Patrolled beaches

Flynns Beach Surf Patrol 800x500.jpg

We have six patrolled beaches in our region, spanning from Port Macquarie to Camden Haven. Members of the Australian Lifeguard Service patrol these beaches during the summer and school holidays to keep our community safe when swimming at the beach.

Town Beach

Town Beach is patrolled all year by the Australian Lifeguard Service, so it's an excellent swimming option. This beach is close to the mouth of the Hastings River, which means currents can change quickly. It’s important to read the signs and swim between the flags.

Patrol dates: year round - 365 days a year
Days of service: 7 days
Patrol times: 9am-5pm

For specific information about patrols, facilities and potential hazards at Town Beach check beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw161

Flynns Beach

This beach is protected from southerly winds and swells, which can make for near perfect conditions. However, the rocky surroundings can cause difficult conditions if the swells or winds are from the east.

Patrol dates: September 2023 to April 2024
Days of service: Monday-Friday. Volunteers patrol on weekends and public holidays.
Patrol times: 9:00am - 5:00pm

For specific information about patrols, facilities and potential hazards at Flynns Beach check beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw164

Lighthouse Beach

This is a long beach with Tacking Point Lighthouse at its northern-most end. Lighthouse Beach is the only patrolled Port Macquarie beach protected from north winds, making it a popular choice for swimming and surfing in the summer months.

Patrol dates: from September 2023 – school holiday periods only
Days of service: Monday - Friday. Volunteers patrol on weekends and public holidays.
Patrol times: 9:00am - 5:00pm

For specific information about patrols, facilities and potential hazards at Lighthouse Beach check beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw172

Lake Cathie Beach

Care should be taken here as the beach attracts swell and winds from all directions, and the sand has a strong under-tow which results in powerful dumping waves. The lake next to the beach offers calmer waters and a family-friendly reserve.

Patrol dates: from September 2023 – school holiday periods only
Days of service: 7 days
Patrol times: 9:00am - 5:00pm

For specific information about patrols, facilities and potential hazards at Lake Cathie Beach check beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw173

Rainbow Beach

This is a popular beach for families, with a park and playground adjacent to the beach. It’s protected from southerly winds and swell, but north winds can change the currents very quickly, so be aware of potential dangers.

Patrol dates: from September 2023 – school holiday periods only (note: summer patrol season will commence 4 December 2023)
Days of service: Monday - Friday. Volunteers patrol on weekends and public holidays.
Patrol times: 9:00am - 5:00pm

For specific information about patrols, facilities and potential hazards at Rainbow Beach check beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw174

North Haven Beach

North Haven is a very open beach with little protection from winds or swells, and the sand banks often change daily, so care is strongly advised even for experienced swimmers and surfboarders.

Patrol dates: from September 2023 – school holiday periods only
Days of service: Monday - Friday. Volunteers patrol on weekends and public holidays
Patrol times: 9:00am - 5:00pm

For specific information about patrols, facilities and potential hazards at North Haven Beach check beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw178

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