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There hasn’t been a better year to discover our wonderful country and one of the destinations we explored during our recent travels was Port Macquarie.
It is a cute little town, on the North Mid Coast, almost half way between Byron Bay and Sydney. The destination features 17 picturesque beaches, hinterland and a variety of exciting activities for both families and couples. I found it very easy to entertain the kids in Port Macquarie with more activities to explore than we had the time for.
Here are the highlights of our trip and our reasons why Port Macquarie should be on your travel map for 2020.
This gorgeous hotel has just emerged from a 15 million refurbishment and features a beautiful waterfront heated resort-style pool with private cabanas, fantastic family rooms that sleep four guests in comfort, excellent Waterfront restaurant with Modern Australian cuisine, tennis court and jetty.
It was a very comfortable home away from home for our family and we look forward to returning again in summer to get a full benefit of exploring different beaches.
Phone: +61 2 6589 5100
https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/port-macquarie-nsw/sails-port-macquarie/
Those who prefer their holidays a little more exhilarating, would love a seaplane flight. It’s no secret that the best way to explore any place is from high above. And if it is whale watching season, it is even more of a reason to arrange a scenic flight to spot these magnificent animals with ease.
Cameron and his team at Adventure Flights are locals and know every beach and landmark in Port Macquarie. They will show you the scenery, fly past the Lighthouse, go on a quest to see whales up close and personal and even introduce you to seaplane aerobatics on request.
A perfect outing for a special occasion.
Tel: 1300 359 327
https://www.adventureflightsportmacquarie.com.au
This fantastic venue is excellent for families. Only a short drive away from town, yet miles away from hustle and bustle of a busy place. Get a pass to the maze for a few dollars and enjoy an afternoon of fun followed by a visit to the farm, blueberry wine tasting or grazing on a cheese platter with a view of the vineyard.
A warning – finding your way out of the maze is not as easy as it seems.
This is a ‘must-do’ activity, one of my favourites. Arrive early at the Lighthouse beach and enjoy a serene camel ride by the water’s edge. The camels are well groomed and very friendly, John and his team have been running this business for over 20 years so they will make sure you are having fun and enjoying yourself. The ride isn’t scary and almost soothing, suitable for the young and young at heart. Try to pick a sunny day and enjoy gorgeous views on your ride as far as the eye can see.
No need to book ahead, just turn up and enjoy!
Port Macquarie Camel Safaris
Phone: +61 437 672 080
www.portmacquariecamels.com.au
This one was also our favourite – so much that we went every day of our trip.
10 minutes from the centre you’ll find this amazing place – igloo style greenhouses full of succulent red strawberries grown without any chemicals. Get a little basket from reception and go picking. Your basket will be weighted once you finish and the strawberries are very reasonably priced. We came every day and filled our baskets to the brim – they are possibly the yummiest we ever had in Australia. Must-Do in Port Macquarie.
Phone: +61 2 6585 0663
Despite its small size it is a fantastic zoo. You can see animals up close and person and have animal encounters with more than 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
Hold a koala, pat a kangaroo, feed a cheetah or explore snow leopard’s den – all possible within a one day visit to the zoo.
However book well ahead with personal encounters get booked out very quickly and are limited to only a few people per session.
Great fun for the whole family!
Phone: +61 2 6585 1060
https://www.billabongzoo.com.au
Wishing you a wonderful trip to Port Macquarie!
