Port Macquarie Caravan Parks And Things To Do
At the mouth of the Hastings River and located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Port Macquarie is a great holiday destination. Boasting stunning scenery and breathtaking views, Port Macquarie is one of Australia’s best-loved tourist destinations.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect beach holiday or want to immerse yourself in the area’s local wildlife, Port Macquarie NSW is the site for you. There is no better place to unhitch your caravan and spend the summer relaxing in a holiday park.
For a solo traveller or with the family, Port Macquarie has something for everyone. There is no shortage of activities, from walking along coastal trails to visiting the Koala Hospital.
Follow our guide to learn which friendly parks in Port Macquarie we recommend and things to do in the area.
Best caravan parks in Port Macquarie
There are few pleasures quite like hitching up your caravan and jetting away for a relaxing summer in nature or looking for a caravan park in Port Macquarie.
We’ll recommend the best holiday parks Port Macquarie has to offer. There are many beautiful Port Macquarie caravan parks available, whether you want to stay by the town, beach, or on the Hastings River.
1. Edgewater Holiday Park
This spacious, riverfront holiday park offers a range of camping and caravanning options, including ensuite and powered sites.
Right on the river, this camping site boasts its very own boat ramp, jetty, deep water anchorage, and a fishing wharf.
If you love getting out on the water or even just enjoying the peaceful views, take a short stroll from your camping pitches to the river beach.
The site offers a swimming pool, anchorage room, and camp kitchen. For the more adventurous camper, you can try out their chopper bikes.
You can also explore the local area, visit the Bago maze and winery, or enjoy camel safaris along the beach. The prices range between $40-85 per night.
On the Hastings River and Town Beach, and not too far from the city’s centre, this NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is a relaxing destination. Caravan spots range from $45 per night to $60 per night and are available on slab or grass, powered or unpowered sites.
NRMA Parks and Resorts are shady and picturesque. Amenities include a swimming pool, children’s playground, BBQ areas, free WiFi, laundry facilities, dog wash, communal TV, and a camp kitchen.
This holiday park runs a kids club during the holiday season, near the Port Macquarie Breakwall, a popular surfing spot whereby some surfers will paddle across to the North Shore for epic waves.
The town beach area also has a fantastic lookout with breathtaking views, a recreational park for kids, a skate park, and a wheelchair ride-swing for disabled people. It is only a short walk to the town centre, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby like Chop n Chill.
With a selection of different caravan options, such as an ensuite or powered site, the Leisure Tourist Parks provide a quiet, relaxing holiday spot just off the pacific drive.
Set in a subtropical rainforest, the Leisure Tourist Park is 3km from Port Macquarie and a quick walk to the river. Or, you might fancy the short drive to the beach.
Boasting absolute serenity, this is a great destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Facilities include two pools, an undercover poolside BBQ area, and a children’s playground. Plus, if you’re looking for pet-friendly parks, the Leisure Tourist Park welcomes pets.
If you choose to go slightly further afield, this holiday park is conveniently located near Camden Haven river, Laurieton and the North Brother Mountain.
Set 3km from Port Macquarie on the Hastings River, this caravan park is a quiet, tranquil and beautiful spot to spend the summer.
With powered caravan sites on the riverfront or within the bushland, the Riverlodge Park offers plenty of choices. However, there are a limited number of spots. Prices range from $28 to $40 per night. Dogs are welcome; however, cats are not because of the local wildlife.
The park also has a swimming pool and good access to the river for fishing. If you love river views and a peaceful getaway in nature, the Riverlodge Park might be for you.
This holiday park has many accommodation options and is just 2 minutes from the sea. Lighthouse Beach is another popular surfing destination, and you can even do a 10km along the beach to Lake Cathie.
From staying on a powered caravan site to an ensuite cabin or even in a luxurious beach house, the Lighthouse Beach Holiday Village has plenty of options like camel riding. You could even try whale watching from a boat at the Tacking Point Lighthouse.
Rates range from $35 to $65 in the peak season for caravans. Facilities include a camp kitchen, swimming pool, cafe, park setting, and a kid’s playground.
Plus, right next door is the Port Macquarie Golf Club for dining and entertainment. The historic Tacking Point Lighthouse is also within walking distance. Port Macquarie itself is just 10 minutes away if you want to enjoy the shops, restaurants and bars.
This holiday park is suited for water sports lovers with easy access, powered grassy caravan spots priced between $40 to $50 per night. It is a reasonably small holiday park, with only a few caravan spots.
The park has breathtaking views of the Hastings River and stunning sunsets. There are also river view holiday cabins available.
You might want to try fishing or hire one of their range of BBQ boats, canopy runabouts, sailboards, paddle boards or kayaks from the boat club.
The owners are boating experts and will offer the right advice and assistance if you’re new to water sports. Local to the town centre and the Port Macquarie Marina, plenty of other activities keep you entertained.
This coastal, beachfront holiday park is just 20 minutes south of Port Macquarie and 5 minutes from Lake Cathie beach.
If you’re looking for a quieter holiday, Bonny Hills is separated from the tourist attractions of Port Macquarie but accessible for a few day trips. Accommodation options include cabins and camping or caravan sites.
The site also offers use of the camp kitchen and guest lounge. Also, access to the site’s swimming pool and Rainbow Beach is ideal for relaxing.
It is also suitable for families, with a jumping cushion, kid’s club, play area, games room, and mini-golf. Plus, pets are welcome.
Things to do in Port Macquarie
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained in Port Macquarie and the surrounding mid north coast area. As a seaside town, there is an abundance of beaches to relax on, take coastal walks along the sculpture trail or enjoy the surf.
Follow our visitors guide for trip ideas to make your holiday memorable. It’s also a good idea to check for a covid19 update or if travel restrictions apply.
Port Macquarie Beaches
Port Macquarie’s beaches are excellent for picnics, swimming, surfing, fishing, relaxing or beautiful beach walks.
You might even want to try horse riding or camel rides along the pristine white sand. The most popular beaches around Port Mac are:
With beautiful views everywhere you turn. A beach day out or watching the sunset on the sand is a perfect way to spend your holiday. If you want to try your hand at fishing, Dunbogan and Wash House are also popular spots.
A family-friendly tourist attraction, the wildlife park is ideal for animal lovers. It is a very interactive day out. The park also offers free keeper talks every half an hour, educating you on the local wildlife.
They also have many of Australia’s favourites, including wombats, wallaroos and wallabies. The zoo runs a conservation program, which you can learn plenty about in the park. Also, with the opportunity to adopt a koala, you can get involved with helping endangered species.
Another destination for animal lovers is the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Seeing koalas up close is an essential experience for any Australian traveller. However, helping the beloved endangered species is more rewarding.
Run by volunteers, the Koala Hospital helps rehabilitate sick or injured koala bears. They also conduct essential research about saving koalas in the wild.
You can learn about the koala currently inhabiting the hospital and how the staff care for the bears. Wonder through their exhibits and see the koalas in real life.
The entry is free; however, a donation is expected. And the money goes directly towards the well-being of the koalas.
The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is a 9.1km trail from the town centre and the Tacking Point Lighthouse. It’s an excellent way to get to know the area, take in some beautiful views, and get some fresh air.
With scenery ranging from beaches and rocky headland to subtropical rainforests, make sure to bring your camera. The first stage is the most accessible, with flat, paved paths to the Town Beach kiosk.
Make sure you keep an eye out for dolphins and humpback whales. Plus, there are kids play areas en route. Or stop for a picnic on one of the many stunning beaches. If you prefer, you can find a bike hire and cycle the way.
If you’re an avid walker, you might also want to try the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail that will take you all around Port Macquarie searching for giant koalas sculptures.
The Tacking Point Lighthouse is situated high up on a rocky cliff. From this viewpoint, you can see the lighthouse beach below and look at the breathtaking sights along the coast.
While you can’t go into the lighthouse itself, you can take beautiful pictures of this landmark. Plus, you can visit the ruins of the lighthouse keeper’s cottage and learn about the historic keepers’ lives.
You might spot some whales during migration season if you have a keen eye. The area is also a site of cultural significance. With a rich Aboriginal history, you can learn all about how the Birpai tribe used the spot as an observation point.
The Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is home to many reptiles and rainforest inhabitants. It also has a cosy cafe, plus a souvenir shop inside.
You can walk along the 1.3km loop through the reserve and take in different plant life. You can also learn how the aboriginals used the rainforest and their bush tucker.
You might also experience rainforest wildlife. Listen out for the eastern whip bird or look for swamp wallabies. You can either explore the rainforest with a guided tour or take yourself off on your own.
Hastings River
Port Macquarie waters don’t stop with the beaches off the pacific ocean. The Port Jet Cruise Adventures offer eco-friendly river cruises, where you can spot dolphins on the Hastings River and watch the sunset. Or you could rent a kayak and experience the river more peacefully.
Shopping
Port Macquarie has two main shopping centres, these being:
- Settlement City: Located at Bay Street, near the Ballina Canal. It has a range of clothing, food shops, and a food court. It is situated next to Settlement City, Port Macquarie Panthers, a club that hosts events and has excellent food and incredible views.
- Port Central: This shopping centre is relatively new, and is located in the heart of Port Macquarie, right next to the Town Green. There are plenty of things to see and do here, and the shopping centre also has a food court up top. Outside of Port Central, you’ll also find regular pop-up markets.
Summing up
If you’re heading to Port Macquarie, there is plenty to keep you occupied. It’s a great holiday destination from strawberry picking to perusing food, wine, and local produce at the Wauchope farmers markets or learning about the area’s rich history.
You can also step back in time at Timbertown, a colonial-era theme park. Or, visit the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum, Harry’s lookout, the Innes Ruins, or go clubbing at night.
Trips to Port Macquarie will be unforgettable with their vast array of caravan parks and activities. You might also want to visit the Bago Vineyards, the Port Macquarie Museum or the Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park. There’s so much to do in this area; you’ll never be bored.
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