Best family-friendly things to do in Port Macquarie

With beautiful beaches, wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures and plenty of attractions designed for all ages, Port Macquarie is one of the Mid North Coast's most popular family holiday destinations. Whether you're travelling with toddlers, primary school-aged children or teenagers, you'll find plenty of ways to fill your days.

From spotting koalas and exploring rainforest boardwalks to strawberry picking, splash parks and cruising the Hastings River on a BBQ boat, here are some of the best family-friendly things to do in Port Macquarie.

Activities and experiences that the kids will love

Whether your family loves wildlife, hands-on experiences or discovering local attractions, Port Macquarie offers plenty of ways to entertain curious minds. From meeting rescued koalas to navigating giant hedge mazes and picking strawberries fresh from the farm, these experiences are guaranteed to be a hit with kids of all ages.

Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park

• Location: 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie

Get up close to koalas, red pandas, meerkats and more at Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park. Daily keeper talks and animal encounters make this one of Port Macquarie's most popular family attractions.

Koala Hospital at Guulabaa – Place of Koala

• Location: Guulabaa Way, Lake Innes

A visit to Guulabaa – Place of Koala is a must for wildlife-loving families. Home to the relocated Koala Hospital experience, this immersive attraction allows visitors to learn about koala conservation while seeing resident koalas up close.

Port Macquarie Camel Safaris

Location: Lighthouse Beach, Matthew Flinders Drive, Port Macquarie

A camel ride along the sands of Lighthouse Beach is one of Port Macquarie's most unique family experiences. Suitable for children aged three and over (when accompanied by an adult), Port Macquarie Camel Safaris offers a fun and memorable way to take in the coastline while learning about these fascinating animals.

Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail

• Location: Throughout Port Macquarie and surrounding villages

Turn sightseeing into a treasure hunt by following the colourful Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail. With more than 80 uniquely designed sculptures, it's a fun way to explore Port Macquarie while keeping little adventurers entertained.

Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries

• Location: 221 Blackmans Point Road, Port Macquarie

Few experiences delight kids quite like picking strawberries straight from the patch. At Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, families can enjoy seasonal fruit picking, browse fresh local produce and indulge in homemade treats.

Bago Maze & Wine

• Location: Herons Creek, approximately 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie

Located around 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie, Bago Maze & Wine is home to Australia's largest hedge maze. Families can spend hours navigating winding pathways, tackling challenges and enjoying the beautiful rural surroundings.

Explore nature and the outdoors

One of the best things about a family holiday in Port Macquarie is how easy it is to get outdoors. Rainforest boardwalks, coastal lookouts, scenic walking trails and beautiful beaches provide endless opportunities to reconnect with nature and burn off some energy.

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre

• Location: 159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie

The elevated boardwalk at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre winds through one of the largest remaining coastal rainforests in New South Wales. It's an easy, pram-friendly walk that offers families the chance to spot native wildlife and towering rainforest trees.

Tacking Point Lighthouse

• Location: Lighthouse Rd, Port Macquarie

Perched above Lighthouse Beach, Tacking Point Lighthouse offers spectacular coastal views and is one of the best places in the region to spot migrating whales during the season.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk

• Location: Port Macquarie

The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk links some of the region's most beautiful beaches, lookouts and headlands. Families with younger children may prefer shorter sections between Town Beach and Flynns Beach.

Wayne Richards Park

• Location: Port Macquarie NSW

Wayne Richards Park Pump Track is a popular destination for riders of all ages, featuring a flowing circuit of rollers, berms and jumps designed for bikes, scooters and skateboards. Located alongside the Hastings River, it’s a great family-friendly spot to build skills, stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Town Beach Skate Park

• Location: Town Beach, Port Macquarie

Overlooking the ocean, Town Beach Skate Park is a favourite with older children and teens looking to practise their tricks while enjoying the beachside location.

BBQ Boats

• Boarding: Port Macquarie Boat Hire, Hastings River, Port Macquarie

One of the most unique ways to experience Port Macquarie is aboard a BBQ Boat on the Hastings River from Port Macquarie Boat Hire. Families can hire a self-drive boat, enjoy lunch on the water and spend a relaxing afternoon cruising the river.

Dolphin and whale watching cruises

• Boarding: Town Wharf, Port Macquarie (varies by operator)

Several local operators offer dolphin and whale watching cruises throughout the year. Depending on the season, families may spot migrating humpback whales, playful dolphins and other marine life.

Family-friendly beaches

A beach day is almost mandatory when visiting Port Macquarie. Whether you're looking for calm waters, long coastal walks or somewhere close to playgrounds and cafés, there's a beach to suit every family. Families looking for patrolled swimming beaches should head to Town Beach, Flynns Beach, Lighthouse Beach or Rainbow Beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags.

Town Beach

Located close to the Port Macquarie town centre, Town Beach combines swimming, nearby cafés, a skate park and playgrounds, making it one of the easiest beaches for families to enjoy.

Flynns Beach

Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Flynns Beach is a favourite with locals and visitors alike and a great spot for swimming and relaxing by the water.

Lighthouse Beach

Stretching for kilometres along the coastline, Lighthouse Beach, just south of Port Macquarie, is ideal for beach walks, whale spotting and family adventures.

Rainbow Beach

Just south of Port Macquarie, Rainbow Beach in Bonny Hills, is a family-friendly beach with plenty of parking and a cafe on site.

Playgrounds and picnic spots

When the kids need a break from the beach, Port Macquarie's playgrounds, parks and picnic areas offer plenty of room to run, climb and explore.

Westport Park Livvi's Place and Water Play

• Location: Park Street, Port Macquarie

One of the region's best playgrounds, Westport Park Livvi's Place and Water Play is fully fenced, and features inclusive play equipment, climbing structures, swings and shaded seating for parents.

Town Green Park

• Location: Port Macquarie river side

Located along the Hastings River foreshore, Town Green Park is a great spot for a family picnic, with wide-open lawns and river views.

Rainbow Beach Playspace

• Location: Bonny Hills, NSW

Combining beach access, playground, picnic facilities and open green space, Rainbow Beach Play Space is a favourite gathering place for local families.

Lake Cathie Foreshore Reserve Play Space

• Location: Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie

A great stop for families, this lakeside playground features slides, swings, climbing equipment and picnic space, with calm water views nearby. Sunshine’s at Lake Cathie café van is just across the road, making it easy to grab coffee, snacks or lunch while the kids play.

Family-friendly places to eat

After a day of exploring, these family-friendly venues make it easy to enjoy a relaxed meal together.

Westport Club

Located on the Hastings River, Westport Club offers relaxed family dining close to playgrounds and waterfront walking paths.

Panthers Port Macquarie

With spacious dining areas and a welcoming atmosphere, Panthers Port Macquarie is a popular option for family dinners.

Bonny Hills Garden Café

Set amongst beautiful gardens, Bonny Hills Garden Café provides a relaxed setting where parents can enjoy coffee and lunch while children explore the grounds.

Rainforest Café

Located within Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Rainforest Café is the perfect place to refuel before or after exploring the rainforest boardwalk.

Where to stay

With so many family-friendly attractions nearby, Port Macquarie makes an ideal destination for a Mid North Coast getaway. Reflections Holidays offers family-friendly accommodation options nearby, including Reflections Bonny Hills and Reflections North Haven, putting beaches, nature and outdoor adventures right on your doorstep.

Ready to hit the road? It's all out there waiting for you, with lots to do, whatever the weather.