Port Macquarie

Established in 1973, the Koala Hospital is a charitable organisation that takes care of around 2,000 koalas who live in the lush, green region of Port Macquarie, The area is home to the biggest population of coastal koalas in Australia. Walk around the grounds to see the koalas in care and watch them being fed daily by volunteers at 8am and 3pm.

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the elevated 1.3-kilometre boardwalk through enchanting subtropical rainforest in the Sea Acres National Park and experience the wonders of one of the largest coastal rainforest reserves in New South Wales. Take a tour with the award-winning Rainforest Discovery volunteers or join an Aboriginal cultural tour. And relax on guided rainforest meditation walks, led by a local yoga instructor, once a month.

Port Macquarie is part of a significant wine region around the Hastings River where the best grapes are chambourcin, chardonnay, verdelho, semillon and merlot. Dairy and oyster farms, as well as plantation crops such as macadamia nuts and avocados, make this a great foodie destination. Fresh produce aplenty can be sourced at Wauchope Farmers Markets, held on the fourth Saturday of every month. Annual food and wine festivals include Sip and Savour Festival.

Situated in Dooragan National Park, North Brother Mountain offers some of the most accessible and breathtaking panoramic views of the East Coast of Australia. The immediate view is over the magnificent Camden Haven Inlet, with the Camden Haven River winding between Queens Lake and Watson Taylors Lake. The mountain is also popular for hang-gliding and paragliding.