7 Best Spots for Stand Up Paddle Board Port Macquarie

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Located on the Hastings River, Port Macquarie provides a balance of outdoor beauty and adventures for those who love to have a stand up paddle board Port Macquarie stroll. Imagine a summer in a small, pretty town that is packed with attractive activities at any time of the year. From historical spaces, touching a camel on the beach, scenic walks, hiking, and the best part - spending time on a paddle board and freeing your mind.

DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a paddle location, ensure that the location still allows for paddle boarding and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.

7 Locations for Paddle Board Port Macquarie

A paddle board Port Macquarie trip won’t be perfect if it’s not planned out properly, with where to go, what to do, and which gear should you bring. Let’s discover the top-picked locations for passionate paddlers around the Port Macquarie area.

1. Town Beach

A central, family-friendly with grassy picnic areas and safe watersports waters, perfect for Port Macquarie paddle boarding with your family.

Stand up paddle board Port Macquarie - Town Beach

Source: Freepik

  • Water: calm to moderate waves
  • Level: beginner to intermediate
  • Launching points: you can launch from anywhere from the beach
  • Amenities: picnic spots, kid playgrounds, outdoor gym, skate park, and modern restrooms
  • Unique features: iconic graffiti wall, stunning views, and Flagstaff surf spaces during larger waves season

2. Shelly Beach

Located near Manly Beach, you’ll find the infamous Shelly Beach for its relaxing vibe and calm waters. Watersport enthusiasts would find their paradise here for snorkeling and Port Macquarie stand up paddle boards.

Stand up paddle board Port Macquarie - Shelly Beach

Source: Wikimedia Commons

  • Water: calm and protected
  • Level: all level
  • Launching points: anywhere from the beach
  • Amenities: dinners, bars, paddle board hire Port Macquarie spots
  • Unique features: diverse marine life, perfect for natural adventure lovers

3. Flynns Beach

Looking for a scenic beach with white sand and clear sky? Just 3 kilometers South of Port Macquarie, located between rocky headlands, Flynns Beach provides a chilled area for stand up paddle boarding Port Macquarie learners.

  • Water: protected and relaxed
  • Level: beginner-friendly
  • Launching points: anywhere from the beach
  • Amenities: car parks, BBQ places, picnic spots, public restrooms
  • Unique features: 500-metre long beach, very calm and sheltered

4. Cathie Creek

After a 15-minute ride toward the South of Port Macquarie, there’s Cathie Creek and Lake Cathie (it’s pronounced “cat-eye”) providing a quiet and chill environment, perfect for stand up paddle boards Port Macquarie at all levels. The town of Lake Cathie also has accommodation and all the amenities one could need for a day trip or a stay.

<p data-mce-fragment="1">stand up paddle board Port Macquarie - Lake Cathie</p> <p data-mce-fragment="1">&nbsp;</p>

Source: Wikimedia Commons

  • Water: shallow and warm saltwater lake
  • Level: all levels
  • Launching points: anywhere from the lake’s shore
  • Amenities: tables for picnics, BBQ areas, food outlets, playgrounds, and skate park
  • Unique features: Lake Cathie is the second-largest estuarine salt march in NSW, connected to the ocean periodically, with scenic forest walks and ocean views

Note: this is not the only lake we’re going to recommend to you, scroll down for some stand up paddle board Lake Macquarie information too!

5. Limeburners Creek

Another rich landscape near Port Macquarie is Limeburners Creek, which was declared a nature reserve in 1971 and later became a national park, it boasts stunning landscapes perhaps best seen while you do stand up paddle board Port Macquarie on its tranquil waters.

  • Water: mostly calm estuarine creek and lake waters,
  • Level: intermediate and above due to the distance and possible changing conditions
  • Launching points: Tom Dick’s Hole on the North Shore.
  • Amenities: in-the-nature picnic spots, historical sites, nature reserve
  • Unique features: rare wildlife, historic Aboriginal sites, diverse creek landscape, and remnants of ancient oyster farming practices

6. Rawdon Island

The 6th recommended location is made up of two islands, Rawdon Island and Little Rawdon Island. This place is perfect for a peaceful escape with stand up paddle board Port Macquarie as being surrounded by rural beauty and natural charm.

  • Water: tranquil and calm river waters
  • Level: all skill levels
  • Launching points: McMillan Drive ramp
  • Amenities: rural scenes, resting spots at Little Rawdon Island
  • Unique features: minimal motorized boat traffic, stunning cloud reflections on the river, and a serene view of the Hastings River

7. Lake Macquarie

The largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere - Lake Macquarie is heaven for natural lovers and paddle boarding Lake Macquarie enthusiasts with charming lake towns and a beautiful coastline.

Stand up paddle board Port Macquarie - Lake Macquarie

Source: Wikimedia Commons

  • Water: wide and calm saltwater lake
  • Level: all skill levels
  • Launching points: you can look for a stand up paddle board hire Lake Macquarie store and start your session from Naru Beach and Belmont
  • Amenities: restaurants, cafes, yacht clubs, and shops in towns
  • Unique features: dolphin sightings during your Lake Macquarie paddle boarding session, coastal walking tracks, scenic lake views, and nearby ocean beaches

Stand up Paddle Board Hire Port Macquarie

  • Port Macquarie SUP Fun:
    • Location: Settlement Point, Port Macquarie, NSW
    • Watercraft rentals: SUP
    • Paddling rental price: inquire directly for prices
    • Other services: Group/private SUP lessons, SUP tours, sunrise/sunset paddles, boot camps, corporate team building sessions, birthday parties
  • Jordans: A stand up paddle board hire Port Macquarie spot with full amenities
    • Location: 11 Mcinherney Cl, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (right next to McInherney Park)
    • Watercraft rentals: SUP, Kayak, Polycraft Boat, BBQ Boat
    • Paddle board rental price: from 21.50 AUD/hour
    • Other services: tents, caravans, and cabins for rent with kitchen and games room
iROCKER inflatable paddle board


Although the thought of renting a paddle board could be very convenient, the rental options in Port Macquarie might be quite limited, hence, we recommend iROCKER’s inflatable paddle board collection, put the boards in your trunk, inflate them when you want to use them anywhere, ensure your trip’s experience without any hassle.

Why Wait? Paddle Board Port Macquarie Awaits

Stand up paddle board Port Macquarie is a must-have activity on your list. With stunning views, tranquil beaches, slow rivers, and scenic lakes, balanced between marvelous natural scenes and iconic cultural elements. Every area provides unique features for passionate stand up paddle board lovers of all levels.