The best wineries and cellar doors in Port Macquarie

It seems the operators of Port Macquarie struggle to do anything by halves, demonstrated best in their offering of fully-fledged wineries.

From a vineyard planted alongside one of the world’s largest mazes, to the only volunteer-run winery in the country, to a cellar door within an art gallery – Port Macquarie delivers a dynamic mix of vineyards set in unique locations, and all within driving distance to the region’s many beaches. Here, a guide to its best wineries and cellar doors.

1. Bago Maze & Winery

Bago Maze and Winery view from above. (Image: Andrew Kowalewski/Discover Media Australia)

Head 30 minutes inland from Port Macquarie into the hinterland of the Hastings River Region to find a curious combination of a vineyard planted alongside an architecturally designed lilly pilly hedge maze that reaches two kilometres high and contains over two kilometres of winding paths to explore.

The family-run 10-hectare vineyard specialises in producing premium chardonnay, verdelho and fortified wines, merlot and ports – think sparkling pinot noir chardonnay, chocolate and blueberry liqueurs, and a shimmering blueberry rose that’s a fruity twist on a summer staple. Sample the range at the onsite cellar door with a wine tasting paddle accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie platter featuring the region’s best produce.

Alternatively, assemble your own picnic spread featuring a bottle of Bago wine, cheese platter, handmade chocolates and local produce and preserves from the onsite shop to be enjoyed in a sun-soaked patch of grass on the property before you venture into the iconic hedge maze to round out the experience.

2. Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery

Wine and cheese has long been touted as the perfect pair, but Long Point makes a strong case for art to transform this famous duo into a winning trifecta.

The vineyard and gallery hybrid (located just 18 minutes’ drive from the centre of town) offers wine tastings, local art and delicious produce all under the one roof. Premium chardonnay, frontignac, verdelho, cabernet, chambourcin and tempranillo all feature on the cellar door tasting list.

Don’t miss the 2017 chardonnay, best described as a complex and rewarding wine with fresh guava and melon and hints of green apple, with a well-balanced vanilla oak finish. And be sure to order the famous Jolly Nose Tawny and refreshing alcoholic Ginger Beer while you’re there.

Take your beverage of choice with you to accompany your viewing of the gallery which features works by a number of talented local artists and exhibits that rotate on a bi-monthly basis. Check the gallery’s Facebook page for artist events prior to your visit.

3. Cassegrain Wines

Cassegrain Wines in Port Macquarie — Cassegraine Wines employs traditional winemaking techniques from France.

The Cassegrain family, who are descended from an old wine-making family in France, have spent the last 30 years combining their rich knowledge of traditional French winemaking methods with modern Australian techniques to produce a diverse portfolio of award-winning wines.

The multi-region producer’s grapes are grown on the alluvial flats of their 4.9 hectare Hastings River vineyard, featuring semillon, verdelho, chambourcin, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon; and in the New England region of NSW at the 30-hectare Richfield Vineyard (part-owned by Cassegrain Wines) for chardonnay, verdelho, semillon, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and ruby cabernet varieties across the 30-hectare vineyard to produce their extensive range of wines.

Find the cellar door within the working winery on the Cassegrain Estate just 13 minutes’ drive from the Port Macquarie town centre. Stay for a tasting – don’t miss the chambourcin and sparkling wine varieties – purchase a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the winery, or opt to dine at twotriplefour, the paddock-to-plate restaurant housed on the estate. For something completely different, combine your wine tasting and meal with a trail ride through the vines with Port Macquarie Horse Riding.

4. Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard

In the mid-nineties a community conservation group banded together to salvage an important part of Port Macquarie’s winemaking heritage – the Douglas Vale History Homestead & Vineyard . Today the site, which dates back to 1859 and is located conveniently in the centre of town, has been thoughtfully transformed into a working vineyard and museum that is run entirely by volunteers. Making it the only one of its kind in Australia.

At the height of its glory the estate spanned 44.7 acres and produced international acclaimed award-winning wines. Approximately 4.1 acres of vineyards remain of the property today and the not-for-profit organisation produces a small variety of wines that include two whites, a rose, two reds and a fortified wine made from villard blanc, chardonnay, chambourcin and shiraz grape varieties.

Arrive in time to take one of the daily tours of the museum and grounds, followed by a wine tasting at the cellar door accompanied by a cheese platter – and the pleasure of knowing you are supporting the local community.

5. Little Fish Cafe and Vineyard

Find Little Fish Café and Vineyard overlooking the vineyards of Innes Lake Estates just 11 minutes outside of town. Tastings of the Little Fish and Innes Lake range of chardonnay, frontignac and verdelho, cabernet and chambourain are available by appointment, but the best way to taste their vino is alongside a meal in the French restaurant helmed by Steve Delandemare.

The French chef has drawn inspiration from the cuisine of his homeland to create a modern menu using the best seasonal produce, perfectly paired with a glass of their wine offering. Try the fig and red wine braised beef cheeks matched with a glass of the Inneslake Shiraz.

Dine on the veranda overlooking the vineyards or in the gardens among the jacaranda, poinciana and magnolia trees. Alternatively, bring your own picnic rug and dine alfresco among the vines with a pre-ordered platter from the restaurant that is overflowing with local produce, meats, cheese and horderves.

Originally written by Eliza Sholly with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.