Planning a trip to Port Macquarie? Or a local looking for the best spots to explore with your furry family member? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. We’re diving into the heart of dog-friendly Port Macquarie, uncovering the beaches, cafes, pubs, and walks where your pup’s just as welcome as you are.
Plus, we’ll explore how to truly immerse yourself in local life by house sitting in Port Macquarie, and where to find the perfect Port Macquarie pet sitter while you’re off on your adventures. Let’s dive in!
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Views over Lighthouse Beach
Dog-friendly beaches, Port Macquarie
A day at the beach? Sold! Furry friends can tag along if you go to one of these dog-friendly beaches in Port Macquarie.
Nobbys Beach
This small, off-leash beach is not far from the center of Port Macquarie. It’s great for a gentle stroll and a game of fetch, and while the water is normally calm enough for some doggy paddle, watch out for waves if it’s windy.
Location: Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Lighthouse Beach
Dog-friendly between the Watonga Rocks and the 4WD access point, this huge, picturesque beach is always full of furries looking to make friends. You can even ride a camel down the beach (if Fido doesn’t get too jealous!).
Location: Port Macquarie NSW, Australia
Rocky Beach
It may be a bit tricky to get down the steep cliff to this beach, but you’ll be rewarded with a quiet, off-leash beach to explore.
Location: Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Oxley Beach
Four-pawed pals are free to trot along this beach on the leash. Its convenient location also means you can pop into town afterwards and find a dog-friendly patio.
Location: Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
North Shore Beach
Take the ferry over the Hastings River to reach this off-leash beach, where pups are allowed to roam free except for the area adjacent to the Corilla Estate.
Location: New South Wales, Australia
North Haven Beach (Grants Beach)
Dog-friendly between Grants Head and 200m north of the surf club, there’s plenty of room here to splash around in the waves. The Beach Break Cafe nearby makes for a great start or end point!
Nobbys Beach
Dog-friendly walks, Port Macquarie
From scenic coastal trails to riverside paths, here are some of our favorite places to stretch two legs and four in Port Macquarie.
Port Macquarie Coastal Walk
Start at Westport Park and walk south towards Tacking Point Lighthouse. Note that furry friends can only join on the northern part of the walk, and remember to keep them on a leash unless in designated off-leash areas.
Length: 9km
Location: Park St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Kooloonbung Creek Walk
Despite being so close to town, the boardwalks and pathways through the reserve will make you feel like worlds away. Dog-friendly walks loop through the reserve – just be sure to bring your mosquito repellent and keep Fido on the leash.
Length: Varies
Location: Gordon St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Sancrox Reserve
Keep your pooch pal on the leash to wander through Sancrox Reserve on the banks of Hastings River.
Length: Short
Location: Colvin St, Sancrox NSW 2446, Australia
Coastal walk near Port Macquarie
Dog-friendly parks, Port Macquarie
While furry friends are prohibited in many of the nature reserves in the area, here are some of the open spaces your pup can explore leash-free.
Blackbutt Dog Park
Small and large dogs romp and play separately in this shaded park, which has lots of agility equipment, a drinking fountain, and seats for pawrents.
Location: Blackbutt Dr, Wauchope NSW 2446, Australia
Stuart Park Dog Park
This large off-leash area is a great place for meeting other pooch pals and playing beneath the shaded trees. Note that it can get quite mucky after heavy downpours.
Location: Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
The Haven Off-Leash Dog Park
This off-leash park features two separate astroturfed areas for small and large dogs, fresh water, poop bags, and even toys.
Location: 171 Mineral Springs Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, United States
Henry Kendall Canine Park
You’ll find this large, open dog park just down the coast at Laurieton. With plenty of room to roam and agility equipment, it’s a great place to tire your pooch pal out.
Location: Laurieton NSW 2443, Australia
A dog playing on the beach in Port Macquarie
Dog-friendly restaurants, Port Macquarie
Has all this talk of walks and dog parks got you working up an appetite? Check out these dog-friendly restaurants in Port Macquarie.
Chop ‘n Chill
Casual restaurant Chop ‘n Chill serves hearty portions of meat-filled dishes at lunch and dinner time. Furry friends are welcome to join humans on their dog-friendly terrace.
Location: Town Green, 17-19 Horton St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Twotriplefour by Bills
Just off buzzing Clarence Street, four-pawed pals are welcome to join you outside at Twotriplefour by Bills. Come here for a tip-top dining experience, including friendly service, a great selection of reasonably priced wines, and delicious dishes.
Location: 24 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Mike's Seafood
Okay, technically a takeaway joint, but definitely a great choice if you’re looking for a dog-friendly evening meal. Serving big portions of battered fish, calamari, and chips, why not grab your order and take it to the breakwall for dinner with a view?
Dog-friendly cafes, Port Macquarie
Looking for a dog-friendly cafe? Port Macquarie certainly delivers! There are plenty of places to grab a coffee and a bite to eat with your furry friend in tow.
The Corner Restaurant
Dig into modern Australian cuisine from 7–11.30 am in this dog-friendly restaurant, which has views down to the water. Customers rave about the bruschetta, hash browns, and breakfast wraps, so don’t miss out!
Location: 11 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Little Shack
Open 7 days a week from morning until late, the Little Shack is known for its lobster roll, breakfast tacos, and cocktails. Grab a seat overlooking the water so you can watch the dolphins, and stay for the most beautiful sunset.
Location: 1a Munster St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Sandbox Cafe
Great views of Flynns Beach and coffee to match, this is the perfect place to stop by after a coastal walk with Fido. Order the bacon and egg roll or the warm chicken salad – you won’t regret it!
Location: 36 Tuppenny Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Salty Crew Kiosk
Healthy acai bowls, bagels, and wraps are served at this casual kiosk daily from 6 am – 4 pm. Note that it can get pretty busy once the sun’s up – be sure to get there early to get a seat!
Location: Unit 1/15 Elliott Way, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Bandwagon
Bandwagon serves exceptional coffee and delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. They also bring treats out for your four-legged friend!
Location: 76 William St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Seasalt Cafe and Restaurant
Baskets of seafood are served with a side of seaview in this waterfront cafe/restaurant, which has dog-friendly seating outside.
Dog-friendly pubs, Port Macquarie
Head to one of these pup-friendly watering holes for pints and pub grub!
Finnian’s Irish Tavern
Friendly staff, a fantastic beer selection, and hearty plates of food make this pub a popular place for locals and visitors. The fact that it’s dog-friendly and has live music at the weekends is an added bonus!
Location: 97 Gordon St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Tacking Point Tavern
Dig into drool-worthy steaks in the dog-friendly beer garden of this lively tavern, which has welcoming staff and food deals on certain days of the week.
Tacking Point Lighthouse
Things to do and dog-friendly places, Port Macquarie
There’s more! Whether you’re in need of pet-friendly accommodations or more general dog-friendly spots, take a look below.
Ibis Styles Port Macquarie
If you need a pet-friendly hotel to rest your heads, Ibis Styles Port Macquarie has a number of rooms available. It’s conveniently located just behind Town Beach, so it’s an easy walk into town from here.
Location: 1 Stewart St, Port Macquarie NSW 2224, Australia
NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park
With a variety of pet-friendly options available, you’ll be greeted with a bag of treats on arrival at this holiday park, as well as poop bags and a map of dog-friendly places in the area.
Location: 1 Munster St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Go whale watching at Harry’s Lookout
Take Fido to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline over Shelly Beach, and hopefully spot a whale or two if you come in season (May–November).
Location: Shelly Beach, Pacific Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Take a Port Adventure Cruise
Furry friends are welcome to climb aboard a Port Adventure Cruise to see dolphins and sea birds. Customers love the friendly staff and yummy nibbles.
Cost: From AUD $45.00
Date & time: Check website for details
Location: 77 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Visit the Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard
That’s right, your furry friend can join you on one of the wine tasting tours run by volunteers at this historic site.
Cost: Donations welcome
Date & time: Check website for details
Location: Between the Westport Schools, 235 Oxley Hwy, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Tips for pet parents in Port Macquarie
Remember your responsibilities
The local council reminds dog owners of the following:
- Keep your dog on their leash unless you are in an off-leash area
- Always supervise your dog and keep it under your control at all times
- Please pick up your dog’s poo in the interests of health and safety
- Don’t bring your dog within 10 metres of a children’s playground
Keep away from koalas
Port Macquarie is koala country, so keep your furry friend on a leash in bushland areas, especially during mating season (August to February).
Plan ahead for your vacation
Life happens, and sometimes you need to leave your furry family member behind to travel. Find a verified, in-home dog sitter to take care of your pooch pal while you’re away. Find out more about how it works below.
Find pet sitters in Port Macquarie
Tips for pet sitters in Port Macquarie
Beware of strong currents
Many of the beaches in the Port Macquarie region may be dog-friendly, but that doesn’t mean they’re always safe. Sea conditions can be unpredictable, so always check local signage and tide info before letting your furry friend swim.
Take note of off-leash areas
Port Macquarie is surrounded by stunning reserves, but many of them don’t allow dogs. Use the local council’s map of dog-friendly areas to check where you can and can’t go with a pup.
Try house sitting in Port Macquarie
Immerse yourself in Port Macquarie’s local life by exchanging dedicated pet care for a place to stay. Get to know the coffee shop down the road, take long dog walks on the beach, and find out what life’s like in Port Macquarie with a pooch pal by your side.
