Recently we were invited for a three night stay at the newly refurbished Rydges Port Macquarie. We've visited Port Macquarie several times and we love it! Every year we camp for a week at Forster and we head up to Port Macquarie for a day. So, of course we leapt at the chance!
Port Macquarie is one of those spots that’s easy to get to, relaxed, and has just the right mix of beach, nature, and kid-friendly activities. It’s about a five hour drive north of Sydney (it always tells me about four hours but with stops and traffic its always five!), and it’s a great choice for a low-key family getaway.
If you’re after somewhere easy and comfortable to stay with the kids, Rydges Port Macquarie ticks a lot of boxes. It’s right on the water, so you’re close to cafes, shops, and the beach, meaning less time in the car and more time actually enjoying your holiday. It's in a prime position on the village green, right at the coastal walk along the breakwall that's one of our favourites.
Rydges Port Macquarie has spacious family rooms and managed apartments (with kitchens, if you want to self-cater), plus a heated pool and spa to help everyone wind down at the end of the day. It also has a small gym, which Tully and her dad loved! It’s a good mix of practical and relaxed, and makes a great base for exploring everything Port Macquarie has to offer.
Zebu Bar and Restaurant, on site, offers a full buffet breakfast, room service, lunch and dinner.
Contents
The Rooms at Rydges Port Macquarie
We stayed in a twin room, overlooking the Hastings River and the pool and spa. It has two queen beds, a lounge, table and a balcony. It was very spacious and having the option of sitting on the lounge, rather than just beds, was great. I stay in a LOT of hotels for work and I'm pretty fussy. I have a list of things I look for in a hotel:
Comfy beds
Room service/ a restaurant on site
Windows or a balcony that opens for fresh air
ChromeCast on the TV
Onsite parking
And bonus points if the bathroom has a little light you can leave on because they never have windows and its so dark in the night!
I'm happy to say that Rydges Port Macquarie ticks all my boxes! (which is rare lol)
We were on the fourth floor and our view over the Hastings River was gorgeous. You could open the curtains and look at the river from your bed.
We were also over the pool and just a heads up that it's quite loud if you have the balcony doors open and kids are swimming. But if you shut the doors you can't really hear them.
The Facilities
The pool and spa are on the first floor, overlooking the Hastings River. They are in a prime position! The pool is heated (although not super warm) and the spa is very warm! My favourite part was the big day beds they have around the pool. I spent hours reading my book!
They also have a small gym with weights, a rowing machine and a treadmill. Tully was obsessed!
Zebu Bar and Restaurant
We were provided with breakfast every morning and a $250 meal voucher to try out some of the dinners Zebu had to offer!
The breakfast buffet was great, with lots of kid friendly options. They have a pancake machine, lots of cereals, mini pastries, toast and fruit, as well as hot food options.
For the gluten free; they have hash browns, gluten free bread, fruit, yoghurt and hot options like bacon and eggs etc.
Things to Do in Port Macquarie with Kids
There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained without needing to over-schedule your days. The beaches are beautiful, Town Beach and Flynns Beach are both patrolled and good for swimming, plus there are rock pools to explore and space to run around. If your kids are into animals, the Koala Hospital is a must-visit. It’s small, easy to get around, and really interesting for school-aged kids. You can take a self-guided tour and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of local wildlife. They have a second location now as well, thanks to the $8m they raised during the bushfires in 2020. Its called Guulabaa and is located right next to WildNets.
WildNets Adventure Park
This is a fun, outdoor activity for families who want to burn off some energy and enjoy nature. Set in the forest just outside Port Macquarie, the park is made up of giant nets suspended between the trees—think bouncing, climbing, exploring, and sliding, all up in the treetops.
Kids (and adults) can jump around in netted play areas, walk through treehouses and rope tunnels, and even have a go on inflatable features. For older kids (8+), there’s a more challenging ropes course with ziplines and bridges, while younger kids (3–7) have their own age-appropriate course to try.
Billabong Zoo
Another great option is the Billabong Zoo , which has a mix of native animals and a few bigger favourites like lions and cheetahs. It’s not huge, but that makes it manageable with little ones, and the staff are great at making the experience interactive.
Port Macquarie Camel rides
This one’s a bit different, and the kids will love it. Camel rides along Lighthouse Beach. Yep, actual camels walking along the sand with the ocean in the background. The rides go for about 20 minutes, and it’s a really fun way to do something a little out of the ordinary on your holiday. The team running the rides are friendly and great with kids, and you don’t need to book ahead, just turn up between 9:30 am and 1 pm (Sunday to Friday) and hop on. We have been several times and we love it!
If you’re heading to Lighthouse Beach, it’s worth stopping by Tacking Point Lighthouse while you’re there. It’s an easy walk up, and the views from the top are beautiful, perfect for a quick family photo or a bit of whale spotting if it’s the right time of year. You won’t need more than 20 minutes there unless the kids get into exploring, but it’s a nice way to break up the day and take in the coastline.
The Bowl
If the weather turns, there’s also The Bowl for a bit of indoor bowling or the Glasshouse Regional Gallery, which sometimes runs kids’ workshops or family-friendly exhibitions. And if you're after something active, the Coastal Walk is a beautiful way to explore the area—it's stroller-friendly in parts and you can tackle it in short sections.
Ricardoes Farm
At, Ricardoes strawberry and tomato farm you can pick your own strawberries straight from the vine, which is always a hit with little ones. It’s undercover too, so it’s a good wet weather option. There’s also a café on site serving up amazing scones, jam, and cream, plus a shop with local produce and preserves if you want to take something home. It’s not a full-day activity, but it’s a fun and tasty way to break up the day—and you’ll probably leave with a punnet (or two).
Stoney Park
If your kids are full of energy, this is a great place to let them burn it off. It’s set on a private lake just out of Port Macquarie and has heaps of space to run around, an inflatable obstacle course on the lake, you can swim, or try something new—like paddleboarding or even waterskiing for older kids. A good one for active families or those looking for something a bit different from the beach.
Timbertown
If you’ve got a day to spare and want to step back in time a bit, Timbertown in Wauchope (about 20 minutes from Port Macquarie) is a fun, hands-on outing for the kids. It’s a heritage village set up like an old timber town, complete with steam train rides, blacksmith demos, and horse and cart rides. Kids can pan for gold, explore the old buildings, and even meet a few farm animals. It’s all pretty low-key and spread out, so it’s great for kids who like to wander and explore at their own pace. Pack a hat, give the old-time sweets shop a visit, and be ready for lots of “wow” moments from little history lovers.
Places to Eat in Port Macquarie
There are plenty of family-friendly cafes and spots to grab an easy bite. Some of the favourites are:
Pancake Place
A long-time favourite with locals and visitors alike, Pancake Place is a go-to spot for families. The menu is packed with kid-friendly options, from classic pancakes to savoury dishes, means there's something for everyone. We didn't eat there this trip but when I asked readers on my facebook page, this was a favourite!
Blue Cow Gelato
For a sweet treat, Blue Cow Gelato has an amazing range of flavours made with quality ingredients. It's a perfect stop after a day at the beach or exploring the town. We LOVED the white chocolate and raspberry gelato. We had it both times! Also, they offer gluten free waffle cones, which Tully was thrilled about!
Salty Crew Kiosk
Salty Crew Kiosk is right at the beach so it's perfect for eating when you dn't want to leave the beach.. The menu features fresh, simple dishes that appeal to both kids and adults.
Settlers Inn
A family-friendly pub, Settlers Inn has a kids' play area, which is always a winner. The menu is classic pub food and it has a pretty relaxed setting. This one ranked high on the list of recommendations from my facebook followers too!
Have I missed anything you think should be included when visiting Port Macquarie? Let me know in the comments! And if you don't want to travel quite as far from Sydney, check out my review on Port Stephens with kids.
Leave a Reply