The Hastings River is a coastal estuary flowing through Port Macquarie, offering paddlers a mix of scenic river and sheltered coastal environments. The river rises in the Werrikimbe National Park and flows east to the sea at Port Macquarie. For paddlers, the character of the experience varies significantly by location. Inland, above the Oxley Highway, there is a canoeable section of approximately 15 kilometers starting from the bridge on Mt Seaview Road to Yarras Bridge. This section is graded as Class III and features good rapids, but it requires adequate rainfall to be runnable at that grade and is considered a half to full day trip. Closer to Port Macquarie, the river becomes a broad tidal estuary. Several established access points serve paddlers, including McInherney Park boat ramp, which is a common start point for club paddles, and Blackmans Point Boat Ramp on Blackmans Point Road. The Hibbard Ferry crossing at the junction of Boundary Street and Hastings River Road provides access to the river's north side. The Port Macquarie Wharf area has undergone upgrades including a new boardwalk and public wharf, improving foreshore access. While the river itself is a major paddling route, the adjacent coastal beaches like Town Beach, Shelly Beach, and Flynns Beach are also popular launch points for stand-up paddleboarding. These beaches offer calm to moderate, protected waters suitable for beginners to intermediates, with amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and paddleboard hire available. The Hastings River and its connected waterways have hosted various paddling events.