Car Rental Port Macquarie Downtown

Port Macquarie is located around halfway up the New South Wales Coast, 390 kilometres from Sydney and 570 kilometres from Brisbane. This location in itself often leads to many visitors stopping at Port Macquarie on a coastal road trip. However, the area of Port Macquarie is filled with fun and interesting sights, both in the city and the surrounding region. With national parks in every direction, you don’t have to drive far in your rental car to find somewhere interesting. There are  also many other regional towns that offer their own attractions, such as Kempsey and further to the north Coffs Harbour, the starting point of the famous ‘Waterfall Way’ drive.

Port Macquarie is one of those towns with something for everyone. For nature lovers, there are walking tracks, both in the national parks a short drive away and along the many beaches and coastal areas of the port, including the Hastings River. For those looking for a more relaxed holiday with less time spent on foot, Port Macquarie has a range of award-winning restaurants and wineries to enjoy. From fine dining to casual pub meals, try the incredible local produce, with the option of incredible walking trails to burn off the calories; it’s a win-win. Similarly, those looking to exercise some retail therapy will find a wide range of boutique stores, as well as larger shopping malls and department stores. No matter what your plan is, the pleasant climate, range of activities and excellent location will lead you to an enjoyable experience.

Come at the right time of year, and you can see different whale and dolphin species pass by the port on their migration, viewable from one of the half dozen beaches across the coast within the port’s perimeter or on a hire boat to get an even closer look. Port Macquarie is also known for its steady population of koalas, the endangered animals that feast on the large eucalyptus trees that border the town. You can drive to many spots in your rental car for a guaranteed viewing of these wild marsupials. In fact, Port Macquarie has the highest koala population on the east coast and one of the highest in Australia, leading many to call it the ‘Koala Capital’. However, suppose you want to see them in a more controlled environment. In that case, the Koala Hospital offers free tours, and the Billabong Zoo caters up close and personal experiences with Koalas and other native animals.

There’s Nature Right in Town

Follow the Port Macquarie Coastal walk across over half a dozen beaches and the Sea Acres National Park. The coastal walk is located right on the edge of town, the walk can be split into sections, or you can tackle the 9 kilometres all at once. The walk features rainforest views, swimming opportunities and whale sightings off the coast. Visit the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre for more information on the rainforest, Aboriginal culture, and where you can find something to eat. Not far from the city, you have access to Limeburners Creek National Park, Kumbatine National Park, Crowdy Bay National Park and Bago Bluff National Park. 

See Heritage Sites and More in Your Rental Car

Dating back to 1821, Port Macquarie is one of the older colonial settlements in Australia, with heritage tours of many buildings and sites on offer. Port Macquarie is one of the best places in Australia for cuisine, with the ocean on one side and farmland and wineries on the other. Take in a cellar door experience at over half a dozen wineries right outside the city, shuck oysters, pick strawberries, or take in a farmers market. Come for the views, stay for the wine and return for the food.