14 unforgettable things to do in Port Macquarie

Pristine beaches, sleepy coastal enclaves, a bustling foodie scene and lush hinterland offer a smorgasbord of things to do in Port Macquarie.

From well-known tourist magnets to hidden gems favoured by locals, Port Macquarie’s best itinerary fillers shine a light on the expansive beauty of the NSW North Coast. Whether you’re a sucker for breathtaking coastal trails, native wildlife encounters or deep diving into a place’s historical roots, the best things to do in Port Macquarie tick everyone’s boxes. 

1. Wander along the Breakwall

Breakwall in Port Macquarie — The breakwall is a popular spot for its colourful graffiti rocks. (Image: Destination NSW)

Even if this is your first Port Macquarie trip, you’ll likely recognise its iconic Breakwall from the postcards over the years. The long stretch of colourful graffiti rocks is 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 pocket of NSW has been.

It also serves as an entry point to the popular nine-kilometre Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, one of the best walks and hikes in Port Macquarie, which stretches from the Town Green to Tacking Point Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach. Expect to spot marine life, bask in untamed beauty and chat with friendly locals casting their fishing lines off the rocks along the way.

2. Feast by the water

Book a spot at Whalebone Wharf for sweeping views and scrumptious seafood. (Image: Destination NSW)

While solid dining experiences for every meal of the day are peppered throughout town, the most magical plates come with water views. Whalebone Wharf is an institution, renowned for long, meandering seafood lunches overlooking the sparkling Hastings River, and there’s also The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant located at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges on the marina, for special occasions among a sea of million-dollar yachts.

For more casual bites overlooking that shimmering blue beyond, Rydges Port Macquarie ‘s Zebu Bar & Restaurant , one of the best bars and pubs found in town, is always a scene, pumping out relaxed breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails for holidaymakers and locals alike.

3. Make new furry friends at Billabong Zoo

Get up close and personal to an array of Australian and exotic wildlife at the award-winning Billabong Zoo . From snow leopards, koalas and red pandas to reptiles, meerkats and cheetahs, more than 80 types of critters are ready to be petted, fed, held or simply admired via a schedule of personal encounters.

Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your favourites with regular zookeeper talks, which also detail the zoo’s passion for conservation including its world-renowned koala breeding program. More than 200 animals are cared for at this place, long-renowned as one of the most endearing wildlife parks in the country.

4. Support the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie — The hospital is dedicated to year-round koala care and conservation. (Image: Destination NSW)

Speaking of our cuddliest native creatures, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is another excellent thing to do in Port Macquarie. After the 2019-2020 bushfires devastated the local koala population, this incredible organisation was met with an overwhelming wave of financial support from all over the world. A crowdfunding page raised money to purchase and distribute automatic drinking stations within burnt areas, but the page quickly amassed over $8 million from more than 150,000 donors.

Drop in to see the important work they do first-hand, and head over to the Koala Conservation Wild Breeding Visitor & Education Centre (which opened in December 2024) in the Cowarra State Forest (just a short drive away) to catch even more of their brilliance. The team named the latter state-of-the-art facility Guulabaa, which means Place of Koala in Indigenous language.  

5. Watch the sunrise at Town Beach

Travelling with someone inclined to sleep the morning away? A Port Macquarie sunrise is the best incentive to get them out of bed and Town Beach is a prime location to catch the day’s first rays. The location, one of the best Port Macquarie beaches and swimming spots, is protected from south winds, plus it’s close to the centre of town so getting there is a cinch. Pack a picnic blanket, wear warm clothes and prepare to sit back and take in some multi-hued glory. If you need some caffeine to get your travel companion going, The Salty Crew Kiosk is open from 6am every day.

6. Board a whale-watching cruise

Port Jet Cruises at Port Macquarie — Port Macquarie is one of the best places to view the yearly migration of humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Approximately 16,000 humpback whales migrate north along the coast of NSW each year from Antarctica to mate and give birth before returning for summer. As proven year after year, Port Macquarie is one of the best Aussie destinations to spy the majestic mammals in action.

Book one of the many whale-watching cruises that depart frequently throughout the season (May to November) for your best chance at spotting them in the water. The experienced skippers of Port Jet Cruises know the best viewing spots and will also feed answers to all your questions along the way.

Not budgeting a cruise into the mix this trip? There are several popular whale-spotting sites along the coast to take advantage of. The heritage-listed Tacking Point Lighthouse is a good vantage point, along with various spots on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk and at Grants Head on the northern edge of Grants Beach.

7. Connect to your surroundings at the Port Macquarie Museum

Take a journey into the past at the Port Macquarie Museum . An eye-opening thing to do in Port Macquarie, particularly if you’ve run into a rainy day during your visit, the space charts the destination’s rich history as a British penal settlement, plus precisely how it became the tourist attraction it is today.

There are over 20,000 objects on display across several rooms and galleries, with the team committed to sourcing remarkable artefacts and materials since 1957. Think fascinating photos from a bygone era, donations from everyday life and special exhibitions that highlight significant moments in the region’s development.

8. Take a dip at one (or more) of the 17 pristine beaches

Flynns Beach in Port Macquarie — Flynns Beach is a picturesque paradise for surfers. (Image: Destination NSW)

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to picnic, a dog-friendly place to walk, somewhere that’s 4WD-accessible or a place to learn how to surf, there’s a beach in Port Macquarie with your name on it.

Families flock to the patrolled shores of Lake Cathie to enjoy the inflatable slides and trampolines. Flynns Beach is also a popular patrolled beach that ticks kid-friendly boxes with its shaded picnic areas and kiosk. Surfers frequent Town, Lighthouse and Rainbow Beaches, while those seeking solitude make their way to Oxley and Shelly Beach for less-crowded options. Nobbys Beach, with its long stretches of sand, is the best dog-friendly spot in the area.

9. Pick fresh strawberries at Ricardoes

Call into Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries to experience the pleasure of picking your own plump, luscious fruit. Located just 10 minutes from the CBD back towards the Pacific Highway, 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 spend time meandering the enclosed stalls at your own leisure.

Once you’re done plucking your goodies, stroll through its retail centre which overflows with bags of tomatoes and punnets of strawberries, further fresh produce spanning lettuce, herbs, dark green spinach and freshly dug onions, local preserves and other gourmet delights. Standouts include Ricardoes’ tangy tomato relishes, rich tomato pasta sauces and conserves thick with whole berries.

10. Have a drink at The Beach House

Beach House in Port Macquarie — Relax by the waterfront at this charming coastal hotspot. (Image: Destination NSW)

Community comes alive at the legendary Beach House . This Port Macquarie pub boasts a contemporary menu, prime waterfront location and relaxed atmosphere that’s made even more inviting thanks to friendly locals always up for a chat.

This fabulous thing to do in Port Macquarie also serves as a top-notch hangout for a sunset drink, with patrons lingering well into the night on weekends. It’s also a popular space for events so there’s usually entertainment of an evening while you sip on a local brew or indulge in a hearty pub meal.

11. Wander around Bago Maze & Wine

Any place that combines wine with an enormous outdoor fun zone deserves our attention. Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, rolling countryside and acres of vines, Bago Maze & Wine is located a short scenic drive off the Pacific Highway, south of Port Macquarie.

Kids and adults alike are encouraged to wander, run and lose themselves 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. It’s one of the world’s largest hedge mazes, with over 2,000 metres of pathways to explore.

Once you’ve 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.

12. Take in the views of North Brother Mountain

If it’s accessible, panoramic views you seek, North Brother Mountain offers some of the best in the region. Situated in Dooragan National Park, its east coast vistas take in the magnificent Camden Haven Inlet and extend to Crowdy Head in the south, Mount Yarrahappini in the north and trace the Camden Haven River between Queens and Watson Taylors Lakes.

Pack your own lunch to take advantage of the picnic facilities on offer. There’s also an open lawn area where you can spread out and unwind while enjoying Port Macquarie’s most beautiful sights.

13. Explore the beach on the back of a camel

camels at Port Macquarie — Hop aboard one of Australia’s majestic camels. (Image: Destination NSW)

Strolling it on two feet is undoubtedly tranquil but Lighthouse Beach is arguably best experienced while perched upon a camel. Port Macquarie Camel Safaris offer a seriously serene experience, sending their foot-legged friends along the golden sand for a tour of the coastline as the sun sparkles in the morning.

The best bit? You don’t even need to book. It’s first-in, best-dressed, so if you’ve got a bit of time on your hands, simply queue up for a well-supervised, highly entertaining (and also educational, as a guide is on hand to offer facts and tales) spin.

14. Hunt a unique trail of koala sculptures

Hello Koalas sculpture at Port Macquarie — Each Hello Koalas sculpture is lovingly hand-painted by talented Australian artists. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of the best free things to do in Port Macquarie, the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail encompasses 91 fibreglass koala sculptures and it’s your job to spot them all. Spanning the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, the award-winning artistic street showcase is absolutely adorable, with designs inspired by everything from superhero characters and our national Surf Life Saving uniforms to high-profile Aussies and unique local communities. You can pick up a map of the trail at the Hello Koalas Gallery + Gift Shop on Blackbutt Rd, or visit the website to download one.

Discover the best places to stay in Port Macquarie

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.