Discover local treats at the best Port Macquarie markets

Embrace sea-to-stall produce, locally crafted treats and a warm, relaxed ambience at the best Port Macquarie markets.

The NSW North Coast dazzles with fresh, coastline-coddled indulgences — the only issue you’ll run into is sampling them all in a single trip. Cue a top-notch collective of Port Macquarie markets, stacked with the region’s most sensational produce in one convenient spot, as well as boho-inspired and vintage fashion, thoughtful gifts, crafty accessories and beach-inspired interiors to help take your holiday home with you. Grab the reusable shopping bags — your market trail starts here.

1. Real Food Markets

Consider yourself a true local if dropping into Real Food Markets is on your to-do list. One of the few Port Macquarie markets to pop up weekly, the buzzing haven of locally grown fruit and veg, locally blended condiments, baked goodies, pasture-raised meat and eggs, and vivid blooms, is a one-stop shop for foodies. Whether you’re scheming the week’s groceries for your exceptional Port Macquarie accommodation or just keen to check out what nearby farmers are renowned for, this spot is always rewarding. 

Where: Glasshouse Forecourt, corner Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie

When: Every Tuesday, 12pm – 5pm

2. Port Macquarie Art Society Markets

Another weekly event to add to your itinerary, the Port Macquarie Art Society Markets are staged within the heritage grounds of Hamilton House — so visiting offers a bonus historical immersion, too. There’s always locally made arts and crafts to comb through, plus there’s often homemade food and condiments, and a scattering of local produce. This Port Macquarie market is an initiative run by the local art society which brings together the region’s most established and budding creative talents to showcase their work and develop their craft.

Where: Hamilton House, 198 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie

When: Every Sunday, 8am – 1pm

3. Kendall Bazaar

Less than 30 minutes’ drive south of Port Macquarie lies the Kendall Bazaar , a weekly market organised by local volunteers to raise funds for the suburb’s much-adored community centre. Unsurprisingly, community spirit flows freely as local artisans, suppliers and farmers converge to sell peak produce, bric-a-brac, hand-made clothing, relishes, sauces and additional spoils. There’s also coffee and cake on hand, plus undercover spots to sit back and savour your morning tea peacefully.

Where: Kendall Community Centre, 19 Comboyne St, Kendall

When: Every Thursday, 9am – 12pm

4. The Foreshore Market

Moving on to the semi-regular Port Macquarie markets, The Foreshore Market is a local institution, showcasing the beautiful handiwork of local creatives to the soundtrack of regular live music. The setting itself is also a drawcard, right up against the shimmering Hastings River, but it’s typically this event’s signature chilled out vibes that keep visitors flocking. Expect endless temptations spanning gourmet baked goods and meals, fresh produce and flowers, vintage fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts and more. 

Where: Westport Park, 18 Park St, Port Macquarie

When: 2nd Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm

5. Wauchope Farmers Market

You’ll need to jump in the car for about 20 minutes and head inland but the journey to Wauchope Farmers Market is worth it. A magnet for the most acclaimed local farmers and producers, the low-key hot spot features delicious locally sourced ingredients including fresh seafood, arts and crafts, native flowers and plants and the odd clothing stall. Breakfast and quality coffee are also dished up to crowds that thoroughly explore the space each and every month.  

Where: Wauchope Showground, 93a High Street, Wauchope

When: 4th Saturday of every month, 8am – 12pm

6. Laurieton Riverwalk Markets

Laurieton Markets — The market has been operating for two decades now.

Another Hastings region winner about 30 minutes’ drive from Port Macquarie proper is the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets , located south of town. Pulling thick crowds to the boardwalk of Camden Haven River once a month, the market has been running for more than 20 years — so consider it a shoppers’ non-negotiable. The stalls are slick, offering charming handmade homewares, crockery, fashion, records, sweets, hot food, quirky collectables and more. There are about 200 stalls in total, so get there early to scan the entire lot at a real snail’s pace. 

Where: Corner Tunis and Short Streets, Laurieton

When: 3rd Sunday of every month, 8am — 1pm

7. Johns River Country Market

Set across spacious, grassy grounds in the rural suburb of Johns River, the Johns River Country Market offers a little teaser into the charms of this tight-knit community. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Port Macquarie’s town centre, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts via a string of stalls that have been operating for more than 25 years. You’ll find vintage collectables, homemade arts and craft, local fruit and veg, bric-a-brac and Devonshire Tea offered by the Trustees of the Johns River Community Hall. There’s also a playground on hand to tire out your littlies.

Where: Johns River Community Hall & Recreation Reserve, Johns River Rd, Johns River

When: 2nd Saturday of every month, 8am – 12.30pm

8. Crescent Head Community Markets

Venture up north for just under an hour to discover one of the prettiest markets in the region. The once-monthly Crescent Head Community Markets pulls visitors from all over the coast so expect a mix of laidback locals and holidaymakers. Handmade clothing, homewares, jewellery and other decorative treasures are the speciality here, while home-grown produce (including fresh seafood), jams and preserves, surf gear (you’re right on the beach, after all), and second-hand items are also dotted throughout.

Where: Crescent Head Beach Reserve, Reserve Rd, Crescent Head

When: 2nd Sunday of every month, 8am – 1pm

Discover the best Port Macquarie

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

8 of the best Port Macquarie markets to aimlessly wander