Port Offers Plenty Of Buzz
The Sunday Age
Sunday April 9, 2006
After years of driving past, Andrew Swift finally discovers the delights of Port Macquarie.
For more than a decade I have been venturing north along the Pacific Highway from Sydney to Byron Bay, passing a sign stating Port Macquarie Next Exit. It wasn't until recentlythat the lure of a festival on the beach made me veer off the highway and comply with the sign. Port Macquarie's Festival of the Sun was over in three days, but my introduction to the town had only just begun. Needless to say, I extended my stay. Framed by white, sun-drenched beaches to the east and the unspoiled beauty of the hinterland to the west, Port Macquarie would have to be one of the most colourful destinations on Australia's east coast. The town offers a cosmopolitan buzz set within a village atmosphere. Brimming with character, the chic restaurants, funky eateries, diverse shops, theatres, galleries, wineries, clubs and national parks all add to the town's diversity. The region was named the fourth city of the arts in NSW and hosts many events throughout the year. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Hastings River and numerous waterways and lakes, water is one of the region's biggest drawcards. There are plenty of water-based activities but the deep-sea fishing and sea kayaking were among my favourites. The surf is always consistent in Port and I found a nice peak every morning at dawn. If you're in a land-lover mood, you can travel up a deserted beach on the back of a camel or visit the historical sites of this one-time penal colony. For those with no fear of heights, try paragliding off North Brother Mountain, dive out of a plane or experience the rush in a fighter jet. I didn't do it this time around, but I'll be back. For anyone visiting Port, I strongly recommend that you visit the Koala Hospital. Operated by the Koala Preservation Society, the hospital can take care of up to 90 koalas at any time. During the tour you will see the koalas being fed and treated, plus have the opportunity to adopt your own. Wineries are probably the last thing you would expect of a coastal town, but Port is home to quite a few. They say the temperate climate is ideal for the cultivation of grape varieties used for the production of premium table wines. I'd have to agree; I thoroughly enjoyed every wine I tasted at Inneslake and Sherwood Estate. After a day of endless fun in the sun, it's time to relax at one of the town's many restaurants. From cafes to decadent hotel fare, deliciously fresh seafood to pub counter-meals, you will discover the true taste of the region. The pubs and bars in Port Macquarie are lively, friendly and a great place to meet people. The night-life caters to those who want to see live touring acts, those who can't go without their doof and those who are happy just to listen to a jukebox. After three days of live music at the festival, I chose the latter. The picturesque Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park offers accommodation to suit any budget. Occupying eight hectares of beachfront land in the heart of Port Macquarie, you can bed down in any one of the numerous lodgings including riverfront spa cottages, ocean view cabins, a backpackers' hostel, powered caravan sites and tent sites. (Call 1800 636 452.) The writer was a guest of the Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park.
© 2006 The Sunday Age
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