24 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Parks, Walks, Bars & Cafes in Port Macquarie
Located between Sydney and Brisbane, Port Macquarie is a great showstopper. It is the perfect juncture of nature and gastronomy, with plenty of dog friendly bars & cafes where you will enjoy fresh cuisine with views of the beach. You can even step away from this big, buzzling town and visit some of the dog friendly wineries scattered across the lush hinterland, perhaps spotting some koalas along the way. There is great weather and many activities all year round. You can go on a spontaneous getaway at any time, without worrying about finding a dog sitter. Port Macquarie with plenty of dog friendly beaches and walks will kindly welcome you and your pup!
Before we explore the places to play, here’s an amazing dog friendly accommodation approx. 1.5h north of Port Macquarie for doggies and their human parents after escaping the buzz of the city.
Dog Friendly Rural Retreat | Moparrabah
Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 2
Rural pet friendly property and a destination for those who want to be surrounded by nature and simply enjoy the majestic mountain and valley views.
Enjoy cooling off in the creek on summer days or bush walking with your dog up the mountain track to breathtaking views. Simply put your feed up and relax on the deck with countryside views.
Take your dog for a walk at the forest track to the cascades which flows through the summer months with its own day use / picnic area and cool water pools. For the real walking enthusiasts there is a 4km return well defined trail that leads to the top of the mountain, where you will find breathtaking valley views along the way. There is also a rustic table and bench at the top where you can stop for for a breather or picnic lunch.
If you love stars then you are in for a treat on clear sky nights. There is no light pollution so look up and enjoy the gazillion stars in view.
OFF LEASH DOG BEACHES
1. Oxley Beach / Rocky Beach
A short distance from the CBD yet very tranquil, Oxley beach is the closest dog friendly one but dogs must remain on a leash. You can then head south to Rocky beach to take the leash off. It’s a bit tricky to access due to the steep cliffs, but it’s very nice and quiet.
2. Nobbys Beach
Very popular among dog owners as they can walk with their pups off leash. Access through the carpark at the southern end.
3. Lighthouse Beach (South Watonga Rocks)
The northern end close to the lighthouse is not dog friendly, but south from the Watonga Rocks towards the 4WD access point at Lake Cathic there is a large off leash beach.
4. North Shore Beach
Secluded beach that you can access by crossing the Hastings River via ferry. Popular for beach fishing and 4WD driving, this beach welcomes pups off leash from the northern end on Corrilla Estate, north to the Queens Head 4WD access point, and from the southern end of Corrilla Estate towards the breakwall in the south.
FREE V.I.POOCH TRAVEL KIT WITH EVERY BOOKING!
OFF LEASH DOG PARKS
5. Stuart Park
Dogs are welcome off leash at any time at the dedicated area on Stuart Park. They have separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, and a water bubbler with bottle filler and dog bowl.
6. Blackbutt Dog Park
This fenced off-leash dog area in Wauchope, within the boundaries of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area, is a rather new hit among pups and their humans. Large area with plenty of tree shade, clean water and poo bags.
DOG FRIENDLY WALKS
7. Bago Lookout
Experience this 9.5-km loop trail near Wauchope. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 8 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, running, and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
8. Cowarra State Forest
Head out on this 14.3-km out-and-back trail near Thrumster, New South Wales. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 46 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
9. Kendall State Forest
Experience this 6.1-km dog friendly loop trail near Kendall. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 4 min to complete. This trail is great for mountain biking, running, and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
10. Camden Haven Inlet Walk
Check out this 11.3-km out-and-back trail near Camden Haven. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 12 min to complete. This trail is great for running and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
11. The Kenny Walk
Located between Shelly Beach and Nobbys Beach, with lookout points for whale watching, this recreation spot has a lot of grass where you can relax with your pup.
FREE V.I.POOCH TRAVEL KIT WITH EVERY BOOKING!
DOG FRIENDLY WINERIES
12. Douglas Vale Historic Homestead
Volunteer run dog friendly Historic Homestead & Vineyard. The Vineyard was created 150 years ago & produces unusual wine of exceptional quality. Dogs are always welcome on the covered outdoor seating area.
13. Little Fish Cafe
Little Fish Café is something to behold overlooking the lush vineyards of the InnesLake Estate and framed by Jacaranda, Pointsiana and Magnolia trees. Dogs are welcome (on leash) on the partly covered grassy seating area. The blending of a cellar door with a restaurant enables patrons to enjoy the best of both worlds that food and wine has to offer. The location brings together a total experience and only a short distance from Port Macquarie.
14. Twotriplefour by Bills
Nestled on the outskirts of Port Macquarie, within the lush Cassegrain Wines Estate, Twotriplefour restaurant is a proudly local, paddock-to-plate eatery. It’s the place to relish in a shared feast, indulge in a glass of wine, kick back and enjoy a moment of sun on the patio. To top it off, your loyal companion is welcome to indulge in some R+R on our outdoor patio (water bowls provided) and/or stretch its legs within the gardens of Cassegrain Wines. Located conveniently just off the Pacific Highway, it’s the perfect stop during your holiday trips!
15. Long Point Vineyard
A charming take on the traditional vineyard, dog friendly Long Point Vineyard offers wine tastings, local art and delicious products from the Hastings hinterland. Dogs are welcome on the grounds and the undercover seating area.
DOG FRIENDLY PUBS & BARS
16. Botanic Wine Garden
For something unique, try the Botanic Wine Garden on your trip to Port Macquarie. This energetic gem has a delicious Australian cuisine menu and an impressive wine selection. The trendy and creative restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and loves when you bring your pups to the venue. Dogs are allowed at outside seating only but the friendly staff will happily bring out water and treats for your pooch.
17. Tacking Point Tavern
Local fresh produce on Park Street overlooking the Marina. They have lovely dog friendly seating on the water or on the full covered deck. For over 7 years they have been selling homemade dog cookies for $1 to collect money for Port Macquarie puppy rescue.
18. Finnians Irish Tavern
Finnian’s Tavern puts a modern artist on the classic Irish tavern. Not only do they prepare a full menu of traditional Irish food, but their location also features live entertainment, unbeatable specials and much more. Dogs are welcome to join owners in the outdoor beer garden where shade and water are available.
FREE V.I.POOCH TRAVEL KIT WITH EVERY BOOKING!
DOG FRIENDLY CAFES & RESTAURANTS
19. Sandbox
Steps away from Flynn’s Beach, Sandbox delivers fresh produce done right. With friendly staff, great coffee and killer beach views, it’s the perfect pitstop after a day on the sand. There are outdoor tables for you and your pup to rest and refuel.
20. Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant
Local fresh produce on Park Street overlooking the Marina. They have lovely dog friendly seating on the water or on the full covered deck. For over 7 years they have been selling homemade dog cookies for $1 to collect money for Port Macquarie puppy rescue.
21. Drury Lane Eatery
Good coffee, good food, good wine and good dog friendly outdoor space under a canopy of trees that provide lots of shade.
22. Bandwagon Cafe
This cafe located within the shopping hub and beaches of Port Macquarie wants you to feel comfortable as you enjoy beautiful coffee and food prepared with love. Community driven as they are, they have a dedicated covered outside area that welcomes regular furry visitors.
23. Salty Crew Kiosk
The Salty Crew Kiosk hits the spot for delicious food and great views. The crew uses the most seasonal produce available to serve up a wide range of beautifully plated and very tasty delights all year round, offering an array of fresh juice & smoothies, Clandestino coffee, Acai bowls, delicious salads, Mexican Tacos and raw desserts. With friendly pet-loving staff, shade and water available, your pup will love stopping here after a big day at the beach.
24. Meg and Me Espresso
Here you will find fashion, gifts, decor, coffee and pups! They have lots of puppy owners bring their dogs in for coffee on a regular basis. They provide water and have awnings for shade.
