How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Port Macquarie
Opens in a new tab or windowThis little town is full of cool surprises.
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Lighthouse Beach
Port Macquarie
From sophisticated dining and accommodation, through to adventurous trails and relaxing beaches, Port Macquarie offers the kind of break you’ve been searching for, but would never expect. With its lush hinterland, family-friendly vibe and wildlife sanctuaries, it’s time to plan a holiday to this Mid North Coast town, made easy with our Port Macquarie travel guide.
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Places to stay
The charm of this welcoming community isn’t just its abundance of beaches - it also has plenty of impressive accommodation dotting its shores. Overlooking Hastings River and Town Beach are a range of 4-star hotels and apartments for you to call home during your stay. If you're travelling with the family or a big group, pick out an Airbnb near Nobbys Beach or Shelly Beach which are just outside the centre of town so you can enjoy feeling like a local.
Holidays are often planned around the availability of the area’s campsites. If you’re lucky enough to claim a spot at Diamond Head campsite in Crowdy Bay National Park - an hour drive south of Port Macquarie - you can expect to enjoy sunrises from your tent, fishing off the point, and many walking tracks which will keep you exploring all day long. Port Macquarie also has plenty of campsites which are peaceful getaways while also being close to town if you fancy a morning brew or an afternoon beverage. For those that prefer the rainforest over rolling waves, Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat is a luxurious hideaway set amongst the lush surrounds of the Camden Haven River - just under an hour south of Port Macquarie.
Things to do
While there are beaches aplenty, there’s more than just pristine coastline to explore in this town. Getting up early for a sunrise stroll is one of the best ways to start your day in Port Macquarie. Tackle the nine-kilometre Port Macquarie Coastal Walk to enjoy three beaches, several breathtaking lookouts and Sea Acres National Park, all before you’ve even had your morning coffee.
Take your pick from adventure activities, including exploring the mangroves with Port Kayak’s local tour as they escort you through this intriguing ecosystem. The Camel Rides along Lighthouse Beach are also an exciting way to spend the afternoon and keep the kids happy. Another popular animal attraction is the local Koala Hospital which offers a free Feed, Walk and Talk tour every day so you can learn all about the sick and injured koalas at this unique, volunteer-run attraction. The Boorganna Nature Reserve is also a great way to get back in touch with nature - the steep track down to Rawson Falls is worth it with the allure of a secluded waterfall swim once you reach the bottom.
With so much to see and do, Port Macquarie is one holiday destination that’s popular for many excellent reasons.
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Sea Acres National Park
Opens in a new tab or windowLush coastal rainforest just south of Port Macquarie.
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Explore the region
Port Macquarie is a diverse region packed with attractions from Kendall to North Haven, and Wauchope to Laurieton.
Take a drive and you’ll discover an area where touring routes become cultural adventures and gentle drives twist through natural reserves filled with Aboriginal heritage.
There's Lighthouse Beach - a nine kilometre stretch of south-east facing sand. The Cedar Creek Goldfield with its unique wooden water wheel where you can pan for gold - and Burrawan State Forest, where you'll find the over 200 year old Red Bloodwood tree known as 'Old Bottlebutt'.
Food and drink
For a caffeine fix, try LV’s on Clarence and Drury Lane Eatery both with menus crafted around the region’s seasonal local produce. Fancy foraging for your food? Just outside of Port, you can pluck your own fruit straight off the plants at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries.
The region has lively bars and vineyards to explore too - call into the Little Brewing Company for award-winning beers or Cassegrain to try their famous Chambourcin wine. Join the Long Lunch, run by Frankie’s Tours, for a full day of cellar doors and seasonal dining in the nearby Wauchope hinterland.
Getting around
From the airport: Port Macquarie Airport is 4.5km from the town centre. Use the taxi services to make the short trip. Alternatively, rent a car from the hire services available at the airport and explore the region at your own pace.
In and around the city: getting around Port Macquarie is best done on foot or in a hire car. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the best of the region. For a more unique way to see the town, bikes are a great idea - a simple search online will point you in the right direction.
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Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).
Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.
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Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as at 25 January 2024 but is subject to change.
Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.