Summer Holiday Essentials Guide

Aaahh...Summer Holidays..we love 'em! Every Summer has it's own story and the tans will fade but the memories will last forever. Check out our comprehensive December 2020 What's On listing for heaps of events and activities. We've also put together some highlights and tips on what you can do while you're here to create your own special memories.

Beach, Baby!

If you're kids are like ours, you just need to add water to make it fun. And with 17 pristine uncrowded beaches to enjoy, you'll find the perfect one! Not all are patrolled, but all of them are unique and stunning.

Check out our Local's Beach Guide here.

Make the biggest splash..

One of the largest inflatable water park set ups in Australia, Stoney Aqua Park is soooo much fun for kids (and adults to)! Situated about 20 minutes drive north of Port Mac, at Telegraph Point, it's well worth the drive with great picnic facilities, plenty of shade and a kiosk. Well behaved, leashed dogs are also welcome.

Learn to Surf

Both Port Macquarie Surf School & the crew at Soul Surfing have some great lessons for any gromits looking to improve on their skills or test the water for the first time on a board!! Check out their websites for all the details.

We LOVE Koalas!
The world-famous Koala Hospital is a very special place which has saved and rehabilitated so many koalas over the years. Pre-bookings are essential. Adjacent to the Hospital is the historic Roto House, well worth a tour, and then you can grab a treat from the Round & Round vintage coffee caravan. Want more koalas? Find 70+ hand painted large scale koala sculptures on the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, taking you to interesting sites across Port Macquarie, from the hinterland to the sea.

Cool Rainforests

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and Boardwalk is an easy 1.3km stroll through ancient rainforest, with a fantastic gift shop and cafe. A family favourite.

On the Water

Almost as much fun as being in the water! Head to Dunbogan Boat Shed (which has it's own ice-cream shack and fish feeding), and hire a kayak, SUP, boat or BBQ boat, then head up river to catch your supper. Take a deep sea fishing charter or a twilight dolphin cruise, or go high adrenaline on a Jet Boat or a Jet Ski.

Go wild at Billabong Zoo

Get up-close and personal with koalas, crocodiles, meerkats and snow leopards at award winning Billabong Zoo. Be part of the daily feeding frenzy and hourly animal talks with over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. You can even book a one-on-one encounter with some very special animals. Enjoy the playground, picnic areas, Zoo Cafe and shop.

A-Mazing Family friendly wineries!

The family friendly wineries around Port Macquarie have something for everyone. Sit back and relax as you sample a local drop while the kids are entertained with interactive art, one of the world's largest hedge mazes, a working chocolate shop, tasty treats, and horse riding! See here for our itinerary.

Camels! Wait..what?

Yep, we got 'em. You can go camel riding on stunning Lighthouse Beach. It's one of those rare experiences that you have to take while it's there! Visit Port Macquarie Camel Safaris.

Come with us & Gallop..

Port Macquarie Horse Riding Centre have an awesome program of rides these holidays, with something for everyone's ability considered. There are team game days, beginner camps, private lessons, winery trail rides or pony rides for the littlies.

Hastings River Horseriding offers long and leisurely trail rides through our beautiful Wauchope Hinterland, where you and your trusty steed can finish off with a refreshing river swim. Oh, and they are also doing beach rides so you can finally tick that off your bucket list!

Family Meal Time - Yum we have that covered too!

Looking for some family friendly dining options whilst enjoying your time here, we have many venues that welcome families and cater for all ages. Our Food tastes better when shared with Family recommendations will satisfy everyone's tastes.

Top things to do under $10

From our awesome beach-side skate park, to our Lighthouse and more, there are heaps of freebies and cheapies to explore for families on a budget here.