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Macquarie Nature Reserve

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Macquarie Nature Reserve.

Getting there and parking

From Port Macquarie CBD:

  • Head east along Gordon Street to the roundabout intersection with Lord Street
  • Turn right into Lord Street and head south
  • Follow the brown and white tourism signs for Historic Roto House and the Koala Hospital, turning left into Roto Place.
  • Turn right into Roto House historic site

From Wauchope:

  • Head east along Oxley Highway to Port Macquarie and continue along Gordon Street to the roundabout intersection with Lord Street
  • Turn right into Lord Street and head south
  • Follow the brown and white tourism signs for Historic Roto House and the Koala Hospital, turning left into Roto Place.
  • Turn right into the Roto House historic site

By bike

Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

By public transport

For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website.

Best times to visit

there are lots of great things waiting for you in Macquarie Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Autumn is a very attractive time in the park as the days grow crisper and the light becomes softer.

Spring

Visit the park in spring to see the busy birds and the magnolia in bloom.

Winter

Enjoy the cosy atmosphere of Roto House on a cold day.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

18°C and 27°C

Highest recorded

42.3°C

Winter temperature

Average

8°C and 19°C

Lowest recorded

0°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

February

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

298.2mm

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Macquarie Nature Reserve

Contact

  • in the North Coast region

  • Macquarie Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • More

Links

Nearby towns

Port Macquarie (2 km)

Vibrant Port Macquarie is surrounded by beautiful waterways - the Hastings River, canals, creeks, bays and the Pacific Ocean. The city also has a five-star collection of golden-sand beaches stretching from Port Macquarie Beach to Town Beach and north along the 16-km swathe of North Beach.

www.visitnsw.com

Wauchope (20 km)

Wauchope is great base for exploring nearby national parks that are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Follow the Hastings Forest Way to Werrikimbe National Park, a rugged wilderness of outstanding beauty spread with short and long walks. Willi Willi National Park is a rainforest mountain park with three beautiful walking tracks that follow the river and lead to a sparkling waterfall. 

www.visitnsw.com

Kempsey (51 km)

Kempsey is a historic river town close to national parks and majestic beaches. Kempsey is a convenient place for an overnight stop for anyone driving between Sydney and the North Coast.

www.visitnsw.com