Some of the most popular Port Macquarie attractions are the region's beautiful beaches, estuaries, inland lakes and water activities. There are 18 beaches in total in the region as well as an assortment of attractions including landmarks, historical sights and nature and wildlife attractions. However if your holiday to Port Macquarie isn't just about seeing but also doing, visitors will love the wonderful range of activities that allow them to get out and enjoy the glorious weather including swimming, surfing, fishing, boating and much more.
Some of the most popular Port Macquarie beaches include Grants Beach, Flynns Beach and Lighthouse Beach. Grants Beach is located in North Haven and offers 3.5km of patrolled sand beach that ends in a breakwall offering excellent right-handers in the right conditions. Some sections are great for swimming while the whole beach offers excellent conditions for surfing and fishing.
Flynns Beach is Port Macquarie's most popular beach, particularly with families, as it is a sheltered stretch of sand that is ideal for beginner surfers or safe swimming. Home to a picnic area, BBQ, playground, a number of cafes, surf club and toilet and shower facilities it's the perfect day out. Pilot Beach is particularly good for families with small children as it is protected by two breakwalls. The perfect spot for fishing and swimming, this beach also enjoys all the same picnic facilities and is also close to the fantastic walking trails of the nearby Kattang Nature Reserve.
Renowned for its historic lighthouse and namesake, Lighthouse Beach offers 9km of beach divided by the Watonga Rocks. There are some great beach breaks for surfers although the best waves are at the northern end. North of the Rocks is the swimming section of the beach with picnic facilities and easy access to the historic lighthouse, also popular for a visit. If you fancy a bit of history then you can't miss the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum, Old Courthouse or Port Macquarie Historic Grave Yard, however if you're more of a nature-lover, there's plenty here for you including the state's only dedicated facility for koala conservation, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
There's also the Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park where you can get up close and personal with koalas as well as a range of other animals including kangaroos, penguins, monkeys, cassowaries, wallabies, quolls, wombats, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, birds and more. For a slightly less exotic be equally enchanting nature and wildlife experience, the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is a stunning national park offering kilometres of forest floor trails and elevated boardwalks with ranger guided tours.
