posted on 15 August 2023
Looking for the best things to do in Port Macquarie? This enchanting town along the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia offers a range of unforgettable experiences, from stunning beaches to captivating history and wildlife encounters.
Whether you’re a local ready to rediscover your own backyard or visiting Port Macquarie for the first time, discover the best this coastal gem has to offer.
An overview of things to do and places to see in Port Macquarie
Keep reading for a curated 2023 list of the highlights of Port Macquarie, including:
- Port Macquarie’s beaches and rivers
- Port Macquarie’s coastal walks and bush trails
- Nature and wildlife in Port Macquarie
- Port Macquarie breweries, wineries and vineyards
- History and art in Port Macquarie
- Port Macquarie nightlife
Looking for couples activities or family friendly options? Or, are you considering your options for a rainy day? Whatever the occasion, we have you covered – keep reading, book the perfect car in Port Macquarie and start exploring!
Explore Port Macquarie’s beaches and rivers
Ready to discover the best of New South Wales beaches and rivers? A journey south along Pacific Drive will lead you to a coastal paradise like no other.
Port Macquarie is a smooth four-hour drive from Sydney and the perfect place to immersive yourself in Australia’s iconic coastal lifestyle. Pack some snacks for the drive, bring the sunblock and stop by the sparkling array of pristine beaches dotted along the NSW coastline during your trip.
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach, just seven kilometres south of Port Macquarie, boasts a picturesque nine-kilometre expanse of pristine sand that extends to Lake Cathie. Renowned among surf enthusiasts, Lighthouse Beach is great for experienced surfers ready to carve up punchy, powerful waves.
On land, get ready for a memorable camel safari ride, a leisurely coastal walk or an afternoon of beach fishing. For those seeking adventure, the beach’s southern end grants 4WD access, promising thrilling adventures along the shore.
On Turo, you can rent a car in Port Macquarie to experience the best adventures Port Macquarie has to offer.
Tacking Point Lighthouse
Take the easy 60-minute coastal walk to the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse, a local landmark since 1879. A must-see attraction in Port Macquarie, the lighthouse offers a mesmerising viewing platform with sweeping vistas of the breathtaking coastline.
If you visit between May and November, don’t miss the chance for some whale watching from this vantage point.
Tacking Point Surf Club
With a stunning view of Lighthouse Beach and the Tacking Point Lighthouse, the Tacking Point Surf Club provides the perfect spot to unwind after your day by the water. Grab a refreshing tipple and something to eat as you unwind at the Surf Club.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the dolphins and whales swimming nearby.
Shelly Beach
Nestled amidst spectacular rainforests and featuring a natural tidal lagoon, Shelly Beach is the perfect place to reconnect with nature.
With its long stretch of white sandy beach, young families, couples and locals will find the perfect spot to relax. Enjoy the shaded areas, set up at a picnic table, and use the on-site barbecue facilities for a delightful day out.
While kicking back by the water, keep an eye out for wildlife and don’t miss the wonderful public art on display.
Town Beach
Town Beach is a centrally located family favourite in Port Macquarie. The beach offers modern toilet and shower facilities, a kiosk, and a convenient car park lining the beach.
The shaded grassed areas are perfect for picnics with a stunning beach view. Keep the kids busy at the playground, sweat it out at the outdoor gym equipment or carve it up at the skate park nearby.
For surfers, expect clean, rideable waves and consistent swells at Town Beach. While it is an exposed beach, it’s rarely crowded and makes for an enjoyable day in the water in the right conditions.
Flynn’s Beach
A local family-friendly favourite, Flynn’s Beach ticks all the boxes for an enjoyable beach day. With its patrolled beach, shaded picnic areas, and ample space under the big Pine Trees, it’s an ideal destination for all ages.
Located three kilometres south of Port Macquarie, Flynn’s Beach stretches almost 500 meters between rocky headlands, providing good protection from westerly and southerly winds. With gentle waves, it’s the perfect place for novice surfers most of the year.
Camden Haven River
On the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Camden Haven River encompasses the scenic Queens Lake and Watson Taylors Lake, forming a captivating coastal lake system.
This dynamic network features a blend of lakes, creeks, and interconnected channels, creating a serene spot for wildlife spotting, gentle hiking and immersing yourself in nature.
Located a short drive from Port Macquarie, travel to Camden Haven River and surrounds in style with Turo, with plenty of flexible car pick up locations from Port Macquarie.
Hastings River
At the heart of Port Macquarie’s natural beauty lies the picturesque Hastings River, stretching all the way to the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales.
With an abundance of activities for everyone, the Hastings River promises unforgettable experiences. Hastings River is the ultimate summer destination, from fishing and picnics to refreshing swimming sessions and scenic coastal walks.
Port Macquarie’s coastal walks and bush trails
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of New South Wales, breathtaking coastal walks and captivating bush trails are some of the most picturesque places to see in Port Macquarie.
For nature lovers, this coastal town offers a bounty of hiking trails and places to see that showcase the region’s untouched beauty. From strolls along the ocean’s edge to invigorating bush adventures, Port Macquarie’s coastal walks and bush trails promise an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Port Macquarie Coastal Walk
The picturesque Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is a 9-kilometre (one-way) walk from Town Green foreshore, passing through Town Beach, Rocky Beach Lookout, Nobby’s Beach, and Harry’s Lookout with stunning views of Shelly Beach. The trail leads to Sea Acres, offering historical sites and breathtaking seaside scenery.
The south end of the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk combines lush forest and foamy shores. Opportunities for barbecues and swimming can be found along the way to keep you fueled and refreshed all day long.
Remember to keep an eye out for migrating whales between May and November.
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
Discover 83 one-metre high hand-painted fibreglass koala sculptures across Port Macquarie at the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail. These charming sculptures are located in various spots, from mountains to the sea, and are dotted along a well-maintained trail.
This free, permanent attraction appeals to all ages and aims to raise awareness of the need for koala conservation. Don’t miss the Hello Koalas Gift Shop for unique gifts and interactive koala encounters.
Breakwall Walking Path
The iconic Breakwall Walking Path offers stunning views of the Hastings River towards Town Beach. Colourful graffiti rocks and sightings of playful dolphins make this a mesmerising trail.
The Breakwall is a popular starting point for the nine-kilometre Coastal Walk to Tacking Point Lighthouse. Enjoy the picturesque location with convenient seating, a bustling cafe, a skate park, and covered picnic areas along the path.
Experience nature and wildlife in Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie offers many captivating tourist attractions that allow you to immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world. From lush rainforests teeming with wildlife to the world’s first hospital dedicated to koala care and conservation, here you’ll find a myriad of thrilling encounters.
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre (Sea Acres National Park)
Explore Port Macquarie’s enchanting wildlife and natural wonders with a visit to the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. This oasis is just a 3-minute drive from the CBD and offers a beautiful gift shop, an environmental education centre, and a delightful cafe amidst the treetops
Educational displays provide a wealth of information about local Aboriginal culture and the surrounding rainforest environment. There are also regular exhibitions of works by local artists and a gift shop stocking a range of unique environmental products, gifts, crafts, educational toys and games.
Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk
Unwind while strolling along the 1.3-kilometre timber boardwalk through ancient remnant rainforest. The Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk starts and finishes at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, your gateway to a captivating rainforest experience.
Billabong Zoo
Experience up-close encounters with local and exotic animals at Billabong Zoo, a friendly 10-acre Koala and Wildlife Park. Interact with over 80 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Don’t miss the Billabong Zoo Talks, where you can learn about wildlife conservation efforts and the world-renowned koala breeding program. Experience the captivating ZOOsafari Night Safari Activation Centre for a thrilling nocturnal adventure.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and support the world’s first hospital dedicated to the care and conservation of koalas. Located within the historic Roto House grounds, this wildlife sanctuary offers self-guided tours, educational displays, and koala yards to marvel at these adorable creatures.
Each visit contributes to saving koalas and their habitat in the Port Macquarie-Hastings-Macleay Area, with this hospital playing a key role in supporting the recovery of koalas impacted by the devastating Black Summer Bushfires of 2019-2020.
Whale watching (Port Jet Cruise Adventures)
From May to November, embark on a thrilling whale-watching adventure with Port Jet Cruise Adventures. Expert spotters guide the boats to the best whale sightings, ensuring you have ample time to spot these gentle giants in their underwater playground.
Matthew Flinders Drive Climb
Cycling enthusiasts will relish the popular cycling segment on Matthew Flinders Drive. Get ready for an exhilarating climb that promises a rewarding experience in the scenic coastal town of Port Macquarie.
Port Macquarie breweries, wineries and vineyards
Take part in the best weekend activities in Port Macquarie by exploring its thriving breweries, charming wineries, and picturesque vineyards. From hidden mazes to historic homesteads, sip your way through boutique wines and locally brewed beers in the heart of New South Wales.
Bago Maze and Winery
Experience family adventure at Bago Maze and Winery, a charming farm just a 30-minute drive from Port Macquarie’s CBD. Enjoy wine tastings, scenic views of the maze and sprawling vineyards, and indulge in delicious local produce. Bago Maze offers 2000 meters of pathways, making it one of the world’s largest mazes.
Long Point Vineyard
Explore Long Point Vineyard, renowned for its boutique wines, stunning vistas, and warm hospitality. At their cellar door and art gallery, taste fine wines, alcoholic Ginger Beer, and liqueurs while admiring regional artwork. Don’t miss the outdoor sculptures or the kid-friendly cubby play area.
Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard
Step back in time at Douglas Vale Vineyard, where a heritage-listed bamboo grove welcomes you to a property rich in history. Established in 1859, this working vineyard boasts the oldest timber building in Port Macquarie.
Black Duck Brewery
Visit the Black Duck Brewery in Port Macquarie, a friendly venue offering locally brewed beers and a relaxing atmosphere. Taste a variety of beers on tap, savour local food platters, and meet the brewer running the show.
History and art in Port Macquarie
Immerse yourself in the charm of Port Macquarie’s history through its convict settlements, maritime heritage, and well-preserved colonial architecture. A trip to Port Macquarie isn’t complete without immersing yourself in the captivating history and artistic treasures that contribute to the town’s unique character.
Port Macquarie Museum
The Port Macquarie Museum is an archive of historical treasures that chronicle the town’s narrative from its 1821 convict origins to its thriving present.
Navigate themed exhibits across rooms that offer insights into its captivating evolution. This award-winning museum houses an impressive collection reflecting the town’s diverse journey.
Mid North Coast Maritime Museum
Relive a century of maritime heritage through the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum’s three venues. Occupying cottages built in 1896 as pilot cottages, these spaces house an exceptional array of artifacts, scale models, maps, paintings, and photographs.
Located a short distance from the town centre, this museum showcases Port Macquarie’s seafaring legacy.
Roto House
Rewind the clock at Roto House, an 11-room weatherboard residence built in 1891 by surveyor John Flynn. A testament to local history, this red mahogany structure transports you to an era of bygone charm.
Look out for local wildlife that might add a touch of nature’s beauty to this historical encounter.
Port Macquarie nightlife: Things to do in Port Macquarie at night
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two on the coastline or a fun-packed evening of trivia for the whole family, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down in Port Macquarie.
Looking to indulge in some evening romance? Why not enjoy a cocktail or two on board one of the many cruises that meander down Hastings River as you watch the sunset? For a dose of culture and art, head over to the Port Macquarie Glasshouse to see one of their many live performances.
If you time it right, you may be in Port Macquarie for their annual ArtWalk. A yearly arts festival complete with pop-up street art and light installations, perfect for night viewing. Grab a bite to eat from one of the food stalls and wander around the exhibits. This festival normally takes place during winter, but check the dates on the Port Macquarie Hastings Council website for dates.
Things to do in Port Macquarie for couples
Looking for romantic things to do in Port Macquarie? These experiences are tailor-made for couples.
Set sail on a serene coastal cruise as dusk settles and enjoy a spectacular sunset on the Port AdVenture Cruise as you meander through the beautiful Hastings River.
If you’re looking for a little R&R with your loved one, Port Macquarie has luxurious couple’s settings like spa retreats. The Aqua Vitae Day Spa offers a range of wellness and spa treatments in an exquisite setting.
Things to do in Port Macquarie for Families
Looking for things to do in Port Macquarie with kids? This beautiful coastal town has an array of entertaining options for families. Spend your days at one of the town’s many beaches (such as the family friendly Flynns Beach) building sandcastles and splashing in the waves. Why not explore the vibrant local wildlife, from cuddly koalas at the Koala Hospital to exotic animals at Billabong Zoo?
Plus, there are many family-friendly options for hiking, cycling, and picnicking at North Brother Mountain, where panoramic views await.
Engage in educational experiences at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, immersing kids in the wonders of the natural world. Visit the interactive Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, sparking their imagination while learning about local art and culture.
Free things to do in Port Macquarie
Looking for fun things to do in Port Macquarie that won’t break the bank? Why not take a stroll along the iconic Breakwall Walking Path, admiring the colourful graffiti rocks and the playful dolphins in the river?
Wander through the lush grounds of Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard, where you can enjoy a picnic amidst the scenic beauty. Discover the historic charm of Roto House, a well-preserved weatherboard house that offers a glimpse into the past.
Things to do in Port Macquarie when raining
Even when the rain starts falling, there’s no shortage of indoor activities to keep you entertained in Port Macquarie.
Step into the Port Macquarie Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s history through a diverse collection of exhibits or explore the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum, housed in charming cottages, showcasing maritime memorabilia and artefacts.
Head to Sea Acres Rainforest Centre for a unique rainforest experience with eco-displays and a cozy cafe. Get creative at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery, featuring a variety of artworks and exhibitions. Rainy days won’t dampen your spirits with these exciting indoor activities to enjoy in Port Macquarie.
Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? With Turo you can find your perfect ride to suit your budget and taste. Explore the best of Port Macquarie and its surroundings on your terms with wheels tailored to your trip.
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Katie Salomon
Katie is an experienced traveller and copywriter based in Sydney, Australia. She’s always on the hunt for off-the-beaten-track destinations and hidden gems, whether it's searching for the best Koshari in the bustling streets of Egypt or spending a night under the stars at Mount Cook. In her spare time, you’ll find her heading out, probably in FNQ, on her next road trip (#vanlife), ultra-light hiking her way to the perfect ridge top for the night, or being a passenger princess through rolling green hills - can someone pass the aux?
