Proposal for cycling track to link Port Macquarie town centre and the Googik Track

THE National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Draft Lake Innes Plan of Management (February 2026) proposal to extend the Googik Track to Lake Cathie received more than 300 submissions in support of extending the trail.

This has prompted a local Bicycle User Group [BUG], Better By Bicycle Port Macquarie, to lodge a new proposal to create a cycling link between the Port Macquarie town centre and the Googik Track.

The group believes that their idea to connect existing shared paths to create a continuous route through scenic forest would be popular with locals and attract cycling tourists to the area.

Group President Felicity Forth believes the proposal presents a great opportunity for the region.

“This could be a huge win for the Port Macquarie community,” she said.

“If constructed, the 3.7 km link track would mean people could ride or walk safely from the Town Green or caravan park 10 km to the Ruins Gate almost entirely off road and through lush, forested areas.”

The group calculates that the link trail would require less than 350 metres of shared pathway to be installed, making it a low-cost, high-impact project that would provide practical benefits, and long-lasting value to the region.

In principle support has been given by NPWS, the Friends of Kooloongbung Creek Nature Reserve, and Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dywer.

“I congratulate Felicity and her team for developing this proposal and I will do what I can to support them and any funding opportunities,” Mr Dwyer said.

“A proposal to get bicycles off the roads and onto designated pathways not only improves safety but also encourages riders to better enjoy the great outdoors.”

The group’s next step is to present the proposal to the Council Community Forum on 18 May.

More information is available on bbbpmq.net.au.

By Rachael THORPE