When winter whispers its way into the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, the coastal villages and hinterland towns come alive with a serene charm that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly unwind. Here's how to embrace the season like a local, discovering the unique character of each village and the cosy allure of coastal life in winter.

Year-round travel optionsWhen winter whispers its way into the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, the coastal villages and hinterland towns come alive with a serene charm that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly unwind. Here's how to embrace the season like a local, discovering the unique character of each village and the cosy allure of coastal life in winter.

Hinterland Hideaways: Wauchope to Comboyne

Begin your journey inland, where the rolling hills and lush landscapes offer a tranquil retreat from the everyday hustle.

Wauchope

This charming town is a gateway to the hinterland, rich in timber heritage and country hospitality. Explore local markets, boutique shops, and enjoy a warm cuppa at a cosy café. Wander through Bain Park in the heart of town, where the trees and shaded picnic areas make for a peaceful rest stop. For those who love a bit of history, the Timbertown Heritage Theme Park offers a chance to step back into the 1800s with its working steam train, blacksmith, and colonial village re-creation. The town also hosts a number of small art galleries and community-run events, giving visitors a real taste of local creativity and spirit.

This charming town is a gateway to the hinterland, rich in timber heritage and country hospitality. Explore local markets, boutique shops, and enjoy a warm cuppa at a cosy café. Discover Wauchope and Hinterland.

Comboyne

Nestled below Mt Bulli, Comboyne is a picturesque village known for its fertile plateau and scenic beauty. Visit the Comboyne Museum to delve into the area's history or enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Udder Cow Café, renowned for its homemade delights and friendly atmosphere. Learn more about our tiny towns and villages.

Hinterland Hideaways: Wauchope to Comboyne Begin your journey inland, where the rolling hills and lush landscapes offer a tranquil retreat from the everyday hustle. Wauchope This charming town is a gateway to the hinterland, rich in timber heritage and country hospitality. Explore local markets, boutique shops, and enjoy a warm cuppa at a cosy café. Wander through Bain Park in the heart of town, where the trees and shaded picnic areas make for a peaceful rest stop. For those who love a bit of history, the Timbertown Heritage Theme Park offers a chance to step back into the 1800s with its working steam train, blacksmith, and colonial village re-creation. The town also hosts a number of small art galleries and community-run events, giving visitors a real taste of local creativity and spirit. This charming town is a gateway to the hinterland, rich in timber heritage and country hospitality. Explore local markets, boutique shops, and enjoy a warm cuppa at a cosy café. Discover Wauchope and Hinterland. Comboyne Nestled below Mt Bulli, Comboyne is a picturesque village known for its fertile plateau and scenic beauty. Visit the Comboyne Museum to delve into the area's history or enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Udder Cow Café, renowned for its homemade delights and friendly atmosphere. Learn more about our tiny towns and villages.

Coastal Charm: Laurieton, North Haven & Bonny Hills

As you make your way back to the coast, the seaside villages offer their own winter magic.

Laurieton

Set against the backdrop of North Brother Mountain, Laurieton boasts stunning river views and a relaxed pace. Take a stroll along the foreshore, try some local oysters at a local eatery, or hike the Laurieton Track for panoramic vistas.

North Haven

This peaceful village is perfect for a winter beach walk. Wander along Grants Beach, watch the waves roll in, and perhaps spot a migrating whale off the coast. The nearby breakwall is a popular spot for fishing and taking in the sea air.

Bonny Hills

Known for its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe, Bonny Hills offers a quiet escape. Enjoy a picnic at Rainbow Beach Reserve, or simply relax and watch the surfers braving the winter swells.

Discover the Camden Haven

Coastal Charm: Laurieton, North Haven & Bonny Hills As you make your way back to the coast, the seaside villages offer their own winter magic. Laurieton Set against the backdrop of North Brother Mountain, Laurieton boasts stunning river views and a relaxed pace. Take a stroll along the foreshore, try some local oysters at a local eatery, or hike the Laurieton Track for panoramic vistas.North Haven This peaceful village is perfect for a winter beach walk. Wander along Grants Beach, watch the waves roll in, and perhaps spot a migrating whale off the coast. The nearby breakwall is a popular spot for fishing and taking in the sea air. Bonny Hills Known for its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe, Bonny Hills offers a quiet escape. Enjoy a picnic at Rainbow Beach Reserve, or simply relax and watch the surfers braving the winter swells. Discover the Camden Haven

Other Winter Wonders: Whale Watching & Rainforest Walks

Winter is prime time for whale watching along the Port Macquarie coast, as the whale migration season generally runs from May to November, with the peak months for spotting whales being from the end of June through July. Tacking Point Lighthouse is a perfect spot to see humpback whales on their migration and with recent accessibility upgrades, it's now easier than ever for everyone to enjoy the view.

For a different kind of natural beauty, explore the Sea Acres National Park nearby. The 1.3km boardwalk takes you through lush coastal rainforest right at the ocean’s edge, offering a peaceful and invigorating experience. In winter, you will find the walk cool and tranquil, with plenty of flora and fauna to spot! Grab a drink at the café before embarking or enjoy lunch or a snack at the end of your walk. They also have a fantastic newly renovated information centre & gift shop; perfect for those souvenirs you’ll need.

Other Winter Wonders: Whale Watching & Rainforest Walks Winter is prime time for whale watching along the Port Macquarie coast, as the whale migration season generally runs from May to November, with the peak months for spotting whales being from the end of June through July. Tacking Point Lighthouse is a perfect spot to see humpback whales on their migration and with recent accessibility upgrades, it's now easier than ever for everyone to enjoy the view. For a different kind of natural beauty, explore the Sea Acres National Park nearby. The 1.3km boardwalk takes you through lush coastal rainforest right at the ocean’s edge, offering a peaceful and invigorating experience. In winter, you will find the walk cool and tranquil, with plenty of flora and fauna to spot! Grab a drink at the café before embarking or enjoy lunch or a snack at the end of your walk. They also have a fantastic newly renovated information centre & gift shop; perfect for those souvenirs you’ll need.

Stay Like a Local

Embrace the slower pace of village life by staying in locally-owned accommodations. Whether it's a cosy bed and breakfast in Comboyne, a beachfront cabin in Bonny Hills, or a riverside retreat in Laurieton, you'll find warm hospitality and a chance to truly connect with the community. Check out some of these insider recommendations:

Treetops Adventures

Diamond Waters Treehouse retreat is a cozy hideaway on the camden river, with luxury accommodation nestled in amongst nature. Plan your next event here at the Fernery, a new purpose-built environmentally sensitive event centre. It is Strive 4 Sustainability certified, and could be the perfect location for your wedding, health retreat, or event in the region.

Ana Mandara Luxury B&B

Exclusively for adults, this waterfront retreat is close enough to amenities that you won't feel like you've escaped civilisation, and yet you might feel that way while enjoying a glass of bubbly on your balcony overlooking the river. Find out more.

Ready to plan your winter escape? Discover more about the Port Macquarie-Hastings region and start your journey to unwind and recharge like a coastal village local with more unique stays.

Stay Like a Local Embrace the slower pace of village life by staying in locally-owned accommodations. Whether it's a cosy bed and breakfast in Comboyne, a beachfront cabin in Bonny Hills, or a riverside retreat in Laurieton, you'll find warm hospitality and a chance to truly connect with the community. Check out some of these insider recommendations: Treetops Adventures Diamond Waters Treehouse retreat is a cozy hideaway on the camden river, with luxury accommodation nestled in amongst nature. Plan your next event here at the Fernery, a new purpose-built environmentally sensitive event centre. It is Strive 4 Sustainability certified, and could be the perfect location for your wedding, health retreat, or event in the region. Ana Mandara Luxury B&B Exclusively for adults, this waterfront retreat is close enough to amenities that you won't feel like you've escaped civilisation, and yet you might feel that way while enjoying a glass of bubbly on your balcony overlooking the river. Find out more. Ready to plan your winter escape? Discover more about the Port Macquarie-Hastings region and start your journey to unwind and recharge like a coastal village local with more unique stays.