Perpendicular Point walking track

Kattang Nature Reserve

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

This easy walk rewards you with spectacular scenic coastal views to Port Macquarie and Diamond Head. The lookout is perfect for whale watching, birdwatching and photography.

Distance
3.7km return
Time suggested
1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
Grade
Grade 3
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
Remember to bring your binoculars if you want to bird watch or whale watch.

It’s not hard to see why this beautiful spot is a favourite among locals and nature-lovers alike. Wander through the shady grove on this short walk and you’ll emerge at majestic Perpendicular Point.

From the lookout, you’ll see north to Port Macquarie, south to Diamond Head, and southwest to the dramatic North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park. Sitting on the top of the sheer cliffs is a fantastic place to gaze out at the sparkling blue waters and a great vantage point for whale watching and spotting dolphins. To see the view south head to the nearby Charles Hamey lookout.

You’re sure to see plenty of birdlife as honeyeaters come in to feed off the banksias and glossy black cockatoos nibble at the black she-oaks. If you're a native flower lover, this easy walk is a must in early spring. You’ll see boronia, flannel flower, everlasting daisy and wedding bush dotted amongst the bushes.

Take a virtual tour of Perpendicular Point walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/perpendicular-point-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

  • in Kattang Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
  • Kattang Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, fire danger, or pest management.

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Perpendicular Point walking track .

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

3.7km return

Time

1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Perpendicular Point walking track is in the northen precinct of Kattang Nature Reserve. To get there:

  • Continue driving along Camden Head Road
  • Turn right onto Bergalia Crescent
  • Follow until you see Bergalia carpark, where the walk commences.

Parking

Parking is available at Charles Hamey lookout, including several designated disabled spots.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Try your luck beach fishing at Dunbogan Beach, or from the rock platforms.

Spring

Immerse yourself in colour and surround yourself with blossoming wildflowers.

Summer

Wander along the wide rock platform near Washhouse Beach and discover the plentiful marine life in the rockpools.

Winter

Head to Perpendicular Point or Charles Hamey lookout for spectacular views and a great vantage point for whale watching.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 26°C

Highest recorded

25.8°C

Winter temperature

Average

5°C and 18°C

Lowest recorded

5.3°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

February

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

1,188mm

Facilities

Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

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).

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

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.

Learn more

Perpendicular Point walking track is in Kattang Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Fascinating plants, birds and animals

Flannel flowers (Actinotus helianthi), Kattang Nature Reserve. Photo: G Mowat

There are 154 types of animals recorded in this reserve: 8 amphibians; 6 reptiles; 17 mammals; and 123 birds. The cliff tops provide an excellent vantage point for whale watching and spotting dolphins. You might also see northern brown bandicoots, koalas and goannas on walking tracks. With 123 bird species spotted here, you'll see plenty of birdlife all year round. Osprey, white-breasted sea eagle and brahminy kites soar overhead. Spring wildflowers attract flocks of Lewin's honeyeater, white-cheeked honeyeater and yellow-faced honeyeater. You might also see migratory birds like the black-faced monarch, dollarbird and rainbow bee-eater in spring and summer. And, of course, if you're lucky, you might see the threatened wompoo fruit-dove or glossy black cockatoo.The black she-oaks here are an important food source for the glossy black cockatoo and the wildflowers on the heath attract feeding birds, insects and mammals with their sweet nectar.

  • Charles Hamey lookout You’ll be amazed at the breathtaking coastal views from Charles Hamey lookout. Admire the colourful spring wildflowers and enjoy birdwatching and whale watching.
  • Perpendicular Point walking track This easy walk rewards you with spectacular scenic coastal views to Port Macquarie and Diamond Head. The lookout is perfect for whale watching, birdwatching and photography.

Maritime past

Views along the coastline, Kattang Nature Reserve. Photo: A Marshall

Camden Head Pilot Station, right next to the reserve, is heritage listed as a relic of an era when ships wishing to enter the estuary had to wait, sometimes for days at a time, for the pilot to signal their safe passage. Today the Pilot Station's role is to contribute to community well being and enhance cultural and natural heritage. They also have holiday accommodation so check out their website and get involved.

Plants as a life source

 Rockpools, Kattang Nature Reserve. Photo: M Smith

Whether you're exploring the rock platforms or wandering across the cliff tops, you're sure to see lots of wildlife at Kattang. Washhouse Beach is one of the most diverse rock platforms in NSW, with some 128 species of organisms living there. This small nature reserve also supports a variety of habitats, including rugged and exposed headlands, patches of littoral rainforest, dry eucalypt forest and wet and dry heaths. Why not join the Friends of Kattang to get involved in protecting this precious bushland?

  • Charles Hamey lookout You’ll be amazed at the breathtaking coastal views from Charles Hamey lookout. Admire the colourful spring wildflowers and enjoy birdwatching and whale watching.
  • Perpendicular Point walking track This easy walk rewards you with spectacular scenic coastal views to Port Macquarie and Diamond Head. The lookout is perfect for whale watching, birdwatching and photography.

Thousands of years of Aboriginal culture

 Rockpools in Kattang Nature Reserve. Photo: M Smith

The name 'Kattang' comes from the local language of the Birpai Aboriginal people. Shell middens provide evidence of Aboriginal occupation for thousands of years. The landscape and wildlife of Kattang continue to be an important part of the identity, spirituality and cultural heritage of the Birpai People.

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