Top Towns for 2022: How to really unwind in Port Macquarie

Beyond its beautiful beaches, Port Macquarie is now known for its sophisticated food and wine scene, as well as its sustainability and conservation initiatives. Find out how Port Macquarie landed in at no.18 on your list of Top 50 Aussie towns.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

There seems to be an unending expanse of sky and sea in Port Macquarie, so much so that it’s hard to distinguish where one stops and the other begins. The two seem interchangeable, the far-off horizon stretching forever, like a frayed blue ribbon. You’ll find locals and visitors enjoying all the location offers every which way they can. Dotting the water on paddleboards. Surfing empty point breaks. Fishing. Kayaking. Following a creek through subtropical jungle.

golden sand beach at Port Macquarie — Go beyond Port Macquarie’s beautiful beaches.

Slurping fresh-shucked oysters just metres from where they are farmed. It’s a slice of paradise. Where you can glimpse rare shorebirds, dolphins and whales hugging close to the coastline in winter.

When you’re not exploring the long, white arcs of sand, or taking advantage of the legendary photo opportunities from the lighthouse at dawn, you can rack up a few days sipping wine at cellar doors, enjoying lunch at much-lauded local eateries, or exploring unique boutiques and galleries. This is where to start.

Contribute to Koala Conservation

If you want to fan your fascination with native flora and fauna, Port Macquarie is at the forefront of this scene. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has been helping to rescue and rehabilitate koalas since 1973. It recently opened the first phase of its Cowarra State Forest tourism precinct called Guulabaa – Place of Koala , in consultation with local Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council, which also runs the Bunyah Cafe on site.

Admire a Koala. (Image: Remy Brand)

The new nature-based tourism precinct currently includes Wildnets adventure park , which features elevated boardwalks, ball pits, a 3D maze, hammocks, treehouses and has plans for the world’s first wild koala breeding facility, an educational amphitheatre for cultural awareness workshops as well as an Aboriginal-owned art centre all due to open in 2023.

fun activities for kids at the Wildnets — Let the kids run wild at Wildnets. (Image: Lucy Hamphries Photography)

A visit to the precinct actually contributes to the conservation of koalas, which also feature along the hugely successful Hello Koalas sculpture trail, which was established in 2014 as a way to celebrate public art while highlighting the plight of the local koala population. Want to tick off another Big Thing? You’ll find a 2.5-metre painted koala standing under a canopy of gum trees.

Take a breather

Your chances of seeing a koala in the wild will increase exponentially when you visit Tom’s Creek Nature Domes , which are surrounded by woodlands and home to a wild menagerie of bower birds, king parrots, echidnas, platypus and possums.

Spend the day exploring the nearby Biriwal Bulga National Park before retreating like a snail into your giant shell (read: fully self-contained geo-design nature home) and scouring the sky for constellations. Care to hike through breathtaking landscapes? You’re in position.

You can also take a breather closer to civilisation at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges , a great launchpad for the Hastings River, which is an aquatic playground for those who want to take advantage of the complimentary paddleboards and kayaks.

riverside accommodation at Sails Port Macquarie — A stay at Sails Port Macquarie will set you right on the river. (Image: Laneway Photography)

Hastings River Horse Riding also offers visitors a picturesque plod along the river as it loops around picturesque Redbank and your equestrian efforts will be rewarded with views over countryside with fuzzy miniature sheep and cows that look fixed like felt art.

Escape the hustle and bustle

From little ideas, big things grow. Case in point, Little Turkey , which has blossomed into a beautiful place for breakfast, brunch or lunch filled with billowing curtains and comfy cushions. You will also appreciate the leisurely pace of lunch on offer at paddock-to-plate eatery Twotriplefour, followed by a wine tasting at Cassegrain Wines .

lunch at Twotriplefour — Go from paddock to plate at Twotriplefour.

Back in town, as well as tootling around Port Macquarie’s many waterways, you can follow the Breakwall foreshore route on land, which most locals do on the daily, and scarf down a few sundowners at Little Shack, which will almost certainly lead to a few great local recommendations and the forming of new friendships.

One of those recommendations is likely to be lunch at Whalebone Wharf and The Stunned Mullet , followed by a scheduled visit to Wakulda, an ongoing 10-minute sound-and-light instalment about the Birpai people, the Traditional Owners, which is projected onto the Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse.

Fans of street artist Mulga will also be pleased to check out his new mural at Flynns Beach, which takes inspiration from regional attractions in Port Macquarie. Glasshouse Port Macquarie is also worth a visit for its roster of offerings that range from exhibitions and workshops to film, drama and dance.

creative mural by Mulga at Flynns Beach — Check out the new mural by Mulga at Flynns Beach. (Image: Jackson Rafferty)

Port Macquarie. It’s the new place to be, thanks to its social and environmental initiatives, and the fresh wind that seems to be bringing new ideas, entertainment and cultural offerings to the fore.

Explore more of Port Macquarie in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.

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.