Lighthouse Beach is the longest and most exposed of Port Macquarie's beaches, running for about 2 kilometres from Shelly Beach south to the headland below Tacking Point Lighthouse. It faces the open ocean and receives a heavier swell than the more sheltered beaches to the north, making it the best option for surfing in the area.
The beach is less patrolled than Flynns and best suited to confident swimmers and surfers. It is rarely crowded even in peak season — the walk from the nearest car park keeps casual visitors away. Surf schools operate here during the summer months.
The view from the beach back north along the coast, with the Koala Hospital's rainforest backdrop and the headlands stepping away into the distance, is one of the better coastal panoramas in the region.