Port Macquarie, located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty. With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and spectacular waterfalls, it’s no wonder that this coastal town is a popular destination for nature lovers. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best waterfalls near Port Macquarie and how to get to them.
Ellenborough Falls
Ellenborough Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the region, and it’s definitely worth a visit. This waterfall is located in the rugged mountains of the hinterland, about 60 km southwest of Port Macquarie. It’s a stunning sight to see water cascading down a sheer rock face, plunging over 200 meters into the valley below. The waterfall is easily accessible, with a short walk from the car park to the viewing platform.
To get to Ellenborough Falls, take the Pacific Highway south from Port Macquarie, turn onto the Bulga Road at Kundabung, and then onto the Tourist Drive 8 at Moorland. Follow the signs to Ellenborough Falls. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Rawson Falls
Rawson Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the stunning Willi Willi National Park, approximately 73 km southwest of Port Macquarie. The waterfall drops 40 meters into a deep pool. The walk to Rawson Falls is a bit more challenging than some of the other waterfalls on this list, but it’s worth it for the breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest.
To get to Rawson Falls, take the Pacific Highway south from Port Macquarie, turn onto the Bulga Road at Kundabung, and then onto the Tourist Drive 8 at Moorland. Follow the signs to Willi Willi National Park. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Wauchope Falls
Wauchope Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the Bago State Forest, approximately 20 km west of Port Macquarie. The waterfall is only a short walk from the car park, and there’s a picnic area nearby, making it a perfect spot for a day trip. The waterfall drops approximately 30 meters into a deep pool, which is popular for swimming.
To get to Wauchope Falls, take the Oxley Highway west from Port Macquarie, turn onto the Comboyne Road, and follow the signs to the Bago State Forest. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes.
Tia Falls
Tia Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, approximately 98 km southwest of Port Macquarie. The waterfall drops 45 meters into a deep pool. There’s also a walking track that leads to the bottom of the waterfall, providing a unique perspective of the waterfall.
To get to Tia Falls, take the Pacific Highway south from Port Macquarie, turn onto the Oxley Highway at Kundabung, and then onto the Waterfall Way at Wauchope. Follow the signs to the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.
Potoroo Falls
Potoroo Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Bago State Forest, approximately 20 km west of Port Macquarie. The waterfall drops approximately 20 meters into a deep pool, which is perfect for swimming and picnicking. The walk to Potoroo Falls is relatively easy, and there’s a picnic area near the waterfall, making it a great spot for a family day.
To get to Potoroo Falls:
- Head south on Gordon St/B59 towards Short St.
- Turn left onto Clarence St/B59.
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Pacific Hwy/A1 heading north.
- After about 10 km, turn right onto Hastings River Dr/Bago Rd and continue to follow Bago Rd.
- After approximately 15 km, turn left onto Ellenborough Rd and continue for about 9 km.
- Turn right onto Potoroo Falls Rd and follow it for approximately 2 km.
- Turn left into Potoroo Falls picnic area.
You will have reached your destination! The total driving time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Enjoy your trip to Potoroo Falls!
Port Macquarie has no shortage of amazing natural locations for people of all ages and this list of waterfalls should help you find a great place to cool off on a hot day.
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