| Port
Macquarie - Founded as a convict settlement in 1821,
and one of the oldest towns in the State, Port Macquarie is
now a major holiday resort, situated at the mouth of the Hastings
River, 423 km N of Sydney In town: Award-winning Hastings Historical
Museum, Clarence St, displays of convict and pioneer relics
in 15 rooms of building (1835-40). Convict-built St Thomas'
Church (1824-28), Hay St, designed by convict architect Thomas
Owen, 3rd oldest surviving church in Australia. Port Macquarie
Historic Courthouse (1869), cnr Hay and Clarence St (closed
Sun.). Mid-North Coast Maritime Museum, William St, features
shipwreck relics, model ships and early photographs. At end
of Horton St: historic cemetery dating from 1842; Kooloonbung
Creek Nature Reserve, 50 ha of bushland with boardwalks. Roto
House and Macquarie Nature Reserve, Lord St, a koala hospital
and study centre. Port Macquarie Observatory William St. Maritime
museum, William St. Fantasy Glades, Pacific Dr., with rainforest
gardens and picnic/barbecue facilities. Billabong Koala and
Aussie Wildlife Park (Billabong Dr.) and Kingfisher Park (Kingfisher
Rd), for close-up look at Australian animals. Town Beach, has
surf at one end, sheltered coves at other. Peppermint Park has
slides and roller-blading. River cruises daily. Walk following
coastal headlands from breakwall to lighthouse (8 km). Hydro-goif,
Boundary St, a golf course incorporating water targets. Market
in Findlay Aye, 2nd and 4th Sun. each month. Jan.: Golden Lure
Tournament (deep-sea fishing). In the area: Excellent fishing
and all water sports. Charter fishing; Harley Davidson motorbike
tours; horse riding; abseiling; skirmish (paintball game); skydiving.
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, 4km 5, elevated 1.3 km boardwalk
through canopy; tours. At Lighthouse Beach, 10 km 5, 16-km expanse
of white sand; camel rides; dolphin-watching from shore; breathtaking
views from grounds of Tacking Point Lighthouse at northern end
of beach (lighthouse not open to public). Lake Cathie, 16 km
5, holiday town between surf beach and tidal lake, for swimming
and fishing. Scenic drives to Ellenborough Falls, 85 km SW and
to Wauchope and Timbertown, 20 km W; 4WD tours into hinterland;
bus tours of surrounding area (brochures available). Cassegrain
Winery, 13 km W; Discovery Concert held here under the stars
each Oct. Visitor information: cnr Clarence and Hay sts; (02)
6581 8000, freecall 1800 025 935. Web site www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au |
