Port Macquarie – Top 10 Things to Do on the NSW Mid-North Coast

Port Macquarie – Top 10 Things to Do on the NSW Mid-North Coast

Sitting pretty on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Port Macquarie is one of those destinations that truly has it all. Located around 390 kilometres north-east of Sydney, this vibrant coastal town blends beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, wildlife encounters, and scenic walks with great food, fresh local produce, and nearby wineries.

Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, Port Macquarie offers plenty to explore. Here are our top 10 things to do to help you make the most of your visit.

Tacking Point Lighthouse

One of the most iconic landmarks in Port Macquarie is Tacking Point Lighthouse. Built in 1879 after more than 20 shipwrecks along this coastline, it’s the thirteenth-oldest lighthouse in Australia. At just 8 metres tall, it may be small, but the views are anything but. Boardwalks and viewing platforms offer sweeping coastal vistas, and during whale migration season from May to November, it’s one of the best spots in town for whale watching.

Wander Along the Port Macquarie Breakwall

A stroll along the Port Macquarie Breakwall is a local tradition. Built in 1904 along the Hastings River, the southern breakwall is famous for its colourful hand-painted rocks.

The tradition began in 1995 as a Lions Club art competition and has grown into a moving outdoor gallery filled with messages of love, remembrance, and inspiration. It’s a lovely place for a walk, to enjoy river views, or to cast a fishing line.

Learn about Koalas

Port Macquarie is home to one of the largest koala populations on Australia’s east coast. The Koala Hospital plays a vital role in rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating sick and injured koalas. Open daily from 8:30am to 4:00pm, visitors can learn about koala conservation and see koalas being cared for in the clinic.

You can also visit Guulabaa, Place of Koala, located about 11 kilometres from town. This world-first wild koala breeding and education centre features resident koalas, interactive exhibits, and insights into conservation programs.

Discover Beautiful Beaches

With 17 beaches to choose from, Port Macquarie is a beach lover’s dream.

• Town Beach is close to the CBD and popular for swimming, surfing, and walking. It has parking, picnic areas, showers, a skate park, and a café.

• Shelly Beach is backed by rainforest and offers a peaceful setting with BBQ facilities and grassy areas.

• Lighthouse Beach stretches for seven kilometres and is ideal for surfers, families, and anyone looking for space and ocean views.

Bago Maze and Winery

Located about 33 kilometres inland, Bago Maze and Winery is well worth the drive. Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, the hilltop cellar door overlooks vineyards and one of the world’s largest hedge mazes. The maze is an architecturally designed native Lilly Pilly maze with more than 2,000 metres of pathways. After exploring, settle in under the shady trees for a wine tasting while enjoying the peaceful hinterland views.

Wander along the Coastal Walk

The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk stretches from the Town Green Foreshore to Tacking Point Lighthouse. The full walk is 9 kilometres one-way, but it can easily be broken into shorter sections. Along the way, you’ll pass secluded beaches, dramatic headlands, historic sites, and plenty of lookout points. From May to November, keep an eye out for whales migrating along the coast.

Visit Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries

Just ten minutes north of town, Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries is a favourite stop. Open seven days a week, Ricardoes grows over 30,000 hydroponic strawberry plants across five varieties. You can wander the rows and pick your own strawberries (when in season), then enjoy a visit to the café and shop, which is packed with homemade jams, sauces, and relishes. Coffee and scones with fresh strawberry jam and cream are hard to beat.

Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk

The Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk begins at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm. After paying the entry fee, you can explore a 1.3-kilometre elevated boardwalk through beautiful coastal rainforest. Along the way, carved sculptures and interpretive signage share stories about the environment and local Aboriginal culture. It’s a peaceful and educational walk that feels worlds away from the nearby beaches.

Camel Rides on Lighthouse Beach

For something a little different, take a camel ride along Lighthouse Beach. Operating most days (except Saturdays) from 9:30am to 1:00pm, weather permitting, this unique experience lasts around 20 minutes. Riding along the sand with ocean views is surprisingly relaxing and makes for a memorable Port Macquarie experience.

Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail

The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is a fun and creative way to explore town. Pick up a map from the Hello Koalas Gallery and Gift Shop or the Visitor Centre and set out to find more than 80 one-metre-high, hand-painted koala sculptures scattered throughout Port Macquarie. Each koala has its own design and story, and you’ll also find a Big Koala at Guulabaa, adding an extra highlight to the trail.

Why Port Macquarie Is a Must-Visit

Port Macquarie effortlessly combines coastline, rainforest, wildlife, and local flavour. Whether you’re walking cliff-top trails, meeting koalas, tasting wine in the hinterland, or simply enjoying beach time, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, explore widely, and keep coming back — a true Mid-North Coast favourite.

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