E X P L O R E
T HE ca m d e n h av e n
Courtesy of Debby McGerty, OEH
A p p ro x . D r i v in g T i m e
1.5 hours
A p p ro x . D u ration
4 hours
D i s ta n c e
150km
E x pe ri e nc es
Beaches, Scenic Lookouts, Historic Sites
Wa l k in g t rac k A r e as
Lake Cathie, Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills,
North Haven, Laurieton, Dunbogan
Ro a d c ondition s
Mostly sealed road, (Unsealed to Charles
Hamey Lookout and Crowdy Bay National Park)
T rav e l l in g s o u t h a lon g O c e a n D r i v e yo u pas s t h ro u g h t h e c o as ta l v i l lag e s of La k e Cat h i e ,
Ra in b ow B e ac h a nd Bonn y Hi l ls . At Bonn y Hi l ls ta k e in t h e s p e c tac u la r c o as ta l v i e ws f ro m
t h e h e a d la nd s loo k in g ov e r s o m e 14 k i lo m e t r e s of p r i s tin e b e ac h e s .
Stop at the picturesque riverside park at North Haven, on the northern bank of
the Camden Haven River, where you will find a number of cafés, or take a stroll
along the breakwall. Nestled under the shadow of impressive North Brother
Mountain is Laurieton. Don’t miss the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets on the third
Sunday of each month.
Meander along the southern bank of the Camden Haven River, crossing the
bridge to Dunbogan. (Note Diamond Head Road to your right which will take
you to Crowdy Bay National Park. All access is by unsealed roads and you would
need several hours to explore this fascinating coastal park including Diamond
Head. (4WD vehicle is recommended). Turn left onto The Boulevard, continue
on to Camden Head and Kattang Nature Reserve which has 58 hectares of
coastal bush bordered by the vertical cliffs of Perpendicular Point. Charles
Hamey Lookout provides views in all directions. The lookout is one of several
in Kattang Nature Reserve which is well known for its signed walks, birdlife,
spring wildflowers and a great spot for whale and dolphin watching.
If you continue on Camden Head Road you arrive at Pilot Beach at the mouth
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of the Camden Haven River. Pilot Beach offers sheltered swimming and is a
popular beach for families.
Just over the Dunbogan Bridge stop at the local marina which is a port of call
for yachts travelling up the coast and the Laurieton Fishing Co-op. Enjoy a
picnic at Henry Kendall Reserve, located on the other side of Laurieton on the
shores of Stingray Creek. Take a stroll along the Queens Lake walking track
and visit the Church of St Peter the Fisherman with its magnificent reflective
gardens.
Visit the majestic North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park. A sealed
road will take you to the summit where viewing platforms provide extensive
panoramas over the whole of the Camden Haven. There are three wheelchair
accessible lookouts, a picnic area and three walks of varying length and
difficulty within the park. The most popular being the Rainforest Loop, a 30
minute stroll through lush sub-tropical rainforest. Wind your way back to the
base of the mountain and turn left to Kew to join the Pacific Highway for your
return to Port Macquarie.
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