What if you discovered that travelling to Port Macquarie for holidays wasn’t just about beaches? Port Macquarie is a well known family holiday destination, mostly due to it’s amazing beaches and relaxed lifestyle and atmosphere. While this stunning coastal stretch is what brings tourists flocking to the region each year, there is so much more to the Hastings Region than many people ever discover, which is a shame in many ways.
Think shimmering, emerald green rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, bushwalks for all abilities, kayaking along stretches of river that seem almost untouched, sleepy villages with customer service that leaves you smiling for days, stepping back into the simplicity, away from the crazy, busy life we lead, and you’ll have uncovered just some of what this amazing region has to offer.
Sure, don’t forget the beaches, a visit to the region wouldn’t be the same without them, but don’t base your entire holiday on them. If you do, you’re truly missing out on the spectacular!
Best Shopping Around Port Macquarie Region?
While in Port you’ll find the best of what the major chain stores has to offer, head 15 minutes west toward Wauchope and you’ll uncover a treasure trove of unique clothing boutiques, gorgeous homewares and cute cafe’s with great coffee. The best part is you won’t be fighting holiday makers for the privilege of discovering unique products and clothing with customer service second to none. When you’re finished in Wauchope, head down to Laurieton where you’ll find the same boutique shopping experience. On the third Sunday of each month, you’re in for a wonderful treat with Laurieton Riverwalk Markets offering an array of goods from hand crafted specialties to organic products and local meat and veg.
Best Family Attractions Around Port Macquarie Region?
There’s a stack of thing to do in Port Macquarie to keep the kids entertained, but by dragging them away from the lure of the ocean won’t be a problem once they start discovering all the other great things to do in the region.
- Billabong Zoo – Just west of Port Macquarie along the Oxley Highway
- Timbertown – On the western side of Wauchope
- Ricardoes Tomatoes – At Telegraph Point
- Bellrowan Horseriding – Based near Wauchope
- Laurieton Movie Theatre
- Wauchope Pool – With a big slippery slide that’s a favourite with the kids, a great spot to visit
- Wiseman’s Ferry Reserve, Wauchope – BBQ’s, swings and giant slide for the kids, have a swim in the river, go fishing or watch the boats drive by.
Best Day Trips Around Port Macquarie Region?
For spectacular day trips, head up into the hills. The mountain regions west or Port Macquarie offer a nature’s wonderland of camping, waterfalls, bush walks, rainforest walks and swimming holes.
Ellenborough Nature Reserve – On the Oxley Highway – Offers free camping, access to the river for kayaking and lots of relaxing fun in nature.
Wilsons River Reserve – Off Cobrabald Road Telegraph Point – Offers BBQ’s, tables and chairs, shallow water and a bridge for the kids, rainforest bushwalks that lead to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole
Kendall – This village offers unique cafe’s and a gorgeous road trip for the afternoon to discover the surrounding hills, taking in the farm lands and natural landscapes of the region.
Comboyne – Discover local art, amazing coffee and breathtaking scenery when you visit this sleepy little town.
It pays to think outside the square when visiting a region, and the Hastings Region is no different. There’s so much to be discovered, that you’ll wonder what all the fuss is over the beaches by the time you finish exploring all the tucked away goodness that surrounds Port Macquarie.
