Greater Port Macquarie
Discover wonderful attractions in Greater Port Macquarie. There are 17 beautiful beaches, dolphins in sparkling estuaries, walking trails in splendid national parks, the famous Koala Hospital, the lovely Hastings River wine region and Timbertown, an incredible heritage theme park for the whole family.
You’ll find plenty more amazing things to do and see, from whale watching to the inflatable Stoney Aqua Park and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. At the acclaimed Billabong Zoo is the giant saltwater crocodile Shrek, and in the hinterland are two of Australia’s biggest trees - Bird Tree and Benaroon.

Enjoy the natural beauty with fun activities. Fishing and boating are popular on pristine waterways such as Lake Cathie, Queens Lake and Watson Taylors Lake. You can hire stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and small boats. Want to learn to surf? Surf schools will have you riding waves in no time.
The walking trails are marvellous. The Port Macquarie coastal walk winds by beaches through the Sea Acres National Park. The challenging Laurieton track snakes up North Brother Mountain to a great lookout. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Willi Willi National Park is a perfect day trip.
In the vibrant seaside town of Port Macquarie are buzzy bars and cafes, and award-winning restaurants such as the Stunned Mullet. Explore the fascinating indigenous and convict heritage on walking tours, and visit the Glasshouse for the regional art gallery and scintillating performances.

Complementing the entertainment are many tasty experiences, from locally harvested oysters to wine tasting at cellar doors such as Cassegrain Wines, which revitalised viticulture in the area in the 1980s. There are vineyard concerts, delicious produce markets and traditional agricultural shows.
Check out the exciting events calendar for Glasshouse shows as well as festivals, sporting contests and markets across the region. From Laurieton and North Haven in the south to Wauchope and Kendall in the hinterland, you’ll discover memorable experiences and fun annual events, including:
- 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.

Fly into Port Macquarie Airport
Port Macquarie Airport is 4.5km from Port Macquarie’s town centre. Make the short trip into the city using the taxi services at the terminal or ride-sharing Uber. Alternatively, rent a car from the hire services available at the airport and explore the region at your own pace.
Fly direct daily to and from Sydney and Brisbane with QantasLink and Virgin Airlines. For other major Australian cities, connect via Sydney or Brisbane to travel into Port Macquarie.
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO STAY
Events
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Claire Johnson: Ode to a woman
Thursday 21 February 2019 to Friday 22 February 2019 , Port Macquarie
Claire Johnson is a ceramic artist and painter currently based on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Claire completed a Bachelor of Fine Art majoring in ceramics at UNSW Art and Design in November 2014. Her work is a homage to lovers, the idea…
21 Feb - 22 Feb -
Hot Summer nights on the Veranda!
Thursday 21 February 2019 to Friday 19 April 2019 , Port Macquarie
Angie Lee and Le Trio playing at Little Fish Cafe Friday evenings. Come and enjoy a relaxed evening dining and listening to Live music on the Veranda. Old School Classic covers with a jazzy feel, complimenting Fine French food in the…
21 Feb - 19 Apr -
National Photographic Portrait Prize
Thursday 21 February 2019 to Sunday 21 April 2019 , Port Macquarie
The National Photographic Portrait Prize is an annual event intended to promote the very best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers. Now in its eleventh year, this annual…
21 Feb - 21 Apr -
From Somewhere: Todd Fuller
Thursday 21 February 2019 to Sunday 21 April 2019 , Port Macquarie
In this period Fuller reflected on his early memories to the area, holidaying with his family as a child. With the memories of the sea air and the sense of freedom it brings in his mind, Fuller went onto produce a body of work that would…
21 Feb - 21 Apr -
Mexican Restaurant Pop-up Night with dancing Waitresses
Thursday 21 February 2019 to Thursday 20 February 2020 , Port Macquarie
Pop up! Mexican night at the Inneslake Vineyard. Don't miss out on the fun with their Dancing Waitresses at Little Fish Cafe (aka Little Mexican) at the Inneslake Vineyards. Serving old time family Mexican favourites. Bookings…
21 Feb - 20 Feb -
Discovery Fe26: Artist Blacksmiths Association of NSW
Thursday 21 February 2019 to Sunday 17 March 2019 , Port Macquarie
Once considered purely a utilitarian trade, modern day blacksmiths have forged an artistic reputation for the unique sculptural forms wrought using ancient forging techniques. In Discovery Fe26, Blacksmith artists from across the Mid…
21 Feb - 17 Mar