Why Visit Port Macquarie – Eight Reasons to Book That Trip

There are so many great Australian tourist destinations. But what makes Port Macquarie so different? It covers all the bases for tourists of all ages and provides both leisure and excitement.

If sightseeing is your main purpose, then this town is a lovely place to visit. One of the best things to do in Port Macquarie is just admiring your surroundings. But there’s more to this somewhat hidden gem.

For starters, you can engage in a vast range of activities on your own. Or take part in guided tours to take in the culture and history of the place.

Here are some incentives that might help you understand why you need to book this trip.

Reason #1 – Experience the Evolution of the Town

One of the top reasons to visit the town of Port Macquarie is its history. Like many other Australian cities, it started out as a convict settlement. Over time, however, it has evolved beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

The town is now a world-famous tourist destination spot. It may not yet be as famous as Sydney, but it’s popular enough nonetheless.

The locals did a great job of showcasing the natural beauty of the region, all while maintaining many of its local natural wonders. It’s always awe-inspiring to see how a place with such a dark history can turn things around.

Reason #2 – Interact with Wildlife

There are many places in Australia where you can see iconic indigenous animals. But Port Macquarie goes one step further to involve tourists. Because at the zoo, you can even feed some of the animals and see the employees interact and play with them.

At the Koala Hospital, you can watch dedicated volunteers in action as they save the lives of threatened koalas. You can even go whale-watching and spot dolphins in their natural habitats. The wildlife experience is immersive and very fulfilling.

Also, you can do some camel riding here. The beach camel safari offers one of the coolest adventures around. You may think that this is something you only get to do in the desert, but in Port Macquarie begs to differ. And if you visit sometime in May and up to November, you can even do some dolphin-spotting on the way.

Reason #3 – Enjoy Some of the Best Australian Beaches

Port Macquarie has 17 beaches – no wonder exploring them’s one of the best things to do in Port Macquarie. But what’s there to do, you ask? Anything you want.

You can have picnics on the beach, surf, or go snorkeling. Fancy long walks around the shoreline? You can do that here on its powdery stretches of sand. Few beaches are very crowded, so you have plenty of choices if you want to relax.

Most beaches also have calm waters, which creates a more family-friendly setting. You can also have a picnic on the beach and spend most of your day there if you want. The clean beaches and gorgeous scenery are among the top reasons to visit Port Macquarie.

Reason #4 – Take Amazing Cruises

There are so many cruises you can take to the town and back. A cruise is always a good way to blow off steam, whether for some pampering or to spend more time on the ocean.

Another reason to take a cruise from Port Macquarie is for sightseeing and whale-watching. The town’s geographic location makes it an ideal location to spot whales and dolphins. Some whales even get very close to shore and give birth to baby whales in shallow bays.

While it may not be easy to swim with the dolphins, you can get close enough to watch packs of them from a boat.

Reason #5 – It Has a Rainforest

Port Macquarie also has a rainforest preserve. If you love nature, then you simply have to take a walk through the reserve. The boardwalk loops around the reserve and immerses you in the rainforest.

There are few better and safer ways to experience ancient fauna. Or to breathe in some of the cleanest air on the planet. Maybe even spot very rare native reptiles and birds.

It may not be Australia’s largest rainforest reserve, but it’s set up in such a way that tourists can easily get around with or without a tour guide.

Reason #6 – Many of the Attractions Are Free

Another reason to visit the town is the abundance of free attractions. There are free things to do in Port Macquarie, such as taking tours – including the ones that take you through the reserve.

Even visiting the Koala Hospital is free of charge, although the institution greatly appreciates donations. After all, most of the staff are volunteers.

Accommodations are also cheaper than in other top Australian tourist spots.

Reason #7 – It’s a Safe Town

Compared to many other Australian cities, Port Macquarie is one of the safest. It’s a great place to live and maybe even better to visit.

If you want to take a family vacation, the very low crime rate is an incentive. The town thrives on tourism so it incentivizes the locals to accommodate tourists. No wonder you’ll be met by the friendly attitude of the residents.

Reason #8 – It’s Very Family and Kid-Friendly

The town offers a variety of interactive activities. Kids can have fun go-karting or play tennis. There is also a mini-golf course and a rock-climbing course.

Many of the land-based activities can accommodate tourists with kids. Of course, there’s something for adventurous adults, too. That’s because you can find paragliding and skydiving adventures in the area.

With that said, catching a bird’s eye view of the town and its surroundings is yet another incentive to visit.

A Former Penal Colony Turned Tourist’s Paradise

Port Macquarie weather is generally quite good. If you visit between May and November, you get the best chance to experience everything the place has to offer.

It may not be Australia’s most well-known attraction but it’s still a small slice of heaven. It’s an ideal family vacation spot with plenty of thrilling adventure opportunities, too.

Port Macquarie’s definitely worth at least a stop if you’re not going to make it your primary destination.