Taree to Werrikimbe via Port Macquarie

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesTaree
FinishOxley Hwy/Seaview Rd
DifficultyDifficulty 3/5
Suitable For4WD 
Distance373.75 km
Minimum Days4
Average Speed22.65 km/hr
Travel Time16 hrs 30 mins
Page Updated: 14 Feb 2022

Description

This 4 day suggested itinerary has been provided by Greater Port Macquarie Tourism.

Day 1


Turning off the Pacific Highway at the southern entrance to Taree tour through riverside villages and take in stunning hinterland views. This is the gateway to the Ellenborough Falls. From Bobin, there is 16kms of gravel road so drive to the conditions and please note the road from Bobin to Elands is not recommended for caravans. After visiting the second longest single drop waterfall in the southern hemisphere, continue on to the lush fertile plains of the Comboyne plateau and the picturesque village of Comboyne. From here you will make your way to Kerewong State Forest and your first night at Swans Crossing camping and picnic area. Swimming is popular in the nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek. Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk is located a short drive away, with other walking trails leading off from the site. Caravans and Campervans are welcome, but no power is available.

Day 2


Wake up to the birds and wildlife on your second day and you will head to the village of Kendall. If you like craft visit the Kendall Craft Co-operative at the Kendall Railway Station and stop at Miss Nellie’s cafe for some delicious home baked treats. From here the trek will take you to the coast, along the way take in spectacular views from North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park before you pass through the township of Laurieton. This is a good spot to get fuel or stock up on any essentials. The trek will take you for some sightseeing in Camden Haven, there are plenty of options to add to your experience; have a coffee while the kids feed the fish at Dunbogan boatshed, take a BBQ boat out for lunch on the extensive waterways, visit Pilot Beach and Wash House Beach, explore Kattang Nature Reserve by taking the Perpendicular Point walking track you might even spot a whale. From here you head north along the coast road to Port Macquarie travelling through the townships of Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie. Take your pick of places to stay either in Port Macquarie itself or one of the near-by villages.

Day 3


Port Macquarie’s town centre is embraced by the Hastings River on one side and beaches on the other in a unique natural setting. So take a walk along the Town Green, you might catch sight of a dolphin, to the iconic breakwall and Town Beach. World-class attractions, waterside dining and accommodation are all walking distance. There are 52+ things to see and do - something for every week of the year - The Koala Hospital, the only one in the world, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Ricardoes Tomatoes and the Glasshouse arts and entertainment centre to name a few. You are spoilt for choice.
Heading west on your way to Wauchope stop in at Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park to see koalas, snow leopards, penguins, red pandas and Shrek the 5m Crocodile. The township of Wauchope has vibrant cafes, funky boutique shopping and is home to Timbertown Heritage Theme Park. The kids can run wild in an all abilities playground at Bain Park while Mum and Dad take a break at Watermans Cafe or stock up on supplies for bush camping.

From here you head back into the stunning hinterland, passing through fertile farming land as you make your way to Mount Boss State Forest, a short drive from Wauchope. The Cobrabald recreation area is your home tonight; it offers a place for those who enjoy camping off the beaten track. Wild Bull Camping Area has BBQ facilities and a deep waterhole just perfect for a summer dip – it’s also home to some catfish!

Day 4


For some exploring on day 4 the Bluff picnic area, a further 1.4 kms down the river, a lovely secluded spot with a vast rock formation covered in grass trees on the opposite side of the river. Or head to Number 1 Tower picnic area and lookout which offers sweeping views of the Wilson River catchment and forests stretching all the way to the coast. The area you will travel through today has a long cultural history, which is central in the development of the timber industry in the area and a gold mining boom in the 1800s. Keep and eye out for old huts and machinery, testament to the drive and ingenuity of the early settlers who tackled the difficult terrain with dreams of striking it rich.

As you wind your way through Willi Willi and into Werrikimbe National Parks you will see Gondwana rainforest and enjoy amazing scenery. You’re likely to encounter a range of forest birds such as eastern yellow robins, scarlet robins and rufous fantails. You will spend the night at Mooraback Campground a small, isolated campground tucked amongst the snow gums. Your only company is likely to be eastern grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies coming to graze in the afternoons. Stroll along Mooraback walking track, a short loop walk from the campground. Or wander out to Platypus Pools in the upper reaches of Hastings River and see if you can spot a platypus or two. At night, enjoy a barbecue dinner, sit by the warmth of a campfire and listen to the sounds of the bush. Stay a few days to explore this World Heritage listed area or head back to the Oxley Highway to complete your adventure.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

ExplorOz Traveller now features the NEW EOTopo 2024 mapset!

Environment

Seventeen beaches, river systems, coastal rainforest and National Parks are just some of the top reasons to visit Greater Port Macquarie. Those looking for a challenge can tackle Werrikimbe National Park, a World Heritage-listed site with several walking trails and 4WD tracks to explore the wilderness.Kattang Nature Reserve offers great easy day walks with impressive views. The sharp cliff faces of Perpendicular Point jut out into the sea at the centre of the reserve, and Dooragan National Park provides a dramatic inland backdrop. Small pockets of rainforest are dominated by flowering coastal heathland. The Flower Bowl Circuit is a must visit in the early Spring if you're a native flower lover. Swans Crossing in the Kerewong State Forest is a popular picnic and camping area where there are a number of walking trails, the area is now surrounded by regenerated native forest and hardwood plantations. Swimming is popular in the nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek. The Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk located a short drive away follows the original logging tramline (1913) used to haul timber to the Camden Haven River where it was punted to a mill in Laurieton.

History

The original custodians of Greater Port Macquarie were the Birpai Aboriginal people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Sea Acres Rainforest Centre in Port Macquarie is home to the Spirit of the Land exhibition which takes you on a journey through the regions rich Aboriginal culture. In 1821, Port Macquarie was founded by the British as a penal settlement, one of Australia's first settlements outside of Sydney, and is home to a number of historic buildings and sites that date back to our colonial and convict days. Visit Roto House, built in 1891 and a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and craftsmanship. Lake Innes House, the home of colonial entrepreneur Major Archibald Clunes Innes grew to the proportions of a grand country mansion, and these extensive ruins are a highly significant part of Australia’s convict and colonial heritage. Convicts built St Thomas' Church in 1824, feel the atmosphere of this remarkable building the fifth oldest Anglican Church still in use in Australia.

TrekID: 775

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
GPS signal is poor throughout the area so ensure you carry paper maps. Please also note that electronic maps may differ to actual maintained trails. Even though a trail may be on a map not all trails are still open and / or maintained annually as many are old snig tracks.

Some sections of this trek are noted not suitable for towing a caravan (such as Racecourse Trail) and there are 3 creek/river crossings - 2 of which may become impassable after heavy rain. You can modify this route to bypass that section. A 4WD is recommend although sections could be done in AWD - weather and track conditions permitting. We recommend that if you are going to tow a Camper Trailer that it is suited for Off-Road use.

Sections of this trek could become impassable after heavy rain with the Forbes River likely to become impassable for 1-2 days after rains. Wet trails in summer dry out quickly however in winter they can stay wet for weeks. Tree falls are also not uncommon, so be aware that you may have to back track if you find a tree that is too large for your axe to handle (chainsaws are not permitted to be used in NSW National Parks).

Always check local conditions as tracks conditions vary considerably due to weather.

Permits

No specific access permits are required for driving any of the roads listed in this trek. Camping fees and entrance fees to National Parks may apply. State Forests offer both free entry and free camping.

Fuel Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 52 litres4cyl 60 litres4cyl 75 litres
6cyl 57 litres6cyl 68 litres6cyl 66 litres
8cyl 57 litres8cyl 62 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

The Greater Port Macquarie region is generally pleasant to visit year round with a temperate climate. Weather can vary greatly within forest areas, especially in the rainforests. Most rainfall occurs in summer and although heavy rain can cause flooding of river crossings, the wet trails in summer will dry out quickly. In winter, rain is less likely but wet winter tracks may take weeks to dry out.

Closest Climatic Station

Yarras (Mount Seaview)
Distance from Trek Mid Point 26.41km N
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C29.128.026.724.421.218.818.520.323.425.426.628.5
Mean Min. °C17.517.415.612.59.37.05.46.08.611.314.016.1
Mean Rain mm242.3257.6222.1143.3126.1120.663.468.270.4124.2161.3179.6
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

Working on it...

Get Traveller App Get the ExplorOz Traveller App to download all ExplorOz Treks for navigational use on your tablet, phone, iPad or laptop.
Embed this Map
Embed this trek map directly into your website or page. It is easy and free, click the button to retreive the embed code and copy and paste it to your website or page.
Download Trek
Use this download for GPX, Hema Navigator and OziExplorer. Geo data only no map included.

Directions

Taree to Bucketts Way Roundabout
Driving: 3.48 km
Heading: 157°
Avg Speed: 30.18 km/hr
EST Time: 06:55
Bucketts Way Roundabout to Tinonee
Driving: 6.63 km
Heading: 274°
Avg Speed: 38.91 km/hr
EST Time: 10:13
Tinonee to Wingham
Driving: 11.01 km
Heading: 332°
Avg Speed: 22.25 km/hr
EST Time: 29:41
Wingham to Marlee
Driving: 12.37 km
Heading: 326°
Avg Speed: 45.01 km/hr
EST Time: 16:29
Marlee to Bobin
Driving: 10.64 km
Heading: 340°
Avg Speed: 35.15 km/hr
EST Time: 18:09
Bobin to Ellenborough Falls
Driving: 16.55 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 37.6 km/hr
EST Time: 26:24
Ellenborough Falls to Elands
Driving: 3.77 km
Heading: 163°
Avg Speed: 38.01 km/hr
EST Time: 05:57
Elands to Junction at Comboyne Rd & Colling Rd
Driving: 14.76 km
Heading: 92°
Avg Speed: 36.24 km/hr
EST Time: 24:26
Junction at Comboyne Rd & Colling Rd to Comboyne
Driving: 7.09 km
Heading: 48°
Avg Speed: 36.8 km/hr
EST Time: 11:33
Comboyne to Comboyne Rd/Lorne Rd
Driving: 1.39 km
Heading: 93°
Avg Speed: 31.68 km/hr
EST Time: 02:37
Comboyne Rd/Lorne Rd to Lorne Rd/Playfords Rd
Driving: 1.77 km
Heading: 142°
Avg Speed: 29.16 km/hr
EST Time: 03:38
Lorne Rd/Playfords Rd to Playfords Rd/Blackbutt Rd
Driving: 2.6 km
Heading: 50°
Avg Speed: 36.3 km/hr
EST Time: 04:17
Playfords Rd/Blackbutt Rd to Blackbutt Rd/Kerewong Rd
Driving: 8.09 km
Heading: 75°
Avg Speed: 35.83 km/hr
EST Time: 13:32
Blackbutt Rd/Kerewong Rd to Swans Creek Crossing Camp Area
Driving: 2.36 km
Heading: 173°
Avg Speed: 32.96 km/hr
EST Time: 04:17
Swans Creek Crossing Camp Area to Upsalls Creek Rd/Black Creek Rd
Driving: 10.77 km
Heading: 106°
Avg Speed: 41.62 km/hr
EST Time: 15:31
Upsalls Creek Rd/Black Creek Rd to Kendall
Driving: 3.91 km
Heading: 98°
Avg Speed: 47.4 km/hr
EST Time: 04:56
Kendall to Kew
Driving: 2.31 km
Heading: 92°
Avg Speed: 41.84 km/hr
EST Time: 03:18
Kew to Dooragan National Park
Driving: 10.29 km
Heading: 117°
Avg Speed: 30.71 km/hr
EST Time: 20:06
Dooragan National Park to West Haven
Driving: 4.12 km
Heading: 13°
Avg Speed: 18.67 km/hr
EST Time: 13:14
West Haven to Dunbogan
Driving: 5.04 km
Heading: 118°
Avg Speed: 27 km/hr
EST Time: 11:12
Dunbogan to Camden Head
Driving: 2.7 km
Heading: 80°
Avg Speed: 23.38 km/hr
EST Time: 06:55
Camden Head to Camden Haven
Driving: 6.17 km
Heading: 271°
Avg Speed: 31.11 km/hr
EST Time: 11:53
Camden Haven to Bonny Hills
Driving: 8.44 km
Heading: 36°
Avg Speed: 31.3 km/hr
EST Time: 16:10
Bonny Hills to Lake Cathie
Driving: 6.92 km
Heading: 19°
Avg Speed: 28.58 km/hr
EST Time: 14:31
Lake Cathie to Roundabout Emerald Dr/Mathew Flinders Dr
Driving: 10.48 km
Heading: 36°
Avg Speed: 42.29 km/hr
EST Time: 14:52
Roundabout Emerald Dr/Mathew Flinders Dr to Tacking Point
Driving: 3.03 km
Heading: 79°
Avg Speed: 17.15 km/hr
EST Time: 10:36
Tacking Point to Junction Pacific Dr/Lighthouse Rd
Driving: 1.47 km
Heading: 321°
Avg Speed: 14.1 km/hr
EST Time: 06:15
Junction Pacific Dr/Lighthouse Rd to Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
Driving: 0.91 km
Heading: 10°
Avg Speed: 7.55 km/hr
EST Time: 07:13
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre to Junction Pacific Dr/Shelly Beach Rd
Driving: 0.1 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 3.47 km/hr
EST Time: 01:43
Junction Pacific Dr/Shelly Beach Rd to Junction Kennedy Dr/Shelly Beach Rd
Driving: 0.54 km
Heading: 278°
Avg Speed: 10.96 km/hr
EST Time: 02:57
Junction Kennedy Dr/Shelly Beach Rd to Junction Lord St/Roto Pl
Driving: 2.4 km
Heading: 345°
Avg Speed: 15.59 km/hr
EST Time: 09:14
Junction Lord St/Roto Pl to Junction Lord St/Gordon St
Driving: 0.87 km
Heading: 354°
Avg Speed: 15.82 km/hr
EST Time: 03:17
Junction Lord St/Gordon St to Junction Gordon St/Munster St
Driving: 0.47 km
Heading: 267°
Avg Speed: 14.15 km/hr
EST Time: 01:59
Junction Gordon St/Munster St to Junction Clarence St/Munster St
Driving: 0.49 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 17.8 km/hr
EST Time: 01:39
Junction Clarence St/Munster St to Junction Clarence St/Horton St
Driving: 0.34 km
Heading: 267°
Avg Speed: 12.32 km/hr
EST Time: 01:39
Junction Clarence St/Horton St to Junction Gordon St/Horton St
Driving: 0.78 km
Heading: 180°
Avg Speed: 8.89 km/hr
EST Time: 05:15
Junction Gordon St/Horton St to Pacific Hwy & Oxley Hwy
Driving: 9.71 km
Heading: 250°
Avg Speed: 39.14 km/hr
EST Time: 14:53
Pacific Hwy & Oxley Hwy to Wauchope
Driving: 9.88 km
Heading: 273°
Avg Speed: 34.56 km/hr
EST Time: 17:09
Wauchope to Junction Beechwood Rd/Rosewood Rd
Driving: 2.54 km
Heading: 310°
Avg Speed: 21.92 km/hr
EST Time: 06:57
Junction Beechwood Rd/Rosewood Rd to Junction Beechwood Rd/Pembrooke Rd
Driving: 1.46 km
Heading: 334°
Avg Speed: 19 km/hr
EST Time: 04:36
Junction Beechwood Rd/Pembrooke Rd to Junction Pembrooke Rd/Redbank Rd
Driving: 1.09 km
Heading: 33°
Avg Speed: 14.16 km/hr
EST Time: 04:37
Junction Pembrooke Rd/Redbank Rd to Junction Pembrooke Rd/Reids Rd
Driving: 10.97 km
Heading: 37°
Avg Speed: 17.32 km/hr
EST Time: 38:00
Junction Pembrooke Rd/Reids Rd to Junction Reids Rd/Rollands Plains Rd
Driving: 6.8 km
Heading: 313°
Avg Speed: 17.4 km/hr
EST Time: 23:26
Junction Reids Rd/Rollands Plains Rd to Rollands Plains
Driving: 7.62 km
Heading: 322°
Avg Speed: 22.72 km/hr
EST Time: 20:07
Rollands Plains to Junction Rollands Plains Rd/Clarefield-Dungay Creek Rd
Driving: 3.61 km
Heading: 332°
Avg Speed: 24.39 km/hr
EST Time: 08:52
Junction Rollands Plains Rd/Clarefield-Dungay Creek Rd to Junction Rollands Plains Rd/Littles Loop Rd
Driving: 6.13 km
Heading: 290°
Avg Speed: 20.3 km/hr
EST Time: 18:07
Junction Rollands Plains Rd/Littles Loop Rd to Junction Upper Rolands Plains Rd/Glen Esk Rd & Gearys Flat Rd
Driving: 2.24 km
Heading: 292°
Avg Speed: 15.61 km/hr
EST Time: 08:36
Junction Upper Rolands Plains Rd/Glen Esk Rd & Gearys Flat Rd to Junction Glen Esk Rd/Rocky Rd/Bob's Ridge Rd
Driving: 1.43 km
Heading: 261°
Avg Speed: 14.41 km/hr
EST Time: 05:57
Junction Glen Esk Rd/Rocky Rd/Bob's Ridge Rd to Junction Rocky Rd/Pie Mountain Creek Rd
Driving: 3.27 km
Heading: 286°
Avg Speed: 11.43 km/hr
EST Time: 17:09
Junction Rocky Rd/Pie Mountain Creek Rd to Junction Pie Mountain Creek Rd/Corkwood Trail
Driving: 0.13 km
Heading: 303°
Avg Speed: 4.87 km/hr
EST Time: 01:36
Junction Pie Mountain Creek Rd/Corkwood Trail to Junction Corkwood Trail/Bobs Ridge Rd
Driving: 2.24 km
Heading: 277°
Avg Speed: 12.7 km/hr
EST Time: 10:34
Junction Corkwood Trail/Bobs Ridge Rd to Wilson River Crossing
Driving: 5.84 km
Heading: 180°
Avg Speed: 7.64 km/hr
EST Time: 45:51
Wilson River Crossing to Wild Bull Camping Area
Driving: 0.6 km
Heading: 248°
Avg Speed: 9.14 km/hr
EST Time: 03:56
Wild Bull Camping Area to Wilson River Crossing
Driving: 0.6 km
Heading: 68°
Avg Speed: 9.14 km/hr
EST Time: 03:56
Wilson River Crossing to Junction Bobs Ridge Rd/Cobrabald Rd
Driving: 2.85 km
Heading: 298°
Avg Speed: 8.23 km/hr
EST Time: 20:46
Junction Bobs Ridge Rd/Cobrabald Rd to Junction Bobs Ridge Rd/N Wilson Rd
Driving: 6.16 km
Heading: 14°
Avg Speed: 7.84 km/hr
EST Time: 47:08
Junction Bobs Ridge Rd/N Wilson Rd to Junction N Wilson River Rd/Banda Trail
Driving: 10.5 km
Heading: 277°
Avg Speed: 11.1 km/hr
EST Time: 56:45
Junction N Wilson River Rd/Banda Trail to Junction Wilson River Rd/Hastings Forest Hwy
Driving: 10.11 km
Heading: 212°
Avg Speed: 12.34 km/hr
EST Time: 49:09
Junction Wilson River Rd/Hastings Forest Hwy to Brushy Mountain Campground
Driving: 15.92 km
Heading: 318°
Avg Speed: 14.84 km/hr
EST Time: 01:04:21
Brushy Mountain Campground to Hastings Forest Way at Forbes River
Driving: 0.62 km
Heading: 310°
Avg Speed: 16.25 km/hr
EST Time: 02:17
Hastings Forest Way at Forbes River to Racecourse Trail
Driving: 0.93 km
Heading: 314°
Avg Speed: 15.4 km/hr
EST Time: 03:37
Racecourse Trail to Forbes River Crossing
Driving: 0.7 km
Heading: 284°
Avg Speed: 25.5 km/hr
EST Time: 01:38
Forbes River Crossing to Racecourse Trail
Driving: 2.1 km
Heading: 302°
Avg Speed: 18.11 km/hr
EST Time: 06:57
Racecourse Trail to Kunderang Brook Crossing
Driving: 4.22 km
Heading: 256°
Avg Speed: 13.23 km/hr
EST Time: 19:08
Kunderang Brook Crossing to Sharp Bend
Driving: 0.08 km
Heading: 180°
Avg Speed: 14.94 km/hr
EST Time: N/A
Sharp Bend to Junction Racecourse Trail/Mooraback Rd
Driving: 8.87 km
Heading: 295°
Avg Speed: 12.98 km/hr
EST Time: 41:00
Junction Racecourse Trail/Mooraback Rd to Mooraback Campground
Driving: 8.07 km
Heading: 190°
Avg Speed: 15.45 km/hr
EST Time: 31:20
Mooraback Campground to Mooraback Trail
Driving: 1.89 km
Heading: 241°
Avg Speed: 21.55 km/hr
EST Time: 05:15
Mooraback Trail to Junction Mooraback Rd, Cobcroft Rd
Driving: 4.43 km
Heading: 245°
Avg Speed: 14.11 km/hr
EST Time: 18:50
Junction Mooraback Rd, Cobcroft Rd to Cobcroft/Carabeen Trail
Driving: 8.35 km
Heading: 180°
Cobcroft/Carabeen Trail to Junction Cobcroft Rd, Fenwicks Rd
Driving: 6.21 km
Heading: 197°
Junction Cobcroft Rd, Fenwicks Rd to Fenwicks Rd
Driving: 8.07 km
Heading: 275°
Fenwicks Rd to Crossing
Driving: 7.61 km
Heading: 237°
Avg Speed: 46.03 km/hr
EST Time: 09:55
Crossing to Oxley Hwy/Seaview Rd
Driving: 4.84 km
Heading: 184°
Avg Speed: 36.64 km/hr
EST Time: 07:55
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

This area is packed with lots of things for you and your family to see and do. Port Macquarie is a true water lover's paradise, there are plenty of tour opertors ready to take you on a cruise along the stunning rivers of the region, be mesmerised by the sight of whales off the coast, or board a charter boat for a day of deep sea fishing. Those after something with a bit more pace can try their hand at water skiing, jet skis and jet boats for a ride you'll never forget! The great outdoors are full of endless options to spend a day bushwalking, wildlife spotting, kayaking, fishing and horse-riding. For animal encounters you can visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie for a free Walk, Talk and Feed tour at 8am or 3pm. Morning Camel rides from 9:30am along iconic Lighthouse Beach is a favourite activity and you will learn some amazing camel facts. Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park is home to Australian and exotic animals, reptiles and birds and Shrek the Monster Croc.

Facilities

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

Nearby ExplorOz Treks

Related Travel Journals

The following are links to Members' Blogs that contain the words Taree to Werrikimbe via Port Macquarie. Creating Blogs is restricted to Members only. Not a Member? Join here.

There are no blogs available. Results based on search "Taree to Werrikimbe via Port Macquarie"

Comments & Reviews

Post a Comment
Loading...

Sponsored Links