Port Macquarie | Jolly Nose Destination Guide

We invite you to explore the beautiful Port Macquarie-Hastings Region while you’re in the region for our event – Port Macquarie has so much to offer!

Boasting 17 gorgeous beaches, a lush hinterland, and a diverse variety of attractions (including a Koala Hospital!), not to mention one of the best year-round climates and a busy events calendar, it’s no wonder this is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. Supported by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, let the friendly locals welcome you with open arms and make this a perfect winter weekend getaway for you, your besties, and your whole family.


Race & venue at Jolly Nose MTB Park

Here is footage from Rocky Trail events on the Gravity Trails at Jolly Nose over the years and beautiful coverage of the region for you to start planning your race and visit in the region:

Start planning that Fox Superflow weekend in Port Macquarie! Video Faber Film.

Rocky Trail held an inaugural event at Jolly Nose MTB Park in 2018 and the feedback from our racers was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, so much so we’ve been back every year since then! The local club has a very passionate ‘enduro gravity’ crowd and they have been building and grooming trails that will let the ‘stoke level’ soar sky-high!

About Jolly Nose MTB Park

Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park is located in Queens Lake State Forest near Bonny Hills just South of Port Macquarie. The park boasts approximately 50km of single track mountain bike trails for both enduro & cross country mountain bike riding.

Address: Spring Creek Road, Bonny Hills 2445

Camping: We are in a NSW State Forest, so you can camp and we will be using the Main Car Park on the left of Spring Creek Road as the base – this is where you park and camp. The event centre will be a few 100 m further towards the West – the access is along a fire road, which is cleaned up regularly, however, it is a bit of a wet area and we want to avoid any cars getting bogged. All details in the rider briefing.

The custodians of the park are the Hastings Valley MTB Riders (HVMBR). These guys have been racing the Superflow events with Rocky Trail for years and their trails have been inspired by exactly this style of riding and racing – you’re in for an absolute treat!


Destination Information

Discover everything that the greater Port Macquarie region has to offer. See below for lots of tips, ideas, itineraries, and recommendations. Log off early Friday and be in Port Macquarie by sunset to enjoy cocktails or a hearty brew and settle in for a perfect mountain bike weekend break!


Rocky Trail recommends…

Bring the fambam along – so much to do for them while you race and to explore together!

Take our word and stay in town for three days? PERFECT!!

For more ideas, start scrolling!


Wildnets Adventure Park

Australia’s biggest suspended playground! Discover a vast network of interconnected spaces and experience a whole new sense of gravity as you bounce from room to room discovering a variety of fun games. There are giant bouncy netted rooms, tree houses, suspension bridges, ball pits, slides, pods, giant inflatables and many other exciting features for all ages and abilities. And 50% of all profits go to the new Wild Koala Breeding Program, so you can have fun whilst supporting the environment! Win win!

Whale Spotting

While visiting you are lucky enough to be here for the whale season! You can see them on the way up and on the way down from the beautiful Port Macquarie Coastline from May to November. The best places to see the whales include Tacking Point Light House in Port Mac, Katang Nature Reserve with Perpenidicilar Point and Charles Hamley lookout our favourite in the Camden Haven or Grants Beach Headland at Bonny Hills.

Beaches

Come for the comp, stay for the beaches! Port Macquarie is stunning year-round, with miles of unspoilt coastline and hinterland, and fabulous cafes, bars and attractions. Visit www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au for heaps of great trip ideas.

Rainbow beach, Bonny Hills | iloveportmacquarie #bringyourfamily #bringyourmates

Surf & Skate

Shhhh it’s a secret… Did you know that the Port Macquarie region has some of the best surf breaks on the east coast? We’ve got great surf schools as well as a top-level skate park at Town Beach, and did you know that Port Macquarie is the bodyboarding capital of Australia?! #iloveportmacquarie

Food Scene

Come and see why Port Macquarie’s bar and dining scene has become a favourite with travel writers, food critics and locals alike.

#pamperedinport #iloveportmacquarie | The Stunned Mullet restaurant, Port Macquarie. Pic: Lindsay Moller Photography

Health and Wellbeing

Wellness is local, home grown produce served with love. Seaside sunrises and wholesome food are the perfect combo for rejuvenating before, during and after the big event. Take a beachfront yoga class or a wander through Sea Acres Rainforest. Head for the stunning unspoilt coastline of the Camden Haven, or forage at Wauchope’s Farmer’s Market. Stay longer for a proper event week relaxation #iloveportmacquarie

Family fun

It’s easy to keep your entourage entertained in Port Macquarie, with so much to eat, see and do! Port Macquarie is a playground where nature and nurture come together for the ultimate holiday escape. Coastal walks, winery tours, cruises, the list goes on. Find out more about Family Adventures… #iloveportmacquarie #bringthefamily

Coastal Walk

While you’re in Port Macquarie, don’t forget to check out their #1 attraction on Trip Advisor – the stunning Coastal Walk! #iloveportmacquarie

Discover Port Macquarie in this video of the local Coastal Walk.

Trip ideas

Bring your family and/or your mates and make a weekend of it. There’s so much to eat, see and do! #iloveportmacquarie

Making memories

Enjoy your Port Macquarie ‘Playcation’ and create magical memories with your favourite people. Sunrises at the beach and sunsets at the bar bookend days filled with a great mix of adventure and relaxation. Oh and don’t get us started on the amazing food! You’ll be spoilt for choice…#iloveportmacquarie

Animal encounters

Port Macquarie is home to the largest Koala population in the country, so don’t miss an opportunity to get up close and personal with these national treasures at Billabong Zoo and the Koala Hospital. #koalalove #iloveportmacquarie

Water fun

When in doubt, just add water. Port Macquarie is much more than stunning beaches. Water adventure parks, whale and dolphin watching cruises, jet boating, water and jet skiing, surf schools, fishing charters, kayaking & SUP hire, bbq boat hire and so much more! #iloveportmacquarie

Glasshouse

Come for the event, and stay for a show! Port Macquarie’s world class Glasshouse Theatre and Gallery plays host to more than 200 shows, events and exhibitions every year. Visit www.glasshouse.org.au to see what’s on, or www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au for more info. #iloveportmacquarie


Our top tips for #rockytrailracers

1.
Learn to surfPort Macquarie beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and offer amazing locations for beginners and early intermediates with protected rolling waves.
Our tip:Head to Soul Surfing to get started
2.
Get your skate onTry out the incredibly located Town Beach Skate Park at the end of the breakwall, or head to Lake Cathie’s brand new skate park or explore the bike parks and trails in the region.
Our tips:Get on board!
3.
Jump on board the Wave RiderPort Jet Cruise Adventures have River Boats, hire-and-drive jet skis, and of course the beautiful ‘Wave Rider’ – one of Port Macquarie’s favourite water-based attractions. It’s seriously quick, and Whale Season starts in May so keep your eyes peeled!
4.
Relax by the waterfrontThe Beach House is an iconic coastal venue that stands as a favourite hangout among Port Macquarie locals thanks to its prime waterfront location.
5.
Check out the itineraries!Nature walks, scenic lookouts, more beaches, a lake, National Parks, plus fresh local seafood. Check out this awesome collection of itinararies for everyone!
6.
A different kind of rideMount up for a picturesque horse ride along the Hastings River or through Cassegrain Winery Estate. With a couple of schools to choose from, this is a wonderful experience for all riding abilities.
Our tip:Get in touch here or here
7.
Climb to new heightsPort Macquarie’s only Indoor Rock Climbing and Dark Zone Laser Centre is a fabulous place for all ages – from bright and fun snakes and ladders for the kids through to an amazing roof section to challenge the more experienced climber, plus a double-storey laser labyrinth!
Our Tip:Indoor Fun
8.
Take in the viewsSituated in the Dooragan National Park, North Brother Mountain offers some fo the most accessible, panoramic views on the east coast of Australia. The mountain has excellent trails and walks suiting all fitness levels, and is also a ‘mecca’ for para-gliders and hang gliders, which is a sight to enjoy as they launch from the summit.
9.
Get the inside guide‘Taste Trails’ are specially curated insiders’ guides providing local insights into some of the regions best experiences. Plan your own self-drive trail with these fantastic guides.
Our Tip:Taste Trails
10.
Shop til you dropEnjoy a bite to eat by the riverside, or get your kitchen in order with a range of fresh produce and gourmet foods to take home. With an extensive range of toys, clothes, fashion, plants, candles, perfumes, fishing gear, furniture and so much more you will love your day out at the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets – held every third Sunday of each month.

On a budget? check out the Top 22 Things To Do Under $10.

Plus even more must-dos! Everything from MILD to WILD – now that’s a bucket list!


INS(TA)PIRATION:
There are so many experiences that await,
here are just a few to get you started:

Share your stories, tag:
#portmacquarie #iloveportmacquarie

Official Rocky Trail hashtags:
#rockytrailracer #rockytrailentertainment