Best things to do in Port Macquarie

Constructed in 1879, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the third oldest lighthouse in Australia. Built along a rocky coast that saw 20 shipwrecks between 1800 and 1879, the lighthouse was a necessity that stands as a monument to the ingenious colonial architect James Barnet. It is still in operation, managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, whose work protects ships from the treacherous coastline. A 9 km (5.6 mi) coastal walk begins at the lighthouse. Bring your camera to snap a stunning shot of the tiny, white building whose light has saved the lives of many. Continue your tour with a walk along the coast, where you'll see surfers riding the waves and whales coming up for a breather.

Coastal walk is a long scenic walk through various types of scenery, including clifftops, beaches, and rainforest. The walk can be as demanding or as easy as you desire, depending upon which section or length you choose. Changing with the seasons and times of day, the walk is especially popular at sunset, when locals and visitors rush to the clifftops to see the play of color and light against the landscape and the sea. As you walk, keep an eye out for wildlife on the land and in the sea. You might see dolphins frolicking in the water. Pack a picnic or stop by one of the restaurants by the harbor.

Koala Hospital takes care of koalas injured through fire, dog attacks, and collisions with vehicles. Located in the Macquarie Nature Reserve, it is the only hospital of its kind in the world. The hospital staff treats about 250 injured animals each year. Some parts of this site are open to the public daily, offering you a chance to walk around the koala enclosures. To see the animals fed by staff members, time your visit for early morning or afternoon. the hospital illustrates Australia's efforts to protect its varied and often endangered wildlife.

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Port Macquarie makes the most of its lush setting to offer you a fascinating insight into the natural beauty of the rain forest. The best way to experience the rain forest is via the boardwalk, an elevated path cutting through the thick vegetation that allows you to enjoy the tranquil yet challenging forest in a comfortable, safe manner. Though the center is comprised primarily of dense forest, it does run onto an isolated beach overlooking the Tasmanian Sea.

Learn all about koalas at the Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park. This breeding center for the famous Australian marsupial gives you the opportunity to get close with the koalas and other species. After holding one of the docile creatures, have your picture taken with a dingo. The park is also home to two rare snow leopards, a 4.6 m (15 ft.) crocodile, and a handful of reptiles and spider monkeys. Keepers give presentations on each species according to a daily schedule. Buy a cup of feed at the entrance to attract the park's free-ranging kangaroos and wallabies.

Offering sweeping views of Australia's east coast, North Brother Mountain is accessible by car, which makes it an ideal spot for a picnic. If you're feeling adventurous, try paragliding from the top of the mountain and down towards the coast.

You'll find us tucked away just 3km down Milligans Rd (off Bago Rd), driving through the state forest you'll be amazed when the land opens up to reveal a Winery and Maze!

Loose the kids (or the big kids too) in our 6ft high Hedge Maze, or loose yourself while enjoying a glass of wine on the pergola soaking in the view!

We offer Local Cheese & Meat Platters offering goodies collected from all around our region from Local Makers and Farmers, as well as a few snack items to munch on while wondering around! Feel like a coffee? We can do that too!

With a stunning view like ours it's no surprise that we host many weddings every year, so if you have and event, we have a gorgeous location!

Located at the end of the north pointing peninsula on the eastern side of Trial Bay, Trial Bay Gaol is a protected wildlife area with a stunning lookout over the water. Consider camping on the point's beach where the National Parks and Wildlife Service operates a campground. Divide your visit between Trial Bay Gaol's natural wonders and the manmade Trial Gaol, an impenetrable prison that held Australia's most notorious criminals in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The prison was expensive to run, so building projects there were abandoned in 1903. Nowadays you can visit the impressive granite structure and view the cells that once housed the accused at the Trial Gaol Museum.

The Hastings River provides a handful of opportunities for recreation in Port Macquarie. The river starts 180 km (110 mi) north of the city in the Great Dividing Range and descends 1,040 m (3,410 ft) before emptying into the Tasman Sea. Spot dolphins and take in the history of the area on a cruise, paddle the river in a kayak, or enjoy a barbecue by the riverbank. If you angle, pick up a fishing license at a local bait-and-tackle shop and cast your line for bream, blackhead, tailor, whiting, and flathead. No matter how you spend your time on the river, make sure you apply insect repellent to keep the sandflies at bay.

Built in 1824 by prisoners exiled from Britain, St Thomas Anglican Church is a humble-looking red brick building with a wooden interior and a booming church organ. Take a tour with one of the local volunteers to learn about the convicts who built the church and worshipped here--you'll be enthralled by some of their stories. Climb the bell tower--which doubles as a clock tower--to enjoy excellent views over Port Macquarie.