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The Greater Port Macquarie

Welcome to Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and the Hastings. This historic part of the Mid North Coast is renowned for its colonial past and for its urban koala population. It's home to the Koala Hospital where guided tours are conducted every day at 3pm.

The Hastings Valley encompasses the towns of Wauchope, Telegraph Point and Rollands Plains, Laurieton, Camden Haven, Kendall and Comboyne, Port Macquarie, and Lake Cathie.

Port Macquarie is situated at the mouth of the Hastings River. Established in 1821 originally as a place for hardened British criminals and for convicts who had committed offences after arrival. The penal settlement was closed by the late 1820's and the area was opened up to free settlers.

Port Macquarie is now one of the fastest-growing towns on Australia's Holiday Coast with a wide array of activities and attractions to keep people of all ages amused. Its colonial past has left some lovely historic buildings like The Tacking Point Lighthouse and The Courthouse. Today fishing boats, pleasure cruisers and yachts share the waterways with seagulls and pelicans.

From humble beginnings of tents and rough bark huts of the 1820's Port has thrived and there is now much development to cater for retirees and those seeking a sea change.

Town Beach is located close to the central business area of Port Macquarie. The best location for surfing is close to the river mouth. For swimming you should move back to the southern end of the beach to avoid the strong currents that prevail at the river mouth. An amenities block is at the southern end of the beach.

Flynn's beach is one of many popular beaches in Port Macquarie. Proudly boasting a fine Surf club, which in turn suggests that this area is regularly patrolled by surf-life savers. Flynn's beach is host to many surfing events, both local and state titles are held here. The beach is located near the town centre, and adjacent to caravan parks and holiday rental apartments.

Nobby's beach is a very popular area to surf and sun, it offers excellent wind-breaks and privacy. The rocky ledges are a haven for "rock fishing" with many fine catches. A narrow path leads to the top of the small hill and provides a beautiful view up and down the rocky coastline.

Port Macquarie has a lot to offer from the long, white beaches next to the town centre to forests and mountains in the hinterland.

In addition you'll find amusement parks, mini zoos, nature parks, cruises on the Hastings River and connecting waterways, horse-riding, watersports and fishing.

Pelican Bay is a quiet backwater, away from the flowing tidal currents of the main Hastings river with mountains as a backdrop. The bay is home to many itinerant ocean traveller's, who anchor and enjoy the tranquil life of onboard living. Sailboarding is a popular activity, which caters for both experienced and novices alike. Two service clubs are located on the perimeters, a well appointed boat launching ramp is available.

The Hasting river is a very popular place for sailing, with world titles for eighteen foot hobie class being held here. An annual event is conducted on the river by the eighteen foot skiff's, with a lot of world class action. Access to the ocean is less than a kilometre, and a good bar allow's offshore racing, with some fine vantage points on the headlands to view the racing.

Nearby you will find Wilson River Primitive Reserve, enjoy spectacular views from No 1 Fire Tower at Cobrabald. A trip out to Trial Bay Gaol near South West Rocks is a must for the whole family.

[Fishing at Port]
Fishing at Port

[Lighthouse Beach]
Lighthouse Beach

[Port Macquarie]
Port Macquarie

[Port Macquarie]
Dining out on the waterfront

[Port Macquarie]
The historic courthouse

Wauchope

Known as the "Heart of the Hastings", Wauchope is the rail-head for the area. It's a modern rural town with excellent sporting facilities -- especially golf and water skiing -- yet maintains its old world traditions. Colonial week, held each spring, commemorates Wauchope's pioneering history.

This heritage is remembered too, at Timbertown, a recreated working village of 1880, where visitors can relive the past -- or can enjoy Wauchope's delightful rural charm at The Big Bull Farm and Animal Nursery. Admission to Timbertown is free.

The gateway to the hinterland, Wauchope is surrounded by the splendid beauty of forests and rugged mountains, rainforest reserves and National Parks.

Wauchope sits on the majestic Hasting's River, which is a slow and sometimes serene waterway, somewhat reflecting the lifestyle of the area and its people. It's journey starts at the base of the Seaview waterfall, in the Werikinbee forest, approximately 80 kilometre's west of Wauchope.

An old steam engine is one of the many attractions at Timbertown, a re-creation town of the past, set in the 1880's period. Colonial dress is part of the daily make-up. A genuine steam driven saw-mill operates at Timbertown, and will amaze you at the old time ingenuity.

Many fine old building's remain, and are now part of the National Trust, such as the first bank in Wauchope, now called Jacaranda House. Wauchope has a strong link with the past through it's Timber milling and logging industries. It has been the foundation of the local economy for over a century. The rich alluvial soils of the valley produce many litres of milk, which are processed at the local Dairy milk Co-operative, and bulk railed to the Capital cities.

[Timbertown]
Cobb and Co Coach

[Timbertown]
Find out what it was like

[Timbertown]
Housing of yesteryear

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