Port Macquarie Top 10 Things to Do

Port Macquarie Top 10 Things to Do ~ NSW

Port Macquarie is a fantastic coastal town on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. It is located 390 kilometres northeast of Sydney.

It is a popular destination for nature and beach lovers with its stunning beaches, rainforests and wildlife encounters.

Port Macquarie also has amazing coastal walks, an abundance of fresh produce and great wineries to visit.

1. Tacking Point Lighthouse

One of Port Macquarie's most iconic landmarks is the Tacking Point Lighthouse. It was built in 1879 after more than 20 ships were wrecked along this coast. 

The lighthouse is 8 metres high and is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia.

There are boardwalks and viewing platforms that offer great views of this historic lighthouse and the stunning coastline and beaches. 

It’s also an excellent spot for whale watching during the migration season from May to November.

2. Port Macquarie Breakwall

Walking along the Port Macquarie Breakwall, admiring the painted rocks, is a popular pastime enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

The Southern Breakwall was built in 1904, along the Hastings River to the ocean.

Painting the breakwall rocks began in 1995 when the local Lions Club ran an art competition.

Now you can see lots of colourful, hand-painted rocks with messages of love, inspirational quotes and tributes. It’s a great spot to enjoy the views or you could try your luck at fishing.

3.  Learn about Koalas

Port Macquarie has one of the highest koala populations on the east coast of Australia, and the Koala Hospital treats and rehabilitates hundreds of sick and injured koalas every year.

The Koala Hospital is open from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm daily and for a small entry fee, you can learn about the koalas and see the koalas being cared for and treated in the clinic.

You can also visit Guulaba, Place of Koala the Koala Conservation Wild Breeding Visitor & Education Centre.

Guuluba is 11 kilometres from Port Macquarie and is open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm daily.

This is the world’s first Wild Koala Breeding & Visitor Centre, and for a small entry fee you can see the resident koalas, learn about the breeding program and see interactive exhibits.

4. Discover Beaches

Port Macquarie is famous for its stunning beaches, with 17 beaches to choose from it could take you a while to find your favourite.

Town Beach is within walking distance of the city and is popular with surfers, swimmers and walkers.

There is plenty of car parking, grassy areas, showers, picnic facilities, a skate park and a cafe.

Shelley Beach is a long stretch of white sandy beach surrounded by rainforest. There is parking, grassy areas and shady BBQ facilities.

Lighthouse Beach is seven kilometres long and popular with surfers, families and people who like to find their own quiet spot.

5. Bago Maze and Winery

Bago Maze and Winery is located in the hinterland, 33 kilometres from Port Macquarie and is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Perched on a hill, the cellar door overlooks the maze and vineyards making it the ideal spot to sit and take in the scenery.

Bago Maze is an amazing architecturally designed native Lilly Pilly hedge maze and is one of the world's largest hedge mazes. It has more than 2000 metres of pathways and hedges to explore.

We enjoyed a wine tasting under the shady trees overlooking the maze.

6. Coastal Walk

The Coastal Walk in Port Macquarie starts at the Town Green Foreshore and meanders along the coast to the Tacking Point Lighthouse. 

The complete walk is 9 kilometres one-way or you can break it up into shorter sections.

Along the walk, there is stunning coastal scenery, viewing platforms, secluded beaches and historical sites.

Between May and November, you might even spot a whale or two on their annual migration.

7. Visit Ricardoes

Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries is located just ten minutes north of Port Macquarie, and they are open 7 days a week.

Ricardoes grow five varieties of hydroponic strawberries, with over 30,000 plants growing in their greenhouses.

You can wander along the rows and pick your own red, juicy strawberries, when you’ve finished have them weighed and pay by the kilo.

Ricardoes also has a café and shop with a huge selection of delicious homemade jams, sauces and relishes. 

After picking our strawberries, we enjoyed a coffee and scones with strawberry jam and cream.

8. Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk

This Rainforest Boardwalk starts at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre which is open daily from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. 

The centre has eco-displays with information about the local aboriginal culture and the rainforest environment, as well as a cafe and gift shop.

After paying the entry fee, you can wander along the 1.3-kilometre elevated boardwalk through the rainforest.

Halfway along the boardwalk are some interesting carved sculptures that we stopped and admired.

This is a lovely peaceful walking experience, and a great place to learn more about the seaside rainforest

9. Camel Rides on Lighthouse Beach

For a unique and fun experience, you can take a camel ride along Lighthouse Beach. 

Camel rides are available from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm every day except Saturdays, weather permitting. 

This unforgettable adventure offers stunning ocean views from atop these gentle giants and goes for about 20 minutes.

10. Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail

A fun and artistic way to explore Port Macquarie is by following the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail. 

You can pick up a map from the Hello Koalas Gallery and Gift Shop or the Port Macquarie Visitor Centre.

This public art project features over 80 hand-painted 1-metre-high koala sculptures scattered throughout the town, each with its own unique design and story.

There is also a Big Koala, which you will find at ‘Guulabaa, Place of Koala’ the tourism and educational precinct in the Cowarra State Forest.