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Population: 37,696 Height above sea level: 10m Latitude: -31.2500 Longitude: 152.5500 Location: 400km north of Sydney Highway: Pacific Hwy (1) Nearest Major Town: Port Macquarie Nearest Airport: Port Macquarie Touring Area: North Coast NSW |
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Port Macquarie is located approximately mid-way between Sydney and Brisbane at the mouth of the
Hastings River, First established as a penal settlement in 1821, Port Macquarie is now a popular
tourist resort and one of Australia's faster growing towns. Port Macquarie and its neighbours, the Hasting and Camden Haven valleys have more attractions to experience and enjoy then any other regional holiday destination in New South Wales. The drive into Port Macquarie from the turn-off on the Pacific Highway is only 8km - and the first-time visitor will be well rewarded. Port Macquarie is at the junction of the Pacific and Oxley Highways, a major link to the rich provincial centres of Tamworth and Armidale. The area enjoys unrivalled natural beauty and a climate hailed as Australia's best, with magnificent surfing beaches, quiet coves and tranquil lakes. The stunning shoreline is backed by a hinterland of verdant hills, lush farming country, timbered mountains and primeval rainforest. When travelling north along the Pacific Highway the route via the coastal road provides a scenic alternative, passing through the southern villages of the Camden Haven, Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie and on to Port Macquarie. Look for the turn-off to the right at Kew or visit the Visitor Information Centre at Kew for directions, maps and brochures about the area. The accommodation offerings in Port Macquarie and the surrounding area are wide and varied. providing options for every taste and pocket with the family budget in mind. You can select from motels, caravan parks or holiday apartments located right in the centre of town within walking distance to shops and restaurants, overlooking beautiful beaches or along the banks of the picturesque Hastings River. The man-made attractions are numerous and include the popular re-created saw-milling village of Timbertown, located at Wauchope. Here visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a past era. There are a wealth of amusements, historic places to explore, and things to see and do. Visit such delights as Fantasy Glades or Peppermint Park, Enjoy one of the many river cruises available, or hire a boat from one of the friendly hire operators who have family run-abouts, half-cabins, canoes, BBQ pontoons and ski-bikes to enable you to explore the extensive waterways at your leisure. The Macquarie Nature Reserve houses the unique Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre has a 1.3km nature boardwalk through tropical rainforest. Sample some award winning local wines at Cassefrains Winery or visit the world's largest Big Bull. There are a variety of walking trails around the headlands, beaches and parks; or stroll through the six eco-systems of the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park located right in the heart of town. The hinterland rainforest, wetland and wilderness areas in the surrounding State forest, National Parks and Nature Reserves provide some of the finest bushwalking areas along the coast. Whatever the season, whatever the weather Port Macquarie and its surrounds has plenty to offer to ensure that your visit is a most rewarding and memorable experience. PLACES OF INTEREST: ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins