John Downes Park

Port Macquarie’s coastal dining scene thrives near John Downes Park. The Beach House serves Modern Australian fare with live music and ocean vistas, while Enzo Woodfired impresses with artisanal wood-fired dishes in a casual setting. For seafood lovers, The Stunned Mullet offers refined coastal cuisine and specialty wines, and Bills Fishhouse specializes in fresh seafood with harbor views. The Local Flynn's Beach rounds out the options with pub-style meals and cocktails near the shoreline.

Beachside stays include Flynns Beach Resort, featuring pools and casual dining steps from the sand. Rydges Port Macquarie provides modern rooms with river views and a spa, while Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges offers riverfront suites with boat rentals. These properties cater to families and couples seeking proximity to coastal attractions.

The park includes picnic tables, BBQs, restrooms, and a dedicated playground with a flying fox and wooden play structures[1][2][5]. Covered shelters provide shade, though natural shade is limited[3]. Seasonal whale-watching lookouts and grassy open spaces enhance its recreational appeal.

Families enjoy the playground’s flying fox and swings[2], while anglers use the fishing pier[5]. Whale watching dominates winter months, and beachcombing along adjacent Shelly/Nobbys beaches is popular year-round. The park’s open spaces accommodate casual sports and picnics.

Accessible restrooms and parking are available[2][5], with pathways connecting key amenities. The playground includes some inclusive equipment, though terrain may require assistance in certain areas.

Free dedicated parking is available adjacent to the playground[2][4], with overflow street parking along Pacific Drive. No fees apply, and accessibility to amenities is excellent.

John Downes Park’s whale-watching vantage points draw visitors during annual migrations (May-November). Its playground is noted for an unusually large flying fox, a hit with older children[2][5].

Nearby Shelly Beach and Nobbys Beach offer swimming spots, while the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk connects to historic sites and koala hospitals. The fishing pier and landscaped gardens within the park itself serve as focal points[5].