Plan a family holiday in Port Macquarie. Explore kid-friendly beaches, wildlife experiences, outdoor adventures and places to stay nearby.

Laurieton track is a challenging walk on a rough trail, perfect for the intrepid adventurer. It’s easily accessible, quickly transporting you from the bustle of life in Laurieton and Port Macquarie to the serenity of the forest full of wonderful wildlife.

The trail heads through burly, towering blackbutt and eucalyptus forest, making it easy to reflect back on a time when these forests provided the timber lifeblood for the growing community of Laurieton. Some of the enormous old stumps are still there between the regenerating forests, remnants of this pioneering past.

Those preferring a less strenuous outing will find Rainforest loop equally enjoyable. This relaxed trail heads through cloud-formed subtropical rainforest, and is a great introduction for people with limited bushwalking experience.

Discover the best dog-friendly beaches, parks, cafés and walking trails near Port Macquarie, Bonny Hills and North Haven on the Mid North Coast.

Dooragan National Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind, while enjoying the view over a casual picnic and watching the passing parade of wildlife. Located west of Laurieton - a pretty coastal village - the views from Dooragan Summit picnic area are exceptional, stretching far over Queens Lake and North Haven. Easy accessibility makes it a fantastic destination to bring guests and visitors to the region.

Several of the park's walks, including Laurieton track, take you through spectacular blackbutt forests which mingle with enormous old stumps, reflecting the old days of timber harvesting in the park. The trails are buzzing with the sounds of the park's wildlife residents and, in summer, the echo of cicadas can almost be overpowering.

Dooragan National Park is so diverse, it's not unusual to see colourful hang-gliders launching from the popular North Brother summit, or even wedding parties posing for photos on their big day.

Just a short walk from the carpark, you'll be amazed at the breathtaking coastal views from Charles Hamey lookout. Sit on the cliff tops and admire magnificent scenery overlooking Gogleys Lagoon, with North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park providing a dramatic backdrop.

Gaze across the golden sands of Dunbogan Beach as it sweeps around to Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay National Park. Look out for whales and dolphins in the glistening blue waters below. You'll also see plenty of birdlife, and you may even be lucky enough to see a peregrine falcon flying high above.

Then shift your perspective and admire the delicate beauty of the wildflowers around you. In spring, the bush comes to life with bright wildflowers like boronia, flannel flower, everlasting daisy and wedding bush. Why not really immerse yourself in colour and continue walking around the 2km Flower Bowl circuit or try the nearby Perpendicular Point walking track.

Take a virtual tour of Charles Hamey lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park is located in Queens Lake State Forest Bonny Hills.

The park boasts approximately 70 kilometres of single track mountain bike trails for both gravity and cross country mountain bike riding.

All trails in the park are sign posted and are rated according to the level of difficulty. The ratings range from beginner to intermediate and advanced.

Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park is easily accessible by car and is only a short 20 minutes drive south of Port Macquarie.