MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Port Macquarie was one of Australia's earliest settled areas, chosen by the colonial administration for its idyllic natural environment where the abundant Hastings River feeds a fertile valley and rainforest meets the sea.
Today, a thriving modern community plays host to holidaying visitors in an equable year-round climate, offering modern facilities and a wide variety of modestly priced attractions for all.
Pick up free tourist guides, brochures and maps from a comprehensive range at Reception at The Observatory Resort Hotel, outside central newsagencies and shops and at the Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre, Cnr Gordon & Gore Streets, or see www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au
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
SEA ACRES RAINFOREST CENTRE
No other town on Australia's east coast can match the abundant rainforest reserves and walking trails dotted through central Port Macquarie.
Sea Acres is just one protected area of preserved coastal rainforest, nestled next to central Shelley Beach at the Pacific Ocean's edge.
Endorsed by the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, an elevated boardwalk winds through a cool green haven of lofty palms, giant native trees and beautiful pendant vines. Delightful rainforest caf�; guides; displays; wheelchair accessible.
At: Pacific Drive, just south of Shelly Beach, Port Macquarie
Entry: Small entry fee. Walking shoes advised.
Open: Every day, 9 to 4.30.
Tel: 6582 3355; email: ��
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
PORT MACQUARIE OBSERVATORY
Right opposite The Observatory Resort Hotel, Port Macquarie Observatory shares the hotel's spectacular seaside setting atop Town Beach. Every Sunday and Wednesday night, explore the planets of our solar system - visit Mars, Venus and Jupiter, travel to the stars and beyond.
Discover the theory of the origin of our universe, tour space, penetrate black holes and wonder at the glories of our galaxy. A one-hour astronomy indulgence takes you on a tour of the night sky, a 3D presentation (glasses provided) and, weather permitting, awesome views through the Observatory's telescope. Enjoy your own picnic supper prior to your visit at covered tables in the surrounding headland parklands.
At: Rotary Park, central Port Macquarie, overlooking Town Beach.
Open: Call for opening times and prices. From $5 child; under 5yrs free.
Tel: Matthew 6584 9164; Joy 6582 2397; email:
www.pmobs.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
