Things to Do in Port Macquarie, NSW: Endless Adventures To Enjoy
Things to do in Port Macquarie, NSW are endless. Don’t be fooled by its laid-back atmosphere—it’s actually a water sports mecca with 18 stunning beaches (and counting)! Whether you’re into swimming, surfing, or cruising along the sparkling coastline, it’s one of the most popuar towns on the North Coast – with something for everyone. The town’s popularity doesn’t stop at its shores: Port Macquarie has mouth-watering seafood, fresh paddock-to-plate produce, and top eateries and boutique breweries. And to top it off, very friendly locals who will make you feel right at home with ots of recommendations.
Take on the thriving food scene or spend the day browsing the streets, stopping by artisanal shops and quirky galleries. If you’re a thrill seeker, Coffs brings on adventure. Go paragliding over the Pacific Ocean, ride a camel at sunset, or saddle up for a horseback ride along the beach. Port Macquarie is also famous for its incredible wildlife experiences —whether you’re whale watching, getting up close to the local zoo animals, or hiking the lush rainforest tracks, nature is at your fingertips.
Don’t miss the 9km coastal walk or the heritage walking tracks too.
Getting here is easy—Port Macquarie is just a 4-hour drive from Sydney, 5.5 hours from Brisbane, or 12 hours from Melbourne. You can also fly direct.
Wellness & Pampering Around Port Macquarie
- Port Macquarie Day Spa: Offering a range of luxurious treatments, from deep tissue massages to revitalizing facials. 43 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie.
- Aqua Vitae Spa: With an extensive menu of services, including organic facials, body wraps, and massages. 46 William St, Port Macquarie.
- Brows by Willow: For perfectly shaped and defined brows, Brows by Willow is a must-visit. Specializing in brow waxing, shaping, and microblading, 4/35 Clarence St, Port Macquarie.
- Royal Lily Thai Massage: Offers and authentic experience of Thai massage. 1/81 Gordon St, Port Macquarie
- Enrich Skin Clinic: from anti-aging treatments to deep-cleansing facials and acne treatments. 16/10-12 McInherney Cl, Port Macquarie.
- Beauty on Jacana: skincare facials to waxing and nail care. 14 Jacana Dr, Port Macquarie
- Blush Skin and Body Clinic: skin rejuvenation, body sculpting, and relaxing massages. 103 William St Shop 1, Port Macquarie
- Lovella Beauty Lounge: You’ll have relaxing facials to a beautiful manicure and pedicure. 2/5A Clifton Dr, Port Macquarie
Explore & Discover Around Port Macquarie
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Day Trips
- See Native Wildlife at Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park
- Tour Port’s Koala Hospital
- Walk the Breakwall
- Enjoy the Rainforest Walk and Look Out at Sea Acres National Park
- Go camel backing at sunset
- Pick fresh strawberries at Ricardoes Tomato & Strawberry Farm
- Whale watch.
- Horse ride
- Join Port Kayak for an adventure
- Get lost in the maze at Bago Vineyards
- Conquer the North Brother Trail and take in the views
- Explore Dooragan Park and its panoramic views of Australia’s east coast
- Visit wineries – Cassegrain, Douglas Vale, Bago, and Timbertown Winery
- Take a dip at any of the 18 beaches
- Picnic at Town Beach and catch a sunrise.
- Take a river cruise
- Watch locals skating
- Sky dive
- Paraglide
- Ride a Jet fighter
- Walk to Tacking Point Lighthouse: Built in 1879 and one of Australia’s oldest and built after over 20 shipwrecks in the area. The lighthouse was manned until 1920, and the original keeper’s cottage foundations remain today. The lighthouse still operates with an electric beacon and the site offers stunning views of Lighthouse Beach to the south and Little Bay to the north. It’s also the final stop on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walking Trail.
Indoor Activities and Chill Spots
- Unleash your Picasso at Pinot and Picasso
- Have a sunset drink at The Beach House
- Listen to live music at Panthers
- Get your Ten Pin bowling on
- Down a ginger beer (brewed on site) at Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery
- Get the insider local knowledge at Macquarie Museum
- Watch a flick
- Love the theatre or sports games at AIA – Glasshouse Entertainment Centre
Good Eats Around Port Macquarie
- The Beach House
- Milkbar, Town Beach – Brewing Botero coffee and cooking delicious fresh food only moments from the beach. 40 William Street
- Café 66 – 66 Clarence St, Port Macquarie
- Pipeworks Café
- The Point Café Restaurant – Enjoy a diverse menu, friendly service and a cosy atmosphere. Ideal for any meal or special occasion. Call (02) 6584 2020. at 168 Settlement Point Rd, Port Macquarie NSW
- Beantree Café and Bar – Highly rated. A minute from Hastings River and very aid back. 1/124 Horton St, Port Macquarie
- Band Wagon Cafe located at 76 William St, Port Macquarie NSW
- Social Grounds Café – Open for Breakfast/Lunch Mon to Fri & Breakfast on weekends with great coffee – 1/151 Gordon St, Port Macquarie
- Little Shack
- Bittersweet
- Casualties Espresso Coffee Shop – Great reviews. 23 Clarence St, Port Macquarie
- Chop ‘n Chill
- Salty Crew Kiosk
- LV’s on Clarence, 74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie
- Bills Fishouse and Bar
- Twotriplefour in Cassegrain Vineyard
- Little Fish Café Restaurant Vineyard
- Whalebone Wharf Seafood Restaurant
- The Rainforest Café
- Pancake Place, Clarence St, Port Macquarie
- Sandbox – 35 Tuppenny Rd
- Noshtalgia Cafe, 27/25 Hay St, Port Macquarie
- The Corner Restaurant
- MakiMoto
- The Burger Rebellion
- Pizza Obsession
- Peak Coffee
Foodies; Gourmet Flavours, Providores and Great Produce
- The Stunned Mullet: Located on beautiful Town Beach with a spectacular vista north to Point Plomer. Established in 2005, the restaurant has evolved into an iconic culinary landmark within the region where an exceptional dining and a world class wine list paired with warm and welcoming service -The Stunned Mullet has held a Good Food Guide (National Edition) Chefs Hat since 2013, a Trip Advisor Best of the Best rating since 2020 – as well receiving Gourmet Traveller Wine List of the Year’s highest rating of 3 Glasses each year since 2018.
with beach views, featuring Modern Australian food and a large specialty wine list. - Sails Port Macquarie: Enjoy waterfront dining at its best in our new Bar & Restaurant nestled amongst the yachts on Port Macquarie Marina. Relax on the waterfront with views of Port Marina. With a selection of premium and locally crafted beers, ciders and ales, an extensive wine list and a range of cocktails to enjoy by the pool or in the bar. The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant is open to in-house guests and the public.
- Real Food Markets
- TheForeshore Markets
- Gourmand Ingredients – Shop 3-4/23 -41 Short St
- Friendly Grocer Waniora Supermarket
- Near River Produce (45min drive)
- Growers Market
- Organic Belly – 2-15 Short St
- Organic MattR at 40/42 Horton Street Shop F1-F2 Port Central Shopping Centre (level 1)
- The Big Oyster Seafood and Café – 315 Hastings River Dr, Fernbank Creek
- Luigi Bros Deli – Shop 9/23-41 Short St
- Ken Littles Fruit and Veg
- Wild Culture Organics – 3/125 Gordon St, Port Macquarie NSW
- Black Market Bagels
Retail Escapes
- Meg & Me
- What the Frock Designs
- Utopian Bazaar
- Pretty Rad Store
- The Botanic Merchant
- Blue Cow Gelato located at 1/72 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW
- Collombatti Naturals
- Hastings Valley Art Gallery
- Flynn’s Book Cafe – 1/4 Flynn St
- Arthouse Industries
- Lighthouse Gallery
- Alice in Paperland
If you think Port Macquarie sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.