With sweeping beaches, world-class surf breaks, a koala hospital, and whale-watching in season, the quiet coastal city of Port Macquarie is a popular New South Wales vacation destination. There’s plenty to do off the water, including visiting beach cafés, wineries, farmers markets, pick-your-own farms, camel safaris, and national parks.
Most travelers experience Port Macquarie independently, savoring the beautiful coastal walk, soaking up the sun, and wining and dining. Water sports span the gamut from surfing, bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking to sailing and jet boating. The koala hospital, a zoo, and parks, including Crowdy Bay National Park, offer wildlife encounters, while there are humpbacks, orcas, and southern right whales to see in migration season. The Hastings River wine region is an up-and-coming wine tourism destination.
Port Macquarie is a good choice for families and wildlife fans.
Australian vacationers happily spend a week in Port Macquarie, but most international travelers can see the highlights in a day or two.
A former retirement town, Port Macquarie is very accessible, with beach wheelchair programs and wheelchair-friendly walks.
Port Macquarie is about a 240-mile (385-kilometer) drive north of Sydney and about a 335-mile (540-kilometer) drive south of Brisbane. Trains run from Sydney to Wauchope, with a connecting coach service to Port Macquarie, while Greyhound coach services are from Sydney and Brisbane. There’s also an airport with direct flights to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
Whales migrate past Port Macquarie from May–November, with June–October being the best time for sightings. There’s year-round surfing, but connoisseurs favor the Australian fall and winter (March–August). Beach fans will find the weather warmest during the Australian summer and shoulder seasons (November–March).
Thanks to climate change, habitat loss, and disease, Australia’s koala population is under threat. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital helps rescue and rehabilitate wild koalas and welcomes visitors. In addition to a koala museum with interactive displays, it offers exhibit enclosures, treatment areas, and rehabilitation zones where injured koalas can learn to climb again. The gift shop specializes in all things koala.