How to impress your friends from out of town
Port Macquarie is a wonderful place to live and to holiday. What we lack in size we make up for with character, beauty and unique activities. We suspect that this is what makes us a very popular holiday destination! It is always fun when friends and family come to visit us, but do you find it hard to think of things to do? Fear not, we have collated a quick reference guide to inspire you next time your favourite out-of-towners pay you a visit.
Start the day with a trip to the markets
Heading to the local markets is a great way to show your visitors a taste of what is on offer in the region. You can also pick up some breakfast and a coffee which is a great way to support local business. There are a multitude of markets held in the Hastings region each week, all of which offer fantastic fresh food, coffee, plants, handmade gifts and entertainment. You could make a day trip of it and head to one of the markets outside of Port Macquarie, or stay closer to home. The markets showcase the talent of the people from our community and the range of beautiful farm fresh produce that is grown locally.
Check out our list of some of our favourite markets from the Hastings Region.
Breweries and wineries galore
Port Macquarie is home to several breweries and wineries, so while your friends are in town why not take them to visit and try some locally made brews? We love all of our local brewers and wine makers equally, but here are some of the spots we suggest you check out:
Black Duck craft beers are brewed locally using rainwater, quality Australian malts and fresh hops. There is a wide variety of styles to taste and the friendly, knowledgeable staff can guide you to ensure your maximum enjoyment. Also on tap are a few ‘guest’ beers and soft drinks. The brewery also has cider and a wine list available for those in your party who aren’t beer lovers. Black Duck Brewery opens to the public as a bar on the first Friday of every month. Follow Black Duck Brewery on Facebook for regular updates on their opening hours. Moorebeer brewing is another of Port Macquarie’s small brewing companies who started out in the garage of a local beer lover.
The Moorebeer brewery and tap room opened to the public mid-2017. They are open on Friday nights for live music and food trucks. On the last Friday of the month, follow the locals to barbecue night! Follow Moorebeer on Facebook for updates on what’s coming up.
If you are interested in taking a wine tour of Port Macquarie’s boutique wineries, look no further than Frankie’s Travel. Frankie’s Travel offers almost-daily food, wine and food tours of Port Macquarie. Operated by bubbly local Monique, you’re guaranteed a fun day of gourmet food and beverage tastings and an insider’s guide to some of Port’s most gorgeous dining spots. We recommend the ‘On The Grapevine’ Full Day gourmet food and wine tour – trust us!
Experience farm fresh food
Have you ever had the experience of picking your own strawberries? Ask a local and they’ll tell you it’s one of the best things to do! There is nothing better than tasting a berry that is still warm off the vine! Take a trip to Ricardoes and you can have the full farm-to-plate experience! You and your friends can pick your own strawberries straight off the vine, and then head to Café Red and enjoy a meal made using some of the farm’s produce. We recommend the scones with Ricardoes’ jam and cream! You can also purchase lots of different food products from other local producers and farmers, including local fruit and vegetables, preserves, chocolates, nuts and more. A visit to Riccardoes is most definitely a quintessential part of the Port Macquarie experience and kids just love it!
Want to learn even more about food from the Hastings region? Head for the hills and plan a visit to a working farm like Near River Produce. Located close to the beautiful town of Pappinbarra, Near River Produce specialise in farming pasture-raised rare breed heritage pork. They also grow a range of field-grown vegetables and herbs. You can visit this gorgeous farm on Sundays but make sure you call ahead so they know to expect you. They also offer full day farm gate experiences, which you can book on their website.
Picnic spots
One of the benefits of living in Port Macquarie is its proximity to many National Parks, rivers and waterways. There are countless picnic spots within an hour’s drive or less from Port Macquarie. Here are just a few of our favourites:
- Gladstone – tiny but charming town by the Macleay river located close to Kempsey. Have a picnic by the river and take a stroll through the cute boutiques, art gallery and local cooperative.
- South West Rocks – take a tour of the Trial Bay Gaol and then head into town for lunch and a beer at the Surf Life Saving Club
- Harrington – sleepy seaside village with beautiful lagoon, break wall perfect for fishing and a fantastic fish and chip shop!
Visit The Westport Club
No tour of Port Macquarie would be complete without bringing your guests to visit The Westport Club. Out of town visitors to the club often comment on how impressive The Westport Club is. They love the modern interior fit out, the food and the warm reception they receive from our staff. We are proud to offer you and your guests the perfect combination of small town hospitality, world-class food and the best views in town. Well, we think so anyway! Your guests are sure to be impressed by what is on offer at The Westport Club; the views alone will blow them away! Hastings Coffee Co. is absolutely stunning in the morning and the best spot for a leisurely breakfast. Enjoy modern takes on your favourite classics like our French toast with caramelised Banana. Or who could go past our Hastings Breakfast with home-made hash brown!
The Westport Club is located beside the Hastings River, a short walk from the CBD of Port Macquarie. We are an ideal stop off point when you are taking your guests for a walking tour of the town. Stop in for a coffee at our Hastings Coffee Co. takeaway window or enjoy a meal at Aqua Restaurant. Finish off with a glass of wine at Jimmy’s Bar & Lounge. If you need some help finding us, you can get directions from wherever you are, using the Take Me There page of our website.
Need more ideas for things to do?
If you are still struggling for inspiration even after reading our list, visit the Port Macquarie Info website. You can also pop into the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre at The Glasshouse for some pointers!