The Best Things to Do in Port Macquarie for a Weekend Escape

The ultimate coastal getaway, Port Macquarie is an outdoor lover's dream. With the Hastings River to one side, a line-up of beautiful beaches to the other, and foreshore parks, nature reserves and national parks sprinkled all around, this is a little slice of paradise on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast.

The attractions in Port Macquarie keep the family busy, from strawberry picking and hedge mazes to koala sculpture trails and surfing beaches. A burgeoning foodie scene shines a spotlight on ocean-fresh seafood, and, with balmy summers and mild winters, this coastal town is popular year-round.

So the next time you're planning a trip here, make sure to check out our guide on the best things to do in Port Macquarie.

Bloom PMQ

Bloom PMQ is passionate about bringing fresh, fabulous food to their regular and first-time visiting customers. Their menu is simple yet delicious  – think acai bowls, avo toast, falafel hash, halloumi salad and fried chicken benny. Bloom boasts a fantastic outdoor area, perfect for Sunday brunching, with locals lining up each weekend to nab a sunny spot.

1/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie

Salty Crew Kiosk

Perfectly positioned on Town Beach, Salty Crew Kiosk is the spot to watch surfers vie for the perfect wave or spot whales migrating. Here, food is done right. Think acai bowls, raw treats, cold press juices and soul food, all of which would make for the perfect post-beach or Coastal Walk refuel.  

1/15 Elliott Way, Port Macquarie

The Rainforest Cafe

Tucked away in a coastal rainforest, immerse yourself in this natural wonder while tucking into a hearty breakfast. With walls made of glass and an open deck, you'll feel like you're dining amongst the trees.

Once you've fueled up, get your steps in with the 1.3km elevated rainforest walk, which conveniently starts inside the gift shop (there is a fee).

Sea Acre Rainforest, Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie

Studio 3 Espresso

Coffee lovers will delight in this charming little cafe. This espresso bar has mastered the art of seriously good coffee, and, if you're feeling particularly peckish, they have a small lunch selection that will tide you over.

Located opposite the foreshore park, grab your coffee to go and wander along the breakwall to try and spot a dolphin or two.  

3/1 Murray Street, Port Macquarie

The Stunned Mullet

Love your seafood? Then this place is for you. The Stunned Mullet is the local go-to for a fine dining experience, and both their lunch and dinner menus shine a spotlight on ocean-fresh seafood.

The flight of dressed oysters 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. 

24 William Street, Port Macquarie

Bills 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 ocean-fresh seafood, while the bar 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. Delish!

2/18-20 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie

Zebu Bar & Restaurant

Taking a prime position on Port Macquarie’s stunning waterfront, Zebu has fast become a popular weekend dining spot. Live music and a killer cocktail list set the scene for a sophisticated dining setting overlooking the Hastings River.

Open from sun up to long after sundown, Zebu’s menus cover all bases. For something light, opt for something off the shared menu which features tasty bites like baby octopus, hummus, and cheese plates. As for the mains, it's classic pub fare.

1 Hay Street, Port Macquarie

Burger Rebellion

Smack bang in the middle of town, Burger Rebellion is the local go-to for a delicious burger. Here you can swing either way – go all-in with the falafel burger with, beetroot pesto, herb and apple slaw, sesame yogurt and pickles. Or, opt for a juicy Southern Fried Chicken burger with a side of loaded chilli cheese fries. Either way, you can't go wrong. 

14/6 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie

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 one of the better things you’ll find down a dark alley.

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). Keeping on theme, pair your spicy snacks with a Corpse Reviver No.2 for the ultimate indulgence.

1B Clarence Street, 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 full 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.

1 Horton Street, Port Macquarie 

Moorebeer Brewing Co.

Tucked away on the outskirts of town, Moorebeer Brewing Co. opens its doors to the public every Friday, Saturday and 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 industrial set-up. 

18/35 Merrigal Road, 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.

A paradise for water enthusiasts to spend a day fishing, kayaking or on a SUP in the Camden Haven River, the area is filled with walking trails to keep you active on your escape.

Camden Haven, NSW

X Golf

Whether it's a wet weather timetable or you are keen to give the golf thing a go, X-Golf is the newest spot in town for a state-of-the-art, indoor golf experience.

Perfect for all skill levels, X-Golf allows you to test your swing with friends with more than 50 virtual courses and cutting-edge simulators that mimic the real thing. The venue features a full-service kitchen serving ribs, sliders and pizza, while the bar keeps the good times going with cold beer, coffee and cocktails.

Open rain, hail or shine, X-Golf also has live sports on the big screens and dart boards to test your aim, making this a buzzing new social hub in town.

58 Uralla Road, Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie Museum

If you love to learn the history of a local town, 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.

22 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie

Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail

The Hello Koala Sculpture Trailis a highlight of Port Macquarie, adored by locals and visitors for a decade. Think of it as a treasure hunt, as sprinkled around Port Macquarie and surrounding towns are more than 90 one-metre-high koalas, uniquely hand-painted by Australian artists to find and snap a pic with.

And while we're on the topic of Koalas, pop into the Koala Hospital to see them up close in the gum trees or being treated by vets. You'll need to book ahead. Hint: You may even spot a Hello Koala here. 

Koala Hospital, Lord Street, Port Macquarie

Timbertown Heritage Theme Park

Less of a park and more of a village, head inland and step back in time with a visit to Timbertown. The perfect family-friendly activity, explore 87 acres of lush forest that has been re-created to demonstrate the area’s historic past. Try your luck panning for gold in the stream,  ride on the steam train chugging through the park’s lush natural landscapes and stop at Whistlestop Cafe for sweets and tea.  

2325 Oxley Highway, Wauchope

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 daily.

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!

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries Farm

Just 10 minutes out of town, Ricardoes has long been providing a fun and family-friendly day out in 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. 

221 Blackmans Point Road, Blackmans Point 

Settlement Point

Explore the beauty of Port Macquarie by hiring a vessel. From Settlement Point, hire a kayak and paddle your way down the Hastings River, spotting playful dolphins. Fancy a barbeque on the river? Hire a pontoon boat where you can fish, barbeque and cruise to your heart's content or try SUP - they have that here too. Settlement Point is also a great swimming spot, especially for young families, with the bonus of barbeque facilities and a playground. 

Settlement Point Road, Port Macquarie 

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk 

If you were to do only 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, the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and enjoy incredible vistas up and down the coast with vantage points during whale watching season (May to November). 

Sea Acres National Park

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. 

Book your stay with Sails Port Macquarie

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20 Park Street, Port Macquarie

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, an award-winning restaurant, Zebu, a day spa and waterfront rooms and apartments with private balconies.  

Book your stay with Rydges Port Macquarie

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1 Hay Street, Port Macquarie

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. 

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