16 of the best Port Macquarie cafes for coffee lovers

Port Macquarie cafes are as sophisticated as any you will find in a major city. Here’s where to get your fix and find the best coffee in Port Macquarie.

Take a short detour off the highway between Brisbane and Sydney and you will find a range of excellent Port Macquarie cafes. Follow the smell of roasting beans off the street to find the best cafes in Port Macquarie, which run the gamut from long-standing establishments to cult roasters who helped kickstart the specialty coffee scene. Van lifers no longer need to rely on jars of instant coffee while road-tripping down the east coast of Australia. Here’s our guide to the best cafes in Port Macquarie that will help you get a sense of place in the seaside town.

The Shortlist

Hidden gem: Banks Cafe
Best for brunch: Chop ’n Chill
Best for digital nomads: Holy Goat Coffee
Family-friendly spot: Seasalt
Best coffee: Peak Coffee
Best pastries: Baked Culture
Dog-friendly: The Hill Café
Best for gluten-free dining: Bent on Food

1. Banks Cafe

people outside the Banks Cafe, Port Macquarie

Step into Banks Cafe for breakfast overlooking the Hastings River.

Banks Cafe is housed in a repurposed waterfront cottage appropriately named after its location on the banks of the Hastings River. The dinky beach shack is always filled with locals who exude a kind of robust pride in their lifestyle. You’ll see them pulling up on their stand-up paddleboards for the Banks Breaky Hot Pot or Pork Belly Benny. Follow Banks Cafe on Instagram to see what’s on as the café morphs into a restaurant offering dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. Although this tucked-away gem is mostly crewed out with locals you’ll find a steady trickle of tourists joining them for brekkie with a view.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Beach club vibes
Location:  9 Mcinherney Cl, Port Macquarie

2. The Hill Café

It’s clear the winds of change have roared through Port Macquarie when you stumble across cool-as cafes like The Hill in nearby Thrumster. If we’re using sourdough as the litmus test then The Hill proves its pedigree by using its loaf and making its toasties from Baked Culture. The Hill Café is near the gateway service station centre dubbed ‘the Donut’ so you can order ahead on the Hey You app if you’re passing between Wauchope and Port Macquarie. Have more time to spare? Order the Not Avo Toast special which offers a more seasonal green splash of colour with zucchini, peas, mint and goat’s cheese with alfalfa sprouts and charred lime on sourdough.

Cuisine: Expect specialty coffees and killer toasties.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Super-super friendly. Good music, food and coffee.
Location: T16, 15 Chancellors Drive, Thrumster

3. Baked Culture

pouring milk over a latte cup at Baked Culture, Port Macquarie

Get your coffee fix at Baked Culture.

Plastic bags are a no-go in Wauchope. Avoid the evil eye from locals and tote your retro eco bag into Baked Culture so you can stock it with sourdough, seasonal fruit Danishes and cruffins lacquered with honey. The patisserie has evolved from a pop-up at the Foreshore Markets to a brick-and-mortar bakery in Wauchope (pronounced War Hope puh-lease) that locals love. If you can’t get to Wauchope, you can enjoy the artisan baked goods at Port Macquarie cafes such as Studio 3 and The Hill Café. You can also pick up a loaf from Wild Culture Organics. Sourdough is the specialty at Baked Culture which sources its grain from Wholegrain Milling.

Cuisine: Pastries
Average price: $
Location:  2/3 31 High St, Wauchope

4. Cafe Red @ Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries

Have you even been to the Mid-North Coast of NSW if you haven’t stopped off at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries. The business that sprouted from an honesty box is the perfect pit stop located just one minute from the M1 roundabout just north of the Port Macquarie turnoff. In addition to filling your esky with jams, chutneys, salsas, passatas and soups, you can keep the kids entertained by picking their own strawberries for lunch. Families who have booked accommodation in Port Macquarie can pick up fresh produce from nearby farms for a picnic or settle in at the sunny Cafe Red for afternoon tea featuring house-made strawberry jam.

Cuisine: Mod Oz.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 221 Blackmans Point Road, Port Macquarie

5. Salty Crew Kiosk

a woman holding an acai bowl on her lap at Salty Crew Kiosk, Port Macquarie

Tuck into a healthy acai bowl at Salty Crew Kiosk. (Image: Supplied)

Port Macquarie cafes are at an advantage when they have a waterfront view. And few cafes can boast a location as quintessentially Port Mac as the motley gang behind the Salty Crew Kiosk. The dinky cafe is at Town Beach and is a popular hangout thanks to its orientation; it’s protected from southerly busters and close to the centre of Port Macquarie. Start your day with a wind-in-the-hair walk along the breakwall before heading to the Salty Crew Kiosk for a latte. The cafe is one of the best places in Port Macquarie to see the sunrise and is known to take care preparing its coffee, tea and espresso blends – all from Clandestino Roasters in Noosa. Ask the staff for a surf report while tucking into a ham-cheese-tomato toastie and double espresso under a stripey umbrella.

Cuisine: Classic Aussie café fare.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Beached as.
Location: Town Beach, William St, Port Macquarie

6. Peak Coffee

Peak Coffee is for those who are passionate about supporting ‘crop to cup’ businesses. Peak was one of the first coffee roasters on NSW’s Mid North Coast and is considered one of the best Port Macquarie cafes to get a hit of caffeine. As early exponents of specialty coffee, owners Sean and Kristine Edwards have been blazing a trail in the Third Wave coffee movement for decades. And they’re responsible for training up some of the best baristas in Port Macquarie with a roster of courses on offer for those who want to turn their passion for coffee into a career. Visit the brew lab and roastery to enjoy a coffee flight in the tasting room featuring a mural of Francesco Illy by local street artist PSY.

Cuisine: Grab-and-go toasties and baked goods from the display cabinet
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Gritty industrial feel with an edgy street vibe.
Location: 30 Jambali Road, Port Macquarie

This lovely Port Macquarie cafe dishes up Mediterranean and Aussie-style breakfast favourites.

Social Grounds has been considered one of the best cafes in Port Macquarie for rhythm and brews since opening its doors in 2014. This graffiti-clad cafe with indoor and outdoor seating is perennially packed with loyal locals. Sip on an exceptional espresso inside the rustic space where the walls are charcoal and the floors are timber. The courtyard outside is a lovely spot to sit admiring the street art and crayon-green plants in the courtyard, espresso in hand. Order a bowl of Grounds Granola and flat white brewed from beans ethically sourced from Ethiopia, Sumatra, Colombia or Rwanda. Check the blackboard for daily specials such as the Brisket Benny Stacker or Social Roll stuffed with smoked bacon, fried egg, sriracha, baby spinach and beetroot relish.

Cuisine: Traditional Aussie breakfast fare served with Mediterranean twists.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Groovy.
Location: 1/ 151 Gordon St, Port Macquarie

8. Chop ’n Chill

A lot of visitors to Port Macquarie are surprised to discover that the town is starting to rival NSW towns like Newcastle and Wollongong for their live music scene. Places like Chop ’n Chill are at the centre of the action and serve as incubators for young local musical talent. In addition to its line-up of DJs and live bands, Chop ‘n Chill is a draw for its Asian-American big brekkies. Fuel up after a surf on excellent options such as smoked chicken rolled up in a roti taco with cream cheese, fresh Asian salad, slaw and lime. Chop ’n Chill has river views and overlooks the Town Green, making it popular with families.

Cuisine: Asian American
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Bright and breezy.
Location: 17-19 Horton St, Port Macquarie

9. The Meeting Point Cafe

coffee koala at The Meeting Point Cafe, Port Macquarie

Enjoy playful latte art. (Image: Supplied)

Parents visiting Port Macquarie during the school holidays should drop a pin at Billabong Zoo, one of the best places to visit in Port Macquarie. We advise parents to start with an espresso, the grounded equivalent of putting your oxygen mask on before being able to properly attend to your kids. The shady courtyard cafe overlooks the enclosure of spider monkeys so you can compare the behaviour of your children with their evolutionary cousins. Gather at the Meeting Point Cafe before your mooch around the zoo to enjoy frappes, muffins, croissants and fish and chips. Find a few pun-tastic options on the Little Lion $12 meal deals menu such as the Egg-chidna, Pandacakes and Chicken Little.

Cuisine: Old-school Aussie cafe options.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Unique.
Location: 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie.

10. Seasalt

Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant, Port Macquarie

Dine on fresh seafood overlooking the marina at Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant. (Image: Supplied)

Make sure you have conquered the art of having flawlessly tousled beach hair before you lob at Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant for your morning coffee. The weather in Port Macquarie is near perfect so you will likely join salty sea dog types who are wearing thongs (of the flip-flop variety) and arranging to wet a line later in the day. Don’t worry if you can’t speak fluent fisho; the locals here are super friendly. Seasalt cafe is barnacled to the Port Macquarie Marina and a top spot to start your day. Head to Seasalt if you’re looking for Port Macquarie cafes with a waterfront view. Find a list of classic breakfast options such as eggs benedict and bacon and egg rolls with gluten-friendly alternatives, too.  Ask the staff for a tub of fish food so your kids can feed the bream off the marina.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Casual and friendly.
Location: 18 Park St, Port Macquarie

11. Rivermark Cafe

You’ll need plenty of energy to go stand-up paddleboarding in Port Macquarie. Drop a pin at the Rivermark Cafe so you can locate this riverside haunt just a short paddle up the Hastings River. Find a place to dock and then kick back with a hot cup of coffee while feasting on views of the surrounding waterscape. Sit at a coveted window seat or in the shade in the outdoor area, where you might spot dolphins enjoying an early-morning frolic. Although the menu has the ubiquitous avo on toast, there’s nothing ordinary about its version served with haloumi and slathered with a hollandaise sauce. The Rivermark Cafe is licensed so you can enjoy a crisp glass of vino after your paddle.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Bright and breezy
Location:  261 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie

12. Bandwagon

a spread of food at Bandwagon cafe in Port Macquarie

Bandwagon has an enticing breakfast menu to choose from. (Image: Supplied)

It’s easy to get onboard at Bandwagon. Port Macquarie’s latest destination for specialty coffee, quality food, live music, good vibes and sick views. The casual, rustic cafe is set within a century-old beach house and should be on itineraries for sun-seekers and families keen on coastal hang. The piccolos here are perfect made using Ona beans, which are also available for sale. But Bandwagon is not just a place for breakfast. Follow Bandwagon on Instagram to book a special-themed dinner or find inspiration before ordering. Order the sourdough made bright with cooked pumpkin and spices, fried sage and pelted with fetta, house macadamia and pepita.

Cuisine: Colourful and creative.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 76 William St, Port Macquarie

13. Bent on Food

alfresco dining at Bent on Food cafe in Port Macquarie

Enjoy your coffee outdoors in a lush garden setting. (Image: Jake Davey Studios)

Donna Carrier is a legend of the hospitality scene and Bent on Food the most awarded tourism cafe in the Legendary Pacific Coast region. The vibe is Port Macquarie casual with colourful artwork lining the walls and jars of jams, chutneys and preserves available to procure for your pantry. This cafe is in the pedestrian-friendly township of Wingham, which will automatically make you change down a few gears and remind you you’re on holiday. Spicy corn fritters, pork tacos and poke bowls are the go-tos. But to truly maximise your experience make sure you time your visit to coincide to return to sip on local wines and listen to live music.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 93/95 Isabella St, Wingham

14. Little Fish

Book somewhere cosy to stay near Lake Innis, which is just 12 kilometres from Port Macquarie, so you can visit the Little Fish Cafe & Vineyard. Book a tasting with the winemaker from Innes Lake Vineyard and then head to the cafe to enjoy authentic French fare prepared by Steve Delandemare. Adventurous epicureans will also enjoy tasting the wines paired with Little Fish dishes the chef grew up with. Think pork filet mignon with tomato Dijon sauce or Braised Bourguignon beef cheeks with a glass of the Innes Lake Shiraz. And confit duck leg served with vegetables and red wine jus and an Innes Lake rose. Visiting the vineyard is one of the best things to do in Port Macquarie.

Cuisine: Oh-so French
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Country
Location: 147 The Ruins Way, Innes Lake Vineyard, Port Macquarie

15. Holy Goat Coffee

Holy Goat Coffee is an essential stop for a good brew. (Image: Astyn Saggers)

Don’t expect to hear any yacht rock at Holy Goat Coffee. The industrial-chic cafe is cool and quirky with multiple odes to goats, which inspired the name of the business. Ask the barista and she’ll explain Holy Goat Coffee considers the very origins of coffee in 600AD when the hollow-horned animals reportedly discovered the glorious red coffee cherries.  Come sup on the nectar of productivity here in the espresso bar at Holy Goat HQ, which includes a dedicated co-working space aimed at digital nomads. Start strong with a double espresso and then pick up bespoke blends such as Scape Goat and the Hairy Goat. Expect a rotating roster of baked goods supplied by Casseras Bakery and Sugar Mummah such as baguettes, quiches and donut cookies with salted caramel.

Cuisine: Bakery treats.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Busy and buzzy.
Location: 5/8 Merrigal Road, Port Macquarie.

16. The Beach House

This place is already recognised as a favourite hangout for sunset drinks. But few are aware of its reputation as a bastion for barista-made coffees. Port Macquarie is a mecca for water sports such as surfing and kayaking. It also has quiet waterways such as the Hastings River, where The Beach House is located. You’ll need to be energised to squeeze everything onto your itinerary. Try and play it cool as you arrive by kayak to The Beach House to find a range of brekkie options to satisfy your cravings for carbs. The Beach House is one of the most visited spots around, thanks to its location on the Town Green and Hastings River. Use it as a pit stop while getting their steps up along the iconic Port Macquarie Breakwall walk.

Cuisine: Old-school Aussie favourites.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed and breezy.
Location: 1 Horton St, Port Macquarie

Discover the best pubs and bars in Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie accommodation is all about being in position to savour the simple pleasures.

Port Macquarie accommodation has put the country town on the map as a magnet for road-trippers making a beeline for Brisbane or Sydney. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a holiday home with space for the whole crew, or a hotel with river views, this coastal town has much to offer. Initially conceived as Australia’s third largest penal settlement, the town is now known for its chain of beautiful beaches, stunning hinterland, waterfalls and views as well as wineries and restaurants. Here are a few of the top spots to stay that will lure you away from the hum of the highway.

Port Macquarie hotels & motels

The accommodation in Port Macquarie has evolved to include brands that have upped the ante, offering a multitude of reasons to pull away from the hum of the highway.

Rydges Port Macquarie

Raise a glass on the balcony as you soak up incredible water views. (Image: Supplied)

Rydges Port Macquarie has been reimagined into the sunny new coastal retreat of our dreams. All 103 of the guestrooms, as well as 16 self-contained apartments, have been updated to include eucalyptus hues found in the Australian bush. Linger over cocktails at Zebu Bar & Restaurant. Cool off in the pool. Hop on a paddleboard. Climb into a kayak. Or use the hotel as a launching pad for day trips that promise adventure and leisure. Guests staying at the Rydges Port Macquarie can walk right out of their airy room and onto the waterfront in a matter of minutes.

The stylish hotel is in a prime location in the heart of the CBD, and in terms of accommodation in Port Macquarie, it has a lot to offer, including – but not limited to – King and Twin rooms to Superior and Deluxe King and Twi and Deluxe Family Interconnecting rooms. While the colour palette in the interior of the hotel is quite restrained, the view from the heated pool and spa overlooking the Hastings River pops in technicolour blue.

Address:  Hay St, Port Macquarie

Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges

Laze on the shaded sun loungers next to the Hastings River. (Image: Supplied)

Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges is so close to the Hastings River you may as well be on a lilo. The revamped hotel reads like an ode to the river with an open-plan foyer, infinity pool and large windows designed to enable guests to appreciate the water from different angles. Sails has personality plus while remaining pared back, and the airy coastal-themed rooms make this Port Macquarie accommodation feel like a breeze.

Curl up on a chair on the balcony and read a book, or head for the heated spa, which looks out onto the water. Enjoy breakfast at the Boathouse Bar & Restaurant, then hire a paddleboard and head upriver. Looking for somewhere on the NSW Coast to have a destination wedding? The renovated hotel has a Hamptons-style wedding chapel and private pavilion. Go full bridezilla and arrive by superyacht.

Address: 20 Park St, Port Macquarie

The Mid Pacific

a bedroom with a window that opens up to river views, Port Macquarie

Book a room with river views at The Mid Pacific. (Image: Supplied)

The boutique Mid Pacific Port Macquarie has nailed what you need during a holiday on the Hastings River. And it’s worth making the pilgrimage to Port Macquarie just to stay in the Pacific Suite at the mid-range motel, which also overlooks the Town Green.

The motel is also a short walk to the beaches and shops and a top spot to hole up in while binging on the complimentary Foxtel and wi-fi. The rooms are bright and airy and there is a heated outdoor pool and spas with water views. The boutique Port Macquarie accommodation is well maintained. Once you get your early-morning surf in, you will be ready for the day exploring Port Macquarie, one of NSW’s Top Aussie Towns.

ibis Styles Port Macquarie

Simplicity is key at the ibis Styles Port Macquarie. The beachfront hotel accommodation has just 49 contemporary rooms perched on the headland at Port Macquarie. Choose from a range of rooms, terraces and suites suitable for girls’ getaways, family groups or a romantic weekend away.

Unwind in the guest lounge, which has 180-degree views and a soundtrack of crashing waves, before doing a few lazy laps in the outdoor swimming pool or visiting the nearby beaches. The bedrooms are light and bright and talk to the landscape in muted nautical hues. The breakfast lounge also adheres to a minimalist palette that avowed escapists will appreciate.

Address: 1 Stewart St, Port Macquarie.

Mercure Centro Hotel Port Macquarie

The water is never far away in Port Macquarie. And that’s the way we like it. Whether you’re motoring up the highway to Byron Bay or zooming back to Sydney, the Mercure Centro Hotel provides an incentive for a pit stop. The rooms are basic and comfortable but the position near to many of Port Macquarie’s picturesque surf beaches makes Mercure Centro Hotel Port Macquarie a magnet for business and leisure travellers.

Each of the 72 rooms has a balcony and free movies and casting options and there’s a day spa and heated pool too. There are restaurants on your doorstep such as the onsite Birdrock Bar & Grill. And the Glasshouse Regional Performing Arts Centre is a hop, skip and a jump away. Take a bow Port Mac.

Address: 103 William St, Port Macquarie

Luxury homes, apartments, and Airbnbs

A lot of Port Macquarie’s best accommodation options are dotted along the oceanfront or by the river where it winds its way out to sea. As the demand for leisure travel increases, these homey stays – which range from high-end to budget-friendly – allow for better connectedness to the community.

Tallowwood House

Retreat into the tranquil Tallowwood House surrounded by rainforest.

There are white breezeblocks that recall the 1950s and 60s. Glass louvres that let the light in. And interiors and exteriors that reveal a reverence for both natural textures and mid-century design at Tallowwood House in Port Macquarie. There are two thoughtfully curated suites at the well-appointed adults-only bed and breakfast retreat: one is dog-friendly  – the Driftwood  – and the other – the Tallowwood – is not. Both suites have private entryways.

Relax into a settled calm on your road-trip between Byron Bay and Sydney or vice versa when you pull into this brand-new house located just a short walk from Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie. The house is surrounded by rainforest and the beautiful thing about the built form is that it seems to blend in with nature. The arrangement of furniture and soft subdued lighting also lands an air of tranquillity. Charge your EV while you recharge in the king-size floating bed made from tallowwood by a local artisan in the suite of the same name. Or bask in the luxury of the concrete bath in the Driftwood Suite.

Address: 34 Reading St, Port Macquarie

Braelee Stays

Get cosy in a charming country cottage at Braelee Stays. (Image: Heart and the Sea Photography)

Fans of flea-market chic will appreciate these country cottages filled with vintage furniture and quirky objects such as velvet easy chairs and old suitcases, bits of driftwood and potted plants. Braelee Stays includes Braelee Bower and Braelee Studio, small but perfectly formed options for accommodation near Port Macquarie that are hidden in the hinterland.

While Braelee Bower is open plan, with an outdoor bath and firepit, the pet-friendly Braelee Studio has a hammock and spa and indoor and outdoor fire. Depending on the weather, you can either shut out the outside world or invite it in. The rustic cabins have stunning Manning Valley views are are just a half-hour drive from Port Macquarie. Gather for s’mores and stargazing at night.

Address: 1483 Rollands Plains Road, Rollands Plains

Ana Mandara Luxury Bed & Breakfast

Keen anglers will be the first to cast a line in at dawn from the front lawn of Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat, the conveniently located Port Macquarie accommodation on a bend of the Hastings River. Three of the luxurious four rooms feature private balconies and views over the river so you can step outside your private guestroom and shout ‘G’day’ to passing kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders gliding past.

The Hastings River haven has a resident chef who creates three-course gourmet breakfasts each day. Want to organise most romantic proposal ever? Book a Helicopter Coastal Experience, which includes a scenic flight over the coastline as well as lunch at Cassegrain Wines and a one-night stay at Ana Mandara. The retreat is adults only.

Address: 152 Settlement Point Road, Port Macquarie

Blue Vista

Port Macquarie has 17 beaches. And you will overlook quite a few of them when you book a stay at Blue Vista luxury beachfront apartment. Spend your time exploring the rock pools, walking along the coastal path, enjoying a bracing dunk in the sea and watching the waves roll to shore from the three-bedroom apartment, which is swathed in glass in a low-rise complex directly opposite Town Beach.

Inside, the apartment is all soothing whites and turquoise tones with colourful artworks and the ocean, as ever in the periphery. Bring your laptop and work in idyllic seclusion. Or sit in a corner of the balcony which is bathed in light and more light, which heightens the saturation of both sea and sky. The entire rental unit sleeps six guests and includes a barista-style coffee machine and Weber BBQ.

Address: 4 Stewart St, Port Macquarie

Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat

Relish the treehouse vibes at this lush, five-hectare retreat. (Image: Supplied)

Guests staying at this NSW Tourism Gold award-winning eco-friendly retreat sandwiched between the Camden Haven River and the sea will wake up to a chorus of birdsong during a stay in one of the treehouses on the five-hectare property. There’s free wi-fi. But most guests at Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat want to switch off and relax in the luxury hand-crafted treehouses, which have well-appointed kitchens and expansive balconies that look out over the wetlands.

Tread lightly by exploring the waterways in a canoe hired from Dunbogan Boatshed or wandering over the wetlands on purpose-built new accessible wetland walkways. The Treehouses have been designed with full accessibility along hard-surface pathways that will accommodate guests with mobility issues. A bright and airy pavilion has been added to the property to facilitate gatherings that range from yoga and wellbeing retreats to family gatherings and weddings.

Address: 128 Diamond Head Road, Dunbogan

Toms Creek Nature Domes

Sleep under the stars in a luxe glamping dome. (Image: Quilman Cruz)

These luxury glamping domes are not just a place for sleeping, but for discovering the beauty of Port Macquarie. Perfect for everything from a romantic weekend to a girls’ getaway, the dinky Nature Domes are dotted around the hinterland and are a magnet for climate-conscious travellers.

But you won’t be roughing it at these elegant structures which are energy efficient and empathetic with the setting near a squiggle of Toms Creek. Attention to detail gives the domes a luxe feel. Take your foot off the pedal and pull off the highway to find the domes which feature Dutch hot tubs, campfire pits and kitchenettes.

Address: 2001 Toms Creek Road, Toms Creek

Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel

One of the best ways to get to know the Mid North Coast NSW town of Port Macquarie is to live like a local for a week. This multi-award-winning 4.5-star boutique apartment hotel lets you do just that, providing a comfortable base in the heart of the city that has been curated with comfort and convenience in mind.

The apartments at Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel are within walking distance of some of Port Macquarie’s best restaurants and cafes. There’s also a roof deck with a hot tub and a newly renovated pool, making this one of the best places to stay in Port Macquarie with a family.

Address: 11 Clarence St, Port Macquarie

Bellbird Hill Bed & Breakfast

The deck at Bellbird Hill Bed & Breakfast offers idyllic views. (Image: Supplied)

This boutique bed and breakfast is filled with hand-crafted furniture and quirky objects and, like its owners, has personality in spades. The single-level sandstone dwelling feels very homey, albeit in your wildest patchwork quilt and shabby chic Escape to the Country fantasies.

The three rooms all have ensuites and air conditioning and French doors that lead out onto the balcony. Bellbird Hill Bed & Breakfast offers easy access to the hinterland and surrounding national parks and has views over the Manning River.  There’s a large lounge with a combustion heater for a weekend getaway in winter.

Address: 298 Karaak Flat Road, Karaak Flat

Flynn’s Beach Resort

One of the perks of staying at Flynn’s Beach Resort in Port Macquarie is the easy access to Flynn’s Beach. Families return again and again to the deluxe two-bedroom apartments, which tick all the boxes on parents’ and kids’ wish lists. Families who want to self-cater will want to book this Port Macquarie accommodation for its well-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.

In addition to the comfortable lounge room and private balcony, Flynn’s Beach Resort features family-friendly facilities such as two heated pools, BBQ cabanas and a tennis court. Look out for the resident koalas who live in the grove of gum trees near the resort and work through the list of how to keep the kids happy in Port Macquarie.

Address: 68 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie

Club Wyndham Flynns Beach

The heated outdoor pool instantly puts you in a relaxed mood.

This Trademark Collection by Wyndham Resort is steps away from the sugar-white sands of Flynns Beach. It’s also close to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, one of the most popular places to visit in Port Macquarie. Despite being so near to the beach, the Port Macquarie resort has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub as well as a children’s retreat and pool.

The Port Macquarie resort has a restaurant onsite, Henry’s Restaurant & Bar, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also call room service and dine on your balcony overlooking the pool. What makes a beach holiday at Club Wyndham Flynns Beach such a success is that staying put is so appealing.

Address: 14-20 Flynn St, Port Macquarie

Pet-friendly accommodation

There’s an increasing demand for pet-friendly accommodation around Australia as parents of fur babies don’t want to leave Fido behind when they’re headed off on holiday. Luckily, Port Macquarie accommodation includes some of the most paw-fect pet-friendly stays.

NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall

NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall has a resort-style pool perfect for a relaxing dip.

Great restaurants and cafes, culture, adventure, natural beauty and surf beaches. This Port Macquarie accommodation checks a lot of boxes. While the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is positioned to encourage visitors to get out and explore, it’s also very enticing to just stay put. Pick up a dozen oysters to enjoy with a bottle of local Cassegrain wine on the balcony of your cabin where you can keep watch for dolphins.

Pitch your tent or pull up your caravan to one of the pet-friendly sites a short stroll away from the resort-style pool, which includes a wading pool designed for toddlers. Give yourself over whole-heartedly to the rhythms of daily life here which revolves around the sun, sea, sailing and surfing or taking the dog for a walk around the breakwall and along the path to Oxley and Rocky Beaches.

Address: 1 Munster St, Port Macquarie

Stoney Park

Keeping the kids happy while on holiday has a beneficial trickle-down effect on parents. And the huge inflatable obstacle course on the manmade lagoon at Stoney Park enables both parents and children to have a blast. For many, the pleasure will simply be about just camping out with your family.

Families can also relax and unwind with a kayak around the lake. Play a round of Stoney Aqua Golf. Enjoy Astronomy Nights and a two-hour guided sky show. All the accommodation at the family-friendly G’day Park is pet-friendly including the Lakeview Lodge cabin, which sleeps up to seven people, the fully self-contained villas and studio cabins. There are also powered sites and campground sites.

Address: 16 Hacks Ferry Road, Telegraph Point.

Discover the best cafes and pubs in Port Macquarie.