If you are visiting the north coast of NSW and are looking for some safe and scenic cycling destinations, Port Macquarie is definitely worth a ride.

One this occasion, I stayed in the Marina Park on Settlement Point, nestled alongside the Hastings River just north of the town. The ride route plan was simple: just keep the ocean on my left as I headed south through the town, then follow the Coastal Path to the pretty Tacking Point Lighthouse.

Like many coastal towns, Port Macquarie has a busy marina and fishing industry. If you stay close to the shore line, you’ll ride over the painted-rocks breakwater. Keep going pass Oxley Beach and there is a  lookout over the town.

Past the township, I followed the coastal path as it meandered along beachlines and cliff edges. Even on a weekend during school holidays there was hardly anyone on the path.

My destination was the Lighthouse, which sits on a headland with spectacular views. Well worth spending some time just gazing.

This two-minute GoPro clip captures some of the highlights of the ride. Also below is a local map plus my Strava account for those interested in more detail for this great ride.

Strava account name: Richard Alaba