Things to Do in Port Macquarie

Top Things to Do in Port Macquarie

Things to Do in Port Macquarie


Top Attractions in Port Macquarie

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

What travelers are saying

  • sandrewk2017
    Greater Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mornings are when the koalas are given fresh leaves & so they are active & eating. The exhibit koalas are those that can’t be released back into the wild following treatment- they are so cute!
    I was so lucky to see a wild koala being released & to see the vets doing an ultrasound. Great work by so many - I particularly commend the volunteer guide that greeted us with lots of enthusiasm & information. The koala could become extinct in NSW by 2050 so charities like this need your support.
    Written March 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maddy
    Sydney, Australia27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a must on our list when visiting Port Mac as we love hiking and exploring. We are fairly experienced walkers but this took us a while as there are so many gorgeous places to stop along the way!! We were staying on Lighthouse Beach so it was perfect that the walk ended there. During the second half of the walk we didn’t see anyone for ages - we had the majority of beaches to ourselves!! Would recommend but bear in mind it does take 2.5-3 hours one way.
    Written January 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom9,566 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Tacking Point Lighthouse is one of Australia’s oldest lighthouses. Built on high on this rocky headland in 1879, it’s a short, squat building, standing only 8 metres tall. However it was on such a high spot on the headland that it didn’t need to be any taller.
    In the 19th century, it had worked using an oil lamp and someone trustworthy who could keep the wick lit.
    Before it was built, over 20 ships were wrecked.
    The lighthouse was manned until 1920 and the outline of the original cottage foundations has been preserved today.
    Alongside it are a series of signs which tell the stories of the various lighthouse keepers. One particularly sad story caught my attention. In 1910, James Quinn was returning to his isolated lighthouse home, when his horse bolted or startled, throwing him from his buggy. He died on the remote, isolated road.
    The lighthouse still operates today with an electric beacon.
    It wasn’t open when we were there and we couldn’t see any sign to indicate whether it does open to the public ever.
    Apart from the lighthouse itself, this is a beautiful vantage point with a sweeping outlook across the sea towards the horizon. From here, you look down over Lighthouse Beach in the south and Little Bay in the north.
    We took a bottle of champagne and two dozen oysters from The Big Oyster here one evening and sat here looking out at the view while a pod of at least a dozen dolphins surfed the waves below us.
    Note: The Lighthouse is also the final stop on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walking Trail
    Written March 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Grifology70
    Melbourne, Australia397 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really enjoyed the walk through the forest. Very easy and well laid out. The plants are varied and it is very lush. Lots of bugs making lots of noise is a highlight. Easy to find.
    Written January 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carmen G
    Sydney, Australia205 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The path leading to the lookout is the real star. It's a vibrant gallery of colourful rocks painted by visitors from across Australia and even overseas, each a unique memento of their trip. Down by the water, there's a constant buzz of activity with boats, jet skis, and water planes zipping around. And for some land-based entertainment, a skate park keeps young and old shredding on skateboards, rollerblades, or bikes. The walk itself is pleasant, but be warned, it can get quite hot under the summer sun.
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ND F
    Vancouver, Canada428 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had an amazing experience at the Billabong Zoo. Took in all the indigenous wildlife displays on a hot day and surprisingly, many of the animals were visible from the walkways (versus hiding in their dens). Had questions for staff that we ran in to along the way and all of them were most helpful, answering all our questions. It’s a smaller zoo so it’s not too taxing in terms of walking kilometre after kilometre. There’s lots of benches to rest on and many of them or in front of animal enclosures. They have scheduled ‘animal encounters’ each day where you can see lions, cheetahs, etc. up close and learn all about them.
    Paid the additional $ for the koala encounter. Well worth the expense and our session with handler Naomi was almost 45 minutes. She’s very knowledgeable and explained ‘everything koala’. You can’t pick them up but you can pet them and feed them. Lionel in the store/front desk was most helpful in terms of suggesting things to see/do at the zoo. Both Naomi and Lionel as well as all the staff we talked to are great representatives of the zoo and appear great custodians of the animals in their charge. The zoo was very clean. Would stop here again if we’re ever in Port Macquarie.
    Written February 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MelodiousB
    Nowra, Australia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nikki, our host was amazing. So engaging, friendly with the best customer service. We tried the full wine menu and condiments and came away with multiple purchases. Such a great atmosphere, surroundings and vibe. Definitely a place to go out of your way to explore and experience. Thank you Nikki we had an awesome afternoon.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ronda F
    Wellington, New Zealand7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This homestead / vineyard was a wonderful surprise - staffed by friendly and knowledgable volunteers. We enjoyed a wine tasting and cheese platter followed by a guided tour of the oldest wooden home in Port Macquarie. We will be returning next time we are in town.
    Written January 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carmen G
    Sydney, Australia205 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Port Macquarie Museum impressed me with its well-designed and curated exhibits. They take you on a chronological journey of the town's growth, from its convict origins to the present day. The museum also cleverly incorporates themed displays alongside the timeline, which were surprisingly engaging.
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ClogWogsWife
    Mittagong, Australia155 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    These people have a business-and-a-half on their hands and they're doing it well.
    Not JUST beer. There's something for everyone - we couldn't say that for all boutique breweries, where non-beer drinkers are left sitting like frogs on rocks bored.
    Try the Ducks Fizz "Adult Soda" for something unique
    They do Live Music and Woodfired pizza nights, which must be the venue to be for social nights out.
    They were renovating when we were there so a little disheveled - we excused that. But NOT the sign on the gate that said No Dogs Allowed - and they has a HUGE Great Dane walking around your table in the tasting area -- - - the ONLY thing we could fault them for.
    Written May 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lis H
    Sydney, Australia594 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a lovely setting with the opportunity to wander through this beautiful old home and grounds. Adults and children are free to relax and enjoy with outdoor games available to keep the kids busy.
    The menu is simple but has a great variety for breakfast brunch and lunch. High tea is available if pre booked.
    We sat outside in the gardens and had the very substantial smoked Salmon bagel, The Reuben Sandwich and the Staple Sanga (thick slices of ham with melting grilled cheese).
    Step back in time, relax and enjoy the tranquil setting.
    Written December 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Karen B
    Jindera, Australia80 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good place to visit, cafe has excellent coffee. Scones were a bit small but jam was nice.
    Lots of different types of tomatoes, jams etc to purchase.
    Written August 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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