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.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.