Start your day off with great coffee and super yummy acai bowls at Salty Crew and take in the magnificent ocean views of Town Beach. While you are there, check out the Breakwall (with Breakwall HQ also fab for a cuppa), colourful graffiti rocks that are a collage of messages, tributes and memories from visitors and locals. The adjacent Skate Park is one of the best on the North Coast, with great views and plenty of room for younger kids on scooters.

SUP HIRE or SEA ACRES RAINFOREST BOARD WALK

Head over to Settlement Point or Buller Street near Westport Park where Tony will teach you how to use a stand up paddleboard. Get close to marine life and have fun!

OR...If SUP-ing isn't your thing, take the five minute drive out to the award-winning Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Cafe and Boardwalk. It's an oasis of lushness and tranquility, with lots for little ones to explore.

LUNCH BREAK

You are in the perfect place to enjoy a waterside lunch, try Banks Cafe if you've taken the SUP hire option, or if you’re at Sea Acres, the Rainforest Cafe is always a hit! If you're heading to the Koala Hospital, you'll find the kid-friendly Round & Round caravan cafe in the grounds. They even supply picnic blankets (and do a yummy caramello koala drink).

KOALA HOSPITAL

No trip to Port Macquarie is complete without a visit to the world’s first Koala Hospital, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating koalas. It's an easy 3 minutes drive from the CBD! Wander through the facility with an expert volunteer tour guide to learn all about the Koalas and the hospital, and grab a drink and a treat from the gorgeous Round & Round coffee caravan. The hospital is located adjacent to historic Roto House which is open to the public for a wander back in time.

WILDNETS

Australia’s largest suspended playground has to be experienced to be believed! This unique treetops adventure is so much fun for the whole family. Bookings advisable.

ICE CREAM BREAK

An essential part of any family break, the all important ice-cream! A leisurely 30-minute coastal drive south of Port will see you in the pretty Camden Haven. Head to the iconic Dunbogan Boat Shed where you can grab an ice cream or a cuppa, and feed the fish (handy tip- check opening hours as these change regularly). Or, if the finest hand-crafted gelato is your thing- you can't go past Blue Cow Gelato in Port's CBD. It's truly heavenly!

DINNER

Don’t fear when it’s time to take the kids out to dinner! Settlers Inn Hotel make family dining easy with a huge play area for the kids and even a kid’s movie room to enjoy. Serving everything from tacos and poke bowls to steaks and schnitzel, paired with a glass of your favourite beverage.

SWEET DREAMS

Sails Port Macquarie is a 4.5-star waterfront resort in our region. This coastal beauty has emerged from an extensive refurbishment to reveal 92 stunning guest rooms and suites with a waterfront restaurant & bar overlooking the marina.

If you’d prefer a self-contained apartment, there are some great options in the heart of the CBD, including Port Pacific Resort, Macquarie Waters, Ki-Ea, and more. Check out our Apartments here.

DAY 1 SALTY CREW KIOSK & WALK/SKATE Start your day off with great coffee and super yummy acai bowls at Salty Crew and take in the magnificent ocean views of Town Beach. While you are there, check out the Breakwall (with Breakwall HQ also fab for a cuppa), colourful graffiti rocks that are a collage of messages, tributes and memories from visitors and locals. The adjacent Skate Park is one of the best on the North Coast, with great views and plenty of room for younger kids on scooters. SUP HIRE or SEA ACRES RAINFOREST BOARD WALK Head over to Settlement Point or Buller Street near Westport Park where Tony will teach you how to use a stand up paddleboard. Get close to marine life and have fun! OR...If SUP-ing isn't your thing, take the five minute drive out to the award-winning Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Cafe and Boardwalk. It's an oasis of lushness and tranquility, with lots for little ones to explore. LUNCH BREAK You are in the perfect place to enjoy a waterside lunch, try Banks Cafe if you've taken the SUP hire option, or if you’re at Sea Acres, the Rainforest Cafe is always a hit! If you're heading to the Koala Hospital, you'll find the kid-friendly Round & Round caravan cafe in the grounds. They even supply picnic blankets (and do a yummy caramello koala drink). KOALA HOSPITAL No trip to Port Macquarie is complete without a visit to the world’s first Koala Hospital, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating koalas. It's an easy 3 minutes drive from the CBD! Wander through the facility with an expert volunteer tour guide to learn all about the Koalas and the hospital, and grab a drink and a treat from the gorgeous Round & Round coffee caravan. The hospital is located adjacent to historic Roto House which is open to the public for a wander back in time. WILDNETS Australia’s largest suspended playground has to be experienced to be believed! This unique treetops adventure is so much fun for the whole family. Bookings advisable. ICE CREAM BREAK An essential part of any family break, the all important ice-cream! A leisurely 30-minute coastal drive south of Port will see you in the pretty Camden Haven. Head to the iconic Dunbogan Boat Shed where you can grab an ice cream or a cuppa, and feed the fish (handy tip- check opening hours as these change regularly). Or, if the finest hand-crafted gelato is your thing- you can't go past Blue Cow Gelato in Port's CBD. It's truly heavenly! DINNER Don’t fear when it’s time to take the kids out to dinner! Settlers Inn Hotel make family dining easy with a huge play area for the kids and even a kid’s movie room to enjoy. Serving everything from tacos and poke bowls to steaks and schnitzel, paired with a glass of your favourite beverage. SWEET DREAMS Sails Port Macquarie is a 4.5-star waterfront resort in our region. This coastal beauty has emerged from an extensive refurbishment to reveal 92 stunning guest rooms and suites with a waterfront restaurant & bar overlooking the marina. If you’d prefer a self-contained apartment, there are some great options in the heart of the CBD, including Port Pacific Resort, Macquarie Waters, Ki-Ea, and more. Check out our Apartments here.

Day 2

CAMEL RIDE

Experience Port Macquarie’s most beautiful southerly beach on the back of a camel with Port Macquarie Camel Safaris. Hop aboard for this unique and fun-filled experience.

SCENIC VIEW AND WHALE OR DOLPHIN WATCHING

Perched on a rocky headland offering stunning panoramic views along the coast Tacking Point Lighthouse is the perfect spot for dolphin and whale watching (or... if you drive the ten minutes back into town, dial up the thrills on-water with Port Jet Boat!)

COASTAL WALK TASTER/BEACH BREAK

Heading north from the Lighthouse this short section of the Coastal Walk is perfect to try with the kids. It is a steeper section but the steps lead down to Little Bay. A stunning bay, with sandstone and volcanic rock formations, crystal clear water and rock pools for the kids to explore! Head over the other side to Lighthouse Beach. The southern section is patrolled through the summer.

LUNCH BREAK

Take in beach views while eating something delicious from Coast Café at Lighthouse Beach under the Tacking Point Surf Club.

BAGO MAZE AND WINERY (& Chocolate Shop!)

Now it is time to relax on the grassy hill sipping wine and eating cheese while the kids and the kids at heart find their way through the longest hedge maze in New South Wales, at Bago Maze & Wines. Be sure to stock up on some Baba Lila chocolates to take home.

OLD BOTTLEBUT

Just down the road, you can take the easy 600-metre loop walking track in Burrawan State Forest to visit the largest Red Bloodwood tree in the Southern Hemisphere. Old Bottlebutt is a towering, grand tree over 200 years old and has a massive girth of 16 metres.

DINNER

You have surely worked up an appetite after today. If you’re looking for family-friendly dining where the kids have room to move, check out Chop n Chill on Town Green. With a playground right out the front and a view of the river, everyone’s happy!

Day 2 CAMEL RIDE Experience Port Macquarie’s most beautiful southerly beach on the back of a camel with Port Macquarie Camel Safaris. Hop aboard for this unique and fun-filled experience. SCENIC VIEW AND WHALE OR DOLPHIN WATCHING Perched on a rocky headland offering stunning panoramic views along the coast Tacking Point Lighthouse is the perfect spot for dolphin and whale watching (or... if you drive the ten minutes back into town, dial up the thrills on-water with Port Jet Boat!) COASTAL WALK TASTER/BEACH BREAK Heading north from the Lighthouse this short section of the Coastal Walk is perfect to try with the kids. It is a steeper section but the steps lead down to Little Bay. A stunning bay, with sandstone and volcanic rock formations, crystal clear water and rock pools for the kids to explore! Head over the other side to Lighthouse Beach. The southern section is patrolled through the summer. LUNCH BREAK Take in beach views while eating something delicious from Coast Café at Lighthouse Beach under the Tacking Point Surf Club. BAGO MAZE AND WINERY (& Chocolate Shop!) Now it is time to relax on the grassy hill sipping wine and eating cheese while the kids and the kids at heart find their way through the longest hedge maze in New South Wales, at Bago Maze & Wines. Be sure to stock up on some Baba Lila chocolates to take home. OLD BOTTLEBUT Just down the road, you can take the easy 600-metre loop walking track in Burrawan State Forest to visit the largest Red Bloodwood tree in the Southern Hemisphere. Old Bottlebutt is a towering, grand tree over 200 years old and has a massive girth of 16 metres. DINNER You have surely worked up an appetite after today. If you’re looking for family-friendly dining where the kids have room to move, check out Chop n Chill on Town Green. With a playground right out the front and a view of the river, everyone’s happy!

Tacking Point Lighthouse Sunrise Daniel Tran

DAY 3

BREKKY

Indulge in wholesome and delicious pancakes and crepes at the Pancake Place in the middle of town – a colourful, toucan-themed indoor/outdoor dining experience that the whole family will love.

BILLABONG ZOO KOALA & WILDLIFE PARK

Get up-close and personal this morning to Australian and exotic animals. At family-owned Billabong Zoo, you can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds, including Koalas!

LUNCH BREAK

Try the excellent Zoo Cafe at Billabong, or Experience Café Red at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, for a great day out and a farm-to-plate eating experience in the countryside.

STRAWBERRY PICKING

After lunch at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, grab your bucket and head to the greenhouse and experience the pleasure of picking your own plump, luscious strawberries. People of all heights and ages can reach a row of climbing vines!

PONY RIDES AND WINERY

Enjoy the best of both worlds at Cassegrain Winery! Delve into a local cheese platter and award-winning wines whilst the kids enjoy a pony ride at the ‘Port Macquarie Horse Riding Centre’ onsite.

DINNER

Take advantage of the burger craze in Port Macquarie and head to The Burger Rebellion. Its buzzy, open plan kitchen dishes out delicious burgers, sides and some killer salads. There is also a huge selection of chilli sauces along with ice-cream sandwiches, beer, wine, cider and milkshakes.

DAY 3 BREKKY Indulge in wholesome and delicious pancakes and crepes at the Pancake Place in the middle of town – a colourful, toucan-themed indoor/outdoor dining experience that the whole family will love. BILLABONG ZOO KOALA & WILDLIFE PARK Get up-close and personal this morning to Australian and exotic animals. At family-owned Billabong Zoo, you can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds, including Koalas! LUNCH BREAK Try the excellent Zoo Cafe at Billabong, or Experience Café Red at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, for a great day out and a farm-to-plate eating experience in the countryside. STRAWBERRY PICKING After lunch at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, grab your bucket and head to the greenhouse and experience the pleasure of picking your own plump, luscious strawberries. People of all heights and ages can reach a row of climbing vines! PONY RIDES AND WINERY Enjoy the best of both worlds at Cassegrain Winery! Delve into a local cheese platter and award-winning wines whilst the kids enjoy a pony ride at the ‘Port Macquarie Horse Riding Centre’ onsite. DINNER Take advantage of the burger craze in Port Macquarie and head to The Burger Rebellion. Its buzzy, open plan kitchen dishes out delicious burgers, sides and some killer salads. There is also a huge selection of chilli sauces along with ice-cream sandwiches, beer, wine, cider and milkshakes.

More kid-friendly ideas!

See our 'Top 6 kid-friendly places to eat' here, best ways to get the kids 're-wilded' here, and our Top 22 things to do under $10 here. We've even rounded up a bunch of Indoor activities if the weather isn't playing nice (or even if it is...the kids will love these suggestions).

More kid-friendly ideas! See our 'Top 6 kid-friendly places to eat' here, best ways to get the kids 're-wilded' here, and our Top 22 things to do under $10 here. We've even rounded up a bunch of Indoor activities if the weather isn't playing nice (or even if it is...the kids will love these suggestions).