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.

Fox Superflow – 15 & 16 October

Super-fast, challenging A-lines in the rockgarden and flowy B-lines too – the local Hastings Valley MTB Riders claim some of the fastest superflow racers in our series history and once you race their home tracks, you’ll know why! So much heart is going into these trails, you’ll be frothing! The trails at Jolly Nose MTB Park will dial your superflow stoke factor to 11! Find out more…

Here is footage from recent Rocky Trail events on the Gravity Trails at Jolly Nose 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.

Race & venue at Jolly Nose MTB Park

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!

JUST OPENED – 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. #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

Koala love
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

Riding High
Get on your bike! The Port Macquarie region is a popular destination with mountain bike riders since the Jolly Nose MTB Park opened There are some great places to explore right across the coast when you’re not at Jolly Nose… #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


In town for three days? PERFECT!!


Accommodation Partners

Beachside Holiday Apartments & Beaches Holiday Resort Apartments

Beachside Holiday Apartments
Address: 48 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie
Phone: (02) 6583 9544
Email: info@beachsideholidays.com
Web: www.beachsideholidays.com

Beaches Holiday Resort Apartments
Address: 55 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie
Phone: (02) 6584 4433
Email: admin@beachesholidayresort.com.au
Web: www.beachesholidayresort.com.au

Just a 30 minute drive from Jolly Nose, these fantastic apartments are located opposite the beautiful Flynns Beach in Port Macquarie, and Rocky Trail riders are being offered an amazing 25% discount off the standard rates for a two-night stay!

To access this secret deal, just call direct and mention ‘Rockytrail’ when booking (offer not available for online bookings).

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 Port Macquarie Surf School or 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.
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.
This day trip has it all!Nature walks, scenic lookouts, more beaches, a lake, National Parks, plus fresh local seafood. Swim in a netted tide pool, feed the fish, and enjoy spectacular coastal views from the headlands, overlooking some 14 kilometres of pristine beaches.
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!
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:Brews + Burgers, Wine + Wonder, and so much more
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.
Wine & Wonder Taste Trail
Brews & Burgers Taste Trail
Producers & Providores Taste Trail

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