1. Wander along the breakwall<\/a><\/h2>\nEven if you\u2019ve never made it to Port Macquarie<\/a>, you\u2019ll recognise the iconic breakwall<\/a> along the Town Green from the many postcards it\u2019s featured on over the years. The long stretch of colourful graffiti rocks are filled with a collage of messages, tributes and written memories from visitors and locals that serve as a gallery of sorts; providing the means for all to share just how impactful their time in this coastal region of NSW has been.<\/p>\n\nIt also serves as the starting off point to the popular nine-kilometre coastal walk that stretches from the Town Green to Tacking Point Lighthouse<\/a> and Lighthouse Beach<\/a>. Expect to spot marine life, bask in the beauty of the picturesque location, and have a chat to the friendly locals casting their fishing lines off the breakwall along the way.<\/p>\n![\"ort](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/1The-colourful-rocks-of-the-breakwall.jpg\")
The colourful rocks of the breakwall.<\/p><\/div>\n
2. Visit the famous Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park<\/a><\/h2>\nGet up close and personal to an array of Australian and exotic wildlife at the award-winning Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park<\/a>; from snow leopards, koalas and red pandas to reptiles, meerkats, cheetahs and more. Visitors are encouraged to pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds \u2013 and you can even book a personal animal encounter.<\/p>\n\nGet along to one of their much-loved zoo talks that readily occur throughout the day to learn about the zoo\u2019s passion for conservation, as well as the world-renowned koala breeding program. With the recent bushfire tragedy claiming the lives of so many treasured local koalas, it\u2019s more important than ever to increase conservation, and work towards restoring the koala population.<\/p>\n
![\"Koala](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2Regal-characters-at-Billabong-Zoo-Koala-Wildlife-Park.jpg\")
Regal characters at Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park.<\/p><\/div>\n
3. Watch the sunrise at Town Beach<\/a><\/h2>\nTravelling with someone inclined to sleep the morning away? Well, a Port Macquarie sunrise is the best incentive to get them out of bed early. Head to Town Beach<\/a> to welcome the new day \u2013 its protection from south winds and close proximity to the centre of town makes it a popular spot with locals. Pack a picnic blanket, wear warm clothes and prepare to sit back and take in the multi-hued glory. If you need some caffeine to get your travel companion going, The Salty Crew Kiosk<\/a> is open from 6am every day.<\/p>\n4. Tour the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital<\/a><\/h2>\nAfter the 2019\/2020 bushfires devastated the local koala population, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital<\/a> was met with an overwhelming wave of financial support from all over the world. A crowdfunding page was initially set up to raise money to purchase and distribute automatic drinking stations to burnt areas but the page quickly amassed over $8 million from more than 150,000 donors.<\/p>\n\nThe funds have enabled the beloved koala rehabilitation centre to not only install 100 of the planned drinking stations.<\/p>\n\n
Plan to stop by to see for yourself the important work they do. Don\u2019t miss the guided walk and talk tour that departs at 3pm daily and prepare to make some furry friends of your own.<\/p>\n
![\"Port](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/4Take-a-tour-of-the-Port-Macquarie-Koala-Hospital.jpg\")
Take a tour of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.<\/p><\/div>\n
5. Board a whale-watching cruise<\/a><\/h2>\nApproximately 16,000 humpback whales migrate north along the coast of NSW each year from Antarctica to mate and give birth before beginning their return journey back south for the summer. And Port Macquarie is one of the best destinations in Australia for a close encounter with these majestic mammals.<\/p>\n\n
Book one of the many whale-watching cruises that depart frequently throughout the season (May to November) to get up close and personal with the whales out on the water. The experienced skippers of Port Jet Cruise Adventures<\/a> know the best viewing spots and will also give you a tonne of interesting information about the whales along the way.<\/p>\n\nThere are a number of popular whale-spotting sites dotted along the coast if you don\u2019t have the budget for a cruise. The heritage-listed 1879 Tacking Point Lighthouse<\/a> is a good vantage point, along with various spots on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk<\/a> and at Grants Head on the northern edge of Grants Beach.<\/p>\n![\"Port](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5Port-Jet-Cruise-Adventures-are-the-ones-for-the-job.jpg\")
Book a whale-watching cruise with Port Jet Cruise Adventures.<\/p><\/div>\n
6. Learn some local culture at the Port Macquarie Museum<\/a><\/h2>\nTake a journey into Port Macquarie\u2019s past and discover what makes the town so special at the Port Macquarie Museum<\/a>. Learn about its history as a British penal settlement through to how it became the popular tourist destination that it is today \u2013 everything you need to know is inside these four walls.<\/p>\n\nThere are over 2,000 objects on display at any one time that span across several rooms and galleries. Good Sports<\/em> explores the sporting achievements of many local citizens and teams, Homecoming <\/em>tells the stories of those who were in active service during the First World War, and Tourists Paradise<\/em> uncovers Port Macquarie’s rich tourism history.<\/p>\n![\"Port](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/6Start-your-visit-with-a-trip-to-the-museum.jpg\")
Start your visit with a trip to the museum.<\/p><\/div>\n
7. Take a dip at one (or more) of the 17 pristine beaches<\/a><\/h2>\nWhether you\u2019re looking for the perfect spot to picnic, a dog-friendly place to walk, somewhere that\u2019s 4WD accessible or you just want to learn how to surf \u2013 there is a beach<\/a> in Port Macquarie with your name on it.<\/p>\n\nFamilies flock to the patrolled shores of Lake Cathie in the summer to enjoy the inflatable slides and trampolines. Flynns Beach<\/a> is also a popular patrolled beach that ticks the kid-friendly boxes with its shaded picnic areas and kiosk. Surfers frequent Town, Lighthouse and Rainbow Beach<\/a>; while those seeking solitude make their way to Oxley and Shelly Beach<\/a> for less-crowded options. Nobbys Beach<\/a>, with its long stretches of sand, is the best dog-friendly spot in the area.<\/p>\n![\"Lighthouse](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/7Lighthouse-beach-seen-from-the-Port-Macquarie-lighthouse.jpg\")
Lighthouse Beach seen from the Port Macquarie lighthouse.<\/p><\/div>\n
8. Pick fresh strawberries at Ricardoes<\/a><\/h2>\nCall into Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries<\/a> to experience the pleasure of picking your own plump, luscious strawberries. Located just 10 minutes from the CBD, Ricardoes grows five varieties of hydroponic strawberries and over 30,000 plants in their greenhouse. Join the free guided farm tours that depart 11am on weekdays, or opt to spend some time meandering through the fields at your own leisure.<\/p>\n\nEnjoy lunch at the onsite Caf\u00e9 Red<\/a> before popping next door to buy up big at the regional produce centre that overflows with bags of tomatoes and punnets of strawberries from Ricardoes, in addition to the rows of fresh produce from local farmers \u2013 including lettuce varieties, herbs, dark green spinach and freshly dug onions. You\u2019ll also find shelves of local preserves; standouts include Ricardoes tangy tomato relish, rich tomato pasta sauce and a unique strawberry conserve that\u2019s thick with whole berries.<\/p>\n9. Have a drink at The Beach House<\/a><\/h2>\nCommunity comes alive at the iconic Port Macquarie Beach House<\/a>. This pub boasts a contemporary menu and a prime waterfront location with a relaxed atmosphere that\u2019s made even more inviting thanks to the friendly locals who are always willing to stop for a chat.<\/p>\n\nThe Beach House serves as a favourite hangout for a sunset drink, with patrons who linger well into the night on weekends. It\u2019s also a popular space for events, which means there is usually something to keep you entertained of an evening while you sip on a local brew or indulge in a hearty pub meal.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/9The-beautiful-beachside-locale.jpg\")
The Beach House is a beautiful beach side locale.<\/p><\/div>\n
10. Wander around Bago Maze and winery<\/a><\/h2>\nAny place that combines a winery with an outdoor playground deserves a mention on this list. Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, rolling countryside and acres of vines, Bago Maze and Winery<\/a> is located a short scenic drive off the Pacific Highway, south of Port Macquarie.<\/p>\n\nKids and adults alike are encouraged to wander, run and get lost in the stunning architecturally-designed native lilly pilly hedge maze. Spend your day seeking out the magic of hidden bends, sunken pathways and beautifully-landscaped gardens, only stopping to take in the serenity at the lookout towers.\u00a0It\u2019s one of the world\u2019s largest hedge mazes, with over 2000 metres of pathways to explore.<\/p>\n\n
Once you\u2019ve worked up an appetite, head up to the working vineyard and winery portion of the property. Perched on a hill, the cellar door and pergola overlook the maze and vineyard, making it the ideal spot to sit and take in the scenery. Enjoy a tasting and then relax with a glass of wine or coffee and indulge in a cheese or meat platter of local produce from around the region.<\/p>\n
![\"Bago](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/10Behold-the-majestic-maze.jpg\")
Behold the majestic Bago Maze.<\/p><\/div>\n
11. Take in the views of North Brother Mountain<\/a><\/h2>\n
It also serves as the starting off point to the popular nine-kilometre coastal walk that stretches from the Town Green to Tacking Point Lighthouse<\/a> and Lighthouse Beach<\/a>. Expect to spot marine life, bask in the beauty of the picturesque location, and have a chat to the friendly locals casting their fishing lines off the breakwall along the way.<\/p>\n The colourful rocks of the breakwall.<\/p><\/div>\n Get up close and personal to an array of Australian and exotic wildlife at the award-winning Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park<\/a>; from snow leopards, koalas and red pandas to reptiles, meerkats, cheetahs and more. Visitors are encouraged to pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds \u2013 and you can even book a personal animal encounter.<\/p>\n\n Get along to one of their much-loved zoo talks that readily occur throughout the day to learn about the zoo\u2019s passion for conservation, as well as the world-renowned koala breeding program. With the recent bushfire tragedy claiming the lives of so many treasured local koalas, it\u2019s more important than ever to increase conservation, and work towards restoring the koala population.<\/p>\n Regal characters at Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park.<\/p><\/div>\n Travelling with someone inclined to sleep the morning away? Well, a Port Macquarie sunrise is the best incentive to get them out of bed early. Head to Town Beach<\/a> to welcome the new day \u2013 its protection from south winds and close proximity to the centre of town makes it a popular spot with locals. Pack a picnic blanket, wear warm clothes and prepare to sit back and take in the multi-hued glory. If you need some caffeine to get your travel companion going, The Salty Crew Kiosk<\/a> is open from 6am every day.<\/p>\n After the 2019\/2020 bushfires devastated the local koala population, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital<\/a> was met with an overwhelming wave of financial support from all over the world. A crowdfunding page was initially set up to raise money to purchase and distribute automatic drinking stations to burnt areas but the page quickly amassed over $8 million from more than 150,000 donors.<\/p>\n\n The funds have enabled the beloved koala rehabilitation centre to not only install 100 of the planned drinking stations.<\/p>\n\n Plan to stop by to see for yourself the important work they do. Don\u2019t miss the guided walk and talk tour that departs at 3pm daily and prepare to make some furry friends of your own.<\/p>\n Take a tour of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.<\/p><\/div>\n Approximately 16,000 humpback whales migrate north along the coast of NSW each year from Antarctica to mate and give birth before beginning their return journey back south for the summer. And Port Macquarie is one of the best destinations in Australia for a close encounter with these majestic mammals.<\/p>\n\n Book one of the many whale-watching cruises that depart frequently throughout the season (May to November) to get up close and personal with the whales out on the water. The experienced skippers of Port Jet Cruise Adventures<\/a> know the best viewing spots and will also give you a tonne of interesting information about the whales along the way.<\/p>\n\n There are a number of popular whale-spotting sites dotted along the coast if you don\u2019t have the budget for a cruise. The heritage-listed 1879 Tacking Point Lighthouse<\/a> is a good vantage point, along with various spots on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk<\/a> and at Grants Head on the northern edge of Grants Beach.<\/p>\n Book a whale-watching cruise with Port Jet Cruise Adventures.<\/p><\/div>\n Take a journey into Port Macquarie\u2019s past and discover what makes the town so special at the Port Macquarie Museum<\/a>. Learn about its history as a British penal settlement through to how it became the popular tourist destination that it is today \u2013 everything you need to know is inside these four walls.<\/p>\n\n There are over 2,000 objects on display at any one time that span across several rooms and galleries. Good Sports<\/em> explores the sporting achievements of many local citizens and teams, Homecoming <\/em>tells the stories of those who were in active service during the First World War, and Tourists Paradise<\/em> uncovers Port Macquarie’s rich tourism history.<\/p>\n Start your visit with a trip to the museum.<\/p><\/div>\n Whether you\u2019re looking for the perfect spot to picnic, a dog-friendly place to walk, somewhere that\u2019s 4WD accessible or you just want to learn how to surf \u2013 there is a beach<\/a> in Port Macquarie with your name on it.<\/p>\n\n Families flock to the patrolled shores of Lake Cathie in the summer to enjoy the inflatable slides and trampolines. Flynns Beach<\/a> is also a popular patrolled beach that ticks the kid-friendly boxes with its shaded picnic areas and kiosk. Surfers frequent Town, Lighthouse and Rainbow Beach<\/a>; while those seeking solitude make their way to Oxley and Shelly Beach<\/a> for less-crowded options. Nobbys Beach<\/a>, with its long stretches of sand, is the best dog-friendly spot in the area.<\/p>\n Lighthouse Beach seen from the Port Macquarie lighthouse.<\/p><\/div>\n Call into Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries<\/a> to experience the pleasure of picking your own plump, luscious strawberries. Located just 10 minutes from the CBD, Ricardoes grows five varieties of hydroponic strawberries and over 30,000 plants in their greenhouse. Join the free guided farm tours that depart 11am on weekdays, or opt to spend some time meandering through the fields at your own leisure.<\/p>\n\n Enjoy lunch at the onsite Caf\u00e9 Red<\/a> before popping next door to buy up big at the regional produce centre that overflows with bags of tomatoes and punnets of strawberries from Ricardoes, in addition to the rows of fresh produce from local farmers \u2013 including lettuce varieties, herbs, dark green spinach and freshly dug onions. You\u2019ll also find shelves of local preserves; standouts include Ricardoes tangy tomato relish, rich tomato pasta sauce and a unique strawberry conserve that\u2019s thick with whole berries.<\/p>\n Community comes alive at the iconic Port Macquarie Beach House<\/a>. This pub boasts a contemporary menu and a prime waterfront location with a relaxed atmosphere that\u2019s made even more inviting thanks to the friendly locals who are always willing to stop for a chat.<\/p>\n\n The Beach House serves as a favourite hangout for a sunset drink, with patrons who linger well into the night on weekends. It\u2019s also a popular space for events, which means there is usually something to keep you entertained of an evening while you sip on a local brew or indulge in a hearty pub meal.<\/p>\n The Beach House is a beautiful beach side locale.<\/p><\/div>\n Any place that combines a winery with an outdoor playground deserves a mention on this list. Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, rolling countryside and acres of vines, Bago Maze and Winery<\/a> is located a short scenic drive off the Pacific Highway, south of Port Macquarie.<\/p>\n\n Kids and adults alike are encouraged to wander, run and get lost in the stunning architecturally-designed native lilly pilly hedge maze. Spend your day seeking out the magic of hidden bends, sunken pathways and beautifully-landscaped gardens, only stopping to take in the serenity at the lookout towers.\u00a0It\u2019s one of the world\u2019s largest hedge mazes, with over 2000 metres of pathways to explore.<\/p>\n\n Once you\u2019ve worked up an appetite, head up to the working vineyard and winery portion of the property. Perched on a hill, the cellar door and pergola overlook the maze and vineyard, making it the ideal spot to sit and take in the scenery. Enjoy a tasting and then relax with a glass of wine or coffee and indulge in a cheese or meat platter of local produce from around the region.<\/p>\n Behold the majestic Bago Maze.<\/p><\/div>\n2. Visit the famous Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park<\/a><\/h2>\n
3. Watch the sunrise at Town Beach<\/a><\/h2>\n
4. Tour the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital<\/a><\/h2>\n
5. Board a whale-watching cruise<\/a><\/h2>\n
6. Learn some local culture at the Port Macquarie Museum<\/a><\/h2>\n
7. Take a dip at one (or more) of the 17 pristine beaches<\/a><\/h2>\n
8. Pick fresh strawberries at Ricardoes<\/a><\/h2>\n
9. Have a drink at The Beach House<\/a><\/h2>\n
10. Wander around Bago Maze and winery<\/a><\/h2>\n
11. Take in the views of North Brother Mountain<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"North](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/11Take-in-the-views-at-North-Brother-Mountain.jpg\")