Try another kind of break
Whatever the thrill or pace, there is something for everyone, and with daily flights from Brisbane at only one-hour flight time, what are you waiting for? Book now to try another kind of break!
Some people think all North Coast towns are pretty much the same. Well, not Port Macquarie. From sophisticated dining and accommodation, through to adventurous trails and downright relaxing beaches, Port Macquarie offers the kind of break you’ve been searching for, but would never expect.
Log off early Friday and be in Port Macquarie by sunset to enjoy cocktails and settle in for a perfect weekend break. Work to a different type of timetable that guarantees a refreshed and relaxed return to work on Monday! We have put together a great winter escape itinerary for you all you need to do is decide when you are going to visit and make some bookings!
Log off early Friday and be in Port Macquarie by sunset to enjoy cocktails and settle in for a perfect weekend break. Work to a different type of timetable that guarantees a refreshed and relaxed return to work on Monday! We have put together a great winter escape itinerary for you all you need to do is decide when you are going to visit and make some bookings!
Friday Afternoon
Check in to your weekend home at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges where Hamptons style luxury awaits. Settled in, now its time for a stroll along the water foreshore and head into town.
No need to worry about the cold we are known for our mild winters where the temps rarely dip into single digits, take a light jacket and off you go.
A favourite place to take in the sunset is along the path of coloured graffiti rocks on the Town Beach breakwall.
After Dark
As the tension of the day slips away, treat yourself to the first of many enjoyable dining experiences whilst in Port Macquarie. If quintessential dining with imaginative food and some of the world's best wines is what you're looking for, then a booking at The Stunned Mullet is highly recommended. This hatted restaurant certainly knows how to impress when looking for Australia's finest produce matched with beautiful wines and delightful service. Bookings recommended.
Nightcap time
One thing that does not come top of mind when thinking about Port Macquarie is a buzzing bar scene, so you are in for a surprise. There is a selection of bars to drop into that deliver on ambiance, friendly locals, impressive cocktails, boutique beers and wines. Once you have your nightcap in hand kick back and enjoy live music or the laid-back tunes of a quieter space and ease into the weekend vibe. Check out some bars here.
Its a new day
Time to rise and shine and greet the morning with a insta-worthy sunrise and a delicious healthy bowl of goodness at Salty Crew Kiosk… think pure acai, passionfruit, banana, matcha yoghurt, berries and coconut flakes. They know how to make mornings special and a great cup of coffee to wrap your hands around. Time is on your side to kick back and gaze out over the golden rays of sunshine and glistening waves, the hardest thing to challenge yourself will be whether to stay a little longer or get up and get active.
Go a little further and discover hidden gems
There is always an element of joy when something catches us by surprise! Bago Winery and Maze ticks that box for all ages. Take the windy road leading to this winery and when you pull up at the cellar door, the serenity and beautiful landscape that greets you announce you have come to a magical place. What to do first...definitely the maze, the challenge of getting through it can then be rewarded with a delicious cheese plate and wine on the terrace overlooking the stunning vista, followed by a visit to Baba Lila’s hand-made chocolate shop, adjacent to the cellar door.
As far as the eye can see
After enjoying an a-maze-ing experience at Bago Winery, you are so close to another magical place that you have to definitely drop into Old Bottlebutt. Weird name some would say but worth the visit to appreciate this 200+ years old Red Bloodwood Tree. Take the 600 metre looped walking track, where the sounds, sights and smells of the bush lead you to the grand and ancient tree. There is a viewing platform underneath the tree so you can sit and gaze upwards and appreciate the sheer size of this magnificent tree.
Perfect ending to the day
For a truly international experience with a touch of local fare and flare you can't go past Botanic Wine Garden. Located in the heart of Port Macquarie, their space spreads from inside to out with funky wall art, fairy lights in the trees, amazing food and wine, and innovative use of Australian botanicals in both food and beverages, as the name suggests. They have a passion for hibachi cooking and their choice of background music, adds to the theatre and upbeat roll-out of delicious food.
Star gazing of a different kind
One thing that makes us stand out from other coastal towns is our world class arts and culture centre the Glasshouse. If you have the luxury of planning ahead take a look at their website to see what show or exhibition will be on when you arrive. Perfectly positioned across the forecourt from Botanic Wine Garden you can watch the Glasshouse come to life and time it perfectly for the first act!
Sunday Best
They say time flies whilst you're having fun and this weekend has certainly been that! But....there is always room to squeeze in a few more highlights before jetting back home. With just over an hour fly time between Port Macquarie and Brisbane you have time to enjoy a lazy breakfast or brunch if you snagged a late check-out! When it comes to a menu crafted by what is in season, and they source their breads, condiments and many other breakfast favourites from local farms, you are guaranteed to start your day with some fresh and wholesome choices at Bloom. Weekend bookings are recommended.
One more adventure
Port Macquarie is a very popular place with not only humans but also whales!! Between May to November we are fortunate to be on the ‘Whale Superhighway’ migration route to warmer waters. The excitement of seeing whales breaching from either vantage points along the coastline or on a special whale-watching cruise is the perfect way to end a fantastic weekend. Just down from Bloom on Clarence Street is the wharf where Port Jet Cruise Adventures and Cruise Port Macquarie offer whale-watching cruises, so take a stroll down to the waterfront and book your spot.