Located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Port Macquarie is a popular coastal town known for its stunning beaches, picturesque river views, and abundance of outdoor activities.
From swimming and surfing to hiking and wildlife watching, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this charming town. But it’s not just the natural beauty that draws visitors to the area, as the town also boasts a rich cultural history, with a variety of museums and galleries showcasing the area’s past and present.
It is also a bit of a foodie destination too, with several cafes and restaurants plating up inventive dishes that showcase the best of local produce, and a good place to shop. So, overall, there is plenty to keep the visitor engaged.
In this article, we’ll explore the best things to see and do in Port Macquarie, so you can make the most of your trip to this delightful coastal centre.
How To Get To Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie is located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, roughly 400 km north of Sydney and about 540 km south of Brisbane.
The easiest way to get there is by car, either driving from Sydney or Brisbane, with the journey taking around 4-5 hours from either city.
Alternatively, there are several flights per day from both cities to Port Macquarie Airport, which is located just a few kilometres outside the town centre.
Coach services also connect Port Macquarie to major cities, including Sydney and Brisbane. While trains could be caught to Wauchope – about 20 minutes away – from other destinations in NSW, including Sydney.
Best Time To Visit Port Macquarie
Overall, the best time for tourists to visit Port Macquarie is subjective and depends on what you are going there for.
However, the autumn, (which runs between 1st March to 31st May) and spring (1st September to 30th November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer, is widely accepted as being very good times to go there.
Generally, the temperatures during these seasons are comfortable, ranging from the mid-20s Celsius during the day to cool evenings, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and beach walks. At this time, the ocean water is also pleasant for swimming and water sports.
During the summer months (1st December to 28th February) can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the high 20s to low 30s Celsius, making outdoor activities uncomfortable during the middle of the day. Conversely, the winter months (1st June to 31st August)
are cooler and less crowded but can be a bit too chilly for outdoor water activities.
Nevertheless, Port Macquarie has something to offer year-round, and the best time to visit ultimately depends on what you want to do and see during your trip.
Best Things To Do in Port Macquarie
Regardless of when you decide to go, there are plenty of things you can see and do in Port Macquarie.
Here is a selection of some of the most popular sites, attractions and activities:
See The Sunrise
If you are the kind of person that likes a sleep in of a morning, you should make an exception at least on one day at Port Macquarie.
Set your alarm early and head on down to Town Beach, where you will be able to take in one of the best sunrises in Australia.
As it is protected from southerly winds it should not be as cold as other places in the region, though you’ll still want to put on warm clothes. It is also worth bringing some snags and bacon with you to cook up on the barbecue grills, and should you need a caffeine boost to liven you up, The Salty Crew Kiosk serves a mean latte and cappuccino and is open every day from 6 am.
Learn About The History of the Area
For those who want to discover the unique history of the area, the Port Macquarie Museum is a terrific place to visit.
From its origins as a British penal settlement to its current status as a top tourist destination, this museum showcases everything you need to know.
With over 2,000 objects on display across multiple rooms and galleries, there is plenty to see. Visitors can explore the sporting achievements of local citizens and teams in the Good Sports exhibit, learn about those who served during World War I in Homecoming, and uncover the town’s rich tourism history in Tourists Paradise.
Regardless of if the weather is scorching hot or cold, this is one attraction you can see all year round.
Go on a Whale-Watching Cruise
Every year, around 16,000 humpback whales undertake a migration from Antarctica to the coast of New South Wales to mate and birth.
Port Macquarie is considered one of Australia’s best destinations to get a close-up view of these majestic creatures during migration.
The season runs from the first week in May to around the last week of November, and you can book a whale-watching cruise through various tour operators.
Their experienced skippers know the best spots to view the whales, and they will also relate interesting facts and tidbits of information during the journey.
Should you prefer to spot them on land, there are also notable whale-spotting sites along the coast. They include the Tacking Point Lighthouse – a heritage-listed building that dates to 1879 – as well as numerous places on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. Grants Head, which is located on Grants Beach, is also another good place to go.
Traverse the breakwall
Even if you haven’t visited Port Macquarie before, you’ll likely recognise the iconic breakwall along the Town Green from postcards, magazines or screensavers.
The colourful graffiti rocks are covered in messages, tributes, and written memories from visitors and locals, creating a gallery showcasing the impact of this coastal region of NSW.
The breakwall also is the starting point for a popular 9 km coastal walk. Should you choose to attempt it, you can expect to see marine life, enjoy the picturesque location, and chat with friendly locals fishing off the breakwall.
Pick strawberries
Experience the joy of hand-picking plump and delicious strawberries at Ricardoes Strawberries & Tomatoes, located only a 10 minutes drive from the downtown area.
With more than 30,000 plants and five different types of hydroponic strawberries in their greenhouse, Ricardoes offers free guided farm tours at 11 am on weekdays or the option to wander leisurely through the fields.
After enjoying the farm, stop by Café Red for lunch and head to the main produce centre of the region, which is located next door. Here, you can purchase fresh strawberry punnets and tubs of tomatoes from Ricardoes, along with other local-farm goods like herbs, spinach, onions and lettuce.
Along with these produce items, you’ll find local preserves in several varieties, including Ricardoes tomato-rich pasta sauce, tomato tangy relish, and a delicious strawberry conserve that features whole berries.
Check Out the Billabong Wildlife Zoo & Koala Park
If you love animals, you should love the opportunity to experience an up-close encounter with a diverse range of Australian and exotic wildlife at the acclaimed Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park. You can interact with over 80 species of reptiles, birds, and mammals, including red pandas, meerkats, snow leopards, cheetahs and koalas.
Visitors can pet, hold, feed, and watch the animals and even enjoy a personalised encounter with them.
Additionally, you can join one of the zoo’s informative talks, which take place throughout the day and learn about the zoo’s conservation commitment and world-renowned koala breeding program.
Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
After the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 took the lives of many local koalas, prioritising conservation efforts and restoring the decimated koala population is now more crucial than ever.
After that horrific event, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital received an outpouring of financial support worldwide. Initially, a crowdfunding page was set up to raise funds to purchase automatic drinking stations for the affected areas. However, the page quickly garnered over $8 million from more than 150,000 donors.
With the funds received, the hospital could install 100 drinking stations in addition to its existing rehabilitation efforts.
Today you can visit the hospital and witness their vital work firsthand by taking a guided walk-and-talk tour that departs daily at 3 pm.
Visit a Maze and a Winery
Bago Maze and Winery reside in a charming valley, flanked by soaring eucalyptus trees, lush, undulating countryside, and acres of sprawling vines. It is a short picturesque drive off the Pacific Highway, which is just to the south of Port Macquarie.
There, kids and adults can explore the stunning maze, a native hedge of lilly pilly, which is architecturally designed, by wandering, running, and getting lost.
They can spend a day discovering sunken trails, mystical hidden bends, and immaculately landscaped gardens. The maze is one of the world’s largest, with over 2 km of paths to explore. Its lookout towers also showcase tremendous views of the surrounding area.
After a day of exploring, visit the winery and working vineyard on the property. It has a pergola and cellar door, atop on a hill that looks out to the maze and vineyard, thus making it the perfect spot to enjoy a wine tasting or a coffee. To accompany it, you can also enjoy a delicious charcuterie of meats, cheeses and other local produce.
Hit The Beach(es)
We have previously mentioned Town Beach as a terrific spot to see the sunrise. But Port Macquarie has several other beautiful beaches for picnicking, walking your dog, 4WDing or surfing.
Lake Cathie is a popular destination for families in the summer due to its patrolled shores, inflatable slides, and trampolines. Flynns Beach is another patrolled beach ideal for kids, which is notable for its kiosk and shady picnic areas. If you’re a surfer, Lighthouse and Rainbow Beach are the places to be, along with Town Beach.
For a quieter option, Oxley and Shelly Beach are great choices. And if you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach, Nobbys Beach is the best spot for your four-legged friend, with its long stretches of sand.
Marvel at the North Brother Mountain
For those who enjoy stunning panoramic views, North Brother Mountain arguably provides some of the region’s best.
Located within the Dooragan National Park, the east coast view includes the stunning Camden Haven Inlet. They extend from Crowdy Head down south to the region of Mount Yarrahappini up north, tracing the Camden Haven River as it winds between Watson Taylors and Queens Lakes.
Bring a packed lunch and plan to stay a while as you relax and unwind on the open lawn.
Get Your Grub On
Port Macquarie is a foodie’s paradise with a range of dining options to suit every taste and budget.
For a fine dining experience, The Stunned Mullet is a popular choice, offering an extensive menu of fresh seafood and other delicacies. However, for a more casual meal, there are plenty of options like Bills Fishhouse + Bar, which serves up delicious seafood and other dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Another popular choice is The Beach House, which boasts stunning views of the ocean and a menu featuring a fusion of Mediterranean and Australian cuisine. While those wanting a quick and tasty bite should head to The Burger Rebellion, which offers a range of gourmet burgers and sides.
Additionally, there are plenty of cafes and bakeries scattered throughout the town serving up fresh coffee, pastries, and other delicious treats.
Conclusion
Overall, Port Macquarie is a stunning coastal town with a plethora of activities to suit every interest.
From pristine beaches and lush rainforests to engaging cultural experiences and unique wildlife encounters, the town has something for everyone.
It’s fair to say, the area’s rich history and charming coastal lifestyle make it a must-visit destination for any traveller to Australia. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this place really does have it all.