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Artist in gallery beside oil paintings

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Lighthouse Gallery

A boutique public exhibition space located in Port Macquarie, NSW showcasing a range of original artworks by internationally recognised realism artist Nicola McLeay. It has a focus on sharing with the public one-off pieces that are for sale of the region and wider parts of Australia and New Zealand. Attractive leasing options and personalised commissions are available in a range of sizes, media and mediums. Visitors are welcome to linger and absorb the beauty of Nicola McLeay’s fine art while watching a digital display of the artists process via time-lapse. The works on show change frequently as new pieces are completed, fresh off the easel. Lighthouse Gallery is situated at Lighthouse Beach, one kilometre south of the Tacking Point Surf Club opposite the famous Camel Safari, along one of Australia's most majestic coastlines. Visiting the gallery can easily be arranged by appointment or when it is open for public viewing.

Port Macquarie NSW

1.0 km away

Lighthouse Beach looking towards Watonga Rocks — Image credit: Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Natural Attractions

Lighthouse Beach - Port Macquarie

Lighthouse Beach is seven kilometres south of Port Macquarie and is a nine-kilometre stretch of south-east facing sand heading to Lake Cathie. It is a favourite surf beach offering protection from the summer north easterlies. The beach picks up all available swell so it's great for the intermediate surfer and above, with short powerful rides. A perfect beach for ideal long walks, taking a camel safari ride, beach fishing and 4WD access at the southern end. The beach is patrolled during the School Holidays (northern end, near the surf club and cafe). Visit the historic Tacking Point Lighthouse with was built in 1879 which is the final stop along the scenic coastal walk, enjoy the viewing platform for a stunning view along the coastline, it is also a great vantage point for whale watching from May to November. South of Watonga Rocks on this long stretch of beach, is the perfect place for taking your four-legged friend for some energetic dog beach play. You can let your friend off the lead from this point, please be sure to check signage on the beach for details on leashed and unleashed areas.

Port Macquarie NSW

1.2 km away

Tacking Point Lighthouse — Image credit: Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Tacking Point Lighthouse

Built in 1879 by New South Wales architect James Barnet, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia. The lighthouse is located in the picturesque coastal town of Port Macquarie, New South Wales, and sits atop a rocky headland that offers stunning panoramic views. The area is a popular location for whale-watching during migration. Nearby features include a stunning coastal walk, and a 9.1-kilometre trek. The Lighthouse Beach has a gorgeous seven-kilometre stretch of sand and is also a popular destination for surfers as the headland offers protection from summer north-easterly winds. Visitors can also enjoy a camel safari ride, go beach fishing and take to the sand in a 4WD. The nearby Surf Life Saving Club features a cafe and kiosk. Recent upgrades include an accessible walkway that enables people of all abilities to enjoy not just the historic lighthouse, but to also enjoy the breathtaking vistas at the northern end of Lighthouse beach. The new walkway is fibre reinforced composite, with accessible handrails and safety fencing, and additional disabled parking has been added.

Port Macquarie NSW

1.9 km away

1862 Homestead

Entertainment Venues

Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard

Welcome to a unique experience within Australia! A heritage museum and working vineyard run totally by volunteers. Drop in through the stately heritage-listed bamboo. Enjoy a free tour of the 1862 homestead with its eclectic artefacts donated by the original family's descendants. Explore the original outbuildings. Taste the six limited-release wines. The famous Portabella is grown from 150-year-old Isabella wine stock. Bring a picnic or purchase a delicious cheese platter. Wander the three hectares of grounds and discover their exotic plants. An orchard, pineapple patch and vegetable garden also highlight the lifestyle of the times. Monthly 'Open Mic' events are held on the last Sunday of the month. These events are a delightful way to listen to local musicians or performers from the Chook Shed stage or the newly-built Wine House (if the weather is inclement) while enjoying Douglas Vale wines and cheese platters, with other drinks and beers for purchase. Wedding and function bookings are available. Check out the new Wine House as an all-weather venue.

Port Macquarie NSW

2.0 km away

Sea Acres National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Sea Acres National Park

Sea Acres National Park is a beach wrapped in rainforest, where the crash of waves is accompanied by a choir of birdsong. It protects one of the largest remaining coastal rainforests on the Australian east coast, meaning that the rainforest runs all the way to the beach. The rainforest is best explored along the boardwalk. This elevated walkway is an easy stroll that you can enjoy at your own pace or on a guided tour with a rainforest guide. There are also a range of Aboriginal Discovery activities where you can find out more about the Aboriginal history of the area and try some bush tucker. If you'd like to spend longer in this tranquil rainforest environment, you can enjoy a hot cuppa or cold drink at the Rainforest Caf.

Port Macquarie NSW

2.3 km away

Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk

Natural Attractions

Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk

Many wonders of the rainforest reside above ground level, so getting up into the canopy is the best way to explore it properly. Rising seven metres through the forest under storey to the canopy above, Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk is an easy and wheelchair-accessible loop that's a great way for the whole family to experience this busy habitat. Setting out from Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, in Port Macquarie, you’re likely to see rainforest birds, like the scarlet robin, feeding and nesting in tree branches. But keep an eye out too for goannas and the slithering diamond python. The rainforest was a rich resource for the Birpai People; they used the walking stick palm as a travel aid and made weapons from the python tree – the second hardest wood in the world. The Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk can be experienced on a guided tour or a self-guided walk. It's is an easy 1.3km walk through the rainforest canopy. Scheduled guided tours are run daily subject to the availability of guides.

Port Macquarie NSW

2.3 km away

Flynns Beach

Natural Attractions

Flynns Beach

Flynns Beach, situated three kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is almost 500 metres long and nestled between a pair of rocky headlands to the north and south. It has good protection from westerly and southerly winds and suits learn-to-surfers most of the year. The Surf Club has a kiosk that serves meals. There is plenty of accommodation available within a short walk of Flynns Beach.

Flynns Beach NSW

3.8 km away

Mastering the black ramp, all ages welcome

Amusement and Theme Parks

Planet Skate

Welcome to Port Macquarie's first and only Family Skate Centre! The skate centre launched in August 2023 with the goal of creating an all-inclusive, indoor environment that the whole family can enjoy. As a family business Planet Skate understand families and can help you with guidance if you require. The rink features a supportive railing and forgiving rink surface. Previously a rink, exciting additions have been made to the centre by introducing skateboards, ramps and a street section. To cater to families with diverse tastes in wheels, plenty of seating, lockers, and air hockey for those who aren't quite ready to take on the challenge of wheels. The skate centre offers a range of features, including a roller-skating rink with discos on Friday nights, skate hire (rollerblades, roller-skate and skateboard) with safety padding, an indoor ramp section for use with skateboards, roller-skates, and rollerblades, air hockey, café, coffee, diner, rollerskating/ rollerblading lessons, skateboarding lessons, skate fitness classes, learn-to-skate plus games, sports classes, mums (or dads) and toddlers sessions, birthday parties, events, and functions room hire, as well as a skate retail store. Planet Skate also hosts themed events and workshops! Planet Skate is open for roller-skating sessions all week except Mondays and some public holidays. For all the latest information on the activities, times, and pricing, visit their website.

Port Macquarie NSW

3.8 km away

X-Golf Port Macquarie Venue

Entertainment Venues

X-Golf Port Macquarie

Welcome to X-Golf Port Macquarie, your local indoor golf and sports bar in New South Wales! Join them for casual rounds, tournaments, coaching sessions, or private hire. They've paired a relaxed atmosphere with a full bar and a curated menu, making it the perfect spot to catch the game or relax with friends. Their premium simulators provide accurate ball data and access to world-renowned international courses. From casual group bundles to tailored event packages, we offer flexible options for different occasions.

Port Macquarie NSW

3.9 km away

Campbellton Ella

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

The iconic Lord Street Koala Hospital has reopened following a major 10.7million dollar redevelopment, ushering in an exciting new era for koala care, rehabilitation and education. Observe resident koalas from accessible viewing areas, explore interactive exhibits and conservation displays, and watch veterinary care in action at our new koala clinic. Step inside our brand-new Koala Museum, tracing decades of rescue history. None of this happens without our community, donors and corporate partners. Over 250 volunteers give their time to clinical care, food gathering and guiding visitors through the hospital - and koalas need all the help they can get, with extinction looming by 2050. Adopt a Koala, join Leaf by Leaf, or grab a gift from our onsite retail boutique – every purchase helps ensure koalas remain part of Australia's story for generations to come.

Port Macquarie NSW

3.9 km away

A section of the gallery walls — Image credit: Sunset Framing & Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Sunset Gallery and Framing

Sunset Framing and Gallery is the place for a local art experience! The gallery is a relaxed and funky art space with original art, art prints, hand crafted giftware and jewelry, photography and collectible movie posters for sale and adorning the walls. It is a great place to visit and take in the local art community or take home a piece of local. Sunset Gallery boasts one of the largest collections of genuine vintage collectible movie posters on Australia's east coast dating back to the 1940s. Flick through the posters and take a piece of Australian movie history home with you. With a comprehensive image bank of local photography, it is the ideal place to select and order a custom piece of Greater Port Macquarie wall art, all while listening to the retro tunes you can select and play yourself on the original retro record player. Hosts Scott and Cherie are always up for a chat about the local art, artists and the creative community as a whole.

Port Macquarie NSW

3.9 km away

Local Landscape Photos — Image credit: Reimagined Images

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Reimagined Images

Reimagined Images is a creative space in Port Macquarie where photography, art, and hands-on experiences come together. Part gallery, part working studio, it's a place to slow down and see things a little differently. Visitors can explore a curated collection of fine art prints and photomedia works, with landscape photography and original pieces available to purchase. The gallery reflects a distinctive, intuitive style—blending light, texture, and emotion across both photographic and mixed media works. Alongside the gallery, Reimagined Images offers regular creative sessions designed to be calm, accessible, and engaging. These include mindful photography experiences and paper-based workshops, where the focus is less on technical skill and more on the act of creating, noticing, and taking a moment out of the busy. Whether you're looking to connect with art, find a piece for your space, or take part in a creative experience, Reimagined Images invites you to step in, explore, and create.

Port Macquarie NSW

3.9 km away

Googik Heritage Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Googik Heritage Walking Track

There are few nicer ways to enjoy the sights that picturesque Port Macquarie has to offer than a hike or stroll along Googik Heritage walking track. Set in a pristine natural environment, the two kilometre walk starts at Lake Innes Nature Reserve on Lake Road and extends south all the way to St Columba Anglican School. While making your way along this track, you’ll be keeping active as well as discovering some of the Port Macquarie area’s best-kept natural secrets.The track winds along gently undulating hills and, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings, allows you to see the local birdlife that call Lakes Innes Nature Reserve home, making it a lovely scenic journey for those who enjoy walking, cycling and birdwatching alike.

Port Macquarie NSW

3.9 km away

Lunico Candle Co.

Shopping and Markets

Lunico Candle Co.

Nestled in Port Macquarie, NSW, Lunico Candle Co. is a premier destination for enthusiasts of artisanal craftsmanship and behind-the-scenes experiences. Specialising in hand-poured soy candles, reed diffusers, wax melts, and room sprays, each product is meticulously crafted to evoke cherished memories. Visitors are invited to explore a diverse range of collections and take a little piece of Port Macquarie home. Beyond home fragrances, the store offers premium loose-leaf teas created in collaboration with a local tea business, encouraging moments of relaxation and mindfulness. For those eager to delve deeper, Lunico Candle Co. provides engaging candle-making workshops suitable for all skill levels. Participants learn the nuances of scent blending, wicking and pouring, culminating in a personalised candle to take home at the end of the workshop, complete with a custom label. These 2.5-hour sessions foster creativity and community, making them ideal for individuals and groups alike. Whether you're seeking a unique souvenir, a hands-on creative endeavour or a thoughtful gift, Lunico Candle Co. promises a fun and aromatic experience.

Port Macquarie NSW

4.0 km away

Roto House

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Roto House

The beautifully preserved Roto House offers a glimpse into the past and is also a picturesque backdrop for weddings or family gatherings. Enjoy a relaxing picnic on the lawns or visit the onsite cafe for a delightful treat, all while soaking in the peaceful ambience of the historic site and neighbouring Macquarie Nature Reserve. Built by surveyor John Flynn in 1891, this 11-room heritage weatherboard house constructed from local red mahogany was occupied by his family right up until 1979. It's still lovingly maintained by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Roto House Historic Site is also home to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where visitors can learn about local conservation efforts and get up close to these iconic creatures. Plus, it's a short walk to popular Flynns Beach, making it the perfect spot to enjoy both history and nature. Take a virtual tour of Roto House captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Port Macquarie NSW

4.0 km away

Buzzy Bee Koala — Image credit: Arts and Health Australia Pty Ltd

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail and Gift Shop

The award-winning Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail (established 2014) encompasses 92+ one-metre fibreglass koala sculptures, featuring hand-painted designs by local artists, on view all year across the region. Say 'Hello' to the iconic 2.5 metre "Big Koala", created by Pauline Roods and John Belfield, at the tourism attraction 'Guulabaa, Place of Koala' in Cowarra State Forest, corner Burrawan Forest Drive and Oxley Highway. Hello Koalas sculptures are displayed across Port Macquarie-Hastings region in a Trail that leads people on a discovery adventure from the mountains to the sea. Hello Koalas sculptures can be found lazing in parks, sitting under a tree, outside a museum or relaxing by a cafe. Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is a permanent attraction that appeals to people of all ages. Often three generations explore the Trail together, taking photos and chatting about each Hello Koalas sculpture design, which celebrates the local heritage and vibrant arts scene, and educates about koala care and conservation. Shop for unique gifts at Hello Koalas Gallery and Gift Shop including calendars, colouring books, notebooks, jigsaw puzzles, magnets, badges, stickers, T-shirts, T towels, games and toys and say hello to 20+ Hello Koalas sculptures in one spot.

Port Macquarie NSW

4.0 km away

Hello Koalas Buzzy Bee — Image credit: Arts and Health Australia

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hello Koalas Gallery and Gift Shop

Hello Koalas Gallery and Gift Shop is the headquarters for the award-winning Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, established 2014. Discover 90 one-metre-high koala sculptures on the Trail, painted by local artists featuring designs promoting arts and culture, heritage, environmental sustainability and conservation of Australian wildlife, especially the koala. Plus the 2.5 metre 'Big Koala, Spirit of All Koalas' is located in Cowarra State Forest at 'Guulabaa, Place of Koala', a Forestry Corporation NSW project. The Hello Koalas Gift Shop has a large variety of Hello Koalas quality custom merchandise, designed and made locally, including colouring books, calendars, jigsaw puzzles, notebooks, bookmarks, socks, caps, pens, napkins, key chains, stickers, lens cloths, magnets, badges, mugs, coasters, placemats, T-shirts, aprons, tote bags, tea towels and "Paint Your Own Koala" figurine sets. The Shop has a beautiful array of koala soft toys and the exclusive edition Monopoly Port Macquarie, with its unique Hello Koalas silver token, and Port Macquarie Top Trumps card game. Plus the new Monopoly game "Big Things Australia" which features Hello Koalas' Big Koala with a gold koala token. All Monopoly proceeds go to The Big Koala Educational Conservation Program.

Port Macquarie NSW

4.0 km away

Macquarie Nature Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Macquarie Nature Reserve

Close to the heart of Port Macquarie and just a few hundred metres from the beach, Macquarie Nature Reserve offers a peaceful setting surrounded by the region's past. Driving up the long curving driveway, you'll be thrown back in time as you catch glimpses of the beautiful old Roto House. The nature reserve is also an important wildlife corridor, and is home to a koala hospital. Children will love learning from the volunteers about the work of the Koala Preservation Society to rehabilitate and release sick and orphaned koalas. It's so picturesque here that many choose to have their wedding or special celebration in the lovely gardens. Others prefer to spend a relaxing afternoon picnicking in the shade of the large old magnolia tree near Roto House, or wandering through the extensive grounds of tall eucalypts, exotic plants and gardens.

Port Macquarie NSW

4.1 km away

Jumbos Maze

Amusement and Theme Parks

Jumbos Playland

Jumbos Playland is a favourite Port Macquarie family tourist attraction and one of the largest indoor soft play centres on the Mid-North Coast. The main attraction for the kids is their huge, six metre high maze, with all the slides and swings and gizmos, together with the six and half metre bouncy slide. Also offering Little Kids Fun in Port Macquarie, where they keep the under four's separate and give them a big ball pit to play in, motion play, mini bouncy castle and mini slides. They also have a tiny town with a variety of shops, activities.

Port Macquarie NSW

4.1 km away

Aqua Vitae Day Spa Port Macquarie - Hydrotherapy Spas — Image credit: Aqua Vitae Day Spa

Spas and Retreats

Aqua Vitae Day Spa

Aqua Vitae Day Spa is an exclusive oasis of serenity devoted to pure pampering. Located in Port Macquarie at the top of Gordon Street in the Five Star Complex, the modest facade opens into an Aladdin's cave of relaxation and indulgence. Aqua Vitae Day Spa is available for a wide range of pampering, from full-day to 90-minute pamper packages, massage, facials, body treatments, beauty therapy, waxing and maintenance. With the subtle aroma of therapeutic scents and soothing relaxation music, you will breathe a sigh of relief just by walking in the door. Once inside, you will then be welcomed into the relaxing lounge area by your highly trained spa therapist to settle in with some complimentary refreshments before your pampering begins. The long list of pamper packages to choose from includes names like "Paradise" and "Utopia", the names alone sound indulgent, however the pampering is pure luxury indeed.

Port Macquarie NSW

5.0 km away

Contrast Water Therapy — Image credit: RJ and BB Pty Ltd

Spas and Retreats

Restore Performance and Wellness Centre

Restore offers a holistic approach to sports, injury, and wellness recovery, supporting both the body and mind in achieving optimal health. With state-of-the-art treatments and a purposefully designed environment, Restore provides the ideal conditions for faster recovery, improved performance, and deep relaxation. Whether for athletic performance, injury management, or overall wellbeing, the calm and soothing atmosphere at Restore promotes both physical and mental rejuvenation. Visitors leave feeling renewed, rejuvenated, and ready to perform at their best.

Port Macquarie NSW

5.0 km away

Port Fresh Seafoods — Image credit: Port Fresh Seafoods

Shopping and Markets

Port Fresh Seafoods

At Port Fresh Seafoods, they take great pride in their fresh seafood options. By sourcing from local fishermen and farmers, they are able to provide you with the highest quality seafood in Port Macquarie. To offer an array of seafood options, they also supply seasonal varieties from the multiple coasts of Australia. Whether you are looking for Port Macquarie’s premium oysters, tasty prawns, live crustaceans, or fresh fish, you will be certain to find quality seafood options at Port Fresh Seafoods.

Port Macquarie NSW

5.1 km away

Innes Ruins

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Innes Ruins

Innes Ruins has a charming setting looking over Lake Innes and is an important remnant of early settlement days on the north coast of NSW. Built by Major Archibald Clunes Innes, it contains rich history about the settlement of NSW, convict labour and the culture of the 1800s. The Depression of the 1840s brought financial ruin to Innes, and the closure of Port Macquarie as a penal settlement deprived him of convict labour. Following his departure, the house was occupied by a number of people over time, but was derelict by the beginning of the 1900s. It subsequently deteriorated to its present state as a result of natural decay and vandalism. Today, the ruins are classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Access to the site is by guided tour only.

Port Macquarie NSW

5.1 km away

Amethyst Butterfly Wings — Image credit: EarthingOut

Shopping and Markets

EarthingOut

EarthingOut is a crystal shop and spiritual store located in Port Macquarie, offering a curated range of ethically sourced crystals, handcrafted gifts and wellness products, organic incense, smudge sticks, tarot and oracle decks, books and soulful gift ware. The shop is designed to feel calm, grounded and inviting, giving visitors the space to slow down, explore and connect with what resonates. Each product is carefully selected for quality, energy and meaning, supporting protection, clarity, balance or the perfect gift for someone special. EarthingOut is more than a shop. It is a space to reconnect, feel at ease and bring a sense of peace into everyday life. Visitors are welcome to browse in store, where Mark & Crystal are available to assist in finding the right piece for their intention.

Port Macquarie NSW

5.1 km away

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