake to the peaceful sounds of nature.

Day 1 - Camden Haven Start in Camden Haven, where the pace is slower and the water is never far away. The Beach to Beach Shared Path links North Haven, Laurieton and Dunbogan along an 11-kilometre route between the North Haven breakwall and Pilot Beach and provides an easy and safe way to get around. Begin at North Haven, then follow the river toward Laurieton. If you are walking or riding the path, the appeal is not just the distance. It is the way it carries you through the villages and along the water without needing to think too hard about where to go next. Begin at North Haven, then follow the river toward Laurieton. If you are walking or riding the path, the appeal is not just the distance. It is the way it carries you through the villages and along the water without needing to think too hard about where to go next. North Brother lookout at Dooragan National Park rewards you with iconic views after an easy drive (or less easy walk!). If you are feeling adventurous, you can also attempt the Laurieton Track, or even paragliding! LUNCH For lunch stop by Blue Buffalo Cafe for some of the best Vietnamese food in the area, Angkor Hut Cafe for Cambodian, or the SLSC for a classic parmi. RAWSON FALLS WALK On a visit to Boorganna Nature Reserve, near the charming country village of Comboyne, you can take a 5.4km return walking trail to scenic Rawson Falls. The falls are a 40m drop and there are signposts along the way with interesting facts about the rainforest and its history. On a hot day this is the place to be! SWEET DREAMS Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat is a multiple award winning secluded and private luxury oasis on the pristine Camden Haven River near the peaceful village of Laurieton. Take the air walk, open the front door and straight away, you'll feel the magic of living in the trees. Go to sleep and wake to the peaceful sounds of nature.

Day 2 - Wauchope

Wauchope works best when it is not over-scripted. It is not a polished tourism strip, and that is exactly why it feels different to the coast. The best approach is to start in town, then head out into the hinterland for a longer lunch and a slower afternoon.

MORNING COFFEE

Enjoy your daily dose of the good stuff at Baked Culture, Watermans Cafe, or Coffee on High on the main drag.

LUNCH

Head out to Bago Maze and Wine, a family-friendly experience including a hedge maze, vineyard and winery on the property.

HEADLAND HIKES

Heading back to Camden Haven, take the 3.7km return Perpendicular Point walking track in Kattang Nature Reserve. Surrounded on all three sides by Pacific Ocean, the majestic Perpendicular Point stands tall with 40m vertical cliffs plummeting to the sea below. (Please note some areas of this walk was fire affected in 2019).

OR you could head a little south of Dunbogan to the very special area of Diamond Head. There you will find one of Australia's best beaches, along with the spectacular and insta-worthy Split Rock and the Diamond Head Rock Arch along the Diamond Head Loop Walk.

SUNSET

Wander along the waterfront in Dunbogan and Laurieton as you watch the sunset over the boats, mangroves and oyster leases.

DINNER

The authentic Italian restaurant Delizioso is not to be missed, whether you fancy a traditional wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta or veal you’ll find what you’re looking for. Feel like something lighter? You'll love the fresh, authentic Vietnamese fare in Laurieton, at the Blue Buffalo Cafe.

Day 2 - WauchopeWauchope works best when it is not over-scripted. It is not a polished tourism strip, and that is exactly why it feels different to the coast. The best approach is to start in town, then head out into the hinterland for a longer lunch and a slower afternoon. MORNING COFFEE Enjoy your daily dose of the good stuff at Baked Culture, Watermans Cafe, or Coffee on High on the main drag. LUNCH Head out to Bago Maze and Wine, a family-friendly experience including a hedge maze, vineyard and winery on the property. HEADLAND HIKES Heading back to Camden Haven, take the 3.7km return Perpendicular Point walking track in Kattang Nature Reserve. Surrounded on all three sides by Pacific Ocean, the majestic Perpendicular Point stands tall with 40m vertical cliffs plummeting to the sea below. (Please note some areas of this walk was fire affected in 2019). OR you could head a little south of Dunbogan to the very special area of Diamond Head. There you will find one of Australia's best beaches, along with the spectacular and insta-worthy Split Rock and the Diamond Head Rock Arch along the Diamond Head Loop Walk. SUNSET Wander along the waterfront in Dunbogan and Laurieton as you watch the sunset over the boats, mangroves and oyster leases. DINNER The authentic Italian restaurant Delizioso is not to be missed, whether you fancy a traditional wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta or veal you’ll find what you’re looking for. Feel like something lighter? You'll love the fresh, authentic Vietnamese fare in Laurieton, at the Blue Buffalo Cafe.

Day 3 - Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is the day for the coast. Start in town and build the day around the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, which runs from Town Green foreshore past Town Beach, Rocky Beach lookout, Nobbys Beach, Harry’s Lookout, Shelly Beach and Sea Acres before finishing at Tacking Point Lighthouse. The destination site notes that the walk can be broken into shorter sections, which is the best way to do it if you want to stop for food and views along the way.

BREKKY

Head to Port Macquarie and either Four Espresso, Bloom Café, Frankies, or if you prefer your cuppa beach-front, Salty Crew for breakfast -all local favourites - serving up delicious healthy breakfasts.

OCEAN BLAST

Head to Port Jet Cruise Adventures and hop aboard Wave Rider for an 'Ocean Blast' ride to rocket down the coastline hooning along at speeds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour and riding the waves.

COASTAL WALK

Walk off the adrenaline as you explore the foreshore of Port Macquarie. This is part of the 9km Coastal Walk that follows a dramatic and inspiring coastline featuring beaches, headlands, historic sites and lush rainforests. Along the way, you'll find Sandbox Cafe on stunning Flynns Beach for sustenance.

LUNCH BREAK

Chop and Chill serves up quality food, music and good vibes overlooking town green and the Hastings River.

SCENIC FLIGHT

See the region from another perspective with Port Macquarie's Sea Plane. Head north or south and take in the majestic birds-eye views!

DINNER

Enjoy spectacular views across the Hastings River whilst indulging in fresh local seafood at Whalebone Wharf.

STAY

We know this is a 3-day itinerary, but you won't want to go home, so book a night at the comfy Waters Edge. This resort/motel on the marina has a small playground, waterside pool and deck. Enjoy, and plan your return!

Day 3 - Port MacquariePort Macquarie is the day for the coast. Start in town and build the day around the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, which runs from Town Green foreshore past Town Beach, Rocky Beach lookout, Nobbys Beach, Harry’s Lookout, Shelly Beach and Sea Acres before finishing at Tacking Point Lighthouse. The destination site notes that the walk can be broken into shorter sections, which is the best way to do it if you want to stop for food and views along the way. BREKKY Head to Port Macquarie and either Four Espresso, Bloom Café, Frankies, or if you prefer your cuppa beach-front, Salty Crew for breakfast -all local favourites - serving up delicious healthy breakfasts. OCEAN BLAST Head to Port Jet Cruise Adventures and hop aboard Wave Rider for an 'Ocean Blast' ride to rocket down the coastline hooning along at speeds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour and riding the waves. COASTAL WALK Walk off the adrenaline as you explore the foreshore of Port Macquarie. This is part of the 9km Coastal Walk that follows a dramatic and inspiring coastline featuring beaches, headlands, historic sites and lush rainforests. Along the way, you'll find Sandbox Cafe on stunning Flynns Beach for sustenance. LUNCH BREAK Chop and Chill serves up quality food, music and good vibes overlooking town green and the Hastings River. SCENIC FLIGHT See the region from another perspective with Port Macquarie's Sea Plane. Head north or south and take in the majestic birds-eye views! DINNER Enjoy spectacular views across the Hastings River whilst indulging in fresh local seafood at Whalebone Wharf. STAY We know this is a 3-day itinerary, but you won't want to go home, so book a night at the comfy Waters Edge. This resort/motel on the marina has a small playground, waterside pool and deck. Enjoy, and plan your return!