Whether you’re stopping by Port Macquarie on a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, or heading there for a relaxing weekend, you’ll be surprised at the unexpected experiences you can have.
Most people know Port Macquarie for its temperate climate, stunning beaches and friendly people, but they’re just the beginning. Other adventures to add to your itinerary include riding a camel by the ocean, touring a weatherboard house built in the 19th century and picking strawberries on a working farm.
Here are five you shouldn’t miss.
RIDE A CAMEL ON THE BEACH
You might have walked, run and swum at the beach, but seeing it from the back of a camel brings a new perspective.
You’ll find Port Macquarie Camel Safaris on Lighthouse Beach, a kilometre south of Tacking Point Surf Club. There’s no need to book – simply turn up and climb aboard for a 20-minute saunter along the sand.
The camels are around from 9:30am-1pm daily. except Saturdays and Christmas Day. During NSW school holidays, hours are extended to 9am-2pm.
TOUR A 19TH CENTURY WEATHERBOARD HOUSE
All over Australia, weatherboard cottages, which used to characterise coastal villages, are being knocked down and replaced with modern, two-storey houses.
But, in Port Macquarie, Roto House is bucking the trend. This charming weatherboard dwelling, built way back in 1891, was home to its designer’s family until 1979. These days, though, it belongs to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, so it’s open to the public.
As you wander through the 11 rooms, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. For an even more interesting experience, book a tour in advance.
GO STRAWBERRY PICKING
There’s no substitute for picking and eating strawberries straight off the plant. At Ricardoes, which is a 15-minute drive northwest of Port Macquarie CBD, you can do just that.
When you arrive, you’ll be given a bucket, then invited to explore the farm’s two acres of greenhouses, where strawberries and tomatoes grow hydroponically. Pick as many as you can manage to carry, then take them home to feast on.
There’s also an onsite eatery, Cafe Red, where you can try dishes inspired by tomatoes and strawberries, including strawberry shortcake and fresh scones served with strawberry jam.
SEE A KOALA HOSPITAL
Koalas might be one of Australia’s most famous and best loved animals, but they’re close to extinction. In fact, as soon as 2050, there might be none left in the wild.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is doing all it can to prevent such a disaster. They rescue, treat and rehabilitate koalas, and recently launched the first wild koala conservation breeding program in the world.
When you visit, you’ll learn more about koalas, why they’re endangered and what the hospital does to support them. Plus, any money you spend will go towards the hospital’s important work.
VISIT A TIMBER GAOL
This adventure takes you to the Comboyne Plateau, a 50-minute drive west of Port Macquarie through lush hinterland.
At 2 River St, you’ll find the Comboyne Gaol (aka the Larrikins Lockup), built of timber slab more than 100 years ago, in 1905. Today, it’s surrounded by an acre of gardens filled with majestic old trees, an art gallery and a gift shop.
GETTING TO PORT MACQUARIE
Port Macquarie is four hours’ drive north of Sydney, 13 hours’ drive north of Melbourne and six hours’ drive south of Brisbane. You can pick up a SIXT car rental in any of Australia’s major cities.
If you’re short on time, consider flying to Port Macquarie, then jumping in a SIXT vehicle at Port Macquarie Airport. We have EVs, SUVs and more, as well as great discounts for auto-club members and a variety of optional extras.
