FAMILY FUN
Keeping kids occupied is no problem in Port Macquarie, there's an abundance of choice for fun family experiences in the healthy outdoors or, on rare rainy days, indoors and under cover.
TIMBERTOWN HERITAGE THEME PARK
History takes on a vivid charm for children and adults alike and visitors are transported back in time as they roam this authentic saw-milling village typical of life in the Port Macquarie-Wauchope region over 100 years ago.
Ride a real 19th century stream train, travel in a horse-drawn Clydesdale wagon, marvel at the bullock team hauling huge logs, see the giant steam-powered saws, stroll the town and streets of yesteryear, meet costumed characters and tradespeople practising age-old crafts. Traditional tearoom; wine-maker; licensed restaurant; displays; old-style lollies, fudge and ice-cream.
At: Oxley Highway, Wauchope.
Open: 7 days except Christmas Day, 9.30 to 3.30 (4.30 in NSW school holidays). Allow 3hrs; covered footwear.
Tel: 6586 1940; email:
www.timbertown.com.au
BILLABONG KOALA AND AUSSIE WILDLIFE PARK
Port Macquarie protects its precious natural koala population like nowhere else in NSW! Amble this huge open shady sanctuary meeting wallabies and peacocks strolling the paths, enjoy daily koala patting, feed fish in lily ponds or friendly kangaroos, get close up to pretty parrots and chat with animal trainers for stories about native wildlife from wombats to lizards, snakes and more.Relax in the gardens, visit the covered and open-air cafe, or take advantage of picnic and BBQ facilities. Displays; disabled person's facilities.
Entry: Billabong Drive, western side of Pacific Highway overpass, Port Macquarie. Open: Daily except Christmas Day, 9 to 5.
Tel: 6585 1060.
PORT MACQUARIE KOALA HOSPITAL
A natural reserve among tall eucalyptus trees - yet moments from the town centre - is haven and home to up to 300 koalas a year rescued from the wild and nursed back to health by loving and qualified volunteers. Juicy fresh leaves are fed to recovering koalas and orphaned baby koala "joeys" along with a special supplementary diet.Koalas enjoy the sunshine high up in the branches; visitors can join walk-and-talk tours daily at 3pm and watch the feeding, or simply stroll the grounds at other times. Educational displays; picnic in the grounds; adopt-a-koala. At: Lord Street, just past Roto Place, Port Macquarie.
Entry: Free. Open: 7 days 8 to 4.30.Tel: 6584 1522; email: www.koalahospital.org.au
CAMEL SAFARIS
No need to be in the desert to enjoy the thrill of a camel ride - Port Macquarie's camels stroll one of our premier beaches, Lighthouse Beach, following the waves along the shoreline in the glorious fresh salt air.Travel just a few minutes from the centre of town to beautiful Lighthouse Beach, see the historic, picturesque lighthouse - a great vantage point to watch whales and their calves migrating during two seasons annually.Rides 20-30mins duration in a supervised camel train from the southern end of the beach. If you spot a camel riding through the traffic in the CBD, that'll be the camel mobile calling you to come on down to the camel safari on the sand.
At: Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie. Open: Daily except Sat, 9.30 to 2. Check for school/public holiday, winter opening times. Tel: 0437 672 080 or 0412 566 333; email:
FUN ON THE FRUIT FARM
Just like the in fabled tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, children will marvel at the sight of towering tomato vines in their thousands sprouting rich red flavoursome fruit, growing in the lush surrounds of vast white hydroponic igloos at Ricardoes Tomatoes, a unique farm gate experience.Juicy sweet strawberries, too, grow in long alleys on vertical latticed "walls" so visitors - young or old, tall or small - can pluck their own fresh fruit at shoulder height.Ten minutes' drive from central Port Macquarie close to Cassegrain winery; air-conditioned country cafe; fee-free BYO; free guided farm tours; fresh produce store; Ricardoes' own Sydney Royal award-winning preserves and condiments; gifts.
Entry: free.
Just off Pacific Highway - see free maps.Open 7 days, under cover, all weathers. Farm: 7am to 6pm. Cafe: 9am to 3pm.Tel: 6585 0663.
www.ricardoes.com
HYDRO GOLF
MIni golf, or putt putt golf, is one of the most enduringly popular pastimes for families. Children from toddlers up enjoy the gentle exercise while indulging the competitive urge to succeed, in a lovely safe waterside environment in the Port Macquarie countryside.
Hydro Golf is handily located just off Hastings River Drive on the northern entry road into Port Macquarie, a terrific spot for solo kids and parents or groups of children to turn a leisurely walk in the open air into diverting fun. Limber up by taking aim at the floating targets for the chance to win a prize before a diverting 27-hole journey around the mini course. Bistro facilities, and adjacent to a number of good seafood restaurants/cafes, just minutes from the town centre.Open 7 days.
Panthers Sports Club on Boundary Street, on the road to Port Macquarie Airport.
Tel: 6583 3200 for opening hours
www.hydrogolf.com.au
TEN PIN BOWLING
Rain or shine, day or night, Port City Wave Bowl is open for action! Never be stuck for something to do with this great activity to challenge and thrill the whole family, open seven days including all school holidays.
Automatic scoring, bumper lanes, light balls and ramps, accompanied by the latest music, all in air-conditioned comfort. Amusement machines, snack bar and plenty of fee parking, moments from central Port Macquarie. Open 7 days, 8am till late.
Tel: 6583 2238 to book your lane.
KIDS CRAZY MAZEY
Our holiday in Port Macquarie will linger long in your children's memories after a visit to Kids Crazy Maze, a colourful energising indoors play centre and cafe fully air-conditioned. There's a mega climbing maze, flying fox, slides and ball pits - clean, safe and fun exercise for kids - and great coffee, as well as free entry, for adults!
Here's a spot where you need to be 12 or under to play, so your youngsters can enjoy carefree adventures without intimidation from older kids. Hot food, light snacks and sandwiches available; open every day in school holidays.At other times: Open from 9.30 Mon-Wed till 2, Thurs-Sun till 5. Socks must be worn in the maze.
EFTPOS available; all credit cards accepted.
Tel: 6584 0260.
www.kidscrazymaze.com.au
SCRAPBOOKING BY THE SEA
No need to miss out on your craftwork hobby while you're away from home! Or if you haven't yet discovered the pleasures, usefulness and satisfaction of this creative pastime, use your leisure time during your holiday in Port Macquarie to learn a new skill.
Scrapbooking By The Sea offers classes from beginners' to advanced, or you can simply use their workshop (conditions apply).
Just think of the cards, invitations, certificates and mementoes you can make from Scrapbooking By The Sea's huge range of cardstock and papers, embellishments and craft supplies and albums.Shop 9, 2 Barton Crescent, Port Macquarie
Tel: 6581 0911 for opening hours, inquiries.
10 per cent discount off purchases over $20 with brochure from visitor information outlets.
THE SCRAPPING BEE
All the tools and beautiful papers you require are here, too, to make the most of this great hobby - a traditional art that's become newly popular.
Day and evening classes in the workshop area; children's play area and easy parking. The Scrapping Bee also offers photographic facilities - prints, photo scanning, copying images to CD.Bay 20, 10 Bellbowrie Street, Port Macquarie
Tel: 6583 8282 for inquiries.
15 per cent one-time discount on presentation of flyer from visitor information outlets (conditions apply).
