The Geotrail recognises unique geology in the area, where in a 4km walk you can see the story of plate techtonics and how the earth’s crust was formed.

It has examples representing the geological equivalent of 6,000 km across the Pacific Ocean, including volcanic rocks formed under extreme temperatures, microscopic marine animals, the influence of ocean currents and extreme pressures 100km below the earth’s surface.

The Trail adds to the already popular Coastal Walk along the Hastings coast south of Port Macquarie, surely one of the most iconic walking trails in NSW.

Establishing the Trail has been a collaborative project between University of Newcastle, GeoSciences NSW, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council and our local Council.

The interpretive signage on the trail and the viewing platform over Rocky Beach are yet to be completed, but once finalised will offer a tremendous educational, scientific and recreational  asset for local and visiting schools and families.

There is a free mobile app and website explaining the features, with key sites geotagged to provide a self-guided tour stop-by-stop along the 4km stretch.

In addition to the Geotrail, many people might be unaware of the significance of our coastal area as an outstanding mix of unusual rock formations – the Port Macquarie Block- including an outcropping of serpentinite rocks that brings visiting geologists to our area on a regular basis.

The serpentinite extends inland several kilometres, supporting a rare ‘orange gum’ community, with large trees displaying a splendid orange trunk at various times of the year. You can see these most conveniently along Burrawan Forest Drive.

Shelly Beach also houses an Aboriginal-made sheltered rock pool that remains a terrific asset for families with young children.

All up, a fabulous stretch of coastline for its beauty, great beaches and scientific interest.