Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is located in the NSW North Coast region about half way between Sydney and Brisbane.  Port Macquarie is an attractive holiday destination with something for everyone: a rich history dating back to convict times, beaches with good surfing, excellent ocean and river fishing, superb nature reserves, beautiful walking tracks around the headlands and beaches, and lots of amusements for the kids. Port Macquarie is situated on the Hastings River in New South Wales and surrounded by several beautiful beaches, along its coast. The many beaches around Port Macquarie include Flynn's Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Nobby's Beach, Oxley Beach, Rocky Beach, Shelly Beach and Town Beach.

Port Macquarie has a stirring history that began almost with the earliest days of European settlement in Australia. Today, the town still has many tangible reminders of that period and these are among its attractions. The city has a five-star array of beaches, from Town Beach at the very front of the city centre, to the 16 km golden swathe of North Beach on the far side of the Hastings River. Port Macquarie also has a fine range of accommodation, dining and activity options that make this a favourite for families and an outstanding choice for a holiday base.

Port Macquarie is a mid-sized town with over 65 000 residents. Many find it to be a perfect stopover for trips between Brisbane and Sydney (407 km north-east).  Port Macquarie has a rapidly expanding town centre with a great array of restaurants and shops.  The town was named after Lachlan Macquarie, the governor of NSW.  Prior to European settlement, the area is thought to have been occupied by the Kattang Aborigines. Captain Cook sailed past this section of the coast in 1770, as did Matthew Flinders in 1802. However, the first to investigate the Hastings River Valley was John Oxley who followed the river during an overland trek from the Tamworth district in 1818. Macquarie sent Oxley back to survey the port and surrounding countryside more closely in 1819, with a view to establishing a penal settlement. Around Port Macquarie town are several historic buildings, including the Courthouse, Roto House, St Thomas Church and the Wesleyan Church. You can also visit the Maritime Museum which has some interesting displays.
There are plenty of shops around Port Macquarie town centre including a number of different shops including surfing shops, craft and gift shops, antique shops, as well as large shopping malls like Port Central and Settlement Point Peninsula.

Dining in Greater Port Macquarie is simply...divine. Sample the range of award winning wines from local vineyards. Indulge in freshly caught seafood and oysters, or choose from a range of dining experiences - a la carte restaurants, affordable bistros, contemporary cafes, romantic little places for two and a wide choice of family restaurants.

Around Port Macquarie are a number of beautiful gardens with bushland and rainforest walks, as well as several wildlife and nature parks. In the town you will find the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park which has some wonderful marked walking trails. Inland you can visit the rainforests to experience another side to the areas beauty. There is also a selection of coastal rainforest in the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, which holds an exhibition about the rainforests as well as offering a walk around the centre.

If you are interested in animals then you have to visit one of the wildlife parks and animal sanctuaries. These include the Billabong Koala & Aussie Wildlife Park. Enjoy uncrowded, patrolled beaches. Cruise serene rivers and waterways, at whatever speed takes your fancy. See migrating whales, pods of dolphins and koalas in their natural habitat. Explore remnant rainforests or the historic ruins of a colonial mansion. Discover the range of local shops, markets, galleries, arts and crafts and world class wineries. Whatever your interest, Greater Port Macquarie has just what you need.

If you fancy surfing there are several good places around the town, although you can also head south to Bonny Hills, Dunbogan or North Haven. Alternatively, for a relaxing day and a great picnic spot head to Lake Cathie. Hang gliding is just another fun activity to enjoy at Port Macquarie and can be done at Harrys Lookout and North Brother Mountain, where you can take part or watch everyone else. You can take trips along the Hastings River, which is a pleasant way to spend some time or visit one of the golf courses around Port Macquarie.

With countless things to do in the city of Port Macquarie it really makes for the perfect destination for your next holiday away.  From fishing on shore or out in the deeper calm waters off shore, having a round of golf, seeing the many attractions around the city, walking through beautiful parklands and national parks, or choosing from one of the many water sports available, you will wonder how you are ever going to fit it all into just one holiday! The major attraction in Port Macquarie is the vast range of water sports that it offers. You can hire boats and windsurfers to explore the area and see the beautiful landscape. Windsurfing is popular around Port Macquarie at Big Bay, Regatta Grounds, Pilot Beach and Trial Bay. You can hire Barbecue Pontoon Boats allowing you to explore the waters or do a day’s fishing.

Explore coastal lakes and estuaries, white sand beaches and rocky headlands. Explore the inland parks with their subtropical, moist eucalypt and warm temperate habitats, as well as trackless wilderness and World Heritage rainforests. Whether it’s taking a leisurely boardwalk stroll through the rainforest canopy at Sea Acres Nature reserve, or seriously trekking at Werrikimbe National Park, Port Macquarie National Parks provide so much to see and do.

Port Macquarie is the ideal place for families looking to spend some time together, couples looking for a romantic hideaway, backpackers looking for excitement and groups of friends wanting the ideal place to relax, unwind and have some serious fun.