Port Macquarie is a town renowned for its coastal beauty and delicious seafood.
There’s so much to explore here it would take pages and pages to cover it all, so we’ve pulled together a few highlights.
The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is a nine kilometre trail past historic sites and incredible coastal scenery. Starting in town, the walk takes you past Town Beach, Rocky Beach Lookout and Shelley Beach, all the way to Tacking Point Lighthouse. Keep an eye on the water as you go, because whales have been known to appear during their annual migration.
If you’re travelling with kids, head to Billabong Zoo, a koala and wildlife park that looks after almost 200 animals across 10 acres of land. Meet 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds, with the chance to feed or hold them. Throughout the day, knowledgeable keepers run talks all about the conservation and protection of these precious animals. Plus, kids and teens can sign up to be a zoo keeper for the day, helping to feed and care for the animals under the guidance of a professional.
For fishing enthusiasts, we recommend joining a Port Macquarie Deep Sea Fishing Charter. Hope aboard a 40 ft custom charter fishing boat and head into the open ocean to fish for Snapper, Dolphin Fish, Pearl Perch, Kingfish and Jewfish. Rods, bait, food and drinks are all provided, and everything you catch is cleaned and iced by the team. The experience is ideal for beginners and seasoned fishers.
Just a few hundred metres from the beach, you will find Macquarie Nature Reserve. This picturesque park is home to a koala hospital, where kids are welcome to learn from volunteers about the process of rehabilitating and releasing koalas in need of support. There are plenty of gardens and shaded areas to explore, with old magnolia trees and tall eucalyptus all around. There’s even a historic home, a late Victorian building first constructed in 1891 and now a museum and heritage site.
If you’re visiting the beach, check out Port Macquarie Surf School to learn how to ride the waves and make the most of the warm weather. Lessons are run by qualified coaches seven days a week, with options for young ones to join Holiday Surf Camps and make the most of the warmer weather.
For even more family-friendly fun, head to Wildnets Adventure Park. This eco-friendly spot is intended for running, bouncing and playing on bouncy nets stretched between trees and high above the forest floor – basically it’s a treetop playground! Plus, the team is dedicated to supporting koala conservation and rehabilitation by partnering with local ecological and environmental organisations. Make sure to bring the whole team along, as it’s perfect for the young and young at heart.
Once the sun sets, head to Port Macquarie Observatory to immerse yourself in the world of astronomy and science. Each visit includes access to entertaining presentations covering a variety of fascinating topics, and the chance to view the night sky through a mobile telescope.
To discover the six most unique events in town, click here.
