Port Macquarie

Coastal rainforest, walks along beaches and encounters with animals give Port Macquarie a varied character. The Coastal Walk offers a longer route with beaches, steps and viewpoints; in Sea Acres National Park, an elevated boardwalk winds through the rainforest. There are also koalas, Australian and exotic animals, and places where you can learn more about the city’s history. Depending on which of these experiences you want to focus on, your trip will take on a different emphasis.

Coastal walk, beaches and lighthouse views

The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk begins at the Town Green foreshore. Another starting point is the Town Beach Breakwall: from there, the nine-kilometre Coastal Walk leads to Tacking Point Lighthouse at Lighthouse Beach. The nine kilometres refers to the one-way distance. There are beaches along the route; several sections include steps and viewpoints. This information can help you take the distance and route sections into account when planning a walk, without treating it as a loop.

At Tacking Point Lighthouse, an accessible path gives people of all abilities access to the historic lighthouse and the views at the northern end of Lighthouse Beach. Both the lighthouse and the views are highlights here. The lighthouse was built in 1879 by James Barnet, an architect from New South Wales. Anyone interested in coastal walks and maritime landmarks will find a tangible historical connection here to the scenery along the Coastal Walk.

Rainforest and wildlife encounters

Sea Acres National Park protects one of the largest remaining coastal rainforests on Australia’s east coast. An elevated boardwalk takes you through the rainforest on an easy walk.

Sea Acres National Park also offers Aboriginal Discovery activities about Aboriginal history and Bush Tucker. This adds insights into history and knowledge surrounding Bush Tucker to a visit to the natural surroundings. If you’re travelling with children, you can consider whether to include these cultural topics in your itinerary alongside walks.

At the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, visitors can observe resident koalas. Accessible viewing areas, interactive exhibits and conservation displays are also part of the offering. The visit combines wildlife observation with information about conservation, rather than being limited to watching the animals.

At Billabong Zoo, visitors can encounter Australian and exotic animals up close. Free zoo talks cover native and exotic animals. For families, this offers another way to combine animal encounters with short themed explanations; the free talks can be an attraction in their own right.

City history and a country outing

The Port Macquarie Museum traces the city’s history from its founding by the British as a penal colony in 1821 to the present day. The museum’s historic Store building is of state significance. Together, these two aspects offer an introduction to Port Macquarie’s development: the exhibition spans its history, while the Store building itself is an important historic structure.

Near Port Macquarie, north of the northern exit, Ricardoes offers strawberry picking in covered greenhouses. This is a different kind of outing from a coastal walk, museum visit or wildlife encounter, and may appeal to families who would also like to plan an activity centred on strawberries.

If you’d like to discover more destinations in addition to Port Macquarie, you’ll also find Black Creek, Banda Banda, Ellenborough and North Haven here.

For the broader travel overview: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.