Day Trips from North Haven

North Haven sits at the heart of the Mid North Coast, making it the perfect base for exploring everything this diverse region has to offer. Within an hour’s drive, you can move from quiet beaches to rolling farmland, rainforest walks, and charming country towns — each with its own slice of coastal New South Wales magic.

Head north to Port Macquarie, where the mix of culture and coastline is hard to beat. Start your visit with the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, a nine-kilometre trail linking Town Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll find lookouts perfect for dolphin spotting and secluded coves that invite a quick swim. Afterwards, wander the vibrant foreshore precinct for boutique shopping, art galleries, and local dining. The town’s Whalebone Wharf is an icon for long lunches overlooking the Hastings River — all just 30 minutes from your cabin door.

If you’re craving a taste of the countryside, take a leisurely inland drive to the Comboyne Plateau. The road winds through emerald-green hills dotted with avocado farms and dairies before arriving at Boorganna Nature Reserve. Here, the air is cooler, the forest alive with bird calls, and the walking track leads to a spectacular waterfall surrounded by subtropical rainforest. Bring a picnic, a camera, and an open afternoon — it’s one of the region’s best-kept secrets.

Along the way, stop in at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, just north of North Haven. Pick your own strawberries straight from the vines, sample farm-made jams and sauces, or enjoy a coffee and scone at Café Red. It’s a true taste of Mid North Coast life — fresh, local, and unhurried.

Wine lovers can venture slightly further north to Cassegrain Wines, one of the area’s oldest vineyards. Known for its French-inspired blends and elegant restaurant, it’s a beautiful spot for a long lunch among the vines. Pair a glass of rosé with the sound of cicadas and the scent of the ocean carried inland — pure summer bliss.

For those who prefer wild, untamed beauty, head south to Crowdy Bay National Park. Just a 40-minute drive away, it offers sweeping beaches, paperbark forests, and walking trails that feel untouched by time. The Diamond Head Loop Track is a must — you’ll often see kangaroos grazing near the dunes while waves roll in behind them. It’s one of those experiences that reminds you why this part of New South Wales is so loved by nature enthusiasts.

Closer to home, Lake Cathie (pronounced “cat-eye”) offers calm waters for swimming, fishing, or paddleboarding. Families often gather here for picnics under the trees while kids wade in the shallows. Grab fish and chips from a local café and stay for sunset — the reflections across the lake are postcard-perfect.

Whichever direction you head, North Haven puts you right in the middle of it all — beaches, bushland, and backroads that lead to something beautiful around every bend. With so much variety within easy reach, each day can be a new adventure.

After a day of exploring, come home to comfort at North Haven Holiday Park — your peaceful riverside base between the mountains and the sea.