Port Macquarie Area Information Guide

WELCOME to

PORTGreater MACQUARIE Port Macquarie

JUST BRILLIANT GUIDES

WELCOME to

Greater Port Macquarie Straddling a coastline of small rocky headlands, punctuated with white sandy beaches and lying against the banks of the Hastings River estuary, is the picturesque coastal town of Port Macquarie.

Things to see and do There’s so much to see and do in Greater Port Macquarie, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

In the heart of Port Macquarie, you’ll find a Mecca of retail shops and boutique gift stores to explore and a range of restaurants and cafes serving an appealing selection of modern Australian cuisines, European flavours and Asian influences.

2. Visit one or more of the 18 picturesque beaches in the region.

In the centre of town you’ll also find the iconic Glasshouse.

The Glasshouse is at the cutting edge of design, technical excellence and environmental sustainability. It serves the community and visitors with quality entertainment, public programs and holiday activities.

5. Charter a cruise to spot whales and dolphins.

Port Macquarie’s unique coastal walk is over 9kms of walking track. Offering unsurpassed scenic views of the dramatic coastline, the walk is punctuated with significant landmarks and connects the inner CBD to the outer beaches and suburbs. The walking track begins at the Town Green foreshore and continues all the way to Lighthouse Beach. Used by locals and visitors, alike, the coastal walk is one of the town’s most popular activities.

On the fringe of the CBD lies Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve, an oasis in the heart of the city, with over 3kms of walking trails and boardwalks weaving through more than 50 hectares of natural wetlands and mangroves.

1. Walk the iconic coastal walk in Port Macquarie.

3. Explore the renowned Glasshouse and take in a show.

4. Don’t miss a tour of the Koala Hospital.

6. Get back to nature in the beautiful hinterlands that surround Port Macquarie.

7. Treat yourself to the Winery & Brewery Tour.

8. Discover the quaint townships of Camden Haven and Wauchope.

9. Navigate the largest maze in the state in Bago, south of Wauchope.

10. Hire a kayak and tour the waterways around Port Macquarie.

For more information, please visit the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre located in the Glasshouse or visit www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au.

OXL

AV E

PDE EE

M A RU MBA PL

DIL LA D ERRY

KA R AL

CR

DR

DR

A B AN G

LA

BE

LG RA VE PL

RD

Reserve

CR T DEN

VENDUL

GLEN S

T

ST

ST

HO P

JU B E

RD

SUMM IT

TCE

DR

WN

RD

DA

UN

CR

h ac

Watonga Rock W

HE

e

MA TT

AN

NE

BO

UR

DE

RS

ON

PE

TI

TT

ST

ST

Be

FL

IN

DE

RS

RD

ST

L

Blair Res

ST

PL ST

DR

SEAM IST P L

ANVIEW CE

DO

Reserve

L

E RE

DR

RD G

NT

E

A LA

IC

TI

R

AS H

HA SS AL

ROW CORA M CL

R USHCU TT E R P IN DRIF

DIXON

P DE

PE

RKS

ALKIN A

COORE

AV E

ST

DR

PDE

REG EN T

W

CR

KADI NA

SA

MO

MI

DA I

KE ST RE L G UE ST CL MA RIN E S R C T WAY C A PA L L A ANGLESE TC A E PE NS HU R Y PL S T

AM IN PLAT THE

ON WAY

HART

CA E

AV

B

BO

CO C P L OS CL

R

L I GH THO US

us ho ht

Golf Course

Lig

AY

R

D

W

VIE

W AY MA

OR S

RD

AT NAV

NE

TC E

ES

HA YN CH

IR SAP PH

GRAND

TALOFA CR

E GRA N IT

PL BOU R SH EL MY OO PL

M DR

OD

M AREE B A CR

B AM

CR

AR

CL RE

M cI N TY PE TO ST RUM PL PLY MO UT H PL

FO D A HLS R

RD WAY

ND ALE ER C R

LE LY N D A

BO

YA RRANABEE

CT

TRISTA N CT IA

IG

CR A

GR

E

L

BRIAR

BI

LA

M AH ER

BU

ROSE

ST

ST BIL

PAR W

TR EE

GRA C

O

NULLA CL

B E LL

CT

H IL L GANY MAHO DR

H A M LY N

BO W DE N RD

ee O CE AN

LA

RD

ST ANDRA WY

IA AV E

C OL

BANKS DR

DR

ung GRE

ANNE

E LAK RD

ST ST

RE R

GO

HE

AN

DM

HIN

PL

SC

ST KY OG LE

BORONIA

RD CE NT RA L

MILT CH ES TN

UT

Ko olo on b

CR

LU TOCT N CT

AV E

F I N D L AY

ST

ON

ST

BEN

AV E

A S TO N

M O RT S T

AV E

AV E

O RT H

W

ON

W ID DE RS

ST

E R SON

DD

ST

ST

HIL LTO P CR

ST

HA ST IN GS

RIE ST

BELLBOW

DR

AV E CL IF TO N

HU DS ON

WI RD

J

DR

F

OUN ET

ROWTHO RN

I PA C

BER RDG

CRUM MER CU WA NN TO IN NG G BL A AI R

H A RT S T

PL

& Boardwalk

ST

D

AY

Rainforest Centre

A

RDG

DR

G

Nature Reserve

A

ST

N IN G P L

CL

N AN G AR PL

G

CT

La uc on S I R U S hl C L Ba y

R EA D IN

M

TA

ch

Sea Acres

L ADY E L LI O T

Bl ue Ba y

Bea

PDE

US CR HIBISC

F L IN

Flora & Fauna Reserve

RD

AH

PL

EW

Sh el ly

Y

N KELV I

M ATT H

ST

Reserve

CR

DR

W

e

NNYSIDE SU CR

Y PK

South W est Pas sag

ST

RD

JOHN

ED

ST

ST

M ER I ND A

NN

WO OD S

SU RF

ST

KE

DE

WILLOW PL

DR

JA

CHALMERS

RD

H IE

S ER

ST AMETHYST

S

BA

John Downs Park

CL NDS

E

KABALL A AVE

WIST ERIA DE N PL PL PRI MU L A

THE

THE FA IR W

B E RY L CT

G AR

AVE NET

N MO

CL

YSO

UK

IN E OLI V

CHR

CT

AR B L M

T

E LPAR RA

PEAR

E

Nobbys Head

h

A

PD

DR

DR

ST

S

WA RLTE RS

AY

S AVE ST A ND REW

ST

CALWA L L

SH EL LY BE AC H MOON

RD E AU

TCE

CR

ST

D LA N

ST

Golf Course

PO

AL

RA

BA LL IN A

Emerald Lake

Shopping Centre

PA R K LA

AV E

A CT GR

N DA

BAY DENHAM

C an al

DR

UN

M OO

N ew

T

CT

Causeway

AV E

PI NDARI

ST TC

ac

A MAROO P D E

IA

AV E

ER

ON

CR

LA GU NApo rt C an al PL

B al lin a

C John Batman Group.

rs Way

AN

E R CL DR

RT

Y

T

AC

RIV

NE W PO

RD

CT

EMERA L D

John Dick Res

DR

CL CO RN LLI So uth WA Co veS SC AR BO BO UG H

T he G ov er no

RUB

A

AVE

TIM BE

NG

CT

DR CR

PA L

AS

PL LIL LI CT

LD FIE AT Y C H WAE CT SI EL

n t ST Arm

CR

OL EA ND

Be

AVE WES LEY GEO R GE CR

AV E

RD

BA

BE

DR

GS

ese

O D O RE

RD

CO

G

M

IN

Cr

MM

E AV

LE A N D

NDS

DR

W IR UN A

K E N TI A

N I STI A

O

CO FRANCIS

ST

DR

HA

P

AV E

ST

W ON BUR RA

O

L

RIV ER PAR K PAR K

HI BB AR D

TOPAZ

AN

HO M

A

AL

E R IDG E

E

Hastings River Rowing Club

OR CH ID

ys

ST

LLA C R

ST

GA RD EN

bb

DR

SEQ UO IA PL

DA

GA

GNOLIA

JA SM IN E

PACIFIC

OCE

O

BS

Marina Inset

Y

HANBURY L

E

RA

DR

D TC

E

CT

CO O RE PL

ST

ED

ON E BE EC HT RE

OD ROW WO W

NN

DR

WAT ERFO R

ST

KE

CR

VE RBE N A

C RE STWO O D

CR E

WAT T L E

RD

TOP

OR R

LI VI NG ST

J O N AS

MA

LY

E

PORTSE A PL

A BELLA

Y

M BE

VEN EA

CR

ST

DI UN

MITCH E L L KO AL A

A

H

ORIO N

YA L U

WAY

O CE AN

WAY CE LE S T I A L

IN D

DR

DR

BR

CH E RR

D

PL

DR

LE

KA L IN

PA R K LA

E

No

ST

OC EAN

A LL U N

AS TR ON O ME RS GUM

REA PL

ELLA

BAR NE Y

DO

W EAVE RS PL E RI CS BR ON IN DA WA B Y

E S T AV

TA SM AN

Rosendahl Reserve

A PL

ST

A

O NEL

PA N

HIN

ODEN ST SW IF T

EE

J IN A

OR

I

CO L

BA U

ST

W AN

EM

CORR E DR

NORFOLK AVE CROSS

LITTLE OWEN ST

TO Z E R S T

DR

BO

E DR

CR

FOR EST ES MELANIE INN PL

M OR UYA

O ’ BR

E

IDG

ST

ST

ST

ALA

THR

ST

IFIC PAC

ST

LORD

LEE

ST

KA RUNG

GOLF

ST

GRANITE

UT T

OWEN

LORD

GRANT

DR

KO

NOR

IE N S

Rosendahl Reservoir

MOWLE ST

ST

BL AC KB

ST LORD

JOFFRE ST

GRAN T

AV E

k

CL

GR E

WAY GUMNU T

DR

A

H IL LC R

DR

Flynns Beach

ST

DURO K PA L M PL V IE W PL

DR

N

Flynns Pt SLSC

ST

GURRA PL

Res

BR

ST

ST

TERA GLIN RD

AV E LL A

DR

AVE ELIZ ABE TH ST ST

FLYNN

YARRAM

Rocky Beach

ST

Historic Roto House & Koala Hospital LAU REL

RD

SEA

ST

Maquarie Nature Res

AV E

DA

E EL AD L C

AV E

*

R

ee

C L EA

EM ILY

A MES

E

N M EADOW S

Rosedale Reservoir Lookout

PL

WAT E R

WAY

R

OK

Cr

WAY

Y F IE LD

YN ML

T R EE VIEW

CL

E

LO CH IN VA

OCEAN

DR

A

LM

EY

ARN CLIF FE

ST

TASMAN

ST W IN D M IL L

KING

HER SCH ELL

L A CR OE

Rec Res ST

HIL L

MO RU YA

DR

Reservoir

HA

MEA DO W EN S

S SM ER

B RO

IR

CH IS H O

Br o o k

AM

ST

WA

CATT LE

e A

PDE

CT OD

Res

ST

Oxley Beach

EVE RAR D

ST

Green Mound

Flagstaff Lookout

Oxley Oval

ST

Y ST HAPP PL GILMORE GO RA N BAN PL

ARA KOO N AVE R SDEN MA CR

M cL AR EN

ttl AL

S E AV I E W

DR

KO

SCHOOL ST

IN BARRA

R PDE

Ca

k

Cr

GRA

RD

ONIAL CT

FA R R E

ST

CR ISP

*

Maquarie Park

ST HO ME

CR

PORT MACQUARIE

h

LAC HLA N ST FLO RID A

WA

Res

ST ST

BELL EVUE

N

CT

E LAK

AN

IS H

CHE LSE A PL MAY FAIR RD

BEL LAN GRY

RD

CR

KE

SAV OY

BUR RAWAN MA LL A

CONDON AV E

R

P A PP

Reserve

ST

CR

Flora &

BA RTON

ON

AV E

LA

CR

ST

OCEA

A NEE

HILL

FI

Fauna I

MURR AY

S

MUNS TER

MORR

ST

ST CK MA

RR

CHAPM

ac

Observatory ST

Swimming

ST

PA R K E R

BURG ESS S ED T CL WA RD BU

ST

YO UN S G PL T AT ST T

ST HEAT HER DENE HURS T PL

Maquarie Park G R AY

BE

ST

TAB LE

DEL AFO RCE LA

ST

CR

IA

HAY

GA

AN

ST

AN ST

T NE

HORTON

BUT LER LA TAB LE ST

ST

SL A D E

A C AC

ST DS

LM

DM

D

CL

ST

DO

AL

MU

GLE

ST

Y

LE

N

Glebe Park

ST

ALLAMBIE PL

OX

Library

GOR D O

ST

GO RD ON

ACK ROY D

ST

DSON HU E AV

ST

E

Y HW

Be

ST

CHU RCH

TH

ST

ST

BRI DG E

ST NEW

n

Mrs Yorks Garden

WI LL IAM

DR

TH ER IN

M AY

M O RTO N

ST QU EE NS ST PH IL LI P ST WAR ATAH CA ST

Findlay Park

ST

LS

ST

WA UG H

CR GARD EN

NI CH OL

ST

BU LLE R

H ILLTOP LA

PO

INGW OR

RIVE R

Croquet Lawns

GOR E

HAST INGS

ST

S H O RT

Dixie Park

E

ST

Park

ST

HOLL

W

CA CL

ST

O

K

AL B E

RT C R

WA RLTE RS

L EU

CLA REN CE

To w

CL

R PA

ST

ME L A

DENHA M

SUNSET PDE

Town Green

River Cruise Wharf

Westport

CR

BAY

HIN

Breakwall

See Marina Inset Below ST

PL

RD

LA GU NA BA LL IN A

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE MAP FROM ROOM

A GUIDE to

Beaches

Port Macquarie and the surrounding region boasts 18 different beaches making this destination the perfect aquatic playground.

Greater Port Macquarie is the quintessential beach holiday. With 18 beaches to choose from on the coast, visitors are spoilt for choice given that nearly all of them are perfect for swimming and water activities.

Here are some of Port Macquarie’s main beaches to explore:

FLYNNS BEACH Flynns Beach is Port Macquarie’s most family friendly beach, and boasts a café and shaded picnic area for those wanting to escape the sun for lunch.

NORTH BEACH A secluded beach located at the edge of Limburners Creek Nature Reserve. 4WD access only.

TOWN BEACH Located a short distance from Port Macquarie’s central hub, this beach is popular among visitors. Suitable for surfing when the conditions are right. A walking track traverses from the centre of town along a breakwall and onwards to Oxley Beach.

OXLEY BEACH The perfect place to picnic. A walking track from Oxley Beach will take you to Windmill Hill Lookout.

ROCKY BEACH

NOBBYS BEACH

A secluded beach that is viable to fish from.

A dog friendly beach with a walking track that links through to Shelly Beach, which features a tidal lagoon.

MINERS BEACH

SHELLY BEACH Nestled at the edge of a beautiful rainforest, Shelly Beach boasts a natural tidal lagoon, making this the perfect beach for families with young children.

Nestled again at the edge of a rainforest, Miners Beach is known as Port Macquarie’s unofficial nudist beach.

A walking track meets up with Lighthouse Road, which leads to the Lighthouse.

For more information on beaches in Greater Port Macquarie, please visit www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au.

C U LT U R E and

The Arts

The natural beauty and cultural significance of Greater Port Macquarie has attracted many talented artists and craftspeople from all genres.

Over 600 artists, designers and creative groups create a rich cultural diversity. There are countless opportunities to browse our galleries, view travelling exhibitions, see artists at work in their private studios and purchase exclusive pieces directly.

Public Art plays a vital role in celebrating Greater Port Macquarie. There are over 40 public artworks situated on great picnic sites, beaches and popular walking paths throughout the region. Carved wooden statues, arches and totems, murals, ceramic mosaics, stainless steel and bronzed sculptures incorporate environmental, contemporary, historical and youth themes. Each displayed art piece has its own personal story connecting it to the region.

Camden Haven is fast becoming known for its cultural offerings and its eclectic markets. In April, be sure to attend the Camden Haven Music Festival for a unique celebration of fine and diverse musical experiences including classical, choral, dance and cabaret. The Kendall National Violin Competition programs are another option to entertain you with outstanding musical performances.

This competition invites young violinists to compete for the prize of a concert violin made from Australian timbers by renowned Australian luthier Graham Caldersmith.

Another notable music festival is the annual Festival of the Sun occuring in December each year. Thousands of people descend upon the town for a weekend of music containing a mix of indie, hip hop, blues, roots and rock. The festival takes place inside Sundowner Breakwall Caravan Park, arguably located in the best position in town, opposite Town Beach and facing the Hastings River. The Festival vibe is more like your average Australian backyard barbecue than a music festival, which sets it apart from other music festivals.

THE BEST of

Nature

Greater Port Macquarie is ensconsed in beautiful rainforest, rolling beaches and natural beauty.

For wildlife lovers, the bushland around Port Macquarie is a natural Koala habitat. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital cares for up to 300 injured and sick koalas each year with the objective of returning them to their natural habitats. It is the world’s first hospital dedicated to the care and preservation of the koala. Set in the grounds of Macquarie Nature Reserve, visitors are welcome at all times. A ‘Feed, Walk and Talk’ tour is held every afternoon at 3.00pm. The tour showcases the current patients staying at the Koala Hospital and highlights the importance of the research and conservation work being undertaken. Once you see these adorable furry creatures, it will be hard to resist adopting one and contributing to the ongoing research and upgrades of this volunteer run facility.

Greater Port Macquarie is also the home of Australia’s world renowned Koala Breeding Centre and visitors can have their photograph taken whilst patting this iconic Australian fauna. The Billabong Koala Wildlife Park is a NSW premier regional wildlife park that allows you to get up close to all of the animals. The park features a

wide variety of Australian and exotic animals, reptiles and birds including: koalas, monkeys, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, cassowaries, quolls, crocodiles, lizards, snakes and birds.

For the more adventurous and adrenalin seekers, there is skydiving, four-wheel driving, horse riding and surfing to name a few. Experience the thrill of skydiving from 10,000ft above picturesque Port Macquarie and capture it on DVD. See spectacular ocean views, rare and endangered wildflowers on a bush walk or traverse through bushland past dramatic rock escarpments on a fourwheel drive adventure. Trot through native Australian bush with experienced guides on horseback or ride the waves at one of our many beautiful and safe beaches. If you’re a beginner, come and learn to surf from some of the best qualified coaches, some still competing on the world qualifying circuit.

Point Plomer is a popular spot for campers, bushwalkers and surfers, alike. Catch the ferry across the Hastings River over to the North Shore and discover an untouched paradise. You can 4WD along the beach from North Wall to Queens Head and surround yourself with secluded beaches full of sea shells and rock pools and bordered by Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve.

WINE and

Dining Out

Greater Port Macquarie has a long history of producing food and wine of exceptional quality. Treat yourself to some of the region’s sumptuous fare.

DINING OUT

Olives, cheese, herbs, spices, nuts and exotic fruits are just a few of the choices, not forgetting the beautiful fresh seafood caught daily in the region.

Fusion 7 124 Horton St, Port Macquarie • 6584 1171

THE WINERY & BREWERY TRAIL Follow the winery trail to experience the unique soft wines that flourish in the temperate coastal climate, including the distinctive French variety Chambourcin.

Visit the cellar doors of the local wineries and drop into an award-winning brewery.

If you’re keen to sit back and relax along the Winery and Brewery Trail, you can enquire about a tour with Cruise in Style Limousines. Simply call 0423 117 231 or visit www.limostyle.com.au.

Blue Water Bar & Restaurant Ocean St, Port Macquarie • 6583 5730 Domino’s Pizza 126 Gordon St, Port Macquarie • 1300 366 366

Mekong Thai 75 Clarence St, Port Macquarie 6583 8001 Panthers 1 Bay St, Port Macquarie • 6580 2300 The Stunned Mullet 12 William St, Port Macquarie • 6584 7757 Quaylime Cafe & Restaurant 18 Park St, Port Macquarie • 6584 4039 Tommy’s by the Beach 4 Flynn St, Port Macquarie • 6583 5477

D AY T R I P S from

Port Macquarie

Discover

Camden Haven Just 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie you’ll find the unspoilt Camden Haven.

Rocky headlands and stunning coastal views that stretch forever line the coastal strip that joins Port Macquarie to the picturesque Camden Haven.

The relaxed coastal lifestyle enjoyed by these villages and towns makes them a favourite with families, 4WD enthusiasts and fishermen of all ages. Everywhere you look there is water to be enjoyed. Choose a swimming spot to suit – vigorous surf at Rainbow and Grants Beaches; quiet family friendly Pilot Beach; the crystal clear creek at Swans Crossing and netted tidal pools at Dunbogan.

You can gain a perspective across the whole of the Camden Haven landscape from atop of North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park. Surrounded by lakes and rivers, the mountain conserves eucalypt forests and rainforests whilst providing habitat for animals such as koalas, possums, gliders, bats and a variety of birds.

Viewing platforms at the summit offer extensive views.

On a clear day Smoky Cape some 85kms north is visible, while to the south is Crowdy Bay National Park and Watson Taylor Lake.

The mountain also overlooks Queens Lake, a handy launching point for canoes. This reserve is dominated

by Blackbutt Forest and includes areas of rainforest, providing habitat for a variety of native animals such as frogs, forest owls, gliders, possums and microbats. The endangered brush tailed phascogale also lives here.

Crowdy Bay National Park has long sweeping beaches, a dramatic headland, extensive wetlands, rainforest pockets and coastal heaths featuring beautiful wildflower displays.

The Headland Walk is one of the best places on the Mid North Coast to view flowering heath and coastal scenery.

There are camping areas located around Diamond Head and the area is known for its local residents – kangaroos. If you’re lucky enough to coincide your visit with the Australian summer, you may wish to participate in ‘Kangaroo Camping’ and experience first hand the novelty of living amongst the natural wildlife for a few days and participate in an authentic east coast adventure.

Lake Cathie (pronounced ‘cat-eye’) is just 12kms south of Port Macquarie, but feels as if you are in another world. Lake Cathie’s large saltwater lake is the second

largest estuarine salt marsh area in NSW. Periodically opened to the sea, the warm shallow waters are ideal for young children and the grassy banks offer picnic tables, children’s playground and BBQ’s around the shore.

Venture up to the northern headland where a forest walk complete with a viewing platform offer fabulous views across the lake and out to the ocean.

Rainbow Beach stretches 20km from Bonny Hills to Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie. Practice your 4WD driving techniques along the vast expanse of sand, but be sure to obtain a beach permit first from the Visitor Information Centre. Reputably, there is always a serve of consistently good waves for body board and surfboard riders and couples will enjoy a long peaceful stroll on this idyllic uncrowded beach.

The elevated coastal views from Bonny Hills are some of the most spectacular in the region. Bonny Hills was originally home to the fishing enthusiasts but nowadays the old wood fishing shacks of the past are long gone, replaced by homes and holiday parks with million dollar views.

National River

Frederickton Smithtown Green Hat Head Hill DO Gladstone NOT REMOVE MAP FROM Park

Kangaroo Flat

Kempsey

Willi Willi National

Riv er

Tia Falls

Kumbatine National Park

Park

Werrikimbe

Killick Beach

Crescent Head

National EY XL

Goolawah Beach

PA CI FIC

O Tia

Kundabung

lson Wi

Park

Racecourse Head

ver

Ri

Big Hill Point

Telegraph Point

Mt Seaview

*

ROOM

Point Pioneer

Has tin gs

Mount Seaview

Pembroke

wl Ro

Long Flat

ey

Cottanbimbang

Beechwood

s

R iv er

Ellenborough

National

OXLE Y

River

Park

PORT MACQUARIE

Wauchope

HW Y

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre

HW Y

HWY

Tacking Point

Byabarra

Herons Creek

Ellenborough Falls

Tapin Tops

Kendall

Comboyne

Elands

Cam den

National

Ri ver

El le nb

Lake Cathie orough

Haven

Rainbow Beach

SOUTH

Bonny Hills

Queens Lake

Grants Head

Kew

North Haven

Laurieton

Dunbogan

PACIFIC

Big Fella Gum Tree

Park Ri

r ve

Bobin

Johns River

Killabakh

Diamond Head

OCEAN

Lansdowne

Barnard

Marlee

Moorland

r

Rive

Coopernook

er

Litt l

R iv

g nin an M

Wingham

n an M

e

Mount George

PA

R

iver

ing

Burrell Creek

Tinonee

CI

FIC

Purfleet

Explore

Wauchope West of Port Macquarie and the Pacific Highway is Wauchope, established in 1836 to mill the timber from the surrounding hinterland.

Wauchope, pronounced ‘war-hope’, was a focus for the timber industry. Once the commercial hub of the region, Wauchope is the centre of the local dairy and cattle industries and the gateway to over 40,000 hectares of national parks and state forests. This bustling rural community is rich in history. Explore the tiny historic timber-getting villages that dot the countryside around Wauchope, like charming Beechwood on the Hastings River.

The picnic and recreation area at Cowarra Dam in Wauchope is an example of local public art, reflecting the local Aboriginal identity. It features magnificent ceramic mosaic seating benches, sculpted carved and decorated totems, and stainless steel sculpture. The picnic area affords the perfect place to unwind and appreciate one of nature’s resources as well as recognising the site’s cultural significance to the Aboriginal people.

N

Crowdy Head Harrington Harrington Inlet

Manning Point

Taree

Crowdy Bay National Park Crowdy Bay Crowdy Head

C John Batman Group.

The rugged hinterland escarpment is a further halfhour drive from Wauchope, but take your time touring around and you’ll uncover some of the region’s special delights.

Drive up to Bago Bluff, a local landmark, for spectacular views across the valley or try your hand abseiling down the 400metre cliff face with an experienced guide.

Bago Bluff National Park and Broken Bago State Forest are ideal areas to indulge in some bike riding, horse riding and 4WD touring, with a number of trails available through a range of vegetation from grassy open forests to rainforests.

Head towards Comboyne, where the road winds its way around mountain rainforest. The dairy-farming village of Comboyne is perched high on an open plateau and is surrounded by lush farmland and rainforest, and if it wasn’t for the distinctly Australian bird calls ringing out of the bush the green patchwork hills could be in Yorkshire, England.

Pack a picnic and head off on one of three rainforest walks in Wilson River Reserve part of Willi Willi National Park. A summer time favourite with locals is the Waterfall Walk, which passes close to a magnificent strangler fig, through sub-tropical rainforests to reveal a waterfall and pool.

For the intrepid, the unsealed road to Ellenborough Falls provides the spectacle of the 157metre drop, where the water spills into the verdant valley below. A walking trail takes you to the base of the falls. For the adventurous, bush tracks through the national parks can have you exploring on foot with the reward of spectacular views from some of the region’s peaks.

C A LE N DA R of

Events

JANUARY

MAY

• Golden Lure Game Fishing Tournament

• Toyota Ironman Australia - Port Macquarie

• Oysters in the Vines

• Big Band Blast Music Festival

• Wauchope Country Music Festival

• Slice of Haven Food and Wine Festival

FEBRUARY

• Port Macquarie Running Festival

• Annual Grape Stomping @ Bago Vineyards

JUNE

• Australian Open Water Ski Titles

• NSW Longboard Titles

• Port Macquarie Beatles Festival

JULY

MARCH • Camden Haven Show • BBQ Championships & Blues Festival • Wauchope Lasiandra Festival • Camden Haven Music Inc (Mar-Oct) • Annual Country Music Roundup • Port Macquarie Running Festival • Hastings Old Holden’s Classic Cruise Show n Shine • Australian Open Pro Am Waterski Titles

APRIL

• Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix

AUGUST • The Australian Surf Festival

SEPTEMBER • Hello Koala Public Art Sculpture Trail • Kendall National Violin Championships

OCTOBER • Ironman 70.3 Championship

DECEMBER • Festival of the Sun

• Port Macquarie Festival of Bodyboarding

• NSW Touch Association State Cup

• Heritage Festival

• Carols by Candle Light

• Annual Wauchope Show • Port 24 hour Mountain Bike Endurance Challenge

For more information on events, please visit www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au.

Markets

ESSENTIAL services

THE FORESHORE MARKET Hastings Farmers & Artists Markets The best of our region’s fresh local produce and fine food combines with the colour, magic and hand crafted product of the regular artists market. Held the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 8am to 1pm, at Westport Park, Port Macquarie.

JOHN’S RIVER COUNTRY MARKET Local crafts including paintings, folk art, leadlight ornaments, home made food, local fruit, vegetables and plants. Held the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 9am to 1.30pm, at John’s River Road.

KENDALL SHOWGROUND MARKETS Held the 1st Sunday of each month from 8am to 1pm.

Local country produce, flowers, preserves and local arts and crafts. Held at Batar Creek Road, Kendall.

LAURIETON RIVERWALK MARKETS Held on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 8am to 1pm you will find a collection of local market stallholders selling arts, crafts, trinkets, food and produce. Held along Short Street, Laurieton.

UNITING CHURCH MARKETS Plenty of clothing, bric-a-brac, handicraft and refreshments. Held on the 1st Saturday of the month, from 8am to 11am, at Uniting Church, Port Macquarie.

POLICE STATIONS Port Macquarie Police 2 Hay Street Wauchope Police 12 Young Street

6583 0199 6585 1404

HOSPITAL Port Macquarie Base Hospital Wrights Rd

5524 2000

MEDICAL CENTRES Five Star Medical Centre 158 Gordon Street 6584 1000 Lighthouse Medical Centre 40 Watonga Street, Lighthouse Beach

6582 0104

Clifton Medical Centre 5A Clifton Drive

6584 5000

DENTAL Hermitage Dental 6/72 Lake Road, Port Macquarie

6584 1466

Sundial Dental Port Macquarie office

6583 3533

PHARMACY Priceline Pharmacy 36 Horton St, Port Macquarie

6583 1900

BANKS

PORT MACQUARIE SUNDAY MARKETS

Most major banks are located along Horton Street in Port Macquarie.

Held in the Westport High School grounds, Findlay Avenue, on the 4th Sunday of each month from 8am to 1pm. A huge variety of stalls are available.

CHURCHES

MUMS & BUBS MARKET Held on the 1st Saturday of the month from 8am to 12pm. All things new and pre-loved for mums and kids.

Located at St Paul’s High School, Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie.

PORT MACQUARIE ART SOCIETY MARKET BAZAAR This weekly Sunday market in Port Macquarie provides shoppers with an opportunity to purchase handmade local arts and crafts, a wide variety of fresh produce and delicious food. Held at Hamilton House, Hastings River Drive, from 8am to 1pm.

ST JAMES COTTAGE CRAFT BYABARRA Held the 3rd Saturday of the month, from 9.30am to 2pm, opposite Blue Poles Cafe & Gallery, Byabarra.

WAUCHOPE COMMUNITY MARKETS AND ARTS BAZAAR Market stalls, local fruit and vegetables, bric-a-brac, plants, crafts and much more. Held the 1st Saturday of each month, from 8am to 1pm, in Wauchope.

Port Macquarie Baptist Church

18 McIntyre Close

Seventh-day Adventist Church

500 Ocean Drive

St Thomas’ Anglican Church The Point Community Church Presbyterian Church Port Macquarie City Church

Hay Street Maranatha Place 93 William Street 40 Munster Street

John Batman Group We’ve been in your rooms for fifty years

}

Our extensive range of products and services is second to none.

From ELECTRICAL TO BEDDING, GUEST AMENITIES TO LUGGAGE RACKS, KEY TAGS AND MORE, you will find what you need at John Batman Group.

With our entire selection online, we offer what no other company in the South Pacific can...everything for your motel rooms in the one place, with all the information you need to make an informed choice for your purchase. Unlike so many others, we are open and honest about our pricing. No hidden fees, extras or delivery costs.

Browse and shop at your leisure, add products to your own wish list, sign up for industry newsletters or simply look around at what’s new in accommodation supplies and trends.

And, if you can’t find what you’re looking for or prefer the sound of a voice to the click of a button, our customer service team are only a phone call away for comprehensive, honest and valued advice that isn’t all about just making the sale.

When you buy from John Batman Group, you are buying quality backed up by the highest level of customer service.

Jump online to discover more.

Freecall 1800 339 493 www.johnbatman.com.au

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced

by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.

John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–O John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.

Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688 Email: info@johnbatman.com.au Web: www.johnbatman.com.au

Managing Director Jarrod La Canna

Studio Editor Karla Dondio

Advertising Sales Pascal Amour

Operations Manager Eleanor White

Graphic Design Carolyn Tellus

Accounts & Administration Rebecca Zalavary

Design Assistance Teresa Prowse Leeanne Lisle

Distribution Michael McDonald Deborah Harris

Compiled with the assistance of Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

Images courtesy of Mike Newling, Grahame McConnell, Kent Matthews, Adam Taylor, Ross Barnett, James Pipino and Destination NSW. The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.