Port Macquarie, North Coast — New South Wales

Port Macquarie is a large town located in the North Coast region of New South Wales, situated on the southern part of the Hastings River mouth. The place-name was in honor of Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales during the early 19th century.

The town was initially established as a penal settlement and its rich heritage is manifested in several well-preserved buildings and structures within its borders. Along Clarence Street, visitors will find something unusual—headstones. These structures mark the site, named Allman Hill, as the location of the town’s first cemetery.

Headstones are also found on the intersection of Horton and Gordon Streets, marking the graves of prisoners and the town’s early settlers. Nearby is the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park, an area ideal for bushwalking and bird watching.

Another interesting destination would be the Port Macquarie Museum and Courthouse, situated at the corner of Murray and Hay Streets. The building was built circa 1836, and contains several important historical documents and other related items. There are also several recreations of storefronts during the 19th century as well a Victorian parlor within its premises. Across this building is the courthouse that was constructed in 1869.

The St Thomas's Anglican Church, on Hay Street, has a history associated with the town’s past as a penal settlement. It was built by convicts in 1828 and is considered as the third oldest church of the country.

An example of a residence in the 19th century can found along Roto Place, the Roto House which was constructed in1890.

The town’s most popular attractions, however, are its pristine and beautiful beaches. Apart from swimming, the beaches are also ideal for surfing. Some beaches also have grassy areas that are perfect for picnics.

Port Macquarie also has several boat ramps where sailing vessels can be hired for deep-sea fishing.

The Tacking Point Lighthouse is accessed through Lighthouse Road and is quite historic, being the third oldest in the country. It was built in 1879 and also affords spectacular views of the coast and the town’s surrounding areas.

Scenic beach and rivers views are also offered at the Gaol Point Lookout, accessed through Stewart Street.

Port Macquarie is also known for its Koala preservation and protection efforts. The town boasts of its Koala Hospital, along Roto Place, where the injured animals are treated. Though the hospital itself is off-limits to tourists, they can still take part in feeding sessions during designated times of the day. After treatment, the koalas are then relocated to the nearby Port Macquarie Nature Reserve.

Another popular natural attraction within the town is the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, accessed via Pacific Drive. Apart from offering guided tours, there are also ecological displays and gift shops.

Those wishing to see the wildlife common in the area should visit the Billabong Koala and Aussie Wildlife Park, accessed through Billabong Drive. The animals here are either free roaming or placed in compounds. There are also several aviaries in the area.

For more urban types of leisure, there’s the ARK Adrenalin Rush Karting, located along Pacific Parkway. Visitors get to experience the thrill of riding go-karts in a real racing circuit.

Port Macquarie also boasts of two golfing facilities, the Emerald Downs Golf Course on Emerald Drive and the Hydro Golf along Boundary Street.