Find the best attractions and activities in Port Macquarie, from beautiful coastal tracks and waterfalls to exciting museums and scenic lookouts.
The Port Macquarie region is a welcoming tourist destination on the Mid North Coast, nestled at the mouth of the Hastings River and situated roughly halfway between Sydney and the Gold Coast.
Port Macquarie is known for its unique coastal and river setting, surrounded by an unspoilt hinterland and boasting a moderate climate. It’s the ideal spot for a short getaway, with plenty to see and do.
Looking for an enjoyable long weekend escape? Keep reading as we unveil our top 17 attractions and activities in Port Macquarie and the surrounding areas.
1. Koala Hospital

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is a not-for-profit wildlife rehabilitation centre that has been rescuing and caring for koalas since 1973.
Visiting the Koala Hospital is a must during your stay in Port Macquarie. Entry is free, and you’ll have the opportunity to observe koalas up close during a self-guided visit.
Beyond touring the hospital and learning about these iconic animals, there are plenty of ways to get involved. You can apply to volunteer, become a supporter, report sightings, or simply make a donation.
2. Port Macquarie Museum

The Port Macquarie Museum is a charming history museum in the heart of town, showcasing a range of collections that document Port Macquarie’s and Australia’s cultural and social heritage.
With over 20,000 artefacts, 10,000 archive items, and 100,000 photographs, the museum’s exhibits bring Port Macquarie’s rich history to life.
We found the Port Macquarie Museum to be truly fascinating and were pleasantly surprised by the thoughtfully arranged displays, the abundance of items, and the welcoming nature of the staff.
3. The Breakwall

The Breakwall is one of Port Macquarie’s most iconic attractions, stretching along the northern edge of town, just west of Town Beach.
Bordering the Hastings River, this walking path is lined with large, painted rocks, showcasing a vibrant mix of quotes, one-liners, and memorials. Many of the artworks are visually striking, with several likely to capture your attention.
The Breakwall is especially inviting in the evening, with a nearby holiday park, playground, skate park, and a selection of cafes and restaurants to explore.
4. Flagstaff Lookout

The Flagstaff Lookout sits atop Flagstaff Hill, nestled between Oxley Beach and Town Beach, and is easily reached via a short walking trail from William Street.
This viewing platform marks the historic site where a signal station and beacon were first established in 1821. The original flagstaff remains as a monument to the area’s past.
While the views from the Flagstaff Lookout may not be spectacular, the walk up the hill is enjoyable and makes for a pleasant detour from the main coastal walk.
5. Port Macquarie Coastal Walk

The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is a 9 km trail that winds along the stunning coastline between Town Green Park and Tacking Point Lighthouse.
This picturesque walk showcases beautiful scenery, including several beaches, pockets of rainforest, and various bays and headlands.
Of course, there’s no need to complete the entire walk in one go. You can opt to explore shorter sections to still enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the coastline.
6. Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk

Just a short drive from Port Macquarie’s town centre, the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, located within Sea Acres National Park, offers a unique rainforest experience.
The centre’s highlight is a 1.3 km boardwalk that weaves through the rainforest canopy, giving visitors a close-up view of this lush environment, complete with plenty of birdlife and other wildlife to observe.
The Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, along with its charming shop and cafe, makes for a delightful attraction in Port Macquarie, perfect for both kids and adults.
7. Tacking Point Lighthouse

Built in 1879, the Tacking Point Lighthouse is the 13th oldest lighthouse in Australia, constructed in response to a string of shipwrecks in the 19th century around the Tacking Point area.
Designed by New South Wales colonial architect James Barnet, the lighthouse stands atop a rocky headland, offering spectacular coastal and ocean views. It remains operational today.
Although the Tacking Point Lighthouse is an intriguing historical structure, it’s the surrounding coastal scenery that truly makes it a picture-perfect attraction in Port Macquarie.
8. Watonga Rocks

Lighthouse Beach is one of Port Macquarie’s most picturesque beaches; a 9 km stretch of south-east facing sand with ample space for swimmers, sunbathers, and dog owners.
Adding to its charm, the Watonga Rocks offer a unique sight with their intriguing shapes and colours, where the sand meets the water, making a visit to Lighthouse Beach even more worthwhile.
The easiest way to reach Watonga Rocks is by parking on Matthew Flinders Drive, just south of the lighthouse, and accessing Lighthouse Beach from there.
9. Hastings River Cruise

The Hastings River is a defining feature of Port Macquarie’s landscape, and a river cruise offers a unique way to experience its beauty from a different perspective.
Local operators, such as Port Jet and Cruise Port Macquarie, offer a variety of daily cruises, including dolphin and whale-spotting tours, sunset cruises, and morning river cruises.
If a cruise isn’t your preference, you might enjoy a ride on the Hastings River Ferry instead. Cars incur a small fee, while pedestrians can cross the river for free.
10. Billabong Zoo

First opened in 1986, Billabong Zoo is a popular koala and wildlife park located just a short drive west of Port Macquarie’s town centre.
Originally established as a koala breeding centre, the zoo has since grown into a full-fledged wildlife park, home to a diverse range of animals. Visitors can enjoy zoo talks, animal encounters, and feeding sessions.
Billabong Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with tickets available for purchase online or at the front desk.
11. North Brother Lookout

If you’re driving to Port Macquarie from Sydney, we recommend stopping at the North Brother Lookout, located about 40 km south of Port Macquarie.
The lookout sits atop North Brother Mountain, one of the Three Brothers range, which also includes Middle and South Brother.
On a clear day, the views from the North Brother Lookout are stunning, with Port Macquarie’s beaches visible in the distance.
12. Old Bottlebutt Tree

The impressive Old Bottlebutt tree, the largest Red Bloodwood tree in the southern hemisphere, is located within the Burrawan State Forest.
This state forest is sustainably managed, serving both timber production and conservation purposes.
Visitors can reach the Old Bottlebutt tree via a family-friendly 600-metre loop trail, which features a timber viewing platform and seating at the tree’s base.
The tree is a 30-minute drive from Port Macquarie, accessible via well-maintained unsealed forest within the forest (see Google Maps location).
13. Bago Maze and Wine

The Bago Maze and Winery is a family-run farm that highlights local wine and produce from NSW’s Mid North Coast. Bago is a winery that crafts its own wines and grows its grapes on-site.
Nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by acres of vines, Bago offers a delightful experience. Visitors can enjoy a wine-tasting session at the cellar door or try a mixed cheese and meat platter while taking in the vineyard views.
For those less interested in wine, the beautifully maintained hedge maze set among the vineyards is a standout attraction in its own right.
14. Ellenborough Falls

Ellenborough Falls is a breathtaking 200-metre-high waterfall on the Ellenborough River, located in the village of Elands on the Bulga Plateau. It is the tallest single-drop waterfall in New South Wales.
There’s plenty to do at Ellenborough Falls, making it easy to spend half a day exploring. A steep walking track descends to the base, where you can take a swim, while another trail leads to a lookout on the opposite side of the valley, offering a full view of the falls.
For those who prefer not to hike, a fantastic viewing platform next to the car park provides superb views of the waterfall.
15. Rawson Falls

Another waterfall worth visiting near Port Macquarie is Rawson Falls, which can be reached via a moderately challenging and steep 5 km return walk.
While Rawson Falls is smaller and less striking than Ellenborough Falls, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to make the trek through a more challenging forest trail.
If you have extra time, Rawson Falls is definitely worth a visit for its natural beauty. However, if you’ve already been to Ellenborough Falls and prefer to skip another hike, it’s perfectly okay to give this one a miss.
Located within the Boorganna Nature Reserve, Rawson Falls is about an hour’s drive from Port Macquarie on well-maintained roads (see Google Maps location).
16. Day Trip to South West Rocks

South West Rocks is a charming coastal town located just east of where the Macleay River meets the ocean, an easy 50-minute drive north of Port Macquarie.
The town, along with its nearby national parks and beaches, is a popular and family-friendly seaside holiday destination.
Key attractions in South West Rocks include the historic Trial Bay Gaol, the scenic Captain Cook Lookout, the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, and South Smoky Beach.
Read our guide on top things to do in South West Rocks for a complete outline of the most popular attractions and activities.
17. Day Trip to Nambucca Heads

Further north of South West Rocks along the Pacific Highway lies the picturesque coastal town of Nambucca Heads, nestled at the mouth of the Nambucca River.
The greater Nambucca Valley has long been a popular holiday destination, known for its expansive coastline, river activities, and a scenic valley dotted with charming hills and small villages.
Top attractions and activities in Nambucca Heads include exploring the Nambucca River, strolling along the V-Wall, visiting Wellington Rocks, taking in the views from the Rotary Lookout, and relaxing at Shelly Beach.
Read our guide on top things to do in Nambucca Heads for a complete outline of the most popular attractions and activities.
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