Port Macquarie

Host: Mike Whitney

Port Macquarie Surf School

Pack the van, strap your board to the roof, and road trip your way to surfing Mecca. That’s right, it’s destination: Port Macquarie.

Hang ten with the friendly blokes at Port Macquarie Surf School. This is the place to come if you’re a beginner or if you want to refine your surfing style.

Learn to surf lessons run everyday of the week and with the Hudson family as your mentors you can’t go wrong. The Port Macquarie Surf School is owned and operated by Peter, Wayne, and Grant Hudson who are well renowned surfers and fully accredited coaches. You couldn’t pick a better bunch of people to get on a board with.

If you’re an old hand at surfing and you want to perfect your skills, you can do that with an intermediate lesson. And if you think you’ve got what it takes to match wits with the pros, jump aboard a high performance coaching session to learn the ins & outs of competitive surfing.

Port Macquarie has a buzzing surf culture, and the best way to experience it is with the guys at Port Macquarie Surf School. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 5 or 85, everyone can have a go and have gnarly good time!

Prices correct as at 08/08/09

Country Energy Australian Surf Festival - Australian Longboard Titles

If you’re on the wave of the surfing bug, make the trip to Port Macquarie for this massive Surf Festival.

It’s on shore this month and it’s only the second time the long and short board competition titles have been held together. The Australian Surfmasters Titles follow straight on from the Longboard Titles from 23 – 30 August. What’s even more exciting is that the Australian Stand Up Paddleboard titles will also be added to the mix. This means that whatever your surfing style, there’ll be something here to pull you in.

Coast & Country Trike Tours

Once you’re out of the surf you can see the sights of Port Macquarie a number of ways. You could hop on a tour bus, find your own way around, or you could strap in for an adrenaline rush and watch Port Mac pass you by.

If it’s the third option you fancy, hit the road with Coast & Country Trike Tours. The bikers who take the handlebars really make you feel safe, and when you’re on the back of a Harley Davidson trike, you’ll discover a love for the open road.

These guys can take you through all the different environments of Port Macquarie, but one of the best experiences you’ll have is making tracks on The Coastal Walk. This route has been newly completed and the 9km strip lets you take in the sights and surrounds of beaches, headlands, and subtropical rainforest.

Once you’ve toured on a Harley, the purr of the motor is hard to resist.

Prices correct as at 08/08/09

The Little Brewing Company

If running around town has given you a thirst, take a rest and have a cold one at the Little Brewing Company.

Warwick and Kylie Little are behind this operation which is the result of Warwick’s hobby turned life-long passion. It all started with a simple home brew that turned into a passion for the technicalities of making beer. A university degree in wine science later, and The Little Brewing Company is now a thriving business.

If you’re interested in brewing your own, or you’re just interested in drinking good beer, it’s worthwhile taking a tour of the brewery.

The capacity of the brewhouse is 1,200 litres and it is estimated that annual production capacity is around 100,000 litres. Both the equipment and the ingredients are state-of-the-art. The beer label that’s produced here, Wicked Elf, is crafted from the freshest, finest, natural ingredients available, and no preservatives or additives are used.

For a good coldie in Port Macquarie you can’t go past Wicked Elf, and if you want to see the work that goes into it, take a tour of the Little Brewing Company. Cheers!

Prices correct as at 08/08/09

Mercure Centro Hotel Port Macquarie

After touring beautiful Port Macquarie you’re going to need somewhere to take a load off. Luckily, the Mecure Centro Hotel is just the place.

The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Port Macquarie so it’s close to everything you’ll need. The main beach is just a stroll away, and so are the shops, restaurants, and the hottest nightclubs in town.

There are also plenty of things to enjoy within Mercure Centro. There’s a heated outdoor pool for use all year round, and if the sun’s out there’s nothing better than relaxing on the roof deck. When your tummy starts to rumble feast your eyes on the menu at Restaurant Synergy & Bar, and if it’s pampering you’re after Blush Day Spa has you covered.

As for accommodation, it doesn’t get any better than the Superior Spa Room. In here there’s plenty of space, and with your own private balcony, king sized bed, and luxury spa bath complete with aromatherapy bath products, you won’t find any reason to leave.

When you’re taking a break in Port Macquarie, make it special and bunk down in Mercure Centro Hotel.

Prices correct as at 08/08/09

To help plan your trip, give our mates at the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre a call on 1300 303 155 or visit www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

One way fares from Sydney to Port Macquarie are on sale now from just $74. Book your seat on www.qantas.com or call 13 13 13.

* On sale until 12/08/09

Valid for travel 05/09/09 – 08/11/09

Prices correct as at 08/08/09