Family Time + Your Time

Family holidays are supposed to feel relaxing… but every parent knows the reality can sometimes look a little different.

One kid’s hungry, another’s bored, and somehow you haven’t had a coffee all day.

Luckily, Port Macquarie makes it pretty easy to keep the kids entertained while carving out a little holiday time for yourself too. Think giant playgrounds next to cafés, outdoor adventures where the kids can run wild while you sit back, and family-friendly venues that genuinely feel designed with parents in mind.

Whether you’re planning a winter school holiday escape or just chasing some easy coastal days together, here’s how to find that sweet spot between family time and your time in Port Macquarie.

Walk on the wild side at WildNets

If your kids have energy to burn, WildNets Adventure Park is one of the best family experiences in the region.

Set high among the trees at Lake Innes, this giant suspended net park lets kids bounce, climb, crawl and explore their way through a huge aerial playground while parents relax below.

All areas are enclosed, making it easy to sit back while the kids disappear into hours of climbing and chaos among the trees.

WildNets also offers family-friendly ticket options, including discounted family passes for groups of 4–9 people and larger group discounts for bigger family getaways or holiday catch-ups. If the kids are keen for even more adventure, combo passes pairing the suspended nets with the Treetop Ropes Course are also available.

Even better, 50% of all profits from WildNets go towards supporting the new Wild Koala Breeding Program in Port Macquarie.

Town Beach = everyone’s happy

Town Beach is one of those rare spots that somehow ticks every box.

There’s an epic playground right by the water, an outdoor gym, a skate park and scooter track nearby, plenty of open grass for the kids to run and kick a ball around, plus great coffee nearby for parents needing a quick recharge while the kids keep themselves entertained.

Salty Crew Kiosk is also a short stroll along the coastal walk while the kids scooter alongside. This is also a great place to start your own Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail adventure.

Suddenly, an afternoon walk becomes a mission to spot colourful koalas hidden throughout the region, which is a pretty handy way to get the kids moving and burn off any sweets they may have picked up at the café.

Slow things down at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre

Not every family activity needs to end with exhausted kids and soaked towels.

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre offers a slower-paced adventure through one of the largest remaining coastal rainforests in NSW. The elevated boardwalk winds through lush subtropical rainforest filled with towering trees, birdsong and plenty of opportunities for curious kids to spot wildlife along the way.

There’s also a café on-site for a post-walk coffee or snack, which feels like very important information for parents.

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries

At Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, families can wander through the patch filling baskets with fresh strawberries straight from the plant while adults browse the farm gate stocked with local produce, sauces, relishes and treats.

It’s one of those slower-paced holiday activities that feels simple in the best possible way.

Afterwards, settle into Café Red for a relaxed brekkie, lunch or something sweet while the kids proudly compare their strawberry haul. The air-conditioned café is super family-friendly, with coffee, homemade cakes and their famous warm farmhouse scones served with fresh cream and house-made strawberry jam.

The kids can tick off their daily fruit intake, while you commit to the equally important food group: coffee and cake.

Meet the locals at Billabong Zoo

Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park is another easy family favourite, especially for younger kids.

Alongside koalas, red pandas, snow leopards and giant tortoises, the zoo offers plenty of keeper talks and hands-on animal experiences that make it feel more interactive than your average day out.

It’s also compact enough to comfortably explore without turning into a full-day endurance event for parents.

Spot whales with Port Jet

If you’re visiting during whale season, Port Jet Cruises offers one of the most memorable family experiences in the region.

Seeing humpback whales breach just offshore is pretty special at any age, and the tours departing from Port Macquarie regularly spot whales, dolphins and other marine life along the coastline during migration season.

One of those “worth putting the phones away for” moments.

Long Flat Pub is worth the drive

If you’re up for a little day trip inland, Long Flat Pub is one of those classic country spots families love.

Set on the banks of the Hastings River along the iconic Oxley Highway, this much-loved country pub is packed with old-school charm, relaxed hospitality and plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Parents can settle into a long lunch or cold drink while the kids disappear between the playground, the riverbank and the wide open grass.

There’s often live music on weekends, hearty pub meals coming out of the kitchen and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it very easy to lose track of time.

Families can even turn it into an overnight adventure, with riverside camping and traditional pub accommodation available on-site. Swim in the river, throw in a fishing line or simply enjoy a slower pace for the afternoon.

Relaxed, scenic and full of genuine country pub charm. There’s a reason it’s a local favourite.

Burn off energy at Jolly Nose MTB Park

For families with older kids or teens, Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park is well worth the short drive south.

The park features more than 40+ kilometres of mountain bike trails winding through bushland, with tracks suited to a mix of skill levels. Even if nobody’s chasing downhill records, it’s a great excuse to get outdoors and explore a different side of the region together.

Other family-friendly venues that make life easier

Sometimes you just need somewhere to pull up stumps for a couple of hours, eat some food and enjoy the surroundings. Here’s a list of family friendly venues that tick a lot boxes.

Tacking Point Tavern

Perfect for families on a rainy day thanks to its indoor play area, casual dining and laid-back vibe.

The Local, Flynns Beach

A great winter option with a relaxed sports bar atmosphere and plenty of room outside for the kids to run around while parents settle in for a meal or drink.

Settlers Inn

A favourite with local families thanks to its awesome fenced playground, relaxed outdoor seating and easy-going atmosphere. Great pub food with awesome daily specials.

Lake Cathie Tavern

Big beer garden, playground, coastal breeze and plenty of room for the kids to burn energy while the adults settle in for the afternoon.

Bago Maze & Winery

Bago Maze and Winery might just be the ultimate “family time + your time” destination.

The kids can race through the giant hedge maze while adults enjoy a wine tasting overlooking the countryside. Add in picnic areas, open space and beautiful scenery, and it’s easy to turn this into a full afternoon outing.

Some family holidays are all about keeping the kids busy. Others feel more geared towards adults.

Port Macquarie sits comfortably in the middle.

Mum and Dad, we’ve got you.