🌿 A ripper spot for an arvo picnic with the kids, ocean views, and a bit of fun!

John Downes Park Port Macquarie - Family-Friendly Ocean View Spot - Main park image showing the beautiful facilities and surroundings

John Downes Park in Port Macquarie is a neat little family-friendly park with great ocean views and easy access to nearby beaches like Nobbys and Shelly Beach. It features a playground with a flying fox, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and public toilets, making it a solid choice for families looking to enjoy a relaxed day out. The park is also the starting point for scenic walks along the coast, perfect for those who want a bit of fresh sea air and exercise. While shade is limited, the park’s location and amenities make it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

📍 Park Information

📍 Address	78 Pacific Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
📞 Phone	+61 2 6581 8111
🌐 Website	Website
⭐ Rating	4.4/5 (340 reviews)
🏙️ City	Port Macquarie
🗺️ Coordinates	Google Map Link
🏗️ Facilities	playground bbq picnic shelter public toilets parking walk run path

🕐 Opening Hours

Day	Hours
Wednesday	Open 24 hours
Thursday	Open 24 hours
Friday	Open 24 hours
Saturday	Open 24 hours
Sunday	Open 24 hours
Monday	Open 24 hours
Tuesday	Open 24 hours

⭐ What Makes This Park Special

Family Playground Fun ✅

John Downes Park is a great spot for the little tackers, featuring a playground with a flying fox that kids love. Parents can relax nearby while the kids have a ripper time on the play equipment. The playground is simple but neat, providing a safe and fun area for children to burn off some energy. With plenty of parking and picnic tables nearby, it’s easy to pack a lunch and make a day of it. Just keep in mind there’s limited shade, so bring a hat and sunscreen for the young ones.

Beautiful Views That'll Take Your Breath Away 🌅

One of the standout features of John Downes Park is its stunning ocean views. Situated right near the coast, the park offers lovely vistas over to the ocean and serves as a starting point for some terrific walks along nearby beaches like Nobbys and Shelly Beach. It’s a beaut spot to enjoy a picnic or just hang out and soak up the sea breeze. The coastal scenery adds a peaceful, natural vibe that’s perfect for families wanting a bit of fresh air and a scenic backdrop to their arvo.

Easy Access & Handy Facilities 🚗

This park scores well on convenience with ample parking and public toilets, which are handy given the park’s proximity to town and popular beaches. The toilets do get well used, so it’s best to plan accordingly. Picnic tables and BBQ facilities make it easy to enjoy a meal outdoors without needing to trek far. The park also provides good access to nearby walking paths and beaches, making it a practical choice for families wanting a fuss-free day out close to amenities.

💬 What Visitors Are Saying

Lovely small park with views over to the ocean and the beginning spot for some terrific walks down to the ocean along some stunning beaches.
Great park to take kids with a flying fox and plenty of parking, picnic tables and ocean views
Perfect park place with toilets, and good access to nobbys beach and Shelly beach
Great little park. Playground and BBQ. Great views.
No shade over any of the park, not really a be lot to do there, and the path wasn't really shaded either, so we couldn't stay long.