Port Macquarie is known for its beaches and wildlife, but it is also the home of some incredible annual festivals.
From cultural celebrations to heart-pounding races, this small town punches above its weight when it comes to exciting celebrations guaranteed to drag in a crowd. Check out these awesome events in Port Macquarie to discover the next outing for you and your friends.
Bottlebutt Bash
Bottlebutt Bash is a 21.2 km trail run through the Burrawan state forest. The event creators wanted to set themselves apart from traditional races, and designed the course as an experience that showcases the beauty of the Australian bush. Following the track will take you past the ‘Old Bottlebutt’ tree, an ancient Red Bloodwood more than 200 years old and famous for its unique shape.
Competitors can also choose to take on the Bottlebutt Bash marathon, a grueling 42.2 km circuit, or a 10 km fun run. No matter your confidence level, Bottlebutt Brush encourages everyone to participate and have a good time.
Afro Beats and Eats
This event is a celebration of the African community in Australia. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and flavours of Africa as traditional vendors serve up mouth watering meals and performers serenade the crowd.
Afro Beats and Eats also features markets that support local African businesses and artists. It promotes inclusivity and diversity by bringing together different communities for a common reason. Enjoy food, music and culture all in one place at this wonderful event.
Hello Koalas
The first ever festival dedicated to Australia’s iconic animal, Hello Koalas Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Port Macquarie. There are plenty of exciting things to see and do with the family, such as the Koala sculpture trail which features 88 Hello Koalas sculptures both outside and located within several iconic local buildings.
The most anticipated event is the Hello Koalas Treasure Hunt, which takes participants on a race through Port Macquarie to locate and snap a photo with 40 of the koala scultpures based on a series of clues. After finding them all, participants head to the Hello Koalas Gift Shop to receive their prize. Best of all? The whole festival is free and popular with the kids.
Ride the Wave Festival
Ride the Wave is a three-day long festival that raises funds for Make a Difference PMQ, a local charity championing disadvantaged and marginalised members of the community. What sets this festival apart are the surf and skateboarding competitions that draw in old and young alike to show off their amazing board skills.
Ride the Wave is also a country music festival, and participants will find plenty of pumping performances across the whole weekend. With food and market stalls, family fun days and more, this festival is one of the top community events of the year.
IRONMAN Australia
Port Macquarie is the home of Australia’s oldest IRONMAN event and the Oceania TriClub championship. It is also the 4th oldest IRONMAN in the world, drawing serious competitors from around the globe. Participants start the course each year by swimming the Hastings river, before riding alongside the Pacific Ocean and finishing off with a run that ends in the centre of town.
As IRONMAN Australia is a qualifying event for the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship, it is one of the biggest events around, and heaps of fun just to watch. Whether you’re competing, cheering on a friend or soaking up all the action, the electric atmosphere in town is certainly contagious.
Tortuga Festival
Tortuga Festival is a unique arts festival started by a husband and wife duo who have travelled the world to perform in some of the biggest arts events imaginable. It features a program of live music, cabaret, food trucks and bars. Kids will also love the workshops and family shows designed especially for them.
Tortuga Festival is partnered with Circus Arts, who offer trapeze workshops for beginners and professionals for the duration of the event. You can also join a circus workshop to learn juggling, spinning plates and other tricks of the trade.
Loving these festivals and events in Port Macquarie, why not check out the wild and wonderful events in Adelaide?
Travel to Port Macquarie
Rex flies to Port Macquarie. Book your tickets here and check out the route map below.
