GETTING YOU OUT OF YOUR SHELL

The popular holiday town of Port Macquarie has quite the dark past; it was settled as one of the first penal settlements in the 1820s.  Thanks to the convicts who cleared the land, and built farms, a hospital, and a church, the town was well equipped, once declared a free settlement, to become the centre for the agriculture-rich Hastings Valley.  Today, in addition to its historical sights Port Macquarie has a list of fantastic beaches, and the town is also known for its koala population.  The nearby Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park is a centre for the breeding of the furry marsupials. So sure, the convicts couldn’t leave Port Macquarie, but with so many different things to do, why would you want to?

BILLABONG KOALA AND WILDLIFE PARK

Koalas are marsupials that are native only to Australia, and as such are incredibly important to wildlife conservationists and tourists alike.  These cute and cuddly creatures are just one of the things you can see at the Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park, home to many different animals, both those native to Australia such as the koala, and exotic animals such as several species of birds.  Creatures such as taipans, cassowaries, eastern quolls, galahs, and wallaroos are just a sample of some of the wacky-named creatures you can find there.

The wildlife park is a far cry from just an ordinary zoo, and they believe that quality is far superior to quantity.  They may not have as many animals as other zoos have, but their rare albino wallaroo is quite a sight to see.  The park is also home to a koala-breeding centre. They allow you to get right up close to take a picture with the furry marsupial.  Unfortunately, there is no cuddling of the koalas aloud, for NSW state law bans it.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

BILLABONG KOALA AND WILDLIFE PARK

Interested in seeing a vast array of animals in their natural habitats?  Come visit one of Australia’s premier regional wildlife parks that allow you to get an up-close and personal look at some of the country’s most amazing wildlife as well as animals from abroad.

PARASAILING

Parasailing is a great way to see Port Macquarie and the surrounding rainforests from way up high. Attached to what is basically a giant kite, you soar up to a height of about 80m for some time before floating gently back down to the boat below.

SOMEWHERE TO STAY

Port Macquarie has quite a number of accommodations - including quite a few hostels - for you to choose from.  The YHA has a local hostel right in the city centre, and Port Macquarie Backpackers is located in the city as well.  Both accommodations are somewhat small, giving off a cosy feeling, and both offer free body board rentals as well.  Make sure to book your accommodations at both these places quickly; since they are both small, they tend to fill up rather fast.

COAST OF NSW 
NSW
North Coast: Newcastle | Byron Bay | Coffs Harbour | Port Macquarie | Jervis Bay
South Coast