Port Macquarie, New South Wales

Port Macquarie’s was first discovered in 1818 by a nomadic sailor and surveyor that went by the name of John Oxley. The port was named after the governor of New South Wales at the time, Lachlan Macquarie. The area back in colonisation times was rich with rainforest, marine life and a spring to the entrance to the port. In 1821 the port became prime ground for a penal colony after Newcastle couldn’t facilitate secondary criminals any more. Further on in time it has been a shipping port conveniently located close to rich agriculture locations. The many inviting beaches and pleasant climate make it a mecca for holidayers and retirees.

After we settled Florence in to the caravan park, we took a drive into town to see what it was all about. We strolled around and had lunch at the beach house, a nicely done pub near the bay area. The food was great and spoilt us with clear blue water views of the Hastings River. Going around town gave off a relaxed easy going vibe, with plenty of activity on the water front, seaplanes, fishing boats and families having picnics. Driving around the place was barely a fuss, not even a fraction on Byron Bay’s craziness. The weather was perfect, so we set off to do some exercise on Windmill Hill, although no windmills to see, the park has a paved walking track that boasts stunning endless views of Port Macquarie’s nine beaches. If walking is not your thing, the Pacific Drive can help you with those gorgeous beach views.

Port Macquarie is a cruisey place; we only had one night there but wish we had a little longer to take in the weather and the beaches. The area feels like it moves at a steady pace, just how a nice beach town should.