11 of the best Port Macquarie bars and pubs for good vibes

Character-filled drinking dens plus budget-friendly bites equal epic holiday revelry at the best Port Macquarie bars and Port Macquarie pubs.

From boutique bars pouring crafty local drops to much-adored pubs with all the bells and whistles, the best Port Macquarie bars and pubs unleash excellent holiday memories. Just add pristine river glimpses, inspired live music and generously plated feeds and what you’ve got is the stuff of laidback holiday dreams. Here, we round up the cream of the crop to get you kicking back sooner rather than later.

Port Macquarie Bars

1. Little Shack

the Little Shack, Port Macquarie — Pop by the small kiosk selling snacks and cocktails at sunset. (Image: Little Shack)

Soak up river views over a cocktail or a few at Little Shack . It’s a morning magnet for caffeine seekers but the team dial up the revelry come sunset o’clock when the Port Macquarie bar’s garden is aflush with cocktail jugs (choose from classic hits including Long Island Iced Tea, mojitos and caprioskas), frozen cocktails and all your favourite picks of poisons do the rounds.

Indulge sensibly by lining your belly with snacks that start from midday. Think guac and dip, French fries, fish tacos, prawn rolls and more. It’s relaxed, beautifully positioned overlooking the water and flat-out fun — don’t leave town without experiencing this sunset session.

2. Bar Florian

Drop into Bar Florian for a classy ambience set to the beat of chilled tunes. The scene is retro-cool as the interiors are inspired by 1960s Italy so it’s all big-bodied wine, mouth-watering charcuterie and deep belly laughs. Rushing your vino selection isn’t advised as the Port Macquarie bar’s impressively stacked menu is filled with expertly sourced drops. Keen for something special? Cocktails are never a bad idea.

Antipasto is also embraced with authentic flair as baked camembert, French brie with ciabatta, dips and spiced nuts dot a short but sweet food menu.

2. Stick Bar

clinking cocktail glasses at Stick Bar, Port Macquarie — Spend laid-back afternoons clinking cocktail glasses. (Image: Stick Bar)

Did you know Port Macquarie boasts its own laneway life? True story. Rub shoulders with the cool kids at Stick Bar , a hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar specialising in Yakatori skewers (hence the hot spot’s name) and beautifully crafted beverages. Signature creations include the elegantly executed Tokyo Honey Whiskey Sour, the Smoked Maple Rye Old Fashioned utilising apple and cherry wood, and the Flissy Foo with homemade blueberry and butterfly pea flower (don’t ask, just devour) coulis.

Spooky Island is another high-five menu offering, presented in a ceramic tiki mug and delicately blending Fireball and spiced rum. Save room for the sticks which span the harissa chicken, sticky pork belly, traditional yakitori chicken thigh fillet, fried tofu and more.

4. Jimmy’s Bar and Lounge

Located above The Westport Club on central Buller Street, Jimmy’s Bar and Lounge is a great spot to unwind after a day of exploration. Recline on one of the chairs, take your pick from 100 whiskeys on offer, or comb the cocktail list for your favourite tipple.

It’s a prime viewing spot to watch sailboats glide along the Hastings River as cushy couches and ample space create a soothing holiday atmosphere. If the view demands classic cold ones, there are 25 beers on tap to choose from.

5. Zebu Bar & Restaurant

waterfront dining at Zebu Bar & Restaurant — Sip on a sundowner with waterfront views at Zebu Bar & Restaurant. (Image: Remy Brand Photography)

Waterfront venues may be a frequent fixture in Port Macquarie, but Zebu Bar & Restaurant is one of the most popular of the bunch. This funky spot has become a fixture for locals, corporate travellers and tourists for its unpretentious, vibrant atmosphere. And that’s just the start of it.

Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and don’t forget that happy hour swings from 5pm until 6pm every day. There’s an extensive selection of beers, wines and spirits, and the menu heroes seafood. With spectacular views over the foreshore, it’s an idyllic location that demands you put up your feet.

6. Black Duck Brewery

pouring tap beer into the glass at Black Duck Brewery — Enjoy ice-cold beer fresh from the tap at Black Duck Brewery. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you’re keen to get your hands on a locally brewed lager, Black Duck Brewery is the place to go. It’s home to the best craft beer in the region, with inspired creations streaming steadily on tap.

Work your way through a tasting paddle or request a tour to experience exactly what goes on behind the scenes. Head brewer Al Owen knows all the ins and outs, and he might show you around between all that malting and mashing. The space regularly hosts live entertainment (check the website for what’s coming up) and dishes up epic food platters alongside those fantastic brews.

7. Florence Jones

dining at Florence Jones, Port Macquarie — Grab lunch by the river at Florence Jones. (Image: Supplied)

Named after the owners’ beloved cattle dog, Florence Jones is a homely wine bar right by the river. Let shimmering water views and the afternoon light set the perfect scene as an expert edit of boutique drops reliably dazzle — particularly when the team, made of cheese aficionados, roll out their latest dairy discoveries.

Just as alluring as the wine itself, the cheese menu is thoroughly researched, making for a perfect pre-dinner treat as the sun slowly sinks over that magical view.

Port Macquarie Pubs

8. The Local Flynn’s Beach

A little out of the centre of town lies The Local Flynn’s Beach, home to one of the most chilled beer gardens in Port Macquarie. There are also plenty of screens streaming live sports so if there was any question as to where you can sneak off to catch the game, consider it sorted.

The bar menu will sort out rumbling tums as pub classics spanning chicken wings, chicken schnitzel, pizzas and light snacks are dished up all day. There’s also a bistro menu (but you can take your meal wherever you can find a table) offering steaks, pan-seared barramundi and curries. Check out the Port Macquarie pub’s Instagram to see what’s on when you visit as live music and stand-up comedy is staged regularly.

9. Tacking Point Tavern

people hanging out at Tacking Point Tavern, Port Macquarie — Kick back in the beer garden with a cocktail in hand. (Image: Flowers Hotel Photography)

Speaking of beer gardens, you’ll need to check out the one at Tacking Point Tavern . Fitted out with a jumbo screen and dotted with dining tables and umbrellas, it’s an epic space to kick back and let the day get away from you. Live music flows over the weekend, as does a decent roll call of cocktails including coconut margaritas, apple lychee martinis and everyone’s beloved Aperol spritz.

Make it a night to remember (or forget) with a range of cocktail jugs, too, and there’s always a food special on offer so check out the website for up-to-date highlights.

10. Settlers Inn Hotel

pub grub at Settlers Inn Hotel, Port Macquarie — Settlers Inn Hotel serves up great pub grub. (Image: Flower Hotels Photography)

Every town needs a local and around this neck of the woods, it’s the Settlers Inn Hotel . The Port Macquarie pub prides itself on being the best family-friendly spot around and their huge playground facilities are always a hit with the kids. Daily specials keep crowds flocking and every day provides a new opportunity, including the standout $15 meals on Monday.

Additionally, it’s home to one of the biggest screens in town for live sport, so you can always expect a lively atmosphere on game night.

11. The Beach House

cocktail drinks at The Beach House, Port Macquarie — Drink your way through an extensive offering of cocktails at The Beach House.

Part cafe, part pub, The Beach House offers the best seat in Port Macquarie for steady sunset gazing. Located on Town Green, overlooking the Hastings River, the iconic venue is one of the most visited spots around – partly thanks to being within walking distance from the city centre. Many use it as a pit stop along the iconic Port Macquarie Breakwall coastal walk as this place is stacked with delicious rewards including the $18 cocktails from 4pm until 6pm every Friday. That’s discounted pina coladas, espresso martinis and other fruity specials for anyone needing further enticement.

Originally written by Eliza Sholly with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Looking for somewhere to stay? Discover the best places to stay in Port Macquarie.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .