About Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is located in the beautiful North Coast region of New South Wales, about half- way between Sydney and Brisbane. An attractive holiday destination with something for everyone, Port Macquarie offers a colorful history, ocean beaches with excellent surfing, abundant ocean and river fishing, breathtaking nature reserves and hiking trails, and activities to entertain the whole family.

History

Port Macquarie is named after Lachlan Macquarie, the governor of NSW from 1810 to 1821. While early explorers Captain Cook (1770) and Matthew Flinders (1802) passed by Port Macquarie on their voyages, John Oxley was the first to explore the Hastings River Valley in 1818.

In 1819, at the request of Governor Macquarie, Oxley returned to determine the suitability of the port and surrounding area for use as a penal colony. Founded in 1821, the penal settlement was abandoned in 1830, making way for settlers who were drawn to the area’s pastoral lands, natural resources and fishing. The city of Port Macquarie was established in 1887.

Today, historical buildings, museums and landmarks – the remnants of Port Macquarie’s rich past – attract sightseers and history lovers from around the world.

Port Macquarie Attractions

The growing town of Port Macquarie is home to more than 70,000 residents. Its lively town centre boasts a delightful array of surfing, antique, craft and gift shops, along with outstanding restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines with international flair.

A natural paradise, Port Macquarie is surrounded by beautiful gardens, bushlands, wildlife preserves and tropical rainforests. For those who seek outdoor activities, Port Macquarie offers hiking, whale watching, hang gliding, golfing, and much, much more.

Above all, Port Macquarie is known for its water attractions:

Pristine coastal beaches featuring free parking and barbecue facilities
Awe-inspiring whale watching cruises, from June through October
World-class surfing and surfing schools
Ocean and river boating, as well as windsurfing
Fishing, with bream, flathead, jewfish, tailor and whiting in abundance

Getting Around in Port Macquarie

Getting into Port Macquarie is easy, whether you’re traveling by air, rail, bus or car. Once you’re here, you’ll find many attractions located within easy walking distance—or you can ride the local bus system to your destination. Bus routes connect the railway station, shopping centres and most beaches, as well as towns and areas around the Greater Port Macquarie region.

Find Great Port Macquarie Accommodation Deals Online

Looking for comfortable, affordable Port Macquarie Accommodation?
Check out rates and availability for Beachside Holiday Apartments.


Surfing is a popular past time in Port Macquarie with its great suring beaches, but surfers are not the only sights you will see off the beaches. Dolphins and migrating whales are also spotted off Port Macquarie's coastline as well as plenty of bird life. Koala's can often be spotted high in the gum trees around Port Macquarie, however if you want a closer look you can visit the local Koala Hospital, just a stroll away from Beachside Holiday Resort. If you just love nature Port Macquarie and the surrounding region has breathtaking walks along the coastline and through cool rainforests.

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Flynns Beach is one of Port Macquarie's most popular family beaches.
Offering safe swimming as it is regularly patrolled and has a large grassed area shaded with Norfolk Pines.

Fishing, surfing, swimming or just lazing on the sand are all popular pastimes at Flynns Beach.

Port Macquarie and the surrounding region has a great array of hinterland with spectacular views, crystal clear creeks and beautiful rainforests to explore.