Greater Port Macquarie family-friendly travel guide

Port Macquarie offers a reasonably friendly climate year-round, although beach-lovers and surfers will want to time their visit in the summer to make the most of its beautiful waters. Whale-watchers are most likely to catch a few humpbacks between the months of May and November.

In summer months, Port Macquarie has an average maximum temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius.

In winter months, Port Macquarie has an average maximum temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius.

Port Macquarie is a four-and-a-half-hour drive north of Sydney or six-hour drive south of Brisbane.

Port Macquarie has its own domestic airport and is approximately one-hour by air from Sydney or Brisbane, although Brisbane flights aren’t as regular.

The Port Macquarie region is serviced by regular buses. You can find information on routes and timetables here.

You and your family are bound to find a range of delicious foods around the Greater Port Macquarie region. Rose’s Vineyard is located just 15 minutes from Port Macquarie and offers views over the vines and onto Lake Innes. Kids will be most excited by its petting farm and jumping castle, while parents might enjoy an afternoon wine tasting. 

Another fantastic option for families is Blue Water Bar and Restaurant. Nestled in rainforest surrounds, the restaurant offers an outdoor children’s play area, open-space dining and cheeky wildlife to be seen.

From chic local fashion and homewares and boutique shopping in the hinterland, to a range of creative studios, Greater Port Macquarie is home to an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered. 

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

In warmer months, New South Wales can be very warm. Pack thongs, singlets, and swimmers! If visiting in winter, be sure to pack a few warmer layers.

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

By and large, the Greater Port Macquarie region is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

No visit to Port Macquarie is complete without a wander along the breakwall along the mouth of the Hastings River from the Town Green to Town Beach, admiring the rock art left by hundreds of holidaymakers past and present. It’s the perfect place for kids to ride a bike, spot dolphins, cast a fishing line or simply admire the views with an ice-cream in hand.

Kids will adore following the footsteps of this quirky trails of 51 brightly coloured fibreglass koalas that are dotted all around Port Macquarie and nearby towns. Each one has been decorated by a local artists and they can be found in all sorts of funky place,s from beaches to shops and street corners. Download a map and set off!

Dust off your walking shoes for this beautiful walk from North Haven to Grants Headland. You’ll see beautiful wildflowers during the late winter and early spring, and Australian birdlife such as honeyeaters and black cockatoos.