Explore Port Macquarie by water
Uniquely positioned on the convergence of a long stretch of coastline and the mouth of the Hastings River, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Port Macquarie by water, cruising along the river, or heading out to sea, to explore further afield.
Cruising in Port Macquarie
Whether you’re a local or in town visiting on holidays with family and friends, Port Macquarie’s Hastings River and surrounding coastline are great places to explore.
The river is abundant with marine and birdlife, including home to regular pods of dolphins, so jumping on board a river cruise in Port Macquarie or heading out to sea for some whale watching or deep sea fishing, you’re no doubt going to have a memorable day. There’s a Port Macquarie river cruise or ocean cruise to suit just about everyone’s choice of adventure.
Hastings River Cruises
Discover Port Macquarie’s fabulous natural waterways on a cruise along the Hastings River. You’ll uncover the canals and estuaries, sail by the area’s local oyster farms, and see the local bird and marine-life that abounds. You may even get to see a few of the river’s resident dolphins swimming along the river currents.
Sunset River Cruises
End the day on the Hastings River with a brilliant sunset cruise, overlooking the Hastings River, Pelican Island and the mountain backdrop. We’re often too busy at this time of day to stop and appreciate the setting sun, so it’s a great way to sit back, take some time out, and breathe it all in.
Dolphin Spotting Cruises
We’re fortunate in this region to have dolphin ‘locals’ that cruise Port Macquarie’s rivers and beaches. A dolphin spotting cruise is the ideal way to witness these beautiful creatures glide, dive and navigate the currents and waves around the area. And, if you’re extra lucky, you may even get right up close to the dolphins in the surf or river.
Whale Watching Tours
Go further afield exploring Port Macquarie’s coastline, heading out to sea for some dolphin spotting, or experience the majestic Humpback whales with a Port Macquarie whale watching cruise during the annual migration of the whales from May to November each year.
Jet Boat Adventures
For the adrenalin-seekers, you can jump on board a jet boat ride which heads out of the river out along the coast, or hire jet-skis and explore Port Macquarie’s waterways in your own time.
Take to the air!
For a different take on exploring and cruising in Port Macquarie, why not take to the air! A bird’s eye view of the Port Macquarie coastline and Hastings River is a brilliant experience and if you’re lucky, you may also get to witness the visiting dolphins and whales. Take a scenic flight by helicopter or seaplane to view the Port Macquarie-Hastings scenery, or combine it with some wine tasting for that extra adventure!
Fishing Tours in Port Macquarie
For a tour with a different ‘angle’ (pun-intended), add some adventure to your ocean cruise with a deep sea fishing charter. You’ll get the chance to venture off the coast, with the potential to see dolphins, or the annual whale migration, with the added bonus of catching something (hopefully!) to take home for dinner!
Port Macquarie Cruises and Tours
Here’s a list of local tour and cruise operators who can hook you up with their next ocean or river cruise, or provide you with an aerial view of Port Macquarie’s coastline and mountains.
Port Cruise Adventures
1 Short Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.
Phone 02 6583 8811.
Cruise Port Macquarie
Town Wharf (end of Clarence Street), Port Macquarie NSW 2444.
Phone 0434 393 199.
Port Macquarie Seaplanes
1 Short Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.
Phone 0404 684 212.
Port Macquarie Helicopters
85 William Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.
Phone 0487 771 200.
Fish Port Macquarie
Short Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.
Phone 0490 069 482.
Port Macquarie Fishing Charters
Town Green Boardwalk, 74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.
Phone 0416 240 877.
The Westport Club – on the Hastings River
The Westport Club has prime position on the banks of the Hastings River with panoramas from east to west. The Club offers a great place to sit and relax, from sunrise at Hastings Coffee Co, to sunset, with Aqua Restaurant, or Jimmy’s Bar and Lounge.
It’s a great place to watch the river come to life with views of the passing sailing vessels, across to Port Macquarie’s Pelican Island. And, it’s just a short stroll from The Westport Club to the Port Macquarie Cruise Terminal, where you can begin many of Port Macquarie’s cruising adventures.
Our connection with the region’s waterways goes beyond our spectacular outlook. We’ve been proudly supporting Marine Rescue Port Macquarie for several years through The Westport Club Community Grants program, assisting Marine Rescue ensure the safety of our waterways and those out and about on the water.
As a local Club, we also actively participate in helping to clean up Port Macquarie’s waterways and shoreline on Clean Up Australia Day.
Our goal is to ensure the quality of community life for both locals and tourists alike.