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With a climate amongst Australia’s
best, it’s not surprising that Greater Port Macquarie
 is amongst
Australia’s longest established and best loved holiday
destinations. Discover glorious bays and beaches, intricate
inland waterways, rainforests and rolling hinterland.
Relax on a white sandy beach,
punctuated by rocky headlands where hidden treasures can be
found in rock pools. Take an early morning stroll along a
waterfront pathway, where you will be greeted by sparkling ocean
or river vistas, schools of dolphins, the spectacle simple
beauty
of a majestic pelican.
 Meander through rainforest or
explore vast areas of wetlands. At Shelly Beach, you can stroll
through tracts of coastal rainforest along 1.3 kilometers of
boardwalk, often up in the tree canopy itself. At Kooloonbung
Creek Nature Park, an area of 52 hectares of natural bushland,
there are 3 kilometers of walking tracks and boardwalks through
tranquil parklands so as not to disturb the fragile eco-system.
Awarded the prestigious NSW 4th
City of the Arts, the region abounds with talented artists in
all genres and almost 100 arts and cultural groups, creating a
rich cultural diversity and offering a wide range of regular
performances, exhibitions and activities throughout the year for
the community and visitors alike.
 The European settlement of Port
Macquarie was established in 1821, 3 years after John Oxley
reached the region by trekking down the Hastings River from the
New England area. It is one of the oldest penal settlements
outside of Sydney. Many early structures still stand today,
along with a range of museums and interpretive centres, ideally
suited to the history buff!
You will be impressed by the range
of accommodation, the pubs, clubs and shops and you will also be
astonished to find such a diversity of places to wine and dine,
including several award winning restaurants.
Explore the Camden Haven.
Stretching from the rugged
escarpments and lush pastures of Comboyne Plateau to the
unspoilt beaches, rocky headlands and stunning views of the
coastal strip between Bonny Hills and Diamond Head, the Camden
Haven is within a 30 minute drive south of Port Macquarie. ]
The Camden Haven is renowned for
its fishing and beaches, National Parks, State Forests, and
outdoor lifestyle. Catch black-fish at Northern Breakwall, pick
up a mud crab or two on Queens Lake or take a deep sea fishing
charter; discover the rich fauna and flora in Kattang Nature
Reserve and don’t miss magnificent North Brother Mountain. This
region is a birdwatchers and bush walkers paradise.
Explore the remnant rainforest of
Borganna Nature Reserve or the serene beauty of Swans Crossing
and Upsalls Creek. Picnic in Henry Kendall Reserve beside
Stingray Creek or on top of Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay National
Park. Discover Kendall crafts and the herbal delights of Norfolk
Punch. Visit the Bago and Long Point Vineyards or the Lorne
Valley Macadamia “Nut” Farm.
Discover Wauchope
Once the commercial hub of the
region, just 20 minutes west of Port Macquarie, this bustling
rural town is rich in history and bursting with country
hospitality.
Enjoy unique country shopping,
with a mix of modern and original architecture. Explore the
Hastings Cooperative Department store and the interesting local
art, craft and book stores. If you’ve timed your visit right,
make sure to visit Hastings Farmer’s Markets which are held at
the Wauchope showgrounds on the fourth Saturday of every month.
 And a trip to Timbertown is a
must! Experience the unique atmosphere and old-world charm of
yesteryear. Take part in the daily pioneering activities at this
famous heritage theme park. See an old sawmill in action, ride
on a steam train - or in a horse drawn carriage - and enjoy a
taste of authentic Aussie tucker. It’s a great place for a
family day out.
Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park
is located a short 10 minutes east of Wauchope. Here you can
have a “hands-on” experience with some of Australia’s most loved
animals, Koalas, Wallabies, Kangaroos, Wombats and much more.
Stroll through the manicured grounds and gardens, take a picnic
or make use the barbecue facilities.
Tour the Hinterland
The rugged Comboyne Plateau rises
more than 400 metres above sea level on the western edge of the
Camden Haven. Lush pastures and rolling hills are home to
boutique country retreats and hideaways where you can delight in
the unspoiled beauty and the simple pleasures of this emerald
heartland.
Travel along country roads,
winding through magnificent scenery, visiting interesting
villages, with unique cafes, galleries and cottage industries.
Walk or ride along dappled forest trails; canoe down glistening
rivers; visit normally inaccessible places in comfort with a
guided 4WD tour.
The Hinterland is home to
spectacular natural wonders - and none more so than Ellenborough
Falls. Here, the waters plunge 200 vertical metres into a
magnificent boxed gorge: this can be viewed at the top of the
falls or there’s a fairly easy walk to a viewing platform that
looks back towards the falls.
Boorgana Nature Reserve, on the
western edge of Comboyne Plateau, is another nature lover’s
paradise. Stroll through this remnant rainforest along the one
kilometre walking track and take in splendid sights of steep
gullies and a rich diversity of plant and animal life. To cap it
all off, the walk concludes with stunning views from the top of
Rawson Falls.
NATIONAL PARKS, STATE FORESTS &
RESERVES
Wauchope-Hinterland Forests &
Parks
Bellangry State Forest
Kippara State Forest
Boorgana Nature Reserve
Bago Bluff National Park
Broken Bago State Forest
Camden Haven - South Forests &
Parks
Kerewong/Upsalls Creeek State
Forests
Coorabakh National Park
Comboyne State Forest
Middle Brother State Forest
Doyles River State Forest
Yoorigan National Park
Dooragan National Park
Coastal Forests & Parks
Kattang Nature Reserve
Queens Lake Nature Reserve
Sea Acres Nature Reserve
Limburners Creek Nature Reserve
Lake Innes Nature Reserve
Crowdy Bay National Park
Hat Head National Park
Arakoon State Recreation Area |
