Subscribe
Subscribe
The Best Things to Do in Port Macquarie for a Weekend Escape
Looking for the best things to do in Port Macquarie during your next coastal getaway? We've got you covered.
Kick off your coastal holiday with sweeping views from Tacking Point Lighthouse, followed by a beachfront breakfast at Salty Crew Kiosk and a cultural tour of Sea Acres Rainforest. When dinner rolls around, treat yourself to a three-course meal at The Stunned Mullet before kicking back with a brew at The Beach House. With the Hastings River to one side, a line-up of beautiful beaches on the other, and foreshore parks, nature reserves and national parks sprinkled all around, there is an endless supply of things to do in Port Macquarie.
With balmy summers and mild winters, this coastal town is ready and waiting for year-round holidaying.
Best Things to Do Outdoors in Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie Coastal Walk
If you were to do just one thing in Port Macquarie, this should be it. One of the most beautiful walks on the New South Wales coastline, the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk stretches 9.1km between Tacking Point Lighthouse and Town Green foreshore park.
The walk passes several swimming and surf beaches, including Shelly Beach and Flynn’s Beach, and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, and lets hikers enjoy incredible vistas up and down the coast with vantage points during whale watching season (May to November).
Where: Sea Acres National Park
Cost: Park use fees apply
Best For: Outdoor, Active, Nature lovers
Sea Acres Rainforest
This impeccably preserved stretch of coastal rainforest is a natural highlight of the area and a place of cultural significance for the Birpai people. You can learn all about the history and the ecology of the site at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, before setting off to explore along the 1.2km boardwalk. If you’ve got the time, consider booking in for an Aboriginal cultural tour.
Where: Port Macquarie
Cost: Park use fees apply
Best For: Nature lovers, Cultural, Outdoor
Tacking Point Lighthouse
One of Australia’s oldest lighthouses, Tacking Point Lighthouse is a slice of history as well as a significant view point for avid whale watchers. Whilst the lighthouse itself is draw enough, consider pairing your visit with some time spent at Lighthouse Beach or as a stop along the 9.1km coastal hike.
Where: Port Macquarie
Cost: Free
Best For: Outdoor, Active, Nature lovers
Need To Know: As well as disabled parking, Tacking Point Lighthouse also boasts accessible pathways
Best Things to Do in Port Macquarie with Kids
Port Macquarie Museum
If you love to learn the history of a local town (an activity we highly recommend no matter where you visit), this one is for you. Port Macquarie Museum tells the stories of the township and its people. Home to the Birpai people, and what was once a British penal settlement, the award-winning Port Macquarie Museum celebrates and shares tales of sporting history, memorable moments, fashion, travel, conflict and conservation.
To dive deeper during your visit, opt for an audio-guided tour and take it at your own pace, learning the details of Port Macquarie’s rich past.
Where: Port Macquarie
Cost: From $10
Best For: Cultural, Kids, Budget-friendly
Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Farm
Just 10 minutes out of town, Ricardoes has long been providing a fun and family-friendly day out near Port Macquarie. With over 30,000 plants growing in their greenhouses, grab a bucket and pluck plump strawberries before relaxing in Big Red Cafe.
Scones and strawberry jam are the order of the day, and you can also purchase some homemade condiments. If you want the low-down about the inner workings of Ricardoes, there is a free farm tour at 11 am on weekdays.
Where: Blackmans Point
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Families, Kids, Visitors
The Koala Hospital
Dedicated to the conservation of one of Australia’s most beloved creatures, The Koala Hospital has been operating for over 50 years. In that time they’ve contributed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of thousands of koalas. Visitors can visit the hospital to observe resident koalas and learn more about the fantastic work being done here.
Sitchu Tip: One of our favourite cafes in the area, HOME at Roto House, is located just around the corner. Be sure to stop in when you need to refuel.
Where: Port Macquarie
Cost: From $16.50
Best For: Kids, Families, Nature lovers
Best Daytrips Near Port Macquarie
Visit The Camden Haven
A short 30-minute drive south of Port Macquarie, Camden Haven offers a hefty dose of summer nostalgia, with laidback eateries, waterside cafes, friendly locals, holiday parks and fish and chip shops.
Made up of eight townships from the coast to the hinterland, each has its own unique story and culture, with plenty of activities—from fishing and kayaking to farm stays and walking trails—to keep you busy.
Camden Haven, NSW
Winery Hop
There is a lot that Port Macquarie does well, and wineries are no exception. Take a quick trip to Cassegrain Wines (13 minutes from the town centre), for a tasting at the cellar door, open seven days a week.
Relax on the deck with a cheese platter and wine at Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery in Lake Cathie (20 minutes from town), and Bago Maze and Winery in Wauchope (25 minutes from town) is a must-visit for the impressive hedge maze alone—but the wine is great, too!
Best Cafes in Port Macquarie
Bloom Cafe
Bloom Cafe shakes up the Port Macquarie brunch scene with Singaporean takes on brunch classics. There are cafe staples like toasties, eggs benny and acai, as well as more adventurous flavours like duo crusty crab scramble and roti and rendang. The cafe has a fantastic outdoor area, perfect for Sunday brunching, with locals lining up each weekend to nab a sunny spot.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Locals, Quick bite, Breakfast
Salty Crew Kiosk
Perfectly positioned on Town Beach, Salty Crew Kiosk is an ideal base from which to watch surfers vie for the perfect wave or spot whales migrating. Here, food is done right. Think acai bowls, raw treats, cold-pressed juices and soul food, all of which would make for the perfect post-beach or Coastal Walk refuel. It’s a local favourite, with baristas remembering your name (and how you take your coffee!).
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Locals, Waterfront, Quick bite
The Rainforest Cafe
Tucked away in the Sea Acres Rainforest, this light-filled cafe ticks off your daily dose of nature and a hearty breakfast made with ingredients that showcase the region. With walls made of glass and an open deck, The Rainforest Cafe makes the most of its prized location.
Sitchu Tip: Once you’ve fuelled up, get your steps in with the 1.2km elevated rainforest walk, which conveniently starts inside the cafe gift shop (note: there is a fee).
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Group dining, Brunch, Outdoor dining
Studio 3 Espresso
Coffee lovers, this charming little cafe is a priority. Studio 3 Espresso has mastered the art of seriously good coffee, which they pair with scrumptious takes on the humble toastie.
Sitchu Tip: Located opposite the foreshore park, grab your coffee to go and wander along the breakwall to try and spot a dolphin (or two!).
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Locals, Solo dining
COAST Lighthouse Beach
This beachfront cafe offers a quintessentially Australian way to start your day. COAST Lighthouse Beach starts brewing coffees from 6:30am, for the early birds. Grab a picnic bench, housed under a striped umbrella, and feast on Butterboy cookies, acai bowls and COAST’s famous halloumi burger. You’ll even find pup cups available for your furry friends.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Waterfront, Locals, Breakfast
HOME at Roto House
It’s easy to make this historic home your third place, with surrounding nature reserve crafting a serene backdrop to your daily coffee. Take a seat or spread out a picnic rug as you taste your way through the comforting classics of toasties, bagels, scones and homemade cakes. Acting as a community hub, you’ll find plenty of events on regular rotation at HOME at Roto House, including live music, workshops and markets.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Brunch, Outdoor dining, Families
Agostina
Simple, seasonal bites are the staple fare at Agostina. Think fish of the day to pie of the day, all impeccably presented with colourful herbs and edible blooms.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Group dining, Locals, Breakfast
Best Restaurants in Port Macquarie
The Stunned Mullet
The Stunned Mullet is where the locals get their fine dining fix, with both the lunch and dinner menus shining a spotlight on ocean-fresh seafood.
A flight of freshly shucked oysters with three different dressings is the way to start any lunch. Book in for dinner to enjoy their fixed-price menu as you work through their delectable offerings from crisp king prawns to the Moreton Bay bug linguine.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $$$
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Best For: Special occasion,
Bill’s Fishhouse & Bar
A casual dining space in the middle of town focusing on a sea-to-plate ethos, dining at Bill’s is a must-do in Port Macquarie. A dinner venue with a menu overflowing with freshly caught seafood, the bar also holds its own with a bespoke selection of cocktails and wines. If you come with a group, take our advice and go all-in with the chef’s tasting menu.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $$$
Cuisine: Seafood
Best For: Long lunch, Weekend plans, Date night
Stick
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? Serving up Japanese wood-fired BBQ and a crafty cocktail list to match, this moody after-hours haunt is the place to be of an evening.
As the name suggests, the sticks are a must ranging from the classic yakitori to the devilishly daring 666 sticks (order at your own risk). Pair your snacks with an equally as tasty Stick signature cocktail (hello, Citrus Bomb 2.0) for the ultimate indulgence.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Japanese
Best For: Late night, Cocktail lovers, Date night
Discover more of our favourite restaurants in Port Macquarie.
Best Bars & Breweries in Port Macquarie
The Beach House
A beautiful waterfront hotel, The Beach House knows how to turn on the charm. Here, it is all about the views from the covered deck, a tasty dining menu, and a drink selection that covers the whole shebang.
It’s the kind of place that you’ll come for lunch and linger well into the evening, thanks to its winning location along Port Macquarie’s breathtaking foreshore that makes for an epic sunset spot.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Best For: Cocktail lovers, Waterfront, Group dining
Moorebeer Brewing Co.
Tucked away on the outskirts of town, Moorebeer Brewing Co. opens its doors to the public from Thursday to Sunday. So, if you’re looking for a weekend haunt, this is it.
Their tap wall pours ten different brews, but if beer isn’t your thing, they also have a great selection of wine, ciders and spirits. Live music and a food truck round out the experience in this cool and laid-back industrial set-up.
Suburb: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Pub fare
Best For: Weekend plans, Locals, Group dining
Where to Stay in Port Macquarie
Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
A waterfront hotel overlooking Port Macquarie harbour, Sails is a luxury stay with everything you could ever want in a coastal getaway. Lush landscaping, heated pools with private cabanas, and direct access to the harbour where you can fish from their private jetty or take one of their complimentary kayaks out on the water.
As for the rooms, our pick is the water view suite. And although they have an on-site restaurant and bar, you are within walking distance of the town centre, which is overflowing with places to eat.
Location: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: From $268 per night
Best For: Coastal, Couples, Weekend escape
Book your stay with Sails Port Macquarie
Book your stay with Booking.com
Rydges Port Macquarie
Perfectly positioned in the middle of town along the foreshore park, Rydges Port Macquarie has everything you need at your doorstep, from cafes, restaurants and bars to beaches, coastal walks and water play.
Even with all this going on, Rydges gives you very little reason to leave with a heated pool and spa, a day spa and waterfront rooms and apartments with private balconies.
Location: Port Macquarie
Price Guide: From $249 per night
Best For: Coastal, Weekend escape, Families
Book your stay with Rydges Port Macquarie
Book your stay with Booking.com
FAQs About the Best Things to Do in Port Macquarie
The best things to do in Port Macquarie include walking the 9.1km Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, visiting Tacking Point Lighthouse and exploring Sea Acres Rainforest. Wildlife lovers can see resident koalas at The Koala Hospital, while history buffs can learn about the Birpai people and the town’s penal settlement past at Port Macquarie Museum. For food and drink, book dinner at The Stunned Mullet, catch the sunset at The Beach House or spend a weekend afternoon at Moorebeer Brewing Co. Day trips to Camden Haven and local wineries such as Cassegrain Wines round out a weekend escape.
Port Macquarie is a year-round destination, thanks to its balmy summers and mild winters. Summer is ideal for swimming at beaches like Shelly Beach and Flynn’s Beach, kayaking on the Hastings River and soaking up the nostalgic holiday vibe of nearby Camden Haven. If you’re keen to spot whales, plan your trip between May and November, when migrating whales can be seen from vantage points along the Coastal Walk, Tacking Point Lighthouse and Town Beach. Cooler months are also perfect for cosy winery visits and long lunches by the water.
For fine dining in Port Macquarie, The Stunned Mullet is a local favourite, with a fixed-price dinner menu built around ocean-fresh seafood. Bill’s Fishhouse & Bar is another seafood standout, where the chef’s tasting menu is a winner for groups, while Stick serves Japanese wood-fired BBQ and signature cocktails late into the evening. For brunch, Bloom Cafe offers Singaporean twists on cafe classics, and beachfront spots Salty Crew Kiosk and COAST Lighthouse Beach are ideal for a post-swim refuel. Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss Studio 3 Espresso.
Port Macquarie is packed with family-friendly activities, starting with The Koala Hospital, where kids can see resident koalas and learn about rescue and rehabilitation (entry from $16.50). Just 10 minutes out of town, Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Farm offers free entry, strawberry picking and scones at Big Red Cafe, plus a free farm tour at 11am on weekdays. Port Macquarie Museum makes history fun with audio-guided tours, while the elevated boardwalk at Sea Acres Rainforest is a hit with little explorers. Bago Maze and Winery’s hedge maze is another crowd-pleaser.
For a luxury waterfront stay, Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges overlooks the harbour and features heated pools with private cabanas, a private jetty and complimentary kayaks, with rooms from $268 per night. For a central base, Rydges Port Macquarie sits on the foreshore park in the middle of town, offering a heated pool and spa, a day spa and waterfront rooms with private balconies from $249 per night. Both are within walking distance of the town centre’s cafes, restaurants and bars, making them ideal for a weekend escape.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
Did you love our round-up of the best things to do in Port Macquarie and after more travel inspo? Read our edit of the best luxury stays on the Central Coast then check out our best things to do in Newcastle guide – the perfect stopover on your way up from Sydney.
