Ideally situated at the mouth of the Hastings River and the blue Pacific Ocean, Port Macquarie is a water lovers paradise. 15 pristine beaches, most of them patrolled, line the coast from Port Macquarie south to the Camden Haven. Enjoy the coastal walks, surfing, sail boarding, swimming, fishing, whale watching, and even camel rides. Many beaches feature barbecue facilities and playgrounds. The European settlement of Port Macquarie was established in 1821, 3 years after John Oxley reached the region by trekking down the Hastings River from the New England area. It is one of the oldest penal settlements outside of Sydney. |