
North Shore Beach Port Macquarie
A stunning coastal escape with miles of driving beach, hidden natural wonders, and breathtaking sunrise camping spots.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos

North Shore Beach Port Macquarie
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal escape with miles of driving beach, hidden natural wonders, and breathtaking sunrise camping spots.
"Amazing that you are at the river one minute and then surprised by this beach just a mins drive down the road!"

🚗 4WD Permit Needed
A permit is required to drive on North Shore Beach. Plan ahead to get yours before heading out!
⚠️ Surf Safety First
The surf can be dangerous. Always supervise children closely and be aware of currents.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Beach Drive
North Shore Beach
Experience the thrill of driving your 4WD along a long, clear stretch of Pacific coastline. A permit is required for vehicles.
Hidden Rockslide & Waterfall
Near North Shore Beach
Discover a secret spot with a natural rockslide and refreshing waterfall – a perfect adventure for the daring.

Sunrise Camping
Tuppenny Rd, Port Macquarie
Camp overnight for an unforgettable sunrise view over the coast. Ideal for van life and solo travelers seeking scenic spots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Permits
Surf Safety & Kids
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4WD Permit Needed
A permit is required to drive on North Shore Beach. Plan ahead to get yours before heading out!
⚠️ Surf Safety First
The surf can be dangerous. Always supervise children closely and be aware of currents.
🤫 Secret Rockslide Spot
Ask locals or search online for directions to a hidden rockslide and waterfall for an adventurous dip.
🏕️ Scenic Campsites
Consider camping at Tuppenny Road for incredible sunrise views. Perfect for van life!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD Permit Needed
A permit is required to drive on North Shore Beach. Plan ahead to get yours before heading out!
⚠️ Surf Safety First
The surf can be dangerous. Always supervise children closely and be aware of currents.
🤫 Secret Rockslide Spot
Ask locals or search online for directions to a hidden rockslide and waterfall for an adventurous dip.
🏕️ Scenic Campsites
Consider camping at Tuppenny Road for incredible sunrise views. Perfect for van life!
⛴️ Fun Ferry Ride
Catch the car ferry to access North Shore for a small fee. It's a fun part of the adventure!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of driving on the beach and the stunning coastal views. The car ferry adds to the adventure, and nearby hidden spots offer extra exploration. However, some find the access road rough, and the surf can be dangerous, requiring caution, especially with children.
"Amazing that you are at the river one minute and then surprised by this beach just a mins drive down the road! We accidentally found it while exploring North Shore. Great view of Port Mac and the Car Ferry ride is fun to catch to get there. $5 per vehicle each way"
Rachel Schindler
"Allow 4WD on this gorgeous beach.. (need to get a permit) long stretch of clear blue water of the Pacific Ocean. You can take your bike here as well all is free."
Dinh Vuong
"Lovely place. Wish we could live there"
Janet moir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access North Shore Beach by taking the car ferry from Port Macquarie. The ferry costs $5 per vehicle each way. The access road, Pt Omer Rd, can be rough with potholes, especially after rain, so a 4WD is recommended for beach driving.
Driving to North Shore Beach itself is straightforward via the car ferry. However, the access road (Pt Omer Rd) can be challenging with large potholes and water holes after rain. Driving on the beach requires a permit for 4WD vehicles.
While you can take a regular car to the general North Shore area via the ferry, driving directly onto the beach is best suited for 4WD vehicles due to sand conditions and the rough access road.
The car ferry is a convenient and fun way to reach North Shore. It operates regularly and costs approximately $5 per vehicle each way, offering great views of Port Macquarie.
Yes, locals and travelers have shared tips about a hidden rockslide and waterfall near North Shore Beach, offering a unique adventurous experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is required if you plan to drive a 4WD vehicle on North Shore Beach. Bikes can ride on the beach for free.
The car ferry to North Shore costs around $5 per vehicle for a one-way trip. It's a small price for easy access and a scenic ride.
There are no direct entry fees for North Shore Beach itself, but a permit is needed for 4WD vehicles to drive on the sand. The car ferry also has a fee.
The car ferry generally operates daily, but it's advisable to check the latest schedule as hours can vary. It's a frequent service, making access convenient.
Ferry tickets are typically purchased at the time of travel. It's a pay-as-you-go service, so no advance booking is usually necessary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy driving on the beach (with a permit for 4WD), swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the coastline. There are also hidden gems like rockslides and waterfalls nearby.
The surf at North Shore Beach can be dangerous, so swimmers should exercise extreme caution. It's not always ideal for casual swimming, especially with children.
North Shore Beach is a more natural and remote location, so facilities are limited. It's best to come prepared with your own food, water, and any other necessities.
While camping directly on the beach might be restricted, there are scenic camping spots nearby, such as at Tuppenny Road, offering great sunrise views.
North Shore Beach is a long, open Pacific beach known for 4WD access and potentially rough surf. Balmoral Beach, on the other hand, is harbour-facing, calmer, and more suitable for families and swimming.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the expansive coastline, 4WD vehicles on the sand, dramatic surf, and beautiful sunrises if you camp nearby. The hidden rockslide also makes for unique photos.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour offer the most dramatic lighting. Weekday mornings can also provide clearer shots without crowds.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local aviation rules and any specific restrictions for the area before flying your drone.
The vastness of the beach itself is iconic. The car ferry crossing and the views back towards Port Macquarie are also great photographic subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach. If you're interested in wildlife or surf action, a telephoto lens can be useful. A sturdy tripod is helpful for sunrise/sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Adventure Seekers & 4WD Enthusiasts
🏕️ Campers & Van Lifers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating North Shore: Access & Adventure
Beyond the drive, North Shore is a gateway to adventure. Travelers have discovered hidden gems like a secret rockslide and waterfall, offering a refreshing and exciting detour from the main beach. For those seeking an overnight experience, camping at spots like Tuppenny Road provides breathtaking sunrise views, making it a popular choice for van lifers and solo travelers looking for an immersive nature experience. It's important to be aware that while beautiful, the surf can be dangerous, so caution is advised, particularly for families.
Safety First: Understanding Beach Conditions
Another significant safety consideration is vehicular traffic on the beach. The sound of the surf can easily mask the noise of approaching vehicles, posing a risk to beachgoers, particularly those with young children. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from any vehicles on the sand. For those seeking a calmer swimming experience, alternatives like Balmoral Beach, which is harbour-facing and has no waves, are recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit