Port Macquarie Mid North Coast NSW - Things to Do, & Local Travel Guide
- Deb Carr
- Aug 20, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
There's a lot going on in Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of NSW and here's a few highlights to note for your next trip to Port.
The Breakwall Port Macquarie
The Port Macquarie breakwall is a hub of activity with plenty of things to do such as walk along the wall, fish, spot a dolphin, relax on a bench and enjoy the view or spend some time reading the inscriptions on the rocks! They were never meant to be a work of art but over the years the breakwall rocks have been painted with declarations of love and memories of those that have passed.
For fabulous sunrise and sunset experiences, the breakwall is a great place to be.
Port Macquarie Skate Park
Located right in the heart of town at the waterfront, Port Macquarie Skate Park is one of the most popular free attractions for kids, teens, and visiting families. Set beside the Hastings River and close to cafés, playgrounds, and walking paths, it’s a great spot to burn off energy while enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
The park caters to all skill levels, with a mix of bowls, rails, ledges, and open flow areas suitable for scooters, skateboards, and BMX riders. Beginners can practise comfortably, while more confident skaters will enjoy the variety and space. There’s plenty of seating nearby, making it easy for parents to relax and watch from the sidelines.
Because of its central location, the skate park is often buzzing during school holidays and weekends, adding to the lively feel of the Town Green precinct. It’s also an easy stop if you’re exploring the foreshore, visiting nearby beaches, or walking between the CBD and the marina.
Good to know:
Free and open daily
Best visited early morning or late afternoon in warmer months
Close to public toilets, cafés, and shaded areas
It’s a simple but much-loved part of Port Macquarie’s family-friendly appeal — and a great reminder that not every highlight on the M
Mrs York's Garden
Take a beautiful walk around Mrs York's Garden that overlooks the river mouth and headland and is close to the beach. The garden was recreated in 2015 and offers the nature lover a wide range of native Australian plants to admire. The boardwalk is an easy walk and you will wander by a waterfall and through natural littoral rainforest. There's a picnic spot with great views to rest at too.
The garden and walk is situated on Clarence Street, Port Macquarie.
The Glasshouse Port Macquarie
The Glasshouse is a combination of a theatre, regional gallery, Ross family studio, visitor information centre, gift shop, conference and meeting facilities. The Regional Gallery is 600 square metres over three levels and conveniently located in the centre of town. This impressive building is environmentally designed.
The exhibit above is:
John Mawurndjul: I am the old and the new
Sea Acres Rain Forest
This beautiful sanctuary is a must-see for the nature lover. Sea Acres Rainforest consists of a gift shop, cafe and 1.3km rainforest boardwalk.
Billabong Zoo
Billabong Koala Hospital and Zoo is a great family day out.The zoo is world-renowned for its koala breeding programme and has a diverse and interesting range of Australian and Exotic animals and birds. The zoo has been voted one of the region’s Top Attractions over a number of years as well receiving other Awards for service and value. Billabong Zoo exhibits over 80 species and cares for over 220 animals.
North Brother Lookout
South of Port Macquarie in Laurieton is North Brother Lookout. After a 5km uphill drive through National Park and rainforest visitors will be treated to stunning views.
A 500m walk through beautiful rainforest will take you to views on the other side of the lookout.
Ricardoes Tomatoes
Just 10 minutes north of Port Macquarie, and not far from the Highway, you can call in to Ricardoes Tomatoes and have a bite to eat and experience picking your own strawberries in the greenhouse. The cafe, (Cafe Red) serves meals that are based around tomatoes and locally grown produce. There is a fabulous Grocer store where you can purchase some wonderful local Artisan produce as well as tomatoes of course!
Ewetopia Farm
There's a lot more to Port than what I have written in this post including fabulous restaurants, cafes, shopping, accommodation, pubs and things to do. You may like to visit have farm stay at Ewetopia Farm.
Take a Day trip to Ellenborough Falls
Standing at 200 metres, Ellenborough Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in New South Wales and ranks among the tallest in the southern hemisphere. It is a renowned attraction in the Manning Valley region of the Barrington Coast. It is a stunning walk (quite challenging) but worth it. The scenery is breathtaking
Read more about Ellenborough Falls.
