Planning a family getaway to Port Macquarie? Around five hours’ drive from Ryde once a pit stop or two is factored in, this popular Mid North Coast destination has plenty to keep kids entertained.
There are beautiful beaches, wildlife experiences, outdoor adventures and lots of reliable rainy-day options. Here are some of the best things to do in Port Macquarie with kids, plus family-friendly places to eat and stay.
Planet Skate
10 Chestnut Road, Port Macquarie
Planet Skate is Port Macquarie’s dedicated roller-skating and rollerblading rink, with general skating sessions, family discos, ramps, lessons and parties.
Skates and rollerblades can be hired at the venue, with optional safety gear also available. There’s plenty of spectator seating, plus a kiosk serving drinks, snacks, coffee, milkshakes and freshly made pizzas.
Sessions and prices vary throughout the week, so booking online before visiting is recommended.
WildNets Adventure Park
Guulabaa Way, off Burrawan Forest Drive, Lake Innes
Located at Guulabaa – Place of Koala, around 15 minutes from central Port Macquarie, WildNets is one of the region’s most exciting outdoor attractions.
The enormous suspended playground features interconnected netted spaces, treehouses, slides, tunnels, ball pits and suspension bridges, with areas designed for different ages and confidence levels.
WildNets is suitable for children from one year old through to adults, making it a fun option for the whole family. Fully enclosed shoes are required, and long sleeves can help protect arms while climbing and sliding.
Sessions can sell out during busy periods, so advance bookings are recommended.
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
Children can hunt for colourful, one-metre-high koala sculptures displayed throughout Port Macquarie and the surrounding region.
Each koala has been individually painted by an Australian artist, with designs inspired by local culture, wildlife, conservation and community stories. More than 90 sculptures make up the wider trail, while an easy one-hour self-guided walk connects nine artworks around the Port Macquarie CBD.
Download a trail map or collect one locally and see which koala becomes the family favourite.
Explore the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
Springloaded Port Macquarie
203 Lake Road, Port Macquarie
Springloaded combines elements of a trampoline park, gymnastics centre, play centre and ninja course.
Kids can explore trampolines, ropes, monkey bars, balance beams, climbing equipment and soft-play areas during casual play sessions. It’s particularly handy on rainy or very hot days.
Casual play times vary between weekdays, weekends and school holidays, so check the current timetable before visiting. Grip socks may be required.
Maxx Sims ’n Slot Cars Family Fun Centre
20 Boundary Street, Port Macquarie
This indoor entertainment centre is a great choice for car lovers, gamers and older children.
Activities include slot-car racing, racing-car simulators, flight simulation, virtual-reality games and laser skirmish. Some activities require bookings, particularly for groups and laser skirmish.
Centre of Gravity Indoor Adventure Centre
52 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie
Centre of Gravity offers indoor rock climbing, bouldering, laser tag and other adventure activities.
Children from three years old are welcome, although the climbing activities may be best suited to confident school-aged kids. Children under 10 require an adult or helper to assist with their ropes.
Opening days differ considerably between school terms and school holidays, so checking the current timetable is essential.
View opening hours and activities
Billabong Zoo Koala and Wildlife Park
61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie
Billabong Zoo is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals from over 80 species.
Families can see koalas, reptiles, monkeys, big cats and other wildlife, attend free keeper talks and book selected animal encounters. There’s also a café, picnic areas and free barbecues, making it easy to spend several hours at the zoo.
Billabong Zoo is open daily from 9am–5pm, except Christmas Day.
Camel Rides at Lighthouse Beach
Matthew Flinders Drive, approximately one kilometre south of Tacking Point Surf Club
For something completely different, families can take a camel ride along Lighthouse Beach.
Rides last approximately 20 minutes and operate on a walk-up basis, with no bookings taken. Children must be at least three years old, and children aged three to four ride with a paying adult. A maximum weight limit of 110kg per rider applies.
The camels generally operate from 9.30am–1pm outside school holidays and 9am–2pm during NSW school holidays. Rides are weather-dependent, so it’s worth calling ahead if conditions look uncertain. Cash and EFTPOS are accepted.
Check current details and prices
Koala Conservation Hospital at Guulabaa
Guulabaa Way, off Burrawan Forest Drive, Lake Innes
The original Port Macquarie Koala Hospital site on Lord Street is currently closed for redevelopment.
During the closure, the hospital’s resident koalas and visitor experience have relocated to the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre at Guulabaa – Place of Koala.
Visitors can observe koalas, explore interactive conservation displays, see the clinic where veterinary care takes place and learn about the organisation’s rescue, rehabilitation and wild-koala breeding programs. The precinct also includes WildNets, forest walks, the Big Koala and a café.
The Guulabaa visitor centre is open daily from 8.30am–4pm, except Christmas Day. Check the website before visiting, as the Lord Street hospital is expected to reopen following completion of its redevelopment
Check the latest Koala Hospital information
Hydro Golf and Putt Putt
Boundary Street, Port Macquarie
Hydro Golf and Putt Putt offers two family-friendly golfing activities in one relaxed outdoor venue.
The shaded 27-hole putt-putt course includes bunkers and creative obstacles, while Hydro Golf invites players to hit balls towards floating targets for the chance to win sponsored prizes.
Golf equipment is included, and there are lawns and picnic areas where families can relax between games. The venue operates seven days a week, with Hydro Golf generally open from 10am–3.30pm and putt-putt until 4pm.
Bago Maze and Wine
197 Lambs Road, Herons Creek
Bago Maze and Wine offers something for both children and adults.
Kids can explore one of Australia’s largest hedge mazes while the grown-ups enjoy estate-grown wine, coffee or a cheese and charcuterie platter overlooking the vineyard and maze.
There’s plenty of grass for children to move around, making it a relaxed choice for a family afternoon. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads in designated outdoor areas but cannot enter the maze or indoor spaces.
Bago is approximately 30 minutes from Port Macquarie and is open daily from 9am–5pm, except Christmas Day. Last maze entry is at 4pm.
Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk
159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie
The 1.3km Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk winds through one of Australia’s largest and best-preserved coastal rainforests.
The elevated boardwalk is an easy, accessible walk surrounded by palms, ferns, birds and other wildlife. Families can explore independently using a self-guiding brochure or check whether a guided experience is available.
The Rainforest Centre also has environmental and Aboriginal cultural displays, a gift shop and a café serving breakfast and lunch.
The centre is open daily from 9am–4.30pm, except Christmas Day. Entry fees apply to the boardwalk.
Find out more through NSW National Parks
Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries
221 Blackmans Point Road, Blackmans Point
Ricardoes offers undercover strawberry picking seven days a week, rain or shine.
Families are given a bucket and scissors before heading into the hydroponic greenhouses to collect their strawberries. The fruit is then weighed and paid for at the end.
Entry to the farm is free, and there’s also a farm shop selling fresh produce, jams, gifts and other local products. The café is known for its strawberry treats and scones and is open from 9am–3pm, with hot food available until 2pm.
Check current picking information
The Bowl Port Macquarie
159 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie
Formerly known as Wave Bowl, The Bowl is a reliable wet-weather option with tenpin bowling, private karaoke rooms, electronic darts, food and drinks.
Bookings are recommended during weekends and school holidays. Bowling shoes are available at the venue, and there’s parking outside.
Tacking Point Lighthouse and Coastal Walk
Lighthouse Road, Port Macquarie
Tacking Point Lighthouse is an easy sightseeing stop with beautiful views along the coastline. During the annual whale migration, it’s also one of Port Macquarie’s best land-based whale-watching locations.
Families wanting a longer adventure can explore part of the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. The complete route is nine kilometres one way, but it can easily be broken into shorter sections:
- Westport to Town Beach – 2km
- Town Beach to Flynns Beach – 2.2km
- Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach – 2.2km
- Shelly Beach to Tacking Point – 2.7km
The route includes stairs, beach walking and uneven sections, so it isn’t entirely pram-friendly. With younger children, visiting the lighthouse and completing just a short section of the walk may be the best option.
View the Coastal Walk information
Town Beach and Town Beach Park
Town Beach is a convenient family beach close to the centre of Port Macquarie.
The beach is patrolled for much of the year and has toilets, showers, parking and a kiosk. Families should always check the patrol flags and current conditions before swimming.
Next to the beach is Town Beach Park, which features a large inclusive playground, skate park, outdoor fitness equipment, open grass, picnic tables and toilets.
The playground includes slides, climbing equipment, swings, a carousel, nature-play elements and an accessible Liberty Swing. From here, families can also stroll along the colourful painted rocks of the iconic Port Macquarie Breakwall.
Livvi’s Place at Westport Park
Westport Park, Park Street, Port Macquarie
Livvi’s Place is a fully fenced, inclusive playground designed for children of different ages and abilities.
The playground features climbing equipment, swings, a sand-play boat, carousel and water play. The surrounding park also has toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and a water station, making it an easy spot for a picnic or relaxed afternoon by the Hastings River.
Pack swimmers or a change of clothes if the kids plan to use the water-play area.
View the playground facilities
Stoney Aqua Park
16 Hacks Ferry Road, Telegraph Point
Located approximately 25 minutes from Port Macquarie, Stoney Aqua Park is a huge floating inflatable obstacle course on a freshwater lake.
The course includes slides, trampolines, swings, balance beams, wobble pads and challenge tracks. Life jackets and a safety briefing are provided, but participants need to be confident in the water.
Sessions begin on the hour, and visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes early. The park also has a kiosk, picnic areas, grassed spaces and barbecues.
Stoney Aqua Park operates seasonally, generally from the September–October NSW school holidays until 24 April. It opens on weekends during school terms and seven days a week during most NSW school holidays, excluding the winter holidays.
Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruises
Port Macquarie’s waterways and coastline can be explored on whale-watching cruises, dolphin cruises, river cruises and faster adventure-boat experiences.
Whale-watching season generally runs from May to November, when humpback whales migrate along the coast. River and dolphin cruises may operate at other times of the year.
Port Jet Cruise Adventures offers a range of family-friendly cruises from the Port Macquarie waterfront. Age restrictions vary between vessels and experiences, so check the individual tour before booking.
See current cruises and tour options
Where to Eat With Kids in Port Macquarie
The Beach House
1 Horton Street, Port Macquarie
The Beach House overlooks the Hastings River and offers relaxed indoor and outdoor dining. The menu includes burgers, seafood, salads and share-style options, with plenty of space for family groups.
Pancake Place
Corner of Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie
A Port Macquarie institution, Pancake Place serves sweet and savoury pancakes alongside breakfast and lunch options. Its colourful tropical theme and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy choice with children. It currently opens from 8am–2pm Wednesday to Monday and is closed on Tuesdays, although public-holiday hours may vary.
The Stunned Mullet
24 William Street, Port Macquarie
The Stunned Mullet is a more upmarket option overlooking Town Beach. The restaurant specialises in contemporary Australian dining and local seafood. A two-course children’s menu with a soft drink is available from Tuesday to Saturday. Families bringing a pram should mention this when booking, as the dining room has limited space.
Zebu Restaurant at Rydges
Rydges Port Macquarie, 1 Hay Street
Located inside Rydges Port Macquarie, Zebu offers waterfront dining with a contemporary menu featuring pizza, pasta, seafood and shared dishes. Its central location and relaxed setting make it convenient for families staying in or exploring the CBD.
Bills Fishhouse + Bar
2/18–20 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie
Bills Fishhouse + Bar focuses on fresh, local and sustainably sourced seafood. Although it has a polished dinner atmosphere, a dedicated children’s menu is available, making it an option for families wanting a special meal.
Where to Stay With Kids in Port Macquarie
Rydges Port Macquarie
Rydges is centrally located on the Hastings River, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, the Glasshouse and the waterfront. Accommodation options include interconnecting family rooms and self-contained two and three-bedroom apartments. The hotel also has a heated outdoor pool and on-site dining.
Sails Port Macquarie
Sails is a waterfront resort overlooking the marina, around a 10-minute walk from the CBD. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool, spa, tennis court, private jetty and kayaks, plus the on-site Boathouse Bar & Restaurant.
Mantra The Observatory
Located opposite Town Beach, Mantra The Observatory offers hotel rooms and self-contained apartments, some with ocean views. Its beachside position, indoor heated pool and easy walk to the town centre make it a convenient family base.
Northpoint Apartments
Northpoint offers spacious self-contained apartments in the heart of Port Macquarie. The property is within walking distance of the waterfront, restaurants, shops, the Breakwall and Town Beach. Facilities include a heated pool, gym and outdoor barbecue area.
As opening hours and prices can change, it’s always worth checking the venue’s website before visiting.