Port Macquarie is a large town on the mid-North Coast, New South Wales, Australia, located about 390 km north of Sydney, and 570km south of Brisbane. The town is located on the coast, south of the mouth of the Hastings River.
History of Port Macquarie
Europeans first visited the site of Port Macquarie in 1820 when John Oxley reached the Pacific Ocean coast from the interior after his journey to explore inland New South Wales. He named the location after the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie. Later the town was developed, initially as a penal settlement.
Travel & Tours in Port Macquarie
Adventure Travel represents over 1,000 hostels, hotels, tour companies & attractions across Australia that we can book for you often at a discouted rate. At Adventure Travel we also operate a number of our own tours.
Currency used in Port Macquarie
In Port Macquarie the standard currency used is the Australia Dollar. The Australia dollar comes in denominations of 5c ,10c ,20c ,50c ,$1 & 2$ coins, and $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100 notes. Most bars, restaurants, backpacker hostels, shops and Adventure Tour desks in Port Macquarie all take credit card, eftpos and cash. There is several cash machines in Port Macquarie all which dispense the Australia Dollar currency. To check the Australian dollar exchange rate against a foreign currency then click here.
Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels in Port Macquarie
In Port Macquarie there is a number of Backpacker Hostels and Hotels where we can pre - book your accommodation. If you are looking for a budget hostel bed the click here or if you are looking for more luxurious accommodation then click here.
Discounted Travel Insurance
Adventure Travel offers a range of Backpacker Insurance policies at heavily discounted rates. We understand that you are on a budget and prefer to save your money to backpack around the world.
Security in Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie in Australia is a very safe place to travel with 1,000's of visitors touring through Port Macquarie every year. This is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, sunlovers, families and backpackers. To check any foreign office information on Australia you can click here.
Weather in Port Macquarie
The weather in Port Macquarie is seasonal with 4 distinctive seasons. To get more information on the weather in Port Macquarie, Australia, then click here.
Things to see in Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie has an interesting history. Being the first English convict settlement outside of Sydney and the Hunter it has a few historical sites & museums.
Acres Rainforest Centre National Park is home to a native fly fox colony, scrub turkeys, wallabies, kangaroos etc. The rainforest is criss-crossed with several kms of elevated boardwalks, and forest floor trails, and rangers often give guided tours.
Whales migrate past Port Macquarie during early winter and summer months, and there a lots of headlands, which overlook the sea to spot them from. The Lighthouse, which is located at the end of Lighthouse Road in the south, is an excellent place to spot them.
Cassegrain Vineyard is the largest winery in the area, and is located just off the Pacific Highway. Other wineries include Bago Mountain Wines (located near Wauchope) and Long Point Vineyard .
Port Macquarie Historic Grave Yard was the major burial ground for early settlers. It is quite shaded by Lilli Pilli trees and is a pleasant place to wander around for an hour or so. It backs onto Koolonbung Nature Reserve, a native mangrove swamp area, with several Km's of elevated boardwalks (so you don't have to walk in the mud!) and notice boards informing you about the ecosystem, this is a great, central spot for bird watching or exploring nature in a close up environment. Remember to stay on the boardwalks at all times.
Mid North Coast Martime Museum is run by a dedicated group of volunteers, and has a small collection of artefacts, documents & displays showcasing Port Macquarie's maritime history. The steps up to the top of Flagstaff hill are located in the park directly across the road, and this hill is a former naval lookout station. It affords great ocean views.
Beaches in Port Macquarie
Flynns Beach: Located in the resort precinct of Flynns Beach, this is a great tourist beach. With good waves for surfing, commonly patrolled areas (all summer long), lots of shady spots under the Norfolk Pines and a cafe, Flynns is an excellent family beach. Parking can be a major hassle during summer, so either arrive early (very early) or be prepared for a walk.
Shelly Beach: Located right next to Sea Acres, this beach has good waves on the northern end, and a semi-protected rock pool for snorkelling and children to the south. Barbeque areas are availabe, but no food stores are on the beach. Parking here is very hard at the best of times, so arrive very early, or park at the top of Shelly Beach Road and walk down. It's an easy 800m or so walk.
Town Beach: The most central beach in Port Macquarie. The southern end is the family end, and patrolled by lifesavers. It also has a great beachfront cafe. The northern end is the surf end, and is NOT recommended for poor swimmers or families as it commonly has strong currents, and submerged rocks.
Tours / Packages Related To: Port Macquarie
12 Days East Coast Explorer Cairns to Sydney Discover Australia’s eastern coast on AAT Kings’ East Coast Discovery. Enjoy a 4WD tour on Fraser Island, Byron Bay, Daydream Island, Atherton Tablelands, the Great Barrier Reef & CairnsDay 1: Arrive CairnsOn arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to your hotel. Make the most of y...
From $3609 AUD
Greyhound Bus Pass - Sydney to Brisbane Travel between Sydney and Brisbane along the spectacular coastline. Start at either end and visit the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Valid: 90 Days Travel Distance: approx 1110km NOTE: Concession rate metioned above applies to ISIC, VIP, YHA, Gap Year Debut Car...
