Greater Port Macquarie

Come out to play .. in Port Macquarie

Amidst a stunning coastline of rocky headlands and neighbouring the banks of the Hastings
 

River estuary is the vibrant, unspoilt town of Port Macquarie. With a distinctive mix of heritage buildings, modern hotels and apartments, and offering diverse dining, shopping and
entertainment venues, Port Macquarie is perfect for taking in the glorious waterways and
beaches, with the character of an animated CBD. So step out and stretch your legs into a
carefree holiday stride.
 

The picturesque Coastal Walk stretches 9kms from the CBD at Westport Park, following the
Town Green foreshore and towards Lighthouse Beach. This leisurely stroll takes you to
significant landmarks, scenic lookouts and a meditative stretch of eight beaches, popular with
anglers, swimmers and surfers. Four times out of five you will see the resident dolphins of the
Hastings River, plus there is a variety of birdlife and the annual whale migration from May to
November. As well as enjoyment and fitness - there is also learning and education. Take a
bush-tucker tour at Sea Acres Nature Reserve or explore historic Tacking Point Lighthouse,
which are both now en-route.
 

The Coastal Walk is just one of many tracks and trails in the region. Kooloonbung Creek
Nature Reserve is an oasis in the town centre with over three kilometres of walking trails and
boardwalks weaving through over 50 hectares of bush with 165 species of birds and
numerous reptiles.
 

Settled in 1821, Port Macquarie is one of the oldest penal settlements outside Sydney. Today
there are a number of museums, heritage buildings and sites that preserve the stories of the
past for the present. Follow our heritage walk through the CBD to visit these historical sites
including convict-constructed St Thomas’ Church and the Historical Museum.
 

Wander to the heart of town for a unique retail and boutique shopping experience. Enjoy an
array of restaurants and waterfront cafés serving cuisine to please every palate. Local hot
spots at night include Fusion 7, The Corner, and Synergy. Or for a long lunch there is The
Restaurant at Cassegrains, Little Fish Café and Jazz in the Vineyards which takes place on
the second Sunday of every month at Bago Vineyards.
 

Whilst still retaining its relaxed and unspoilt charm, Port Macquarie now offers new levels of
luxury for a romantic getaway with accommodation from four-star and above apartments and
hotels, many with ocean views and close to attractions. Accommodation to suit any budget
including hostels, family friendly holiday parks and campsites and motels, B&Bs or guest
houses. They make a great base to discover the town, or take a leisurely drive and explore
the Camden Haven’s peaceful waterways and Wauchope’s hinterland experiences.
Just 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie is the breathtaking Camden Haven. Calm
waterways, bountiful fishing, gorgeous national parks and beaches are the reasons why so
many visitors return. Families, 4WD enthusiasts and fishermen especially enjoy the carefree
lifestyle of the villages and the choice of swimming spots from invigorating surf at Rainbow
and Grants Beaches, to family friendly Pilot Beach.
 

Wauchope (pronounced ‘war-hope’) sits West of Port Macquarie and the Pacific Highway.
This agricultural centre was once the mill for hinterland timber before becoming the centre of
the local dairy and cattle industries. Wauchope is the gateway to the Hinterland, with over
40,000 hectares of National Parks and State Forests.
 

Explore the tiny historic timber-getting villages that dot the countryside around Wauchope, like
charming Beechwood on the Hastings River. The history of the timber getters and pioneer
settlers is recreated at Timbertown. Set in a natural forest landscape it features a village with
many pioneer style shops, a working blacksmith, Cobb and Co. coach rides, timber mill and
working bullock teams.
 

On your way back into town stop in at Ricardoes Tomatoes, a popular farm gate experience.
The family-run farm offers great fresh produce and an air-conditioned country café, Café
Red, for morning or afternoon tea or lunch. Entry to the farm is free and you can pick your
own bucket of strawberries from a ‘wall’ of plants, and take a free farm tour daily at 11am from
Monday to Friday.
 

According to the CSIRO, Port Macquarie is one of Australia’s best regions for its temperate
climate, and the cooler months are ideal for enjoying the great outdoors.
 

Port Macquarie is a four hour drive from Sydney, and is also serviced by regular Qantaslink
and Virgin Blue flights.
 

For more information or to book your next holiday go to: www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

‘Click here to book your next holiday in Greater Port Macquarie'
 

Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre
The Glasshouse, Corner Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
email:  tourism [at] pmhc [dot] nsw [dot] gov [dot] au
www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au