Port Macquarie is a beautiful little coastal town often overlooked by travellers as a pit stop on a road trip to Byron Bay or Queensland but ‘Port’ as locals call it has one of Australia’s best coastlines boasting a number of alluring beaches and the friendliest of locals who are ever so welcoming that you will feel right at home.
There are plenty of attractions and activities in Port Macquarie and the only way to experience this beauty is by exploring the region. Sharing our experience to showcase 10 best things to do in Port Macquarie.
Port Macquarie Highlights
Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries
Sea Acres National Park Rainforest Broadwalk
Koala Hospital
Historic Roto House
Tacking Point Lighthouse
Port Macquarie Coastal Walk
Stroll through the town
Port Macquarie Courthouse and Museum
Port Macquarie Breakwall
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries
This was our first time at Ricardoes and we absolutely loved the experience of picking delicious strawberries directly from the farm. Open 7 days a week this farm has no entry fee. They also have guided farm tour but only during specified hours on weekdays.
On arrival we checked in at the centre where they hand you a pair of scissors and a bucket. They also instruct you which greenhouse you can pick from.
We found rows of fresh strawberry hanging at shoulder height from the hydroponic A-frames. Once you have your juiciest picks head back over to billing where they are weighed, so what you pick is what you pay for and don’t have to fill the bucket to the brim.
They also have Café Red within the produce centre and is very causal country-themed café.
Sea Acres National Park Rainforest Broadwalk
Next stop on our itinerary was the naturally serene rainforest boardwalk which takes you through the rainforest canopy on an elevated wooden platform approximately seven meters from the ground level. It is relatively easy 20-40 minutes circuit.
The entire walk was relaxing and peaceful as we were alone for the entire stretch. We could also hear few distant calls from birds of the bush. Do keep an eye out for the “harmless” diamond python and boy, were we glad we not to spot it.
The centre is open between 9AM and 4.30PM daily except Christmas day. You can also opt for a guided tour which is included in the entry price ticketed (in Australian Dollars) at :
– $9 per adult
– $5 per child
– $20 per family (2 adults, 3 children)
– $7 pension/seniors card, companion card/carer free of charge
Koala Hospital
A dedicated hospital for these cute and cuddly creatures? We had to check this one out. Established back in 1973 this facility is World’s first hospital committed solely to care and preservation of Koalas.
This centre has no entry fee but due to COVID-19 restrictions, you are now required to make a booking online to visit the hospital.
We made our way without knowing this bit of information but were lucky enough to find enough available spots to make an online booking on our phone. A maximum of 30 people can enter the facility for one hour session.
The hospital passageway has placards introducing each residing Koala to the world and has some really interesting stories about them. This being a not-for-profit and voluntary organisation any contributions are gratefully accepted.
Did you know : Koalas spend 18-22 hours of their day sleeping.
Historic Roto House
Step back in time with a visit to beautifully preserved historic Roto House which is in the vicinity of Koala hospital. Built in 1890, This charming Victorian architecture was home to the Flynn family who lived here until 1979.
You can either take a self-guided or guided tour by volunteers subject to their availability. We couldn’t do either as the house was closed but nonetheless, you can always grab tasty little treats and coffee from what we think is the cutest coffee shop and stroll leisurely through the Macquarie Nature Reserve.
The house and tranquil gardens are great for picnics. They also form a special backdrop for wedding ceremonies and photography but needs prior permission from Office of NSW National Parks and Wildlife.
Entry is free and is open every day from 10AM – 4:30PM except Christmas, Easter Sunday and Anzac Day morning.
Tacking Point Lighthouse
The Iconic and pristinely white Tacking Point Lighthouse sitting pretty at just eight meters high on an elevated rocky bluff offers glorious sweeping views along Australis’s Mid North Coast. It is also a popular location for whale-watching during migration.
Built in 1879, Tacking Point is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia. The lighthouse itself is spectacular and is great for photography sessions.
There is limited parking at the site and can get crowded on weekends however if you start really early not only will you find it peaceful but will also be greeted by a stunning sunrise.
Tip : Sunset at Tacking Point Lighthouse is equally magnificent and is perfect spot for star gazing.
Port Macquarie Coastal Walk
Uncover historic sites, gorgeous beaches and rainforest along the Port Macquarie coastal walk. You might even spot a dolphin or two while enjoying this extraordinary seaside scenery.
The 9 km Port Macquarie Coastal Walk meanders along the coastline from Town Green foreshore to Lighthouse Beach but can be done in shorter sections.
We chose the 2.7 km long stretch that goes through Sea Acres National Park via Shelly Beach car park where you will also find picnic areas perfect for taking a break.
The idyllic coastal walk offers unsurpassed views of the dramatic coastline with lots of opportunities for photography, barbecues and swimming along the way.
Stroll through the town
The picture-perfect laid-back beach town has some serious buzz. Explore the unique restaurants, fancy bar and grills lining the oceanfront.
Known as one of the best walking towns boasting a relaxed coastal vibe with casual breakfast eateries and insta-worthy cafés.
Did you know : Port Macquarie begun life as a penal settlement back in 1821.
Port Macquarie Courthouse and Museum
Explore the collections and displays at Port Macquarie Museum that reveal the stories of this town’s transformation from a British penal colony to a popular holiday destination.
The museum’s cheery red brick building is hard to miss but we managed to park our car right in front of it and went in search of the very museum on foot because for some reason it’s listed on Google maps as Murray St but is actually on 22 Clarence St.
Open on all days of the week except Sunday between 9:30AM and 4.30PM.
Right across the museum on the corner of Hays and Clarence street is the simple historic courthouse flanked by Norfolk pines. You can learn more about Port Macquarie’s early colonial days from one of the friendly volunteers. Open on all weekdays between 10AM and 3PM (Saturday: 10AM – 1PM).
Port Macquarie Breakwall
Continuing our leisurely stroll we ended up unexpectedly in a myriad of colourfully painted rocks that lead you along the breakwall with messages, memories and tributes from locals and visitors.
Not in the mood for loitering? You can just relax on one of the chairs along the path and gaze out over the Hastings river and to the sea. Sunsets here are magical as colours change right before your eyes.
Breakwall is also a popular starting point for the nine-kilometre Coastal Walk.
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
While travelling across Port Macquarie you might come across some Berry Beautiful Cowalas and Yes! We are talking about ‘Hello Koalas’ cuties dotted across town.
The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail features more than 70 one-metre high fibreglass koala sculptures waiting to be discovered across the district.
The sculptures are hand-painted and uniquely designed by different (mostly) local artists. This Trail leads people to discover interesting landmarks, attractions and historical sites in the area.
Grab a map from the Glasshouse Visitor Centre or download one from their website here and you have a quest afoot. We managed to snap 17 on our lens, How many can you get?
Suggested Reading : Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Palm Beach
Nicely written n pretty informative.
Thank you, Anant. Its must-visit coastal town 🙂