The Best Things to Do in Port Macquarie for a Fun Weekend Getaway

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

What's more, it's packed with things to do, from strawberry picking, to hedge mazes to koala sculpture trails to surfing beaches. Plus, a burgeoning foodie scene that shines a spotlight on ocean-fresh seafood. And, with balmy summers and mild winters, this coastal town just keeps on giving 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 punters. 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, that has the locals lining up each weekend.

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, spot whales migrating by, or stop after a morning swim or a heart-pumping run along the coastal walk. Here, food is done right. Think acai bowls, raw treats, cold press juices and soul food.  

1/15 Elliott Way, Port Macquarie

The Rainforest Café

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 had your fill, do the 1.3km elevated rainforest walk which 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 café. 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 while you wander along the Breakwall to 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. It's one of our favourite things to do in Port Macquarie because 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. At night though, enjoy their fixed price menu as you work your way 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 with a focus on a sea-to-plate ethos, dining at Bill's is one of the best things to do in Port Macquarie. A dinner venue with a menu that's 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 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 sunup to long after sundown, Zebu’s many 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 really 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.

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 things to do in Port Macquarie on the weekend, then 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

Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail

One of the best things to do in Port Macquarie, and it's absolutely free, is the Hello Koala Sculpture Trail. Think of it as a treasure hunt of sorts. Sprinkled around Port Macquarie and surrounding towns are 83 one-metre-high koalas, uniquely hand-painted by Australian artists for you 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, 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 or take a ride on the steam train venturing through the park’s lush natural landscapes.  

2325 Oxley Highway, Wauchope

Winery Hop

There is a lot that Port Macquarie does well, and wineries are one. One of the best things to do in Port Macquarie is a trip to Cassegrain Wines (13 minutes from the town centre), whose cellar door is 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, just for the hedge maze alone. 

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries Farm

Just 10 minutes out of town, Ricardoes has long been topping every list of things to do in Port Macquarie. With over 30,000 plants growing in their greenhouses, grab a bucket and pluck your own plump strawberries before relaxing in Big Red Café. 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 weekdays. 

221 Blackmans Point Road, Blackmans Point 

Settlement Point

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

Settlement Point Road, Port Macquarie 

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk 

If you were to do one thing in Port Macquarie, then this would 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, Sea Acre Rainforest, and it has 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 that has 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 their own restaurant and bar, you are within walking distance of the town centre, which is overflowing with places to eat. 

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.  

1 Hay Street, Port Macquarie

Finished 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.