Fast facts
- The Hastings River flows into the sea at Port Macquarie
- A diverse area with coastal resort towns, adventure attractions and heritage buildings
- Between three and a half and five hours’ drive north of Sydney. Fly from Sydney or Brisbane with QantasLink to Port Macquarie Airport or Rex Airlines to Taree Airport. Virgin Blue has regular flights from Sydney or a weekly flight direct from Melbourne to Port Macquarie Airport.
Why go there
This region is proud of its coastal towns, national parks, surf beaches and heritage areas. Here you can enjoy wildlife spotting – whales, dolphins and koalas – or just hit the beach for a paddle or surf before sampling one of the award-winning local wines.
Thanks to its idyllic climate and setting, the area attracts artists who contribute to a thriving arts scene. Kempsey is the birthplace of both the Akubra hat and country music star Slim Dusty, who’s commemorated in the Slim Dusty Way.
Things to do
- Go scuba diving at South West Rocks.
- Admire the 360° view from the lighthouse at Crowdy Head.
- Explore Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park’s wetlands, the oasis at the heart of Port Macquarie.
- Scenic tourist drives in the hinterland - such as between Taree and Port Macquarie to see the dramatic Ellenborough Falls.
Don’t miss
- Timbertown Heritage Theme Park, Wauchope, a re-creation of daily life in pioneer days.
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Port Macquarie, with its elevated boardwalks, guided tours and rainforest café.
- Historic Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks.
- The monthly farmers’ markets at Wauchope.
- Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital – the only one in NSW.
- Camel rides along Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie.
Events
- Trial Bay Triathlon, South West Rocks, in February.
- Old Bar Festival, Old Bar near Taree, in September/October.
