Top Towns for 2022: How to really unwind in Port Macquarie

Beyond its beautiful beaches, Port Macquarie is now known for its sophisticated food and wine scene, as well as its sustainability and conservation initiatives. Find out how Port Macquarie landed in at no.18 on your list of Top 50 Aussie towns.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

There seems to be an unending expanse of sky and sea in Port Macquarie, so much so that it’s hard to distinguish where one stops and the other begins. The two seem interchangeable, the far-off horizon stretching forever, like a frayed blue ribbon. You’ll find locals and visitors enjoying all the location offers every which way they can. Dotting the water on paddleboards. Surfing empty point breaks. Fishing. Kayaking. Following a creek through subtropical jungle.

golden sand beach at Port Macquarie — Go beyond Port Macquarie’s beautiful beaches.

Slurping fresh-shucked oysters just metres from where they are farmed. It’s a slice of paradise. Where you can glimpse rare shorebirds, dolphins and whales hugging close to the coastline in winter.

When you’re not exploring the long, white arcs of sand, or taking advantage of the legendary photo opportunities from the lighthouse at dawn, you can rack up a few days sipping wine at cellar doors, enjoying lunch at much-lauded local eateries, or exploring unique boutiques and galleries. This is where to start.

Contribute to Koala Conservation

If you want to fan your fascination with native flora and fauna, Port Macquarie is at the forefront of this scene. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has been helping to rescue and rehabilitate koalas since 1973. It recently opened the first phase of its Cowarra State Forest tourism precinct called Guulabaa – Place of Koala , in consultation with local Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council, which also runs the Bunyah Cafe on site.

Admire a Koala. (Image: Remy Brand)

The new nature-based tourism precinct currently includes Wildnets adventure park , which features elevated boardwalks, ball pits, a 3D maze, hammocks, treehouses and has plans for the world’s first wild koala breeding facility, an educational amphitheatre for cultural awareness workshops as well as an Aboriginal-owned art centre all due to open in 2023.

fun activities for kids at the Wildnets — Let the kids run wild at Wildnets. (Image: Lucy Hamphries Photography)

A visit to the precinct actually contributes to the conservation of koalas, which also feature along the hugely successful Hello Koalas sculpture trail, which was established in 2014 as a way to celebrate public art while highlighting the plight of the local koala population. Want to tick off another Big Thing? You’ll find a 2.5-metre painted koala standing under a canopy of gum trees.

Take a breather

Your chances of seeing a koala in the wild will increase exponentially when you visit Tom’s Creek Nature Domes , which are surrounded by woodlands and home to a wild menagerie of bower birds, king parrots, echidnas, platypus and possums.

Spend the day exploring the nearby Biriwal Bulga National Park before retreating like a snail into your giant shell (read: fully self-contained geo-design nature home) and scouring the sky for constellations. Care to hike through breathtaking landscapes? You’re in position.

You can also take a breather closer to civilisation at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges , a great launchpad for the Hastings River, which is an aquatic playground for those who want to take advantage of the complimentary paddleboards and kayaks.

riverside accommodation at Sails Port Macquarie — A stay at Sails Port Macquarie will set you right on the river. (Image: Laneway Photography)

Hastings River Horse Riding also offers visitors a picturesque plod along the river as it loops around picturesque Redbank and your equestrian efforts will be rewarded with views over countryside with fuzzy miniature sheep and cows that look fixed like felt art.

Escape the hustle and bustle

From little ideas, big things grow. Case in point, Little Turkey , which has blossomed into a beautiful place for breakfast, brunch or lunch filled with billowing curtains and comfy cushions. You will also appreciate the leisurely pace of lunch on offer at paddock-to-plate eatery Twotriplefour, followed by a wine tasting at Cassegrain Wines .

lunch at Twotriplefour — Go from paddock to plate at Twotriplefour.

Back in town, as well as tootling around Port Macquarie’s many waterways, you can follow the Breakwall foreshore route on land, which most locals do on the daily, and scarf down a few sundowners at Little Shack, which will almost certainly lead to a few great local recommendations and the forming of new friendships.

One of those recommendations is likely to be lunch at Whalebone Wharf and The Stunned Mullet , followed by a scheduled visit to Wakulda, an ongoing 10-minute sound-and-light instalment about the Birpai people, the Traditional Owners, which is projected onto the Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse.

Fans of street artist Mulga will also be pleased to check out his new mural at Flynns Beach, which takes inspiration from regional attractions in Port Macquarie. Glasshouse Port Macquarie is also worth a visit for its roster of offerings that range from exhibitions and workshops to film, drama and dance.

creative mural by Mulga at Flynns Beach — Check out the new mural by Mulga at Flynns Beach. (Image: Jackson Rafferty)

Port Macquarie. It’s the new place to be, thanks to its social and environmental initiatives, and the fresh wind that seems to be bringing new ideas, entertainment and cultural offerings to the fore.

Explore more of Port Macquarie in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.