How To Spend A Day in Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is a coastal town in New South Wales, roughly halfway between Sydney and Byron Bay. Known for its sandy beaches, coastal walking trails and wild koalas, it’s a really great place to break up an East Coast Australia road trip!

We actually visited Port Macquarie twice on our Australian adventure, but the first time was a brief morning stop after a night in a hastily-booked woodland campsite around 40 minutes away.

Our second visit was when this charming town really clicked for me. We stayed for two nights so we could make the most of a full day in ‘Port Mac’ (plus, we had a gig we went to in the evening and wanted to have some beers!)

If you’re dropping by Port Macquarie on your journey along the East Coast, here’s how to spend the perfect day enjoying this lovely little Aussie town.

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Morning: Port Macquarie Coastal Walk

Port Macquarie is home to one of my favourite coastal trails on the whole Australian east coast. Wild claim, I know, but it really is spectacular!

The route traces the cliffs against the Tasman Sea, dropping down to rugged beaches, and ending at Tacking Point Lighthouse, with panoramic sea views. Visiting during the right time of year offers the chance of seeing whales off the coast, and my squeal when we saw them in the distance was a sound of pure joy.

The full route is 9km and takes around 3-4 hours, but you can pick one or more of the four joined up sections for a shorter journey. We joined the trail at Flynns Beach close to our accommodation, and headed to Tacking Point Lighthouse, which worked perfectly as an energising morning walk.

• Westport to Town Beach (2km) – an easy, flat trail close to local amenities
• Town Beach to Flynns Beach (2.2km) – still pretty easy, but a little hillier as you head further out of town
• Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach (2.2km) – moderate, with some uneven tracks, beach walking and stairs
• Shelly Beach to Tacking Point (2.7km) – moderate to hard, as the track heads mostly uphill and the stairs get steeper.

After completing the walk, we ordered an Uber back into town as we were absolutely RAVENOUS. Port Macquarie has plenty of cute cafes offering classic Aussie lunch fare. For something close to the end of your walk, check out COAST Lighthouse Beach. If you’re heading back into town, we loved the rustic, hearty dishes at Bandwagon.

If you have some time to spare before or after lunch, you can pay a visit to Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital to see some adorable Australian icons. It’s a little further out of town, so I’d recommend either heading here on your way back from your walk, or choosing a lunch spot nearby.

This beloved koala conservation facility helps injured and sick fuzzy friends get back to health, with the aim to rehabilitate them back into the wild. The original site has just reopened after a temporary closure for redevelopment. Entry costs $16.50 for adults, and it’s open daily until 4pm.

Afternoon: Beach Time

If you’re in the mood to rest your legs after the morning’s walking, the afternoon is an ideal time to enjoy some classic Aussie beach time.

Town Beach is a popular patrolled spot, close to all the town’s amenities. A classic Australian surf beach, the rolling waves are usually filled with board riders, but there’s also plenty of space to take a dip.

Not a big beach lover? You can also use this time to explore the town and indulge in a bit of shopping, or take a stroll through Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve.

If you’re in Port Macquarie on a Wednesday, Friday or Sunday evening, the Port Macquarie Observatory is open for the public to take a peek through a telescope, and learn more about the amazing night sky.

Where to stay in Port Macquarie

Campground: We parked our little van up at Flynn’s Beach Caravan Park. It’s a bit out of town, but the perfect location for some quieter beaches and to join the Coastal Trail. There’s also a pub right next door perfect for late night drinks.

Hostel: From the last time my boyfriend was solo travelling in Australia, he recommends Beachside Backpackers, a homely and vibrantly decorated social hostel aimed at 18-35 year old travellers.

Motel: For a cheap and cheerful motel stay, Port Aloha is a super central spot with basic rooms and a communal pool.

Hotel: Rydges boasts a waterfront location, outdoor swimming pool and spa.

Eating & Drinking in Port Macquarie

When all the walking and beach-vibing has worked up an appetite, there are plenty of places in Port Macquarie to grab something to eat (or sip!).

• We had a DELICIOUS brunch on our first visit at Bandwagon, who serve up hearty breakfast plates with a rustic twist.
• In the mood for a sweet treat? Check out the flavours at Blue Cow Gelato!
• Head to Homeslice Pizza Bar for classic and creative pizza.
• We grabbed an early evening drink on the waterfront at The Beach House and loved the friendly service. They also do food, and have a great range of small plates, perfect for sharing as the sun sets.
• On our way out the next morning, we stopped at Bels Gordon Street Bakery for one of their award-winning pies.

Where to go next…

• Discover more places to visit on an epic road trip with our one month Sydney to Cairns itinerary.
• Enjoy the boutique wineries of the Hastings region with a tasting tour from Port Macquarie.
• For more of the coastal New South Wales town vibes, spend a weekend in Port Stephens for dolphin watching, dunes and captivating murals.