Port Macquarie offers a wonderland of activities and attractions for the family. Beyond spending the day at one of the region’s 17 gorgeous beaches the kids will love riding camels, visiting the Koala Hospital, horse-riding through the hinterland and seeing a monster crocodile show.
The region is home to four National Parks and 26 State Forests and is the ultimate natural playground, perfect for beach walks, exploring rock pools and bush-walks.
Top Ten Family Attractions in Port Macquarie
Discover the wonders of Port Macquarie, a charming coastal town in New South Wales, Australia, that offers a treasure trove of family attractions and memorable experiences. With its pristine beaches, captivating wildlife, and thrilling adventures, this hidden gem caters to families with children of all ages.
In this article, we will unveil the top ten family attractions in Port Macquarie that promise to create lasting memories and ensure an unforgettable holiday for you and your loved ones.
So, let’s dive in and explore the best that Port Macquarie has to offer for your next family getaway!
- Feed, Walk and Talk tour at The Koala Hospital
- Billabong Zoo
- Bago Maze
- Horse ride through Bellrowan Valley
- Nature Walk at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
- Hastings River cruise
- Camel Safari along Lighthouse Beach
- Historic Walking Tour to colonial era heritage sites and buildings
- Surf Lessons with Port Macquarie Surf School
- Ricardoes Tomatoes
1. The Koala Hospital ‘Feed, Walk and Talk Tour’
Visit the world’s first hospital dedicated solely to the care and preservation of koalas, and the only one of its kind in Australia. Join the ‘Feed, Walk and Talk’ tour every day at 3pm, and find out about the adopt-a-koala scheme which helps to save the lives of around 300 furry friends every year. The hospital has a viewing area for the operating theatre.www.koalahospital.org.au
2. Billabong Zoo
Set in 10 acres and with over 50 species of animals Billabong Zoo offers close-up, private encounters with exotic animals such as holding a python snake, hand feeding a snow leopard, and feeding the penguins. A new Jurassic Pond exhibit is home to a 4.6 metre ‘monster croc’ called Shrek. www.billabongzoo.com.au
3. Bago Maze
Bago Maze is a magical escape where children and adults alike can get lost in the largest hedge maze in NSW. With 2000 metres of pathways covering 10,000 square metres the Maze feature lookout towers, bridges, boardwalks and musical instruments along the way. Located at Bago Vineyards, the design of the Maze takes inspiration from the surrounding vineyard, bushland and the influences of earth, air and water, represented in two interlaced spirals. www.bago.com.au
4. Horse-ride through Bellrowan Valley
Learn to appreciate the magic of the Australian bush on a horse trail, just 30 minutes’ drive from Port Macquarie in the hinterland. Follow the logging trail of years gone by and get a birds-eye view of the rolling green hills, native wildlife and sounds of silence in this untouched part of the world. www.bellrowanvalley.com.au
5 . Nature Walk at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
Join local Aboriginal guides along the 1.3km walk to discover how local Indigenous people used rainforest plants for food and gain insights into Birpai culture. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
6. Hastings River Cruis
A cruise is the best way to see the stunning Hastings river and waterways of Port Macquarie. The Cruise Terminal has daily departures on a range of boats which include an eco-cruise along the river or get up close with whales from May-October. There is dolphin spotting, boom net rides for the kids and lunch and sunset cruise options. www.cruiseterminal.com.au
7. Camel Ride on Lighthouse Beach
This is a unique activity for the whole family on Lighthouse Beach. From the elevated view on the back of a camel spot dolphins playing in the waves and hear stories, amazing facts and the history of these ‘ships of the desert’ from a friendly team of cameleers. Rides are most days in the morning until about 1pm. www.portmacquriecamels.com.au
8. Heritage Walking Tour
Learn about one of Australia’s first penal settlements on a ‘Heritage Walking Tour’ around Port Macquarie. Join Mitch McKay on a 2.5 hr “Uncovering Our Past” history and archaeology tour, or a “Historic Cemetery” tour with intriguing human stories. www.pmheritage.com.au
9. Surf Lessons with Port Macquarie Surf School
Port Macquarie is a water-lover’s paradise with 17 sandy beaches. The oldest running and most established surf school in Port, this family run business offers learn to surf lessons every day of the week year-round. Lessons run for two hours and all equipment is provided including softboards, wetsuits and rash-vests. www.portmacquariesurfschool.com.au
10. Pick your own at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries
Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries is located just ten minutes north of Port Macquarie. Two brothers Anthony and Richard Sarks grow plump, luscious tomatoes and strawberries in acres of hydroponic greenhouses. They’ve grown the business to offer ‘pick-your-own’ from the vine or head inside and buy tomato relishes and condiments from the produce centre, and tuck into fresh scones and home-made strawberry jam at Café Red. www.ricardoes.com
Why is Port Macquarie a Great Place to Visit With Kids?
Port Macquarie, a beautiful coastal town in New South Wales, Australia, is a fantastic destination for families seeking a fun and memorable holiday with their children. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, fascinating wildlife, and interactive attractions, Port Macquarie offers a variety of activities and experiences that cater to kids of all ages. Here are some of the reasons why Port Macquarie is a great place to visit with kids:
1. Beautiful Beaches
Port Macquarie boasts over 17 picturesque beaches that are perfect for family outings. Flynns Beach, Town Beach, and Lighthouse Beach are some of the popular spots for families, featuring gentle waves and patrolled areas that are safe for children to swim and play. Besides swimming, kids can also try their hand at surfing, paddle boarding, or simply building sandcastles.
2. Koala Encounters
A trip to Port Macquarie would not be complete without visiting the famous Koala Hospital, where kids can get up close and personal with these adorable marsupials. The hospital, which has been operating since 1973, rescues and rehabilitates injured or sick koalas, giving kids the opportunity to learn about these iconic Australian animals and the importance of conservation efforts.
3. Educational Attractions
Port Macquarie offers several interactive and educational attractions for children, such as the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, which features a 1.3km boardwalk through pristine subtropical rainforest, allowing kids to explore and learn about the diverse flora and fauna. The Port Macquarie Museum is another excellent option, offering an engaging insight into the town’s history and heritage.
4. Family-Friendly Activities
Apart from its natural attractions, Port Macquarie also has numerous family-friendly activities to keep kids entertained. The Jumbos Playland, an indoor play centre, is perfect for younger kids who need to burn off some energy, while the Hydro Golf and Putt Putt offers a fun-filled day for the whole family. For a more adventurous experience, try the Treetop Adventure Park, where kids can navigate rope courses and zip lines amidst the forest canopy.
5. Whale Watching
Between May and November, Port Macquarie becomes a prime location for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate along the coast. Families can join a guided tour or simply head to one of the coastal vantage points, such as Tacking Point Lighthouse or the North Brother Lookout, for a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
6. Scenic Walks and Nature Reserves
Port Macquarie is surrounded by lush national parks and nature reserves, offering an array of scenic walking trails suitable for families. The Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park, for example, features accessible walking tracks and picnic areas where kids can spot local wildlife, such as water dragons and rainbow lorikeets.
Conclusion
Port Macquarie is an ideal destination for families looking to create lasting memories with their children. With its abundant natural beauty, unique wildlife encounters, and a range of interactive and engaging attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable family adventure in Port Macquarie.
For more information contact the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on 1300 303 155 or go on-line at https://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/.