Are you planning a roadtrip with the family?
Then you should definitely put Port Macquarie on your list! About four-and-a-half hours’ drive north from Sydney, this gem offers everything from a classic coastal atmosphere to delicious food and coffee.
This town has much more to offer than cafes though. Here are six absolute must-dos for an unforgettable road trip:
1. Bird Tree and Benaroon For a guaranteed adventure, you should check out two of the biggest Blackbutt trees in New South Wales. Situated in the Middle Brother National Park, Bird Tree and Benaroon are thought to date back to pre-Captain Cook’s time in Australia. You can feel the power of nature as you walk through the park, discovering these two majestic trees. To give you an inkling of what to expect in terms of size, Bird Tree has an impressive girth of 11 metres, only trumped by Benaroon’s 15 metres. 2. Lighthouse Beach If you and your family like a salty sea breeze, Lighthouse Beach is another priority. Only seven kilometres south of Port Macquarie, the nine-kilometre long stretch of sand is perfect for a day trip. One of the favourites for surfers in summer, the beach is a great spot to hone your skills – since all swells get picked up, it’s more suited for those who are already at an intermediate level. If you’re not too keen on getting wet, you could enjoy a camel ride or a long walk on the sand instead. An absolute highlight of the beach is the Tracking Point Lighthouse. Build in the late 19th Century, you can take in stunning coastal views from the viewing platform. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some whales between May and November!
3. Koala Hospital Both you are your kids will adore visiting the grey fluffies – koalas. The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, a volunteer-run wildlife rehabilitation facility, opens its doors to visitors every day from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., giving you enough time to marvel at the eucalyptus-eating animals. And if you end up falling in love with these beautiful creatures, you can even adopt one to help fund the rescue and treatment of koalas across Australia. Of course you won’t be able to take your adopted koala home with you, but you get an adoption package to keep. 4. Limeburners Creek National Park Are you after a bit of quiet quality time with your loved ones? Then Limeburners Creek is perfect for you. Tucked away along the coast, this remote beach is the ideal spot to sit back, tan and watch as the children play in the shallows.
5. Innes Ruins
For a walk back in time, the eerie ruins of one of Australia’s first settlements is the way to go. Guided tours let you connect with the country’s history as you walk through the Innes Ruins.
Erected in the days of convict labour, the beautifully located remnant of times past tells tales of everything from the Depression of the 1840s to the closure of Port Macquarie as penal settlement. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Innes, learn about Australia’s history and enjoy a great day out!
6. Bago Vineyards and Maze
To indulge the culinary senses, the Bago Vineyards and Maze is a lovely option. As the adults enjoy a glass of vino and delicious nibbles from the menu, the children get to play in the grass or even tackle an exciting two metre high hedge maze. Fun and relaxation are guaranteed here.
So, now you know what you can do at Port Macquarie, take your pick from a wide range of vehicles and get road-trippin’!