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The Hastings River is a major river located in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It is approximately 180 kilometers long and originates from the Great Dividing Range, flowing southeast through a major dairy and beef cattle region to reach the Tasman Sea in the Pacific Ocean at Port Macquarie.
The river's catchment area is around 700,000 hectares and is dominated by a steep, irregular topography, comprising mostly of national parks and state forests, with only 13% of the area regularly farmed or inhabited.
Historically, the Hastings River has been significant for local Aboriginal communities, and today it serves both as a source of livelihood for local commercial agriculture and a recreational site for residents and visitors engaging in activities such as swimming, kayaking and fishing. Regular sightings of dolphins and turtles make this river a popular site for wildlife watching as well.
The river is also a significant source of water for the town of Port Macquarie and supplies water for local industries including oyster farming. The Hastings River also has several tributaries including the Pappinbarra River, Tobins River, Ellenborough River, and more.
The river's relatively pristine condition is a testament to the area's strong environmental regulations and local commitment to preserving watersheds. Yet it also faces challenges such as potential pollution from agriculture and urbanization, which require ongoing management and conservation measures.