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

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.