Greater Port Macquarie

Traditionally regarded as a convenient stopover between Sydney and Brisbane, the Port Macquarie region is now a stunning destination in its own right, luring retirees, families, couples and those looking for a nature-based holiday with serious gourmet credibility. Blessed with sparkling beaches lined with pockets of rainforest, the area is also a significant habitat for koalas, with the world-famous Koala Hospital caring for the lovable endangered creatures.

Woman enjoying a relaxing morning on Shelly Beach, Port Macquarie on the North Coast

Towns & villages

Port Macquarie is the largest town in the region and bursting with restaurants, beaches, fun attractions and accommodation. To the south, the villages of North Haven, Laurieton and Kendall sit along the banks of the Camden Haven River. Further inland, Wauchope is a former timber town that’s now the gateway to lush rainforests.

Resident koala at Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie, North Coast

Nature rules

A getaway in the Port Macquarie area means getting outside and enjoying the bounty of nature. From spotting dolphins from the painted breakwall on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, to whale watching cruises or strolling the boardwalk of the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, the unspoiled beauty of the region will dazzle. Further inland, hike the Laurieton track or visit World Heritage-listed Willi Willi National Park.

Port Macquarie Safari's Camel Tour on Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie

Families are well-catered for in the region: meet native furry friends at Billabong Zoo, or head to Ricardoes to pick your own strawberries. The Port Macquarie region is also one of the best spots in NSW to take to the water: try a surfing lesson, snorkel in a protected bay, and hire a stand-up paddle board, kayak or boat.

Friends enjoying afternoon drinks at The Beach House Restaurant and Bar in Port Macquarie, North Coast

Foodie destination

With a reputation for fresh, local produce, the Port Macquarie region is increasingly a lure for food and wine lovers. The town of Port Macquarie is jam-packed with cool cafes, restaurants and bars, from the cute tiki-style Little Shack cafe to fine dining at The Stunned Mullet; while you can purchase fresh oysters directly from growers in Laurieton and North Haven.

Paddock-to-plate dining at Twotriplefour Restaurant located onsite at Cassegrain Wines, Port Macquarie

There are also several vineyards where you can taste at the cellar door or relax in on-site restaurants, including Cassegrain Wines and its highly-regarded Twotriplefour restaurant.

People enjoying Town Beach, Port Macquarie on a sunny day, North Coast

Getting there & where to stay

The Port Macquarie region is on the NSW mid North Coast, four hours’ drive north of Sydney and six hours' south of Brisbane. Trains stop daily at Kendall and Wauchope, and the journey from Sydney takes around seven hours. You can also fly into Port Macquarie Airport and hire a car to explore the region. Accommodation in Greater Port Macquarie suits various budgets and ranges from camping and holiday parks to high-end seaside resorts.

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Port Macquarie Airport

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.

QantasLink operates direct flights from both Sydney and Brisbane to Port Macquarie, and Rex operates direct flights from Sydney. Fly Pelican flies direct between Canberra and Port Macquarie twice a week.

Things to Do & Places to Stay

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