Orienteering NSW spokesperson Ian Jessup said it was fantastic to see so many people at the event on Sunday, July 14.

There was a positive response from community members to implement a club in the Port Macquarie-Hastings, which Mr Jessup said will only continue to grow and expand.

Mr Jessup said orienteering takes people back to the 'pre-screen days' of being outside and running free.

"It teaches people how to read a map and also requires resilience to uncover the hidden objects along the way," he said.

Coffs Harbour residents Helen O'Callaghan and Cheryl Cane attended the event. They said they enjoy orienteering because it involves using the brain, some bushbashing and incorporates a treasure hunt.

Many Port Macquarie families turned out for some fun in the sun and to seize the opportunity to explore their backyard.

There are 14 orienteering clubs in NSW, with Newcastle and Coffs Harbour being the closest in location to Port Macquarie.

Participants can nominate the Hastings Orienteering Group as their home club and compete in various events hosted by Orienteering NSW and other clubs within the state.

Hastings Orienteering Group received $7651 in funding from the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Community Grants Program on May 29.

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