Top Things to do in Port Macquarie
Top 10 Free Things to do in Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Port Macquarie, Australia including Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard, Mrs York's Garden, Koala Hospital, Coastal walk, Hastings River, Long Point Vineyard, Tacking Point Lighthouse, Lake Cathie Foreshore Reserve, Black Duck Brewery, St Thomas Anglican Church.
Restaurants in Port Macquarie
1. Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Douglas Vale is a not-for-profit organisation and unique in Australia, with the 3.08h property looked after, restored and maintained entirely by volunteers. Enjoy a few tour of the Homestead, oldest timber building in the Hastings region, then take a walk through the magnificent grounds which include an orchard, ornamental ponds, cottage, rose and vegetable gardens. The 1 acre vineyard now produces 3 grape varieties, Black Isabella, from original cuttings obtained back in 1863, Villard Blanc and Chambourcin. Available for a free tasting and purchase exclusively at the cellar door, are 2 white wines, a rose, 2 reds and the famous Isabella Port. The Homestead and outbuildings are classified by the National Trust of Australia and on the Council's list of Heritage sites. We are access friendly and offer activities for children. Please look out for us on your drive into Port Macquarie on the Oxley Highway . We are open Wednesday & Saturday 10am to 3pm.We welcome everyone.
Reviewed By ralphm146 - Brisbane, Australia
A great place to visit, wine tasting was in a rustic atmosphere. Beautiful wines, whites, rose, reds and port a must to sample and buy. Friendly volunteers with a wealth of knowledge about the Homestead, outbuildings and the grounds. There are plants for sale. You can spend as long as you like strolling through the Homestead and beautiful grounds learning the history of Douglas Vale. It is a must visit when you are in Port Macquarie. Easy access and proximity to the town centre. A educational experience not to be missed.
2. Mrs York's Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 993anitat - Forster, Australia
I had parked my car near Goal Point and had walked along the break wall before coming back up the hill from the town centre when I came across Mrs York’s Garden. This is was a garden first established on the headland by Mrs York in the late 1960’s. It has been reestablished by volunteers. The walk is just lovely winding it’s way down the headland and then back up to Goal Point. There is a little man-made waterfall and volunteers have planted heaps of littoral rainforest species and coastal headland species. What is really nice is that the trees have been labeled. I will need to come back for another walk in years to come to see how this area grows and develops back into a dense, lush area.
3. Koala Hospital
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,077 reviews
The world's first koala hospital. We are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating koalas; and researching treatments, pharmaceuticals and practices to conserve koalas and their habitat.
Reviewed By lynm872
Thank you to the volunteers for their informative free tour of the Koala Hospital and its resident koalas, past and present. Great work volunteers. Well worth a visit.
4. Coastal walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,360 reviews
Reviewed By halpmi - Port Macquarie, Australia
This is a lovely walk with some stairs, but the pathway is quite easy to manage. I would recommend early morning or late afternoon to take this walk. Early morning as the sun comes up is beautiful and with the chance to see dolphins around the river/Town Beach or possibly whales from the headlands....don't miss this and think of the benefits of the exercise!
5. Hastings River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By Kaye888 - Sydney, Australia
We took the 2 hour sunset cruise from the town wharf last night with Port Jet and it was great. We saw Dolphins and a georgous sunset. They provide pizza, fruit and ice cream. They also have a licensed bar. Don't miss it if you are in town.
6. Long Point Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
A charming take on the traditional vineyard, Long Point offers wine tasting, local art and delicious products from the Port Macquarie hinterland. Try our famous Agent Orange liqueur and refreshing alcoholic ginger beer. Wander our grounds and enjoy a cheese platter, or pack your own picnic lunch. We look forward to seeing you and sharing our beautiful vineyard.
Reviewed By Portmum - Port Macquarie, Australia
This is a small and beautiful vineyard that you want to visit again and again. The selection of wines this year is excellent, with an impressive gallery and gift shop, Cheese platter on the deck with a glass of DeckChair White is lovely way to spend the afternoon.
7. Tacking Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,131 reviews
Reviewed By katieo223 - Wagga Wagga, Australia
This lighthouse has an amazing viewing platform where you can sit and watch the sea for hours. I noted a few people have said access was prevented due to road works. If you are physically able continue down the road to lighthouse beach carpark. Walk down to the beach and to the base of the lighthouse around 100m; stairs (about 50) go to the top with a rest station on the way.
8. Lake Cathie Foreshore Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By Andyjam2110 - Newcastle, Australia
I like Cathie but fair say that the foreshore can get a bit soupy when closed to the ocean. Quite an interesting little estuary system with lots of fish swimming around, and also a few rays. Good play equipment for the kids.
9. Black Duck Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
A small brewery in the industrial area of Port Macquarie. You can come and sit and enjoy one of the many beers made on site at the bar and check out where all the magic happens.
Reviewed By Wander03756167310 - Cessnock, Australia
Awesome place in great setting in industrial area Spent Friday afternoon/night with family listening to live music while sampling the excellent range of brews with a tasting paddle and beautiful wood fired pizzas. then worked through the menu great selection and variety of beers A must visit when in port Macquarie
10. St Thomas Anglican Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
It is fascinating to visit this historical church built by convicts 1824 - 1828 and gain an appreciation of the culture of the times by taking a guided tour. This church is still a place of worship.
Reviewed By CazjAnd - Sydney, Australia
Dropped in to have a little look and spent about 45 mins. Did a tour with a friendly volunteer guide, Ron who took us up the bell tower. You climb up ship’s ladders to the top but have incredible views of the whole of Port Macquarie. Learn lots about the history of the place. Downstairs in the church are incredible family boxes put up to protect the civilians from the convicts. Also incredible stonework in this convict built church. Great slice of Port Macquarie’s history.
