Top things to do in Port Macquarie with kids

Port Macquarie is full of fun activities for families, whether it’s exploring the sparkling beachside walking trails, enjoying up close nature encounters or getting lost in the largest hedge maze in NSW! There’s something for everyone and every budget.

Here are our tops must see things to do while visiting Port Mac!

Strawberry Picking 

Head over to Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries and let the kids pick their own high quality hydroponically grown Strawberries. This is a great set-up with all the strawberries growing under a shady enclosure at various heights. So the kiddies can access the lower strawberries while you simply harvest a few within reach, snipping happily with your mini scissors. The best part is there’s no squatting in a hot open field. Entry is FREE and you only pay for the strawberries that you pick… just be careful to keep an eye on how much the kids collect as you can very easily have a few full buckets in no time!! Located just ten minutes north of Port Mac, it’s a great little adventure for everyone. There’s also an on-site cafe and produce shop.

Bago Maze

Wander, run and get lost in Bago Maze. This stunning architecturally designed native Lilly Pilly hedge maze is one of the world’s largest hedge mazes with over 2000m of pathways, bridges and hedges. The property is also a working vineyard and winery. Yep – that’s right, there’s wine too! They grow all of their own grapes and produce the wine on site. So after running around and exploring the maze, you can enjoy the beautiful views and relax while tasting a few drops from their Cellar Door. They also have local cheese and meat platters available as well as ice cream and brownies for the kids! You can see why this place was one of our favourites in Port Mac. They are open every day except Chrissy day and it is pram and wheelchair accessible.

Billabong Zoo

This multi award-winning zoo gives you the chance to get up-close and personal to Australian and exotic animals. You can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. They care for over 200 animals in the 10 acre Koala and Wildlife Park. Let the kids learn first hand about the importance of animal conservation and their world-renowned koala breeding programme. Billabong Zoo is open every day except Chrissy Day and is also a great venue in wet weather.

Marvel at the views  

A visit to the old Bottlebutt tree is an easy adventure with a 600 metre loop walk to see the impressive 16 metre wide Red Bloodwood.  At Sea Acres Rainforest Centre you can enjoy the tranquillity along the 1.3km elevated rainforest loop walk and even take an indigenous bush tucker tour. The Rainforest Loop around the top of North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park also gives you an amazing 360-degree view and you can even picnic in the clouds.

Wet a line and catch a Fish

The marine wonderland in Port Macquarie reflects the beautiful scenery. With many rocky headlands and sandy bays there’s some kid friendly locations to throw a line in with the little tackers.  We grabbed some prawns from the local bait shop and had an awesome morning eating strawberries and catching a few fish. We even spotted a dolphin and a turtle. Popular species to catch in the area are bream, blackfish, tailor, whiting and flathead. If you are after something a little more serious there’s also deep-sea fishing tours that will take you offshore.  Just remember that for recreational fishing, you’ll need a license. These can be purchased at one of the many bait and tackle shops in the area.

Take the car ferry to North Shore for a 4X4 beach adventure

For just $5 one way you can pack a picnic and take the family on an adventure to the North shore to enjoy the sights, and if you have the set-up, drive on the beach. We had a great adventure exploring the area and the beautiful stretch of beach. If you follow the beach or the bumpy dirt road it will take you all the way to Crescent Head. Just search Settlement Point Ferry (on Settlement Point Road) and you’ll find your way. The ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are planning on driving on the beach remember to check the tides, drop your tyre pressure and grab a driving permit.

Take a 4X4 adventure to Bago’s Bluff

Bago Bluff National Park is full of old wonderful trails and roads to explore. As you bump your way along you are rewarded with the magnificent views of the Hastings Valley from the top of the bluff which can be accessed via several forest roads.

Follow the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail

This award-winning Sculpture Trail encompasses 77 + colourful koala sculptures, all featuring original hand-painted designs, many by local artists.
The Sculptures are displayed across Port Macquarie in a Trail that leads you to discover interesting places from the mountains to the sea. We spotted them lazing in parks, sitting under a tree and on display at different venues we visited. The kids had a ball ‘hunting’ for them.

Visit Timbertown

Step back in time with a visit to Timbertown in Wauchope, where you can ride on a steam train, experience a Carriage ride around the village and observe the timber craftsmen at work. Set amongst 87 acres of natural forest, Timbertown is an entire village, re-created to demonstrate the struggles and achievements of Australia’s pioneers in the Timber industry. Have a go one the pedal boats, pan for gold, visit the farm yard animals and even learn how to crack a stock whip. There’s something here for everyone.

Explore Town Beach Rock Art 

A walk along this iconic breakwall, provides you with stunning views of the Hastings River towards Town Beach. The colourful graffiti rocks that lead you along the breakwall are a collage of messages, tributes and memories from visitors and locals. Sunrises and Sunsets are also magical from the breakwall and if you are lucky you will spot a dolphin or two playing in the river.

The breakwall is also a popular starting point for the nine kilometre Coastal Walk out to Tacking Point Lighthouse at Lighthouse Beach.

Tacking Point Lighthouse

Built in 1879, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia. The lighthouse sits atop a rocky headland which offers stunning panoramic views along the gorgeous coastline of NSW’s Mid-North Coast.

Due to the elevation of the rocky headland, the lighthouse itself is only eight metres high, and the area itself is a popular location for whale-watching during migration. Explore the gorgeous beaches of Port Macquarie along a stunning coastal walk, starting at Town Green foreshore and finishing at Tacking Point Lighthouse. This 9.1 kilometre trek offers exquisite views of Port Macquarie’s beaches, foreshore shrubbery and native wildlife.

Where we stayed 

We based ourselves out of town at this gorgeous little farmstay that we found on Airbnb. It had all we needed with lots of wide open space and of course some gorgeous animals that the kids loved.
Have you stayed in an Airbnb before’? If you want to give it a try you can book via our link and you’ll get a $50 credit towards your first stay! …enjoy.

Have we missed anything? Please add it in any other great activities to experience in Port Mac in the comments below to share with everyone –

Cheers Guys, have fun! Love us Blondies.

If you want to see more from this trip, head over to our Instagram page and view the Port Macquarie highlight bubble.

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