Must do

• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
• Trial Bay Gaol
• Crowdy Head Lighthouse
• Wingham Brush Nature Reserve
• Crescent Head Beach
• Ellenborough Falls

Fast facts

• The Hastings River flows into the sea at Port Macquarie
• Coastal towns from Wallabi Point to Old Bar near Taree and Crowdy Head, adventure attractions and heritage buildings 
• Between three and a half and five hours’ drive north of Sydney. Fly from Sydney or Brisbane with QantasLink to Port Macquarie Airport or Rex Airlines to Taree Airport. Virgin Blue has regular flights from Sydney or a weekly flight direct from Melbourne to Port Macquarie Airport.

Why go there

This region is proud of its coastal towns, national parks, surf beaches and heritage areas. Here you can enjoy wildlife spotting – whales, dolphins and koalas – or just hit the beach for a paddle or surf before sampling one of the award-winning local wines.

Thanks to its idyllic climate and setting, the area attracts artists who contribute to a thriving arts scene. Kempsey is the birthplace of both the Akubra hat and country music star Slim Dusty, who’s commemorated in the Slim Dusty Way.

Things to do

• Go scuba diving at South West Rocks.
• Admire the 360° view from the lighthouse at Crowdy Head.
• Explore Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park’s wetlands, the oasis at the heart of Port Macquarie.
• Scenic tourist drives in the hinterland - such as between Taree and Port Macquarie to see the dramatic Ellenborough Falls. 

Don’t miss

• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Port Macquarie, with its elevated boardwalks, guided tours and rainforest café.
• Historic Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks.
• Beautiful beaches and great fishing at Old Bar Beach.
• The monthly farmers’ markets at Wauchope.
• Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital – the only one in NSW.
• Camel rides along Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie.

Events

• Trial Bay Triathlon, South West Rocks, in February.
• World Triathlon Corporation Ironman at Port Macquarie in May.
• Wintersun Festival at Port Macquarie in June.
• Australian Surf Festival at Port Macquarie in August.
• Old Bar Beach Festival, Old Bar near Taree, in September/October.