Luxury Escapes Guide to Port Macquarie

Uncover the natural wonder of Sea Acres National Park and its aboriginal roots at the spectacular Rainforest Centre, less than 10 minutes’ drive from Port Macquarie. Eco-displays teach you about Aboriginal culture and the surrounding rainforest, with exhibitions from local artists a regular feature. Take a bush tucker tour or treetop walk through the canopies and then sit back and enjoy the scenery with a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at the Rainforest Café.

No one can resist the fluffy charms of Australia’s favourite animal. This unique hospital has been nursing sick and injured koalas back to health since 1973. The hospital employs just four paid staff, relying on donations and an incredible roster of around 140 volunteers. Visitors are more than welcome to wander around at leisure or enjoy the complimentary guided tour every day at 3pm, conveniently coinciding with koala feeding time. Entry is free but gold coin donations are much appreciated, as this incredible hospital relies on the support of visitors.

Surfers flock to Port Macquarie for good reason – the beaches here are ideal for catching waves. Town Beach is one of the most popular, located within easy walking distance of the CBD and boasting waves of up to 2.5 metres, plus parking and showers. Other popular surf beaches include Lighthouse Beach (although beware of strong rips and currents) and Rainbow Beach, with waves of up to three metres. For a helping hand, contact Port Macquarie Surf School, which offers private and group lessons for all ages and abilities.

It’s not all about the surf of course – Port Macquarie’s beaches have multiple charms. Flynns Beach is one of the most iconic and ticks all the boxes as a perfect family option: it’s patrolled and boasts shaded picnic areas and a kiosk. If you’re seeking serenity, Oxley Beach and Shelly Beach are picturesque and far less crowded, while Nobbys Beach is a dog-friendly option for those with fur-babies in tow. Nature lovers will feel at home at Wash House Beach in the Camden Haven, where rock pools tempt the curious and majestic sea eagles soar overhead.

Bago Maze and Winery is a charming rustic hinterland winery with a surprising 2,000 metres of winding pathways and lookouts, making it one of the largest hedge mazes in the world. Test your navigation skills and then reward your effort with a wine tasting and cheese platter overlooking the vineyard. Look out for the regular Monthly Music in the Vineyards on the second Sunday of every month. Don’t forget to visit the Baba Lila Chocolate Shop (modelled on a traditional Russian caravan) while you’re there and pick up hand-made chocolates made on-site. The Baba & Bago wine and chocolate paddles are paired to perfection.

Port Macquarie offers miles of waterways and ocean to explore. Dial up the adrenaline in Port Jet Cruise Adventures’ Wave Rider Jet Boat (with whales aplenty between May and November), or relax on a more sedate twilight river cruise. Play captain by hiring your own BBQ Boat (a fantastic option for groups), bring a picnic to enjoy on board or cast a fishing line and cook what you catch. Other on-water adventure options include hiring a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or jet-ski.

Originally established as a British penal settlement in 1821, Port Macquarie has a colourful history. To get a feel for Port Macquarie’s past, take a stroll through the town’s Heritage and Culture Precinct, which includes the regional gallery, Port Macquarie Museum and historic courthouse. For a dose of culture, visit the Glasshouse, an entertainment venue home to a 588-seat theatre, an international-standard regional gallery and a performance studio. The gallery supports local artists with up to 25 exhibits each year, featuring everything from indigenous art to contemporary sculptural pieces.

This multi-award-winning zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers. Get up close and personal with native and exotic wildlife, discovering more than 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds across 10 acres of park. Zoo talks are free throughout the day and include penguins, lions and monkeys – pay a little extra and enjoy personal animal encounters with meerkats, snow leopards, red pandas and more. You can support their koala breeding program by adopting one of your own — you’ll leave with a photo and bio, certificate of adoption and a paw print of your chosen fur-child.

Port Macquarie is surrounded by national parks and rainforest, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities. There are countless walking and cycling tracks to discover but a favourite is the stunning Coastal Walk, winding its way from the CBD along 9km of coastal trail and beaches to Tacking Point Lighthouse in the south (with plenty of cafés along the way). A scenic walk all year round, it’s particularly great for whale spotting between May and November. Other popular walks include Diamond Head Loop Walk – which is a perfect introduction to Crowdy Bay National Park, and Grants Beach Coastal Walk, which starts at North Haven and ends at the cliffs of Grants Headland and Bonny Hills. These are just three of many spectacular trails – we encourage you to get out there and explore as many as possible.

There is a thriving craft beer scene in Port Macquarie, so be sure to sample the product at its source. Visit Black Duck Brewery, and you’ll find Al the ‘brew master’ and often live music and hot food. Meanwhile, award-winning Wicked Elf, acknowledged as a world-class producer of craft beer, offers tastings at their cellar door. Moorebeer Brewing Co. started crafting ales in their garage but today, their brewery, tucked away in the industrial estate, is a local institution, hosting live music and food trucks on weekends. Can’t decide between beer and wine? Hops and Tales is a brewery smuggled into a winery, located in the beautiful grounds of Cassegrain estate.