Greater Port Macquarie

Greater Port Macquarie is a place of unspoiled beauty, with pristine secluded beaches, sparkling estuaries and stunning national parks crisscrossed with walking trails. The laidback region, which is known for its natural beauty, is also home to the famous Koala Hospital, Hastings River wine region and Bago Maze near Wauchope.

Friends walking through Port Macquarie with views of the Hastings River, North Caost

Things to do

There are plenty of things to do in the Port Macquarie region – from whale watching to visiting Stoney Aqua Park and exploring the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. Visit the acclaimed Billabong Zoo to see giant crocodile Shrek up close and take a stroll in the hinterland to find two of Australia’s biggest trees: Bird Tree and Benaroon.

The Greater Port Macquarie area is home to a population of proud locals who enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Cathie, Queens Lake and Watson Taylors Lake. It’s is also one of the best spots in NSW to take to the water: try a surfing lesson, snorkel in a protected bay, and hire a stand-up paddle board, kayak or boat.

You can gain insights into local indigenous history and convict heritage on walking tours, and visit the Glasshouse to get a glimpse of local arts and culture. Stroll near to the sand along the Port Macquarie coastal walk through Sea Acres National Park, hike the Laurieton track or visit World Heritage-listed Willi Willi National Park.

Friends enjoying afternoon drinks at The Beach House Restaurant and Bar in Port Macquarie, North Coast

Eat and drink

Port Macquarie also draws visitors for its bars, cafes and restaurants such as The Stunned Mullet. There's a lot to love about the food scene in the surrounding countryside, too. The region is dotted with charming villages such as Laurieton and North Haven in the south and Wauchope and Kendall in the hinterland.

Local artist Yvonne Kiely painting a koala statue at the 2017 Hello Koalas Festival in Port Macquarie, North Coast

Events

You’ll see concerts in the vineyards, visit bustling markets and agricultural shows, discover memorable experiences and fun annual events such as:

Oysters in the Vines in January
Ironman Australia in May
Slice of Haven Festival in May
Hello Koalas Festival in June
Timbertown Steam Fair in July
Kendall National Violin Competition in September
Festival of the Sun in December

On the mid NSW North Coast, Port Macquarie is four hours’ drive north of Sydney and six hours south of Brisbane. Trains stop daily at Kendall and Wauchope, or fly into Port Macquarie Airport. Accommodation options suit various budgets, from camping and caravanning to seaside resorts.

Getting there and where to stay

The Port Macquarie region is on the NSW mid North Coast, four hours’ drive north of Sydney and six hours' south of Brisbane. Trains stop daily at Kendall and Wauchope. You can also fly into Port Macquarie Airport. Accommodation in Greater Port Macquarie suits various budgets and ranges from camping to high-end seaside resorts.