by Jessica Matthews
We have family in and around Port Macquarie and visit a few times a year. As such we’ve checked out lot’s of activities and locations for kids and thought it might be good to share this info! If you’ve been thinking about visiting Port Macquarie with the family – do it! Located just over 4 hours north of Ryde (let’s say 5 by the time you allow a break or 2 with kids!), it’s a fantastic holiday destination.
This list is in no particular order and offers activities for all 4 seasons of the year.
Roller Skating / Blading Rink
This is our kids’ number 1 pick, maybe because there isn’t anywhere close to the Ryde area for roller skating or blading. Not only do they offer roller skating or blading, but they also offer paintball (actually they’re no paint paint guns! – more Nerf gun style).
You can hire skates there and they have knee and elbow pads available for kids at no extra charge. They run a few sessions each day they are open (currently Wednesday to Sunday but this can extend in school holidays so check their website). There is plenty of seating for spectators and it’s pram friendly. They also have a kiosk for drinks and snacks (including oven-fresh pizzas).
Learn more and book here.
Spring Loaded
Spring Loaded Port Macquarie is heaven for kids! “Free play” sessions start on the hour and you get a discount if you do a second consecutive hour. Kids can use the trampoline, monkey bars/rings, soft play, balance beams, ropes and everything in between. It’s a mix of gymnastics, play centre, and ninja warrior. The kids have a ball.
There is a small kiosk on site and parking. No need to pre-book, just arrive 10 minutes before your preferred start time (on the hour) to pay and get wristbands for kids.
There is a raised seating area for parents to overlook to watch kids. Kids 6 and under need a parent to be in the play area for supervision at all times.
More info on their website here.
Timbertown
A fun day out with a history lesson – how good! Timbertowns aim as you walk through the park is to awaken the senses, sights, sounds, smells and tastes from the late 1800s to early 1900s period, immersing you in an exciting time of Australian history.
Take a ride on their steam train or in a horse and carriage, try panning for gold and gemstones at the Cedar Creek water wheel.
There are food and drink options on-site. and they are open every day in the school holidays.
Timbertown is best enjoyed as a full-day outing.
Learn more here.
Maxx Family Fun Centre
A great indoor option for very hot or rainy cold days and it’s perfect for car lovers. On offer:
- Golf Stimulator
- Slot Car Racing
- Racing Car Stimulators
- Virtual Reality Rooms
You can call ahead to book or view their Facebook page or website. Their Facebook page doesn’t make it look very child focused but it’s very popular with kids as they host a lot of parties and have great facilities for kids!
Learn more here.
Centre of Gravity Indoor Adventure Centre
Here’s another great wet day option – this one is all about rock climbing, bouldering and laser tag. One for the adventure kids and probably suited to ages 6/7+ that would be confident to give it a try although they welcome kids 3+. Kids under 10 require a parent/helper to hold their ropes.
During school holidays they are open 7 days a week and reduced to 5 days during school term.
Learn more here.
Billabong Zoo, Koala and Wildlife Park
Located near the famous donut round about as you enter Port Macquarie, this place will please everyone. You can feed the animals, enjoy zoo talks and shows or book personal encounters. You can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. They care for over 200 animals in this friendly 10-acre Koala and Wildlife Park.
They are open 7 days a week except Christmas Day.
Learn more here.
Camel Ride at Lighthouse Beach
Now this a fun activity! Enjoy a camel ride down the picturesque Lighthouse Beach which is just a 3-minute drive from the centre of Port Macquarie.
They do not accept bookings, simply head down to Lighthouse Beach along Matthew Flinders Drive, one kilometre south of the Tacking Point Surf Club.
Ride times are between 9.30am and 1pm, however during NSW School Holidays they extend rides to operate between 9am and 2pm.
They do not take EFTPOS (cash only) and operate every day except for Christmas day and boxing day.
Learn more here.
Koala Hospital
This self-guided hospital tour is a great opportunity to really see koalas up close. As a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility, the Koala Hospital has been helping rescue and rehabilitate koalas since 1973. The facility is run by Koala Conservation Australia Limited, which is a not-for-profit organisation that includes approximately 200 volunteers dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating koalas and conserving and restoring their natural habitats.
Located on the grounds of the beautiful historic Roto House, they are open every day 8:30am to 4pm (except Christmas Day when closed).
Learn more here.
Hydro Golf and Putt Putt
Hydro Golf and Putt Putt is set on Boundary Street just a few kilomtres from the centre of Port Macquarie. They are open seven days a week and include all-weather options. They have activities available for all ages and abilities from beginners through to avid golfers. The outdoor venue is groomed with lush green lawns, palm trees and picnic areas which is perfect for a relaxed, yet fun environment.
Hydro Golf has a variety of floating targets offering various sponsored prizes including a chance to win cash on the Jackpot target, which can attract numerous winners each day. Most of their bays are covered for those rainy days, so don’t let the rain stop you. They are open rain, hail or shine.
Family fav – they offer a 27 hole putt putt course which is shaded by some beautiful palm trees and umbrellas. Bunkers and creative holes make a challenging and fun game for everyone. Golf equipment is included with your purchase.
Learn more here.
Bago Winery (and MAZE!)
This is a winner all around. Not only can kids enjoy the maze, but you can simultaneously grab yourself some wines and cheese platters and take a load off on the grass above the maze to watch the kids.
You can prebook tickets for the maze and cheese platters etc on their website. On public holidays it does get very busy in the seated area beside the winery tasting/cafe but if the weather is nice there is HEAPS of green space to enjoy a picnic. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to the open green space but not allowed in the maze or up at the winery tasting/cafe area. They even have a chocolate shop on site and if you are lucky you can see things being made and even make custom chocolates!
Learn more or book here.
Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk
The Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk is an easy 1.3km walk through the rainforest canopy with some beautiful scenery to be enjoyed. You’ll see rainforest birds and animals. It’s a great walk for all ages who are able to walk the distance. There is also a cafe on site.
Learn more here.
Ricardos Tomatoes and Strawberries
One of our favourite things to do, Ricdaro’s is about a 15 minute drive from the Port Macquarie CBD via Hastings River Dr. Here you or your kids can pick their own strawberries with a bucket and scissors. You then pay based on the weight of the strawberries you collected. They grow over 30,000 strawberry plants in their various greenhouses plus 8 varieties of strawberries.
There’s also an onsite cafe and shop where you can buy tomatoes, all kinds of strawberry jam and everything else in between.
They are normally open 7 days a week. No need to prebook.
Learn more here.
Wave Bowling
Great for a rainy day, Wave Bowling offers not only bowling but also karaoke if you’re in the mood!
It is recommended you book and of course they have shoe hire and food and drink options onsite.
There’s a car park right out the front.
Learn more here.
Swim, Surf or Play at Town Beach
A great family beach option with the added benefit that it is patrolled (usually from September to April). It has modern toilet and shower facilities with a Kiosk and car park running the length of the beach but in summer the parking fills up quickly!
There are also open grassed areas with some shade overlooking the beach with picnic facilities. The kiosk offers fresh delicious food, good coffee and a view with a side order of sea breeze! There is nearby a modern and innovative playground, outdoor gym equipment and skate park. Take a short stroll and you will arrive at the picturesque Town Beach break wall with its colourful graffiti rocks a popular and iconic site.
Learn more here.
Stoney Aqua Park
Located in Telegraph Point (down past Settlement City), this is a kid’s paradise and one you’ll love as kids are guaranteed to sleep that night.
It is recommended for kids 7+ but remember it is on the water. The Aqua Park is based on a man made lake sourced from a fresh rain water catchment. Slides, blast bags, trampolines, swings, challenge tracks, balance beams, wobble pads and chill-out areas are just a few of the many and varied features enclosed within the extensive walkways and floating tracks of the course.
Sessions start on the hour and you need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time. You can do one hour, 2 hour or full day packs.
On dry land there are BBQs available ($1 to start them) and a kiosk as well as lots of grass space to sit and enjoy a picnic.
Normally open from September School Holidays until end of April.
Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises
Port Macquarie has an abundance of cruises depending on the time of year. You can enjoy whale watching, dolphin cruises, jet ski rides, jet boat rides and more. There are quite a few local businesses that offer this type of activity. The best source of information is Trip Advisor where you can see current offerings.
View that list here.
