Port Macquarie

Introducing Port Macquarie

Port, as it’s affectionately known, reclines over a spectacular headland at the entrance to the subtropical coast. It has a handsome shoreline and a placid ambience that belies its size. The palm trees, rolling parklands, hefty koala population and beach coves here do a good job of camouflaging swank restaurants and fine accommodation, and this balance of greenery and infrastructure makes it an ideal holiday destination.

Port was founded in 1821 as a penal colony for slack convicts who found life in Sydney Cove too easy. The heavy-duty past is still visible in the frontier architecture (Port was the third town to be established on the Australian mainland), but these days idle Aussies choose to serve time here.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009