Kattang Nature Reserve
Overview
Near Port Macquarie and Taree, Kattang Nature Reserve offers spectacular views, magnificent wildflowers, great photography, easy walking, picnicking, whale watching and fishing.
Read more about Kattang Nature Reserve
Kattang Nature Reserve is a spectacular location on the mid-north coast, just waiting to be explored. Surrounded on all three sides by Pacific Ocean, the majestic Perpendicular Point stands tall with 40m vertical cliffs plummeting to the sea below. The outstanding coastal views from the lookout make a perfect backdrop for a great photograph.
Wander along easy walking tracks while taking in magnificent views, and admire the vibrant colours of spring wildflowers which attract the large variety of birdlife. Enjoy picnicking with a view as you indulge in whale watching, and try spotting dolphins in the sparkling waters below.
Head to the rock platforms below and laze away the day lying under the shade of the she-oaks with a good book. Take the kids exploring - the abundant marine life in the rockpools will provide hours of fun. Enjoy swimming at Dunbogan Beach and try your luck fishing from the rocky platforms or the sandy beaches.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kattang-nature-reserve/local-alerts
Contact
- 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.
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Port Macquarie office
02 6588 5555 for general enquiries only, no bookings.
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. - 22 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
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Email: npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Port Macquarie office
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Kattang Nature Reserve.
Map
Map legend
Getting there and parking
From Port Macquarie:
- Drive south on Pacific Highway to Kew
- Turn left into Ocean Drive and continue driving through Laurieton
- After crossing Dunbogan Bridge, turn left onto The Boulevard, which then becomes Camden Head Road.
- Continue for approximately 4km until you reach the reserve
From Taree:
- Drive north on Pacific Highway and take the exit to Kew
- Turn left into Ocean Drive and continue driving through Laurieton
- After crossing Dunbogan Bridge, turn left onto The Boulevard, which then becomes Camden Head Road.
- Continue for approximately 4km until you reach the reserve
Parking
- Charles Hamey lookout See on map
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
By public transport
Kattang Nature Reserve is accessible by bus from Port Macquarie. 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 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
Maps and downloads
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.
Nearby towns
Laurieton (7 km)
Located at the base of North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park, Laurieton is one of the villages that make up the Camden Haven area on the North Coast of NSW. Laurieton is 30km south of Port Macquarie and offers an idyllic holiday spot for families, nature-lovers and anyone who enjoys a holiday by the beach.
Port Macquarie (47 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.
Taree (65 km)
Taree is a major mid North Coast city, ringed by superb beaches. It's situated on the Manning River and set against rolling hills.
Learn more
Kattang Nature Reserve is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
Thousands of years of Aboriginal culture
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.
Maritime past
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
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.
Fascinating plants, birds and animals
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.
Education resources (1)
What we're doing
Kattang Nature Reserve has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents.