Middle Rock Boardwalk

Middle Rock Boardwalk is an easy, well-maintained walking track through coastal dunes and bushland linking Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills, leading down toward the beach. Dogs are welcome on-leash the whole way, making it one of the more relaxed coastal walks in the area.

The rules. Dogs must stay on-leash on the boardwalk and throughout Middle Rock Reserve. If you continue onto Cathie Beach itself, the section from Kywong Street north to Middle Rock allows dogs on-leash, but the stretch from the 4WD access point south to Kywong Street is off-limits to dogs entirely. Keep dogs at least ten metres clear of the playground, and carry your own waste bags.

What's there. The boardwalk itself is a solid timber path with the odd bench for a rest, running through dune scrub with good birdwatching along the way. There are no water stations or toilets on the track, so bring your own water and pack out anything you carry in.

Getting there. The reserve sits on Summer Circuit, off Ocean Drive, between Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills. Roadside parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends. Bus services along Ocean Drive are infrequent, and you will still need to walk in from the nearest stop.

Nearby with the dogs. Bonny's Beach Cafe in Bonny Hills is an easy stop after the walk, with outdoor seating and a relaxed attitude to dogs.

Go early on a weekday morning or late afternoon for the quietest walk, and check the tide chart for Port Macquarie-Hastings before you plan to detour onto the beach at the end. Good for calm, leash-trained dogs who enjoy a steady coastal walk rather than an off-leash run.

Sources

• Dog friendly areas - Port Macquarie Hastings Council · pmhc.nsw.gov.au
• Keeping animals - Port Macquarie Hastings Council · pmhc.nsw.gov.au
• Dog-friendly beaches, parks and cafes near Port Macquarie · reflectionsholidays.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.