A Information to Port Macquarie Picture Spots + Scenic Areas
They are saying the additional you go the extra you’ll discover however you understand what…generally there’s additionally magnificence mendacity proper in entrance of your personal doorstep.
Having lived interstate and overseas for roughly 14years, I’ve just lately had a need to discover extra of Australia. The coast, the centre, the rugged ranges and patterned landscapes. I’ve lengthy identified of the dramatic contrasts throughout the nation however I knew little of the photogenic scorching spots that lay round my very own hometown.
With a shoreline of 17 seashores, Port Macquarie has a lot pure magnificence to discover and this previous yr I’ve lastly had an opportunity to see the place I grew up by means of my lens.
Positioned simply 4 hours drive north of Sydney, Port Macquarie is the kind of place the place households come for his or her holidays, the place individuals select to retire and the place an lively, outside way of life is the norm. It’s a type of coastal escapes individuals dream of when dwelling in a metropolis and fortunately, it’s the place I went to high school and labored my first job as a journalist.
Utilizing it as my base (sure, I’m nonetheless travelling) this yr has meant that once I return from a visit, I can spend time working however then take pleasure in getting out and about, revisiting places that spur recollections and encourage pictures.
Some locations have been a whole shock as I solely had a faint recollection from once I was youthful, others haven’t modified a bit…which it seems, is what makes them so particular.
So, I needed to place collectively a bit information to a few of my favorite images places in and round Port Macquarie. Sharing a number of the greatest seashores and vantage factors of a city that’s someplace I feel everybody visiting Australia ought to see.
To get began, right here’s a bit map exhibiting the place you’ll discover every spot. I’ve included just a few further images spots akin to Queens Lake, Level Plomer and Outdated Bottlebutt all through the map since there are too many spots to jot down about individually. Be happy to click on every icon and discover round a bit…
Photogenic Seashores in Port Macquarie
There’s no scarcity of coastal images places in and round Port Macquarie, in truth it would take you just a few months and even years to cowl all of them in golden hour. From Level Plomer within the north to Crowdy Bay Nationwide Park within the south, the area is nearly made for seascape photographers!
Beneath I’ve listed a few of my favorite spots however if you happen to’re eager to search out your personal, take a wander alongside the 9km Port Macquarie Coastal Stroll which covers all of the seashores between City and Lighthouse Seashore. Alongside the route you’ll discover Oxley, Flynns, Nobbys, Shelley and Miners Seashore plus a number of little rocky coves and corners to maintain your digital camera busy. There’s positively a variety of stand out rock formations however too many to listing on this article so I counsel discovering a spot that takes your fancy and visiting throughout each dawn and sundown.
City Seashore
Coordinates – 31°25’46.2″S 152°55’12.8″E
Presumably the primary seashore you’ll see when exploring Port Macquarie, City Seashore provides all of the summery vibes. Beginning on the breakwall and curving round to Flagstaff Hill, the seashore usually has nice surf situations and calm areas for swimming.
For photographers it’s an exquisite spot to seize dawn, particularly on a foggy winters morning when sea mist creates a surprising scene. City Seashore is a particular spot as a result of it supplies not only a dawn vantage level however, a sundown one too. Enterprise right down to the jap nook close to Flagstaff Hill and also you’ll be handled to views wanting again to the west, best for capturing the nice and cozy glow of sundown with pine timber and even the hinterland within the distance.
Salty Crew Kiosk is certainly one of my favorite spots on the town to seize a espresso and breakfast then wander alongside the coast with my digital camera. There’s loads of small rock swimming pools and jagged rocks to make use of in composing a stunning panorama shot. You possibly can choose to stay to the trail, or get your toes sandy and wander the shoreline to seize seascapes utilizing the rocks in your composition. 
Shelly Seashore
Coordinates – 31°27’18.4″S 152°55’54.9″E
It’s the place the rainforest meets the ocean and certainly one of my favorite locations to swim in summer season. Shelly Seashore is surrounded by Sea Acres Nationwide Park that means you received’t have buildings lining the shore, it’s all pure, all fairly. As a result of the rainforest is so shut, you’ll discover there’s loads of wildlife together with bush turkeys and lace screens (large lizards) which have a tendency to hold across the BBQ areas or roam by means of the bushes. Generally they’ll even be seen clinging to the pine timber, nearly camouflaging themselves in opposition to the bark so maintain an in depth eye out if you’re strolling round!
Shelly Seashore supplies quite a lot of images alternatives from the rock swimming pools and rainforest to the beautiful shoreline and native cling gliders that may be seen flying from Harry’s Lookout. A neighborhood legend, Harry lived in a caravan at Shelly Seashore along with his spouse Jean from 1961 till his demise in January, 2000. Harry turned the caretaker of this particular spot, hand carving the 254 steps as much as what’s now often called Harry’s Lookout. Beginning out from the Shelly Seashore carpark, you’ll be able to take the stroll as much as the lookout and alongside the best way move the ‘thong tree’ and carved artworks the place his caravan and backyard as soon as had been earlier than taking the trail he walked on a regular basis up the hill for among the best views in Port Macquarie.
On the highway right down to Shelly Seashore there’s a really photogenic (very talked-about with wedding ceremony pictures) strangler fig about 200m from Ocean Dr, you’ll realize it if you see it. However you’ll be able to’t actually cease your automotive right here so proceed driving to the seashore then wander again up alongside the rainforest.
An aerial view of Shelley Seashore (on the prime) and the coastal stroll to Miners Seashore.
Miners Seashore
Coordinates – 31°27’41.4″S 152°56’05.1″E
This spot is my favorite. Really, my favorite spot tends to vary based mostly on the climate but when I’m hoping to {photograph} a secluded seashore and clear teal seas, that is the place I go to first. Miners Seashore is tucked a bit south of Shelley Seashore and to entry it it’s important to stroll roughly 10minutes alongside the coastal strolling path. Earlier than arriving on the seashore, you’ll move an important little spot to observe whales between Could and October, and this view level can be best for photographing Miners Seashore from above.
It’s value noting that Miners Seashore can be thought-about a nudist seashore however as a result of it varieties a part of the 9km Port Macquarie Coastal Stroll, there are hikers and walkers recurrently passing by means of.
The function that makes Miners Seashore so photogenic for me is the rocky outcrop that juts out from the sand. Relying on the tides and situations, the rocks can both be utterly separated from the seashore, or, they are often linked by a really photogenic strip of sand. If that is so, you’ll have waves coming in from the left and proper, providing you with a lot to seize and play with.
Tacking Level Lighthouse
Coordinates – 31°28’30.1″S 152°56’13.3″E
The shining star of Port Macquarie is in fact the lighthouse. Perched up excessive overlooking Lighthouse Seashore, from right here you’ll be able to see all the best way south to Laurieton, and on a transparent day, all the best way north to Hat Head.
The lighthouse itself is photogenic with it’s placing blue and white paint contrasting superbly in opposition to a sunny day or pastel sky. From the lighthouse you’ll be able to seize pictures of the encircling shoreline with loads of crashing waves and rocky coves to compose your pictures with. Personally although, I want to incorporate the lighthouse in my pictures which implies exploring round to search out an excellent perspective.
If you happen to wander down the steps to the north of the lighthouse, you’ll enter the beginning of the Sea Acres Nationwide Park and discover a attractive cove that gives infinite composition prospects. There are rock formations carved by the tides, rock swimming pools, grassy tufts and if you happen to enterprise up onto the little headland, there’s an excellent view wanting again in direction of the lighthouse with the cove in your shot too. Capturing nightfall from this location would make any panorama photographer perform a little comfortable dance!
Watonga Rocks
Coordinates – 31°28’48.4″S 152°55’42.6″E
A neighborhood favorite, Watonga Rocks are positioned on Lighthouse Seashore and seem to stay up in the course of the 10km sandy shores. It’s for that reason, they make an important topic to {photograph}!
You possibly can zoom into the rocks from the northern finish of Lighthouse seashore and consists of surfers for perspective, or stand up shut and seize lengthy exposures as waves wrap round their base.
If you wish to fake you’re within the Sahara, that is additionally the spot the place the Camel Safaris happen so all through most days you’ll discover camels strolling alongside the shore, one thing a bit completely different to incorporate in your pictures of Port Macquarie!
Scenic Spots in and round Port Macquarie
Coordinates – 31°25’40.2″S 152°54’28.7″E
City Inexperienced + Girl Nelson Wharf
Positioned proper within the centre of city, City Inexperienced is the place to picnic, watch the boats cruise out and in of the river and naturally, to {photograph}. Right here you’re handled to sundown over the Hastings River and might seize pictures that includes the seagulls, dolphins and if you happen to’re fortunate, a leaping sting ray or two.
Girl Nelson Wharf works as a surprising function to make use of inside your composition at City Inexperienced. At sundown, the sky will mild up behind the wharf that means you’ll be able to {photograph} it so as to add perspective to the scene, or use it because it displays into the river. As a rule there’ll even be individuals fishing on the wharf too and don’t be afraid to wander down the steps and peek round beneath for an alternate view wanting again in direction of the breakwall and pine timber.
Enterprise additional previous the wharf to {photograph} the views wanting west from the outdated Cruise Terminal. There’s a string of boats moored in opposition to the wood jetty which you should use inside your pictures, or zoom previous to {photograph} Pelican Island and the setting solar behind.
The Breakwall
Maybe essentially the most iconic function of Port Macquarie is the breakwall, the place households have painted rocks through the years, adorning this coastal stroll with vibrant murals and messages. The breakwall connects City Inexperienced with City Seashore and is an exquisite place to go for a stroll together with your digital camera, particularly early within the morning or round sundown and nightfall.
You possibly can {photograph} the panorama, pine timber alongside the shore, crashing waves and native fishermen silhouetted in opposition to the setting solar.
North Brother Mountain
Coordinates – 31°39’26.5″S 152°46’40.7″E
That is the spot to go for one of the vital epic views in New South Wales. Looking over Laurieton, the shoreline and Camden Haven River system, North Brother Mountain supplies among the best vantage factors to seize a panorama picture from up excessive.
The drive up is scenic too with thick forests, numerous gum timber and if you happen to’re fortunate, a really moody mist may be current that wafts throughout the mountain on winter mornings.
If you happen to’re feeling energetic you’ll be able to hike up, capturing pictures of wildlife and flora you see alongside the best way. Alternatively, if you happen to’re a bit lazier (like me), you’ll be able to drive up, benefit from the views then enterprise down the coast to Diamond Head for sundown by the seashore.
Diamond Head + Cut up Rock
Coordinates – 31°43’02.9″S 152°47’43.3″E
Kangaroos hop alongside the seashore at dawn and waves gently roll by means of Crowdy Bay which is completely formed like a crescent moon. Diamond Head is stress-free, peaceable and for my part, among the best camp websites in Australia.
It’s the sort of place to go and get away from all of it, to wander alongside the seashore together with your digital camera and breath in a bit salt air. There’s a lot to work with right here with Cut up Rock being the obvious topic. Reminding me of the rocky shores of Scotland, Cut up Rock is a placing formation of pillars that jut out from the headland and beg to be explored. Use them in your pictures from the seashore or stand up amongst the rocks and clamber by means of to find varied different vantage factors.
Bago Bluff
Coordinates – 31°30’39.5″S 152°39’40.8″E
On the extra adventurous aspect by way of accessibility, if you happen to’ve received a 4WD, driving as much as Bago Bluff is a should. The views from the highest are unbelievable, wanting over the farmland and hinterland between Wauchope and Comboyne.
On my first journey up I didn’t actually know what to anticipate and simply went with the notion that getting up excessive would absolutely imply there’s some sort of view! Fortunately, that is completely the case and when you’ve reached the height of Bago Bluff there’s some little rocky outcrops the place you’ll be able to picnic and {photograph} the encircling surroundings. Simply to notice, there aren’t any security fences, it’s a straight drop from the rock ledge so be tremendous cautious when exploring up there!
Getting there: To achieve Bago Bluff, drive from Port Macquarie out to Kings Creek and head within the route of the gorgeous (nicely value a cease) Bago Vineyards. From there you’ll discover a sequence of 4WD tracks and if you happen to’ve received Google Maps open or a GPS, observe Milligans Rd till it turns to Pine Hut Rd after which Rollover Rd which can lead you up and alongside the ridgeline.
*It’s a particular 4WD monitor, you received’t make it up the hill in an everyday automotive however the effort is rewarded with photogenic views!
There are such a lot of extra images places I might embody on this information however I needed to share a few of my favourites and hopefully you’ll go to quickly and discover a few of your personal.
Have you ever been to Port Macquarie and have a favorite spot? Let me know within the feedback beneath!
Whats up! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 19+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise, or that of contributors, on the highway. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.
