Holiday houses in Laurieton

Nestled between the beautiful inlet of Camden Haven and the lush Dooragan National Park on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, the small town of Laurieton is the ultimate nature escape. From paddling along local waterways to hiking through national parks or lazing on quiet beaches, the relaxed town makes a great base for outdoor adventures, only a 30-minute drive south of the regional hub of Port Macquarie. The ocean lies just a few kilometres to the east, with beaches located on either side of the head of the inlet. To the south lies Perpendicular Point, a dramatic rocky headland with a scenic walking track that rewards you with superb coastal views.

Many of the area’s natural features, including North Brother Mountain rising up behind Laurieton, have deep cultural significance to the Biripi people, the area’s Aboriginal Custodians; take the time to read the information panels around the region that reveal some of their evocative Creation stories. Laurieton is also a popular spot for paragliding, with the region’s spectacular coastal scenery making it an unforgettable place to get airborne.

Like most towns on the Mid New South Wales North Coast, the warmer months from spring to autumn are generally the most pleasant times to visit. Compared to the rest of Australia, Laurieton experiences exceptionally high rainfall, so come prepared. Compensating for those rainy days are lower than average humidity levels and slightly cooler daytime temperatures, which can be a blessing during the hottest months of the year, when other coastal towns swelter.

While winter temperatures are only moderately cool, you won’t regret packing warm gear, as it can be chilly when the wind is up. Between May and November, Perpendicular Point in the nearby Kattang Nature Reserve is a great spot to watch migrating whales. Typically held around December, Port Macquarie’s boutique Festival of the Sun music festival presents an indie music showcase that makes for a fun three days out.

Bushwalking

With more than half a dozen national parks and reserves within a 20-minute drive, there is no shortage of bushwalks to tackle in the Laurieton area. Starting on the western side of town, Dooragan National Park’s three-kilometre Laurieton Track winds up past towering trees to the achingly scenic North Brother Mountain summit (allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way). Just south of Port Macquarie, the 1.3-kilometre, wheelchair-accessible Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk is great for wildlife spotting with kids.

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

The Port Macquarie region is home to one of the largest koala populations on Australia’s east coast. Local national parks and nature reserves are great places to spot the fluffy marsupials, and the region even has its own koala sculpture trail. Visits to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in the city also support the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured koalas.

Watersports

The Camden Haven Inlet is perfect to explore by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, all of which can be hired in Dunbogan just across the inlet, or a five-minute drive from Laurieton. Surfers will also find uncrowded waves (and a surf school) in Crowdy Bay National Park to the south.