View source for Port Macquarie

{{distinguish|Fort Macquarie|Lake Macquarie}}
{{about|the city|the electoral district|Electoral district of Port Macquarie}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type         = city
| name         = Port Macquarie
| state        = NSW
| image        = {{Multiple image|align=center|total_width=300|perrow=1/2
| image1       = Light House Beach, Port Macquarie, NSW.jpg
| image2       = Port Macquarie 3.JPG
| image3       = Tacking Point Lighthouse qtl1 cropped.jpg
| footer       = Clockwise from top: Lighthouse Beach; Tacking Point Lighthouse; intersection of Clarence & Horton Streets, featuring Majestic Cinemas in the Ritz Centre}}
| coordinates  = {{coord|31|26|S|152|54|E|display=inline,title|dim:50km}}
| relief       = yes
| local_map    = 
| pop          = 51965
| pop_year     = 2023
| pop_footnotes = <ref name="Population">{{cite web | url=https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/regional-population/latest-release | title=Regional population, 2022-23 financial year &#124; Australian Bureau of Statistics | date=26 March 2024 }}</ref>
| postcode  = 2444
| elevation = 5
| dist1     = 390
| dir1      = NNE
| location1 = Sydney
| dist2     = 537
| dir2      = SSE
| location2 = Brisbane
| dist3     = 50
| dir3      = SSE
| location3 = [[Kempsey, New South Wales|Kempsey]]
| dist4     = 81
| dir4      = NNE
| location4 = [[Taree]]
| dist5     = 19
| dir5      = E
| location5 = [[Wauchope, New South Wales|Wauchope]]
| lga       = Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
| region    = [[Mid North Coast]]
| county    = [[Macquarie County|Macquarie]]
| parish    = Macquarie
| stategov  = [[Electoral district of Port Macquarie|Port Macquarie]]
| fedgov    = [[Division of Cowper|Cowper]]
| fedgov2   = [[Division of Lyne|Lyne]]
| maxtemp   = 23.6
| mintemp   = 12.7
| rainfall  = 1436.2
}}
'''Port Macquarie''', sometimes shortened to '''Port Mac''' and commonly locally nicknamed '''Port''',<ref>{{cite web | title=From Freo to the Gong: Search is on for Aussie town nicknames | date=16 August 2019 | url=https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/6330774/from-freo-to-the-gong-search-is-on-for-aussie-town-nicknames/ }}</ref> is a coastal city on the [[Mid North Coast]] of [[New South Wales]], Australia, {{convert|390|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} north of [[Sydney]], and {{convert|570|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} south of [[Brisbane]], on the [[Tasman Sea]] coast at the mouth of the [[Hastings River]], and the eastern end of the [[Oxley Highway]] (B56). It had a population of 47,974 in 2018,<ref name=ABSSUA>{{cite web|title=3218.0 – Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2017–18: Population Estimates by Significant Urban Area, 2008 to 2018|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3218.02017-18|website=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]|date=27 March 2019|access-date=25 October 2019}} Estimated resident population, 30 June 2018.</ref> and an estimated population of 51,965 in 2023.<ref name="Population"/>
{{TOC limit}}

==History==
===Indigenous===
Port Macquarie sits within Birpai (Biripi, Bripi, Biripai, [[Birrbay]]) country, and the Birpai people are recognised as the traditional custodians of the land on which Port Macquarie is located.<ref>[[Norman Tindale|Tindale, Norman Barnett]] (1974). "Birpai (NSW)". ''Aboriginal Tribes of Australia: Their Terrain, Environmental Controls, Distribution, Limits, and Proper Names''. Australian National University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-708-10741-6}}.</ref> Port Macquarie was long known to the Birpai people as Guruk.<ref>Tony Dawson, ''James Ralfe and the early surveys at Port Macquarie'', Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society, Vol. 104, No. 1, Jun 2018: [62]-82. [https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/INFORMIT.701710455619274 INFORMIT.701710455619274]</ref> The Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council provides positive support, information and responsible governance for the Aboriginal community, while also cultivating strong links with the broader community.<ref>{{Facebook|id=birpailalc|name=Birpai LALC}} {{access-date|12 May 2021}}</ref>

Before British colonisation, large clans of Birpai people resided in and around Port Macquarie, particularly at places such as King's Creek, Blackman's Point, Camden Haven and Rolland's Plains. They lived in large domed huts which provided protection against the region's heavy rains and were capable of accommodating up to ten people.<ref name="iaen" />

===British exploration===
The first documented visit to the site of Port Macquarie by the British was in 1818 when an expedition led by [[John Oxley]] reached the [[Pacific Ocean]] from the interior, after his journey to explore inland [[New South Wales]]. Oxley named the location after the [[Governor of New South Wales]], [[Lachlan Macquarie]].<ref name="oxley">{{cite book |last1=Oxley |first1=John |title=Journals of two expeditions into the Interior of New South Wales |date=1820 |publisher=John Murray |location=London |url=https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/e00037.html#ch-2-2}}</ref>

Oxley noted that "the natives in the vicinity of the port appeared very numerous...were all handsome, well-made men, stout in their persons, and showing evident signs of good living...were evidently acquainted with the use of firearms...their dread of its appearance", and that "the port abounds with fish, the sharks were larger and more numerous than I have ever before observed...the forest hills and rising grounds abounded with large kangaroos and the marshes afford shelter and support to innumerable wildfowl. Independent of the Hastings River, the area is generally well watered, there is a fine spring at the very entrance to the Port."<ref name="oxley" />

===Convict settlement===
In 1821, Port Macquarie was founded as a [[penal settlement]], replacing [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]] as the destination for convicts who had committed secondary crimes in New South Wales. Newcastle, which had fulfilled this role for the previous two decades, had lost the features required for a place for dumping irredeemable criminals, that being isolation, which was lost as the [[Hunter Region]] was opened up to farmers, and large amounts of hard labor, which had diminished as the cedar in the area ran out and the settlement grew in size.<ref name="iaen" />

Port Macquarie, however, with its thick bush, tough terrain, large military presence and [[Indigenous Australians]] such as [[Bob Barrett (Indigenous Australian)|Bob Barrett]] (also called Monunggal) who were employed as 'bush constables' returning escaped prisoners for tobacco and blankets, provided large amounts of both isolation and hard labour to keep the criminals in control. Under the various commandants, such as [[Francis Allman]] who was fond of [[flogging]], the convicts had limited liberties and punishments regularly included whippings of up to 50 lashes at a time and hard labour in double [[leg irons]].<ref name="iaen" />

The penal settlement lasted from April 1821 to June 1832. The settlement peaked with 1500 convicts by 1825 but by 1828 this had fallen to 530. The commanders of the settlement were:<ref name="iaen">{{cite book |last1=McLachlan |first1=Iaen |title=Place of Banishment, Port Macquarie 1818-1832 |date=1988 |publisher=Hale & Iremonger |location=Sydney |isbn=0868063177}}</ref>
* Captain [[Francis Allman]], April 1821 – April 1824
* Captain John Rolland, April 1824 – November 1824
* Lieutenant George Carmac, November 1824 – December 1824
* Captain Henry Gillman, January 1825 – February 1826
* Captain Samuel Wright, February 1826 – November 1826
* Captain [[Archibald Clunes Innes]], November 1826 – April 1827
* Lieutenant Thomas Owen, April 1827 – October 1827
* Captain Francis Crotty, October 1827 – June 1828
* Captain Henry Smyth, November 1828 – June 1832

During the 1820s, merchants such as [[Simeon Lord]] and [[Solomon Wiseman]] utilised the convict labour to extract large amounts of [[Toona ciliata|cedar]] and [[Didymocheton fraserianus|rosewood]] timber upriver from Port Macquarie.<ref name="iaen" /> [[Governor of New South Wales|Governor]] [[Ralph Darling]] later sent there many 'specials' or literate convicts with a decent education who had voiced negative views about him. As the penal settlement was wound down from the late 1820s, disabled convicts began to make up a significant proportion of the population. One-armed men would be grouped together and required to break stones, men with wooden legs would become delivery men, and the blind would often be given tasks during the night which they performed more skilfully than those with sight.<ref>[[Robert Hughes (critic)|Hughes, Robert]], ''[[The Fatal Shore]]'', London, Pan, 1988. ({{ISBN|0-330-29892-5}})</ref>

In November 1821, Port Macquarie became the site of the first sugar cane to be cultivated in Australia. James Williams, an Afro-American convict from [[Antigua]] with knowledge of cane-growing, was placed in charge.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wright |first1=Christine |title=Wellington's Men in Australia |date=2011 |publisher=Palgrave MacMillan |location=New York |isbn=9780230252301}}</ref> This colonial government funded plantation worked by convict labourers was later expanded to the nearby [[Rollands Plains]] and [[Ballengarra, New South Wales|Ballengarra]] areas under the management of Thomas A. Scott. Flood, drought and fire caused the plantations to be abandoned by 1831. Scott later lived near [[Gosford, New South Wales|Gosford]], where the suburb [[Tascott, New South Wales|Tascott]] is named after him.<ref name="iaen" />

[[File:St. Thomas' Church, Port Macquarie, 1832-1842 Joseph Backler a7469002h.jpg|thumb|[[St Thomas' Anglican Church, Port Macquarie|St Thomas' Church]], painted by [[Joseph Backler]] in the 1830s]]
[[St Thomas' Anglican Church, Port Macquarie|St Thomas's Anglican Church]] is a [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] building designed by [[Francis Greenway]] and built, under the supervision of military engineer Lieutenant T. Owen, by convicts from 1824 to 1828. This church is among the oldest in Australia and one of the few remaining convict-built churches. Inside there are red cedar [[box pew]]s that were peculiar to that period in church architecture.<ref>Donald, J. Kay: ''Exploring the North Coast and New England'', Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst, 1978, {{ISBN|0-86417-121-8}}</ref> The [[J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd|Walker]] pipe organ is the only one of its type in the [[Southern Hemisphere]]. The castellated tower permits excellent views of the coastline, town and river. This church is now classified by the [[National Trust of Australia]] (NSW) and has been registered on the National Estate heritage list.

In 1830 [[Archibald Clunes Innes|Major Archibald Clunes Innes]] built [[Lake Innes House Ruins|Lake Innes House]] which grew over the next decade into a luxurious establishment and attracted many notable visitors. It is now a ruin and is managed by the [[NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service]].

===Frontier conflict===
As the British encroached into the region from 1821, bloody conflict between the colonisers and the resident Indigenous people occurred. The first recorded incident happened in November 1821 where a convict cedar-getter was killed upriver from Port Macquarie.<ref name="iaen" /> In 1823, an exploratory party of soldiers shot down two groups of Aboriginal people near [[Telegraph Point, New South Wales|Telegraph Point]] and [[Ballengarra, New South Wales|Ballengarra]], causing those who survived to afterwards have great fear of the redcoats.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112739009 |title=Old Port Macquarie. |newspaper=[[The Port Macquarie News and Hastings River Advocate]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=22 January 1921 |accessdate=4 January 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>

In 1825, after two convict shingle-splitters were killed at Blackman's Point, a detachment of soldiers from the [[Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)|3rd Regiment of Foot]] were sent out on a [[punitive expedition]]. They shot dead a great number of Aboriginal people, afterwards raping then killing the captured females. This has become known as the Blackman's Point massacre.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112735677 |title=Old Port Macquarie. |newspaper=[[The Port Macquarie News and Hastings River Advocate]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=5 February 1921 |accessdate=4 January 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Blackman's Point Frontier Massacre |url=https://c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/colonialmassacres/detail.php?r=1062 |website=Colonial Frontier Massacres in Australia, 1788-1930 |publisher=University of Newcastle |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref>

In 1830, a stockman was killed by Aboriginal people at Rollands Plains, leading the commandant at the time, Captain Henry Smyth, to issue an edict prohibiting 'the natives' from carrying anything resembling weapons near the British settlements on pain of death.<ref name="iaen" /> In 1837, further violence occurred at Kogo where three cedar-getters were killed. Several Aboriginal men, including Wombarty and Terrimitchie were arrested for the crime. Terrimitchie was later found guilty and hanged in Port Macquarie. Frontier conflict in the region appears to have ended by the 1840s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32156703 |title=NEWS OF THE DAY. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Monitor]] |volume=XII |issue=1063 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=21 July 1837 |accessdate=4 January 2024 |page=2 (EVENING) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12414335 |title=NEWS FROM THE INTERIOR. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |volume=XVI |issue=2017 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=2 November 1843 |accessdate=4 January 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>

===Free settlement===
The region was first opened to settlers in 1830 and soon after the penal settlement was closed. Settlers quickly took advantage of the area's good pastoral land, timber resources and fisheries.
[[File:The St. Thomas' Church - Taken on the Tuesday, 27th October 2010 at 2-20pm. - panoramio.jpg|thumb|St Thomas' Anglican Church, 2010]]

The first land grants along the Hastings River were assigned in 1830 to people such as Jeremiah Warlters, William Cross and Matthew Mitchell.<ref name="iaen" />

===Township of Port Macquarie===
A town plan of Port Macquarie was produced by F. R. D'Arcy in 1831 and most of the first allotments were given out in the same year to military men associated with the penal colony such as Lieutenant Matthew Mitchell and Major A.C. Innes.<ref name="iaen" />

In 1840 the [[Oxley Highway#History|Wool Road]] from the [[Northern Tablelands]] was under construction to enable wool and other produce to be shipped from the port. Port Macquarie was declared a municipality in 1887, but the town never progressed as a port owing to a notorious [[Mouth bar|coastal bar]] across the mouth of the river.

Over 20 shipwrecks occurred in the Tacking Point area before a lighthouse was designed by [[James Barnet]] and erected there in 1879 by Shepard and Mortley. [[Tacking Point Lighthouse]] is classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Writer [[Louis Becke]] was born and grew up in the town in the 1860s and later recalled those days, saying Port Macquarie was an

{{blockquote|old-time town ... a quaint, sleepy little place of six hundred inhabitants, who spend their days in fishing and waiting for better times. There are two or three fairly good hotels, very pretty scenery along the coast and up the river, and a stranger can pass a month without suffering from ennui – that is, of course, if he is fond of fishing and shooting; if he is not, he should avoid going there, for it is the dullest coast town in New South Wales.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/port-macquarie-20080414-gdkq75.html |title=Port Macquarie|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=14 April 2008|access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301135840/https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/port-macquarie-20080414-gdkq75.html |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>}}

===Modern development and events===
In the 1970s, Grace Easterbrook, a retired secretary from Scotland, began a campaign against the [[high-rise]] developments which were multiplying up the coast. She led a group of citizen activists in lobbying against a large development on Windmill Hill and in other efforts to conserve the coast.<ref name =grace>{{cite web | title=Grace Easterbrook, the activist who helped Port Macquarie become a 'paradise' | first =Wiriya |last =Sati| website=ABC News |publisher =Australian Broadcasting Corporation| date=5 July 2020 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-06/grace-easterbrook-influence-on-port-macquarie/12403860 | access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref> In 1974, residents of Port Macquarie requested that the [[Builders Labourers Federation]] place a [[green ban]] against the construction of high rise buildings on beach head and water front.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://libcom.org/history/list-green-bans-1971-1974|title=List of green bans, 1971–1974|website=libcom.org|language=en|access-date=16 October 2019}}</ref> Easterbrook died in 1984, before the culmination of her conservation efforts, the beautiful coastal walks, were completed.<ref name =grace/>

Severe flooding occurred in March 2021 when the [[Hastings River]] flooded during a severe weather event affecting much of New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carmody |first1=James |last2=Stuart |first2=Riley |last3=Johnson |first3=Keely |title=Devastated couple's home floats away on their wedding day in NSW floods |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-21/nsw-weather-event-sweeps-away-couples-home-on-wedding-day/13264610 |access-date=22 March 2021 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=20 March 2021 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

== Heritage listings ==
Port Macquarie has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
*[[Port Macquarie First Burying Ground]]<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|5053340|Port Macquarie First (Allman Hill) Burying Ground 1822–1824|hr=01730|fn=S92/01219|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[Port Macquarie Government House Site]]<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|5051533|Port Macquarie Government House Site|hr=01517|fn=H00/00547H02/00064,H04/00091/8|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[Hastings Historical Society Museum]]<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|5045338|Hastings Historical Society Museum|hr=00326|fn=EF14/5188; S90/4750; HC33082|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[Overseers' Cottages Remains, Port Macquarie|Overseers' Cottages Remains]]<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|5060831|Archaeological Remains of Overseers' Cottages|hr=01813|fn=S95/00246|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[Old Port Macquarie Courthouse]]<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|5045478|Courthouse and Norfolk Island pines (former)|hr=00554|fn=S91/01366 & HC 871713|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[Port Macquarie Second Burying Ground]]<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|5053622|Port Macquarie Second Burying Ground 1824–1886|hr=01731|fn=H04/00360|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[St Thomas' Anglican Church, Port Macquarie|St Thomas' Anglican Church]]<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|5052865|St. Thomas' Anglican Church|hr=01653|fn=EF14/5195; H00/556; H04/91/9|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[Lake Innes House Ruins]]<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|5045031|Lake Innes House ruins and environs|hr=00997|fn=S90/05364|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>

== Population ==
{{Historical populations
|type= Australia
|1921|1563
|1933|1727
|1947|2905
|1954|4408
|1961|5717
|1966|7072
|1971|9448
|1976|13362
|1981|19581
|1986|22884
|1991|26768
|1996|33709
|2001|37696
|2006|39219
|2011|41491
|2016|44814
|2021|47793
|source=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]] data.<ref name="ABS Census data">{{cite web |title=Statistics by Catalogue Number |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/ViewContent?readform&view=ProductsbyCatalogue&Action=Expand&Num=2.2 |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref name="ABS Census data recent">{{cite web |title=Search Census data |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/search-by-area |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref>
}}

In 1847, the population was 819, of whom 599 were males and 220 were female.<ref>William Henry Wells (1848, facsimile edition 1970), ''A geographical dictionary or gazetteer of the Australian colonies 1848'', Sydney, State Library of New South Wales, p.346. {{ISBN|07240-9983-2}}</ref> The gender disparity was probably due to the penal station there at the time.

According to the [[2021 Australian census|2021 census]], there were 50,193 people in Port Macquarie urban area<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Port Macquarie, Census All persons QuickStats|url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/1028 |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref> and 86,762 in the local government area.

The estimated urban population of Port Macquarie has grown 1.8% on prior year and from 41,496 over the prior decade. Port Macquarie is expected to be the fastest growing place in New South Wales. The town is expected to grow from an estimated 43,655 people in 2009 to 58,888 in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portnews.com.au/news/local/news/general/were-the-states-boom-town/1557576.aspx |title=We're the State's Boom Town |publisher=Port News|date=3 July 2009 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006090144/http://www.portnews.com.au/news/local/news/general/were-the-states-boom-town/1557576.aspx |archive-date=6 October 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 5.3% of the population.
* 80.9% of people were born in Australia. The most common countries of birth were England 4.5%, New Zealand 1.6%, Philippines 0.6%, India 0.6% and South Africa 0.5%.
* 90.1% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Mandarin 0.3%, Nepali 0.3%, German 0.2%, Spanish 0.2%, and Tagalog 0.2%.
* The most common responses for religion were No Religion 37.7%, Catholic 21.7% and Anglican 18.0%.<ref name="census">{{Cite web |title=2021 Port Macquarie, Census All persons QuickStats|url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/1028 |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=Australian Bureau of Statistics}}</ref>

== General ==
Port Macquarie is a coastal destination, known for its extensive beaches and waterways. The town is also known for its [[koala]] population, being the home to the [[Billabong Zoo]] (a wildlife park and koala breeding centre) and the Koala Preservation Society's Koala Hospital, caring for koalas injured through bushfire, dog attacks and collisions with vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koalahospital.org.au/|title=Welcome to the Koala Hospital|publisher=Koala Hospital|access-date=7 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513091832/http://www.koalahospital.org.au/|archive-date=13 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016 the [[war memorial]] was relocated from Town Green to its original location at the intersection of Clarence and Horton Streets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pmhclistening.com.au/war-memorial-relocation|title=War Memorial Relocation|website=Port Macquarie Hastings Council|access-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509162415/http://pmhclistening.com.au/war-memorial-relocation|archive-date=9 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The residential suburbs stretch to Lighthouse Beach in the south, Thrumster to the west and to North Shore, on the northern bank of the river. In July 2010, Sovereign Hills began development in the west.

Port Macquarie was found to be the least affordable smaller market in Australia by Demographia's 2013 International Housing Affordability Survey.<ref>
{{cite web|title=Australia|url=http://www.demographia.com/dhi.pdf|work=International Housing Affordability Survey: 2013|publisher=Demographia|access-date=22 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123080849/http://www.demographia.com/dhi.pdf|archive-date=23 January 2013|url-status=live}}
</ref>

==Suburbs and localities==

=== Central business district ===
Port Macquarie's central business district contains two shopping centres, many specialty stores, a marina, and the starting point for the 9&nbsp;km coastal walk, a scenic walking trail that travels from Westport Park, through the Port Macquarie CBD to Tacking Point Lighthouse. The Glasshouse, a centrally located arts, conference and entertainment centre, includes a visitor-information facility. Bus services link the town with [[Laurieton]], [[Wauchope, New South Wales|Wauchope]], [[Kempsey, New South Wales|Kempsey]], [[Lake Cathie]] and [[Bonny Hills]].

The main shopping centre Port Central, sits next to the Glasshouse, a hub of culture and entertainment, boasting a 594-seat theatre, performance and art studio, gallery, visitor information centre, shop and theatre bar.

One of Australia's largest internet finance comparison websites, Credit Card Compare, now called Finty, was founded in Port Macquarie by Andrew and David Boyd.<ref>{{cite news|quote=Ballymena men David (36) and Andrew Boyd (37) set up Credit Card Compare as a joint project when David moved Down Under around 10 years ago. Now they've acquired 90% of Finty, a rewards-based financial comparison marketplace in Singapore that was launched in April last year. The company is headquartered in Port Macquarie on Australia's north coast.|title=Northern Ireland brothers behind Oz comparison website in major Asian deal|author=Margaret Canning|newspaper=[[Belfast Telegraph]]|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-brothers-behind-oz-comparison-website-in-major-asian-deal-37076794.html|date=4 July 2018|access-date=3 July 2023}}</ref>

Port Macquarie consists of 22 suburbs and localities that form its greater residential and regional footprint. These include Port Macquarie itself as the central hub, along with coastal suburbs such as Flynns Beach, Shelly Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills, Dunbogan, and Laurieton. Riverside and rural locations include Settlement Point, Hibbard, Blackmans Point, North Shore, Fernbank Creek, Rawdon Island, and Telegraph Point.

To the west and inland, suburbs like Lake Innes, King Creek, Sancrox, Thrumster, Ascot Park, and Clifton are growing residential and semi-rural communities. Emerald Downs adds a more established suburban character near town.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Matt |date=9 June 2025 |title=Port Macquarie list of suburbs |url=https://portsparky.com.au/electrical/port-places/ |access-date=24 July 2025}}</ref>

===Transit Hill===
Transit Hill to the south is crowned by telecommunication towers. The district is the site of two arterial roads which provide a direct link between Lighthouse Beach and Port Macquarie CBD. The main intersection of Pacific and Kennedy Drive is situated midway up Transit Hill. It is an area of high-priced real estate owing to ocean and city views. Transit Hill borders Lighthouse Beach, Dahlsford, Shelly Beach and Waniora.

===Sovereign Hills===
Sovereign Hills is a newer development in Port Macquarie, between the locality of Thrumster to the east, and the [[Pacific Highway, Australia|Pacific Highway]] to the west. Its development is currently managed by the Lewis Land Group. Most recent press releases have suggested that the area will have around 2500 homes when complete.<ref>[http://sovereignhills.com.au/sovereign-hills-biggest-residential-precinct-approved/ "Sovereign Hills Biggest Residential Precinct Approved"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318095853/http://www.sovereignhills.com.au/sovereign-hills-biggest-residential-precinct-approved/ |date=18 March 2018 }}, Sovereign Hills, 6 February 2018, viewed 7 July 2018</ref>

St Joseph's Regional College moved from its previous location on Warlters Street to Sovereign Hills in 2009.<ref>St Joseph's Regional College, viewed 7 July 2018. http://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/about-us/our-college/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707172505/http://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/about-us/our-college/ |date=7 July 2018 }}</ref> A town centre is planned for opening in 2019, and has been advertised to initially include a supermarket, pharmacy and café.<ref>'Town Centre', Sovereign Hills, viewed 7 July 2018. http://sovereignhills.com.au/live/town-centre/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702142640/http://sovereignhills.com.au/live/town-centre/ |date=2 July 2018 }}</ref> The local organisation Hastings Co-Op has announced that they will operate the supermarket to be built in this new town centre.<ref>'Major Sovereign Hills development announced', Hastings Co-Op, 23 November 2017. viewed 7 July 2018. https://www.hastingscoop.com.au/sites/default/files/2017-11/Sovereign%20Hills%27%20announcement%20MR%2023.11.17.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321022723/https://www.hastingscoop.com.au/sites/default/files/2017-11/Sovereign%20Hills%27%20announcement%20MR%2023.11.17.pdf |date=21 March 2018 }}</ref>

As of 2024, Sovereign Place Town Centre (shopping centre) features various outlets, including a grocery store, chemist, fitness centre and multiple restaurants and health and beauty services.<ref>Sovereign Place Town Centre, viewed 12 August 2024. https://www.sovereignhills.com.au/town-centre/town-centre</ref>

== Beaches and attractions ==
[[File:Port Macquarie Town Beach pano.jpg|thumb|center|upright 3|Panoramic view of Town Beach, with the mouth of the [[Hastings River]] at left]]

Beaches (in order from north to south) are: North Shore (a short ferry trip is required to reach North Shore), Town Beach, Oxley Beach, Rocky Beach, Flynns Beach, Nobbys Beach, Shelly Beach, Miners Beach (unofficial clothing-optional<ref>
{{cite web|title=Miners Beach|url=http://www.naturistdirectory.com/Australia/1423/Miners-Beach|website=Naturist Directory|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116225443/http://www.naturistdirectory.com/Australia/1423/Miners-Beach|archive-date=16 November 2016|url-status=live}}
</ref>) and Lighthouse Beach. Only Town, Flynns and Lighthouse Beaches are staffed by [[surf life saving club]]s. Lighthouse Beach is patrolled at only the northern end. Dogs can be walked off-leash at Nobbys Beach and at Lighthouse Beach, south of Watonga Rocks.

As a tourist destination Port Macquarie contains several major attractions aimed at providing visitors with a range of experiences.  These include scenic, historic, educational and recreational themes.

For example, [[Sea Acres National Park]] is adjacent to Shelly Beach and contains a [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/visitor-centres/sea-acres-rainforest-centre Visitor Centre] with an access controlled rainforest boardwalk and cafe.  The ''Coastal Walk'' follows several kilometres of beaches and rugged coastline from the heart of town to [[Tacking Point Lighthouse]].

[https://www.billabongzoo.com.au/ '''Billabong Zoo'''] and the [https://koalaconservationaustralia.org.au/ '''Koala Hospital'''] offer educational interactions with wildlife.  The [https://portmuseum.org.au/ '''Port Macquarie Museum'''] and the [https://maritimemuseumpmq.org.au/ '''Mid North Coast Maritime Museum'''] offer a glimpse into the rich history of Port Macquarie.  [https://douglasvale.com.au/ '''Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Winery'''] and [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/roto-house '''Roto House'''] offer an insight into life in a bygone era.

[https://www.pmobservatory.org.au/ '''Port Macquarie Astronomical Observatory'''] is an exceptional, recently rebuilt facility offering space and science related presentations and views of the night sky through its 14" telescope.

==Climate==

Port Macquarie has a [[humid subtropical climate]] (''[[Köppen climate classification|Cfa]]'') with warm, humid summers and short, mild winters, albeit with cool nights.<ref>[https://www.discoverportmacquarie.com.au/port-macquarie-weather.html Port Macquarie Weather] Discover Media Australia. Retrieved 31 August 2023.</ref> Rainfall is spread throughout the year. In winter and spring, the town can occasionally be affected by [[southeast Australian foehn|foehn winds]] due to its leeward position of the [[Great Dividing Range]].<ref>[https://www.willyweather.com.au/news/5291/rain+shadows.html Rain Shadows] by Don White. Australian Weather News. Willy Weather. Retrieved 24 May 2021.</ref> The town receives 118.9 clear days annually. In addition, it is the northernmost locality on the coast to receive [[southerly buster]]s, although they are not as intense as those in the southern coast.

According to the [[CSIRO]], Port Macquarie was considered the best climate in Australia due to its mild winters and pleasant summers, and also for its warm water for most of the year that is suited for swimming.<ref>[https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/guide-at-a-glance-port-macquarie-20120713-21zqx.html Guide at a glance: Port Macquarie] by Ross Barnett from [[Sydney Morning Herald]]. July 15, 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2023.</ref>

Originally weather recordings were made at a site in Hill St. within the suburban area.  These readings began in 1842 and the site closed on 28 October 2003. Some data was still available to 31 July 2010.<ref>[https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_060026.shtml] Bureau of Meteorology site 060026</ref>  Recordings began at the Port Macquarie Airport in 1995 <ref>[https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_060139.shtml] Bureau of Meteorology site 060139</ref> providing some overlap of data.

The change has both slightly increased annual mean daily maximum temperature and reduced annual mean daily minimum temperatures by 1.6 and 0.3 degrees respectively.  Mean annual rainfall measured at the new site is reduced from 1534mm p.a. over 150 years at Hill St. to 1397mm p.a. over the 26 year period of readings at the Airport.  These variations may alter with a longer period of measurement.  More information is shown in the following tables.

{{Weather box
|location = Port Macquarie (Port Macquarie Airport AWS, 1995–2020)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 41.9
|Feb record high C = 46.6
|Mar record high C = 34.5
|Apr record high C = 33.5
|May record high C = 30.1
|Jun record high C = 26.8
|Jul record high C = 27.1
|Aug record high C = 34.6
|Sep record high C = 38.2
|Oct record high C = 39.4
|Nov record high C = 38.6
|Dec record high C = 43.3

|Jan high C = 28.0
|Feb high C = 27.7
|Mar high C = 26.5
|Apr high C = 24.4
|May high C = 21.7
|Jun high C = 19.5
|Jul high C = 19.0
|Aug high C = 20.3
|Sep high C = 22.7
|Oct high C = 24.1
|Nov high C = 25.4
|Dec high C = 26.9
|year high C = 23.8
|Jan mean C = 23.2
|Feb mean C = 23.0
|Mar mean C = 21.8
|Apr mean C = 19.1
|May mean C = 16.0
|Jun mean C = 13.9
|Jul mean C = 12.6
|Aug mean C = 13.4
|Sep mean C = 16.0
|Oct mean C = 19.6
|Nov mean C = 20.2
|Dec mean C = 21.9
|Jan low C = 18.5
|Feb low C = 18.4
|Mar low C = 17.1
|Apr low C = 13.9
|May low C = 10.3
|Jun low C = 8.3
|Jul low C = 6.3
|Aug low C = 6.6
|Sep low C = 9.3
|Oct low C = 12.1
|Nov low C = 15.1
|Dec low C = 16.9
|year low C = 12.7
|Jan record low C = 9.5
|Feb record low C = 10.6
|Mar record low C = 7.9
|Apr record low C = 5.0
|May record low C = -3.5
|Jun record low C = -2.9
|Jul record low C = -3.0
|Aug record low C = -2.4
|Sep record low C = 0.6
|Oct record low C = 2.0
|Nov record low C = 4.2
|Dec record low C = 7.5
|year record low C = -3.5
|rain colour=green
|Jan rain mm = 155.3
|Feb rain mm = 165.5
|Mar rain mm = 176.0
|Apr rain mm = 139.0
|May rain mm = 114.4
|Jun rain mm = 140.6
|Jul rain mm = 64.0
|Aug rain mm = 69.2
|Sep rain mm = 61.8
|Oct rain mm = 73.1
|Nov rain mm = 154.8
|Dec rain mm = 108.0
|year rain mm = 1416.7
|Jan precipitation days = 12.2
|Feb precipitation days = 13.2
|Mar precipitation days = 15.2
|Apr precipitation days = 13.5
|May precipitation days = 13.0
|Jun precipitation days = 11.8
|Jul precipitation days = 10.5
|Aug precipitation days = 8.5
|Sep precipitation days = 9.3
|Oct precipitation days = 10.2
|Nov precipitation days = 13.9
|Dec precipitation days = 12.5
|year precipitation days = 143.8
|Jan afthumidity = 65
|Feb afthumidity = 66
|Mar afthumidity = 65
|Apr afthumidity = 64
|May afthumidity = 61
|Jun afthumidity = 60
|Jul afthumidity = 55
|Aug afthumidity = 52
|Sep afthumidity = 56
|Oct afthumidity = 59
|Nov afthumidity = 65
|Dec afthumidity = 64
|year humidity = 61
|Jan dew point C = 18.7
|Feb dew point C = 18.9
|Mar dew point C = 17.6
|Apr dew point C = 14.9
|May dew point C = 11.8
|Jun dew point C = 9.7
|Jul dew point C = 7.6
|Aug dew point C = 7.8
|Sep dew point C =  10.8
|Oct dew point C =  13.0
|Nov dew point C =  15.6
|Dec dew point C = 17.2
|source = [[Bureau of Meteorology]]<ref>{{BoM Aust stats|site_ref=cw_060139_All|site_name=Port Macquarie Airport AWS|access-date=25 July 2017}}</ref>
}}

Previous site, Port Macquarie (Hill Street). This site is now closed and data is now taken from the airport AWS which is located 4.4&nbsp;km away.
{{Weather box
|location = Port Macquarie (Hill Street) – 1842–2003
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 41.2
|Feb record high C = 33.5
|Mar record high C = 35.0
|Apr record high C = 33.3
|May record high C = 30.1
|Jun record high C = 26.7
|Jul record high C = 28.0
|Aug record high C = 29.4
|Sep record high C = 34.4
|Oct record high C = 38.3
|Nov record high C = 42.3
|Dec record high C = 41.0

|Jan high C = 25.7
|Feb high C = 25.9
|Mar high C = 25.1
|Apr high C = 23.2
|May high C = 20.7
|Jun high C = 18.5
|Jul high C = 17.9
|Aug high C = 18.8
|Sep high C = 20.4
|Oct high C = 21.8
|Nov high C = 23.3
|Dec high C = 24.7
|year high C = 22.2
|Jan low C = 18.3
|Feb low C = 18.4
|Mar low C = 17.1
|Apr low C = 14.1
|May low C = 10.9
|Jun low C = 8.5
|Jul low C = 7.2
|Aug low C = 7.7
|Sep low C = 9.9
|Oct low C = 12.8
|Nov low C = 15.2
|Dec low C = 17.1
|year low C = 13.1
|Jan record low C = 10.0
|Feb record low C = 11.7
|Mar record low C = 8.2
|Apr record low C = 7.2
|May record low C = 1.4
|Jun record low C = 0.0
|Jul record low C = -0.6
|Aug record low C = 0.6
|Sep record low C = 2.2
|Oct record low C = 3.6
|Nov record low C = 5.1
|Dec record low C = 9.8
|year record low C = -0.6
|rain colour=green
|Jan rain mm = 152.3
|Feb rain mm = 178.1
|Mar rain mm = 175.2
|Apr rain mm = 167.3
|May rain mm = 144.3
|Jun rain mm = 133.2
|Jul rain mm = 97.6
|Aug rain mm = 81.3
|Sep rain mm = 81.4
|Oct rain mm = 94.0
|Nov rain mm = 104.1
|Dec rain mm = 126.5
|year rain mm = 1534.6
|Jan precipitation days = 12.4
|Feb precipitation days = 13.2
|Mar precipitation days = 14.1
|Apr precipitation days = 12.6
|May precipitation days = 11.3
|Jun precipitation days = 10.0
|Jul precipitation days = 9.1
|Aug precipitation days = 8.5
|Sep precipitation days = 8.8
|Oct precipitation days = 10.5
|Nov precipitation days = 11.0
|Dec precipitation days = 11.2
|year precipitation days = 132.7
|Jan afthumidity = 75
|Feb afthumidity = 75
|Mar afthumidity = 74
|Apr afthumidity = 70
|May afthumidity = 68
|Jun afthumidity = 66
|Jul afthumidity = 63
|Aug afthumidity = 62
|Sep afthumidity = 66
|Oct afthumidity = 70
|Nov afthumidity = 73
|Dec afthumidity = 75
|year humidity = 70
|Jan dew point C = 19.4
|Feb dew point C = 19.6
|Mar dew point C = 18.5
|Apr dew point C = 16.0
|May dew point C = 12.9
|Jun dew point C = 10.3
|Jul dew point C = 8.7
|Aug dew point C = 9.3
|Sep dew point C =  11.7
|Oct dew point C =  14.3
|Nov dew point C =  16.2
|Dec dew point C = 18.1
|source = [[Bureau of Meteorology]]<ref name=BOMHillStreet>{{BoM Aust stats|site_ref=cw_060026_All|site_name=Port Macquarie (Hill Street)|access-date=25 July 2017}}</ref>
}}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center;"
! colspan=15 |Port Macquarie (Hill Street) Rainfall data 1840–2010
|-
! colspan=15 | millimetres (inches)
|-
! style="background:#ddd; height:16px;"| Month
! style="background:#ddd;"| Jan
! style="background:#ddd;"| Feb
! style="background:#ddd;"| Mar
! style="background:#ddd;"| Apr
! style="background:#ddd;"| May
! style="background:#ddd;"| Jun
! style="background:#ddd;"| Jul
! style="background:#ddd;"| Aug
! style="background:#ddd;"| Sep
! style="background:#ddd;"| Oct
! style="background:#ddd;"| Nov
! style="background:#ddd;"| Dec
! style="background:#ddd;"| Annual
|-
! style="height:16px; border-right:1px #fff;"|Average rainfall
| {{convert|152.3|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|178.1|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|175.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|167.3|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|144.3|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|133.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|97.6|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|81.3|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|81.4|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|94.0|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|104.1|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|126.5|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|1515.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
|-
! style="height:16px; border-right:1px #fff;"|Highest Daily rainfall
| {{convert|274.6|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|212.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|259.6|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|298.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|140.7|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|180.1|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|140.7|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|142.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|149.4|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|150.6|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|273.3|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|205.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|298.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}

|-
! style="height:16px; border-right:1px #fff;"|Highest Monthly rainfall
| {{convert|1387.6|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|844.5|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|678.0|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|619.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|916.4|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|651.5|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|774.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|775.5|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|355.8|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|419.5|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|462.0|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|636.7|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|3204.4|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
|-
! style="height:16px; border-right:1px #fff;"|Lowest rainfall
| {{convert|5.7|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|1.8|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|9.8|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|7.2|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|6.9|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|3.3|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|0.5|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|0.0|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|0.0|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|9.4|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|1.6|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|8.1|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|734.0|mm|in|1|abbr=values}}
|-
| colspan="16" style="background:#ddd;"| <small>Source: Bureau of Meteorology.<ref name=BOMHillStreet /></small>
|}

==Media==

===Television===
All major digital-only television channels are available in Port Macquarie. The networks and the channels they broadcast are listed as follows:

* [[Seven Network|Seven]] (formerly [[Prime7]] and Prime Television), [[7two]], [[7mate]], [[7Bravo]], [[7flix]]. [[Seven Network]] owned and operated channels.
* [[Nine Network|Nine]] ([[NBN (TV station)|NBN]]), [[9Go!]], [[9Gem]] and [[9Life]]. [[Nine Network]] owned and operated channels.
* [[Network 10|10]], [[10 Bold Drama|10 Drama]] and [[10 Peach Comedy|10 Comedy]]. [[Network 10]] owned and operated channels.
* [[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC]], [[ABC Family (Australian TV channel)|ABC Family]], [[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]], [[ABC Entertains]] and [[ABC News (Australian TV channel)|ABC News]], part of the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]].
* [[SBS (Australian TV channel)|SBS]], [[SBS Viceland]], [[SBS World Movies]], [[SBS WorldWatch]], [[SBS Food]] and [[NITV]], part of the [[Special Broadcasting Service]].

Of the three main commercial networks:
*The [[Seven Network]] airs a half-hour local [[Seven News]] bulletin for the North Coast at 6 pm each weeknight. It is broadcast from studios in [[Canberra]] with reporters based at a local newsroom in the town.
*[[NBN (TV station)|Nine]] airs ''NBN News'', a regional hour-long program including opt-outs for the Mid North Coast, every night at 6 pm. It is broadcast from studios in [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]] with reporters based at a local newsroom in the town.
*[[Network 10]] airs short local news updates throughout the day, broadcast from its [[Hobart]] studios.

===Radio===
[[ABC Mid North Coast]] has its studio located on Lord Street in the town which broadcasts local news and programming across the [[Mid North Coast]] on 95.5 FM and 756 AM.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/midnorthcoast|title=Home page|work=[[ABC Mid North Coast]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=13 October 2013}}</ref>

The [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] also broadcasts [[Triple J]] on 96.3 FM, [[ABC Classic FM]] on 98.7FM, and [[Radio National]] on 97.1FM.

Other radio stations that broadcast to Port Macquarie are [[Triple M|Triple M Mid North Coast]] on 100.7 FM, [[Hit Network|hit Mid North Coast]] on 102.3 FM, [[Raw FM (Australian radio network)|Raw FM]] on 87.6 FM and community based stations: 2MC FM on 106.7 FM and 2WAY FM on 103.9 FM.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://midnorthcoast.nsw.guide/Local-Radio |title=Local Community and Commercial Radio Stations in Mid North Coast, NSW |access-date=17 September 2024}}</ref>

===Newspapers===
The town is served by these local newspapers:
*The Port Macquarie Express
*Port Macquarie Independent 
*Port Macquarie News

== Educational facilities ==
[[File:Prt Macquarie 1.JPG|thumb|Nobby Head, Port Macquarie]]
'''Preschools/child care'''
*Bangalay Child Care Centre Port Macquarie
*Blooming Kids Early Learning and Long Day Care Centre
*Columba Cottage Early Learning Centre
*Fernhill Road Preschool and Long Day Care Centre
*Goodstart Early Learning Port Macquarie
*Hastings Preschool and Long Day Care Centre
*Joey's House Early Education Centre
*Lighthouse Child Care Centre
*Moruya Drive Child Care Centre
*Port Macquarie Community Preschool
*Port Macquarie Early Learning Centre
*Portside Preschool and Long Day Care Centre
*St Agnes Early Education Centre
*St.Joseph's Family Services
*St.Joseph's Preschool and Long Day Care Centre

=== Primary schools ===

==== Public schools ====
* Port Macquarie Public School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portmac-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/home.node |title=Port Macquarie Public School &#124; Home |publisher=Portmac-p.schools.nsw.edu.au |access-date=8 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111125405/http://www.portmac-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/home.node |archive-date=11 January 2010}}</ref>
* [https://hastings-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/ Hastings Public School]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hastings-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/home.node |title=Hastings Public School &#124; Home |publisher=Hastings-p.schools.nsw.edu.au |access-date=8 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006021132/http://www.hastings-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/home.node |archive-date=6 October 2009}}</ref>
* Tacking Point Public School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tackingpt-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ |title=Tacking Point Public School, Home Page |publisher=Tackingpt-p.schools.nsw.edu.au |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830152036/http://www.tackingpt-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ |archive-date=30 August 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Westport Public School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westport-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ |title=Westport Public School |publisher=westport-p.schools.nsw.edu.au |access-date=21 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205191330/http://www.westport-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ |archive-date=5 February 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Catholic schools ====
* St Joseph's Primary School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pmacjlism.catholic.edu.au/ |title=St Joseph's Primary School, Port Macquarie – Home |publisher=Pmacjlism.catholic.edu.au |date=20 January 2008 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111025916/http://www.pmacjlism.catholic.edu.au/ |archive-date=11 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* St Peter's Primary School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pmacplism.catholic.edu.au/ |title=St Peter's Primary School, Port Macquarie – Home |publisher=Pmacplism.catholic.edu.au |date=20 January 2008 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225080945/http://www.pmacplism.catholic.edu.au/ |archive-date=25 February 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* St Agnes' Primary School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pmacalism.catholic.edu.au/ |title=St Agnes' Primary School, Port Macquarie – Home |publisher=Pmacalism.catholic.edu.au |date=20 January 2008 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622235855/http://www.pmacalism.catholic.edu.au/ |archive-date=22 June 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Other private schools ====

* Port Macquarie Adventist School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portmacquarie.adventist.edu.au/ |title=Port Macquarie Adventist School – Home |publisher=Portmacquarie.adventist.edu.au |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911234353/http://portmacquarie.adventist.edu.au/ |archive-date=11 September 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Heritage Christian School (Kindergarten to Year 12)<ref name="Heritage.nsw.edu.au">{{cite web |url=http://www.heritage.nsw.edu.au/ |title=Welcome to Heritage Christian School |publisher=Heritage.nsw.edu.au |date=3 March 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030072843/http://www.heritage.nsw.edu.au/ |archive-date=30 October 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* St Columba Anglican School (Kindergarten to Year 12)<ref name="scas.nsw.edu.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.scas.nsw.edu.au/|title=Welcome to St Columba Anglican School|publisher=scas.nsw.edu.au|access-date=14 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030171019/http://www.scas.nsw.edu.au/|archive-date=30 October 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== High schools ===

==== Public schools ====
* Hasting Secondary College<ref name="HSC">
{{cite web|url=http://www.hastingssecondarycollege.schools.nsw.edu.au/|title=Hastings Secondary College|publisher=Hastings Secondary College|access-date=22 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822110031/http://www.hastingssecondarycollege.schools.nsw.edu.au/|archive-date=22 August 2016|url-status=live}}
</ref>
** Port Macquarie Campus (formerly Port Macquarie High School)<ref name="HSC"/>
** Westport Campus (formerly Westport High School)<ref name="HSC"/>

==== Catholic schools ====

* St Joseph's Regional College<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/|title=St. Joseph's Regional College|access-date=7 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504185116/http://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/|archive-date=4 May 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
* MacKillop College (formerly St. Paul's High School & MacKillop Senior College)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pmaclism.catholic.edu.au/|title=Mackillop College|publisher=Mackillop College|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412210108/http://pmaclism.catholic.edu.au/|archive-date=12 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Newman Senior Technical College (Year 11 and 12)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newman.nsw.edu.au/ |title=Newman Senior Technical College |publisher=Newman.nsw.edu.au |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803161316/http://www.newman.nsw.edu.au/ |archive-date=3 August 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Private schools ====

* Heritage Christian School (Kindergarten to Year 12)<ref name="Heritage.nsw.edu.au"/>
* St Columba Anglican School (Kindergarten to Year 12)<ref name="scas.nsw.edu.au"/>

=== Tertiary educational facilities ===
[[File:Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie campus.jpg|alt=Charles Sturt University campus, Port Macquarie|thumb|Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie campus]]
Three universities and TAFE offer a range of courses in Port Macquarie, as well as other vocational institutions. [[Charles Sturt University]] opened a new campus in 2016, and offers courses in Creative Industries, Psychology, Medical Imaging and Medical Radiation Science, Environmental Sciences, Paramedicine, Social Work, Business Studies and Accounting, Criminal Justice Studies, Exercise Sports Science and Physiotherapy, among others. Nursing will be offered from 2020. There is a [[TAFE]] campus for further qualifications and pathway options into higher education. Courses are also offered by the [[University of Newcastle (Australia)|University of Newcastle]] through the TAFE campus. The University of New South Wales has run a clinical school from Port Macquarie since 2007, and now runs the complete six-year medical degree from this Campus. The growth in tertiary educational options in the region has been in response to significant research designed to retain young people in the area and contribute to the growth of the educational standards for the Hastings region.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

== Transport links ==
[[File:Port Macquarie Airport.jpg|alt=Entrance and signage at Port Macquarie Airport|thumb|[[Port Macquarie Airport]]]]
[[Port Macquarie Airport]] ({{cvt|4|km|mi|disp=sqbr}} west of town) has regular flights to [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]] with [[QantasLink]] (five times daily) and [[Virgin Australia]] (twice daily), and to [[Lord Howe Island]] with QantasLink and [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]] with Virgin Australia.

There is no railway station in Port Macquarie. However, the Port Macquarie CBD and northern suburbs are served by the nearby [[Wauchope railway station]] (17&nbsp;km west of town), and the southern suburbs including satellite towns of [[Lake Cathie]] and [[Laurieton]] are served by [[Kendall railway station]] ({{cvt|30|km|mi|disp=sqbr}} southwest). Both stations are on the [[North Coast railway line, New South Wales|North Coast Line]] operated by [[NSW TrainLink]] with three services daily in each direction towards either [[Central railway station, Sydney|Sydney]] or northwards to [[Grafton railway station, New South Wales|Grafton]], [[Casino railway station|Casino]] and [[Roma Street railway station|Brisbane]].<ref>[https://transportnsw.info/regional-north-coast-line North Coast timetable] [[NSW TrainLink]]</ref> There is a railway-operated connecting bus service available from Wauchope railway station to the Port Macquarie CBD. The largest local bus operator is [[Busways]] while long distance services are operated by [[Greyhound Australia]] and [[Premier Transport Group|Premier Motor Service]].<ref>[https://www.busways.com.au/taxonomy/term/360 Port Macquarie] [[Busways]]</ref>

Road access is via the [[Pacific Highway, Australia|Pacific]] and [[Oxley Highway|Oxley]] Highways. The Pacific Highway lies between Port Macquarie and Wauchope, and is the main road for tourists travelling from coastal areas.

Four significant nearby road projects have been completed in recent years to help with road traffic issues in the area:
* Pacific Highway – Karuah to [[Bulahdelah]] section 2 and 3<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.k2b.abigroup.com.au/ |title=Karuah to Bulahdelah sections 2 and 3 |publisher=[[Abigroup]]|access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911085428/http://www.k2b.abigroup.com.au/ |archive-date=11 September 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> (Karuah to Bulahdelah section 1 – Completed December 2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bh.com.au/k2b1/|title=Karuah to Bulahdelah Section One|website=bh.com.au|publisher=[[Roads & Traffic Authority]]|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831224516/http://www.bh.com.au/k2b1/|archive-date=31 August 2007}}</ref>
* Pacific Highway – Bulahdelah Bypass<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/constructionmaintenance/majorconstructionprojectsregional/pacifichighwayupgrade/bulahdelah/index.html |title=Bulahdelah upgrade |publisher=Roads & Traffic Authority|date=4 May 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918164531/http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/constructionmaintenance/majorconstructionprojectsregional/pacifichighwayupgrade/bulahdelah/index.html |archive-date=18 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://taree.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?story_id=1027551 |title=? |publisher=taree.yourguide.com.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221054947/http://taree.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?story_id=1027551 |archive-date=21 December 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auslink.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=NSWUA0007 |title=Project Details |publisher=auslink.gov.au |access-date=8 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719232419/http://www.auslink.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=nswua0007 |archive-date=19 July 2008}}</ref> The Bulahdelah bypass/upgrade fills the only missing Pacific Highway link between Hexham and Port Macquarie after the opening of the Karuah to Bulahdelah section(s) 2 and 3 and the Coopernook to Herons Creek upgrade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/jl/releases/2006/May/l50_2006.htm |publisher=New South Wales Department of Local Government, Territories and Roads |title=Bulahdelah Bypass Funding Approved |date=21 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070902152200/http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/jl/releases/2006/May/l50_2006.htm |archive-date=2 September 2007}}</ref>
* Pacific Highway – Coopernook to Herons Creek.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.c2hc.com.au/index.html |title=Coopernook to Herons Creek website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927202936/http://www.c2hc.com.au/index.html |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://taree.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=1040894&category=general |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070901072335/http://taree.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=1040894&category=general |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 September 2007 |title=Moorland truck stop's uncertain future |publisher=taree.yourguide.com.au}}</ref>
* The Oxley Highway upgrade, from a 2 lane undivided road to a 4-lane divided carriageway, from Wrights Road to the Pacific Highway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://163.189.7.150/constructionmaintenance/majorconstructionprojectsregional/northcoast/oxleyhwy/index.html |title=RTA; Oxley Highway Upgrade – Wrights Road to the Pacific Highway Port Macquarie |publisher=163.189.7.150 |access-date=8 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309210421/http://163.189.7.150/constructionmaintenance/majorconstructionprojectsregional/northcoast/oxleyhwy/index.html |archive-date=9 March 2011}}</ref>

These four projects are all from the [[AusLink]] funding on a joint basis from the Commonwealth and the state of NSW making equal financial contributions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/mv/releases/2007/May/TRS02_budget_2007.htm |title=AusLink budget 2007/08 – Pressing ahead with the pacific and hume highways |publisher=ministers.dotars.gov.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070903185900/http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/mv/releases/2007/May/TRS02_budget_2007.htm |archive-date=3 September 2007 }}</ref>

== Annual events ==
Notable events held in the Port Macquarie area include:<ref>
{{cite web|url=http://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-macquarie-area|title=Port Macquarie Area|publisher=Destination NSW|access-date=7 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428161719/http://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-macquarie-area|archive-date=28 April 2013|url-status=live}}
</ref>
* ArtWalk (variable dates mid year)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Community-Culture/Arts-and-Culture/ArtWalk|title=ArtWalk|access-date=14 March 2023}}</ref>
* Mountain Bike Festival of Australia – Port Macquarie (first weekend of June)
* [[Festival of the Sun]] (December)<ref>
{{cite web|url=http://fotsun.com/|title=Introducing Fotsun 2013|publisher=Festival of the Sun|access-date=7 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509034816/http://fotsun.com/|archive-date=9 May 2013|url-status=live}}
</ref>
* NSW Touch State Cup (first weekend in December)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nswtouch.com.au/representative/state-cup/|title=State Cup|date=2016|publisher=NSW Touch|access-date=10 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429190600/http://www.nswtouch.com.au/representative/state-cup/ |archive-date=29 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* NSW Touch Junior State Cup (February)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nswtouch.com.au/representative/junior-state-cup/|title=Junior State Cup|date=2021|publisher=NSW Touch|access-date=10 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803030819/http://www.nswtouch.com.au/representative/junior-state-cup |archive-date=3 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Port Macquarie Kart Racing Club's Pacific Coast Titles<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portmacquariekartclub.com.au/pacific-coast-titles|title=Pacific Coast Titles|publisher=Port Macquarie Kart Racing Club|access-date=4 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220051018/http://www.portmacquariekartclub.com.au/pacific-coast-titles|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Hello Koalas Festival, established 2017, is the world's first festival celebrating the [[koala]] and is held annually in September. Port Macquarie has the largest koala population on the east coast of Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hellokoalas.com/festival/|title=About the Hello Koalas Festival|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219031212/http://www.hellokoalas.com/festival/|archive-date=19 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* AFT International Sports Fitness Festival.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2023/10/port-macquarie-celebrates-sports-inclusivity-with-the-aft-international-sports-fitness-festival-this-november-4-5-3/24889/ | title=Port Macquarie celebrates sports inclusivity with the AFT International Sports Fitness Festival this November 4–5 - News Hub | date=19 October 2023 }}</ref> Highlights include the Move8 VR Walk-a-Hunt which promotes Sports Inclusion, Health Talks & Workshops and a showcase of Youth in Sports.
* IronMan Australia<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ironman Australia |url=https://www.ironman.com/races/im-australia |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=www.ironman.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Race the Sunset - Runhaven Running Festival<ref>{{Cite web |title=Running festival Camden Haven {{!}} Camden Haven NSW, Australia |url=https://www.runhaven.com.au/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=RunHaven |language=en}}</ref>

== Notable people ==
* [[Ryley Batt]] (born 1989), wheelchair rugby player, four-time Paralympian.
* [[James Magnussen]] (born 1991), Olympic swimming medallist<ref>[http://corporate.olympics.com.au/athlete/james-magnussen James Magnussen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311142442/http://corporate.olympics.com.au/athlete/james-magnussen |date=11 March 2014 }}, [[Australian Olympic Committee]]
</ref>
* [[George Lewis Becke]] (1855–1913), author
* [[Phil Carey (rugby league)|Phil Carey]] (born 1960), rugby league player
* [[Nick Cummins]] (born 1987), rugby union player
* [[Nabil Elderkin]] (born 1982), Attended Port Macquarie High School. Film and music video director and photographer. 
* [[Michael Eppelstun]], first Australian to be world [[bodyboarding]] champion (1993)<ref>[https://www.portnews.com.au/story/1008642/bodyboarders-host-reunion/ "Bodyboarders host reunion"], ''[[Port Macquarie News]]'', 27 November 2008</ref>
* [[Damian King]], world bodyboarding champion (2003, 2004)
* [[Isaac Levido]] (born 1982/1983), political consultant
* [[Andrew Miedecke]], racing driver<ref>[https://autoaction.com.au/2018/10/24/expanded-grid-for-ta2-finale Expanded grid for TA2 finale] ''[[Auto Action]]'' 24 October 2018</ref>
* [[Lachlan Morton]] (born 1992), road cyclist for [[EF Education First Pro Cycling]]
* [[Aleyce Simmonds]] (born 1986), country music singer-songwriter
* [[Dean Thomas (motorcyclist)|Dean Thomas]] (born 1973), motorcycle racer
* [[Nancy Wake]] (1912–2011), lived here from c. 1985 until c. 2001
* [[Garth Walden]] (born 1981), racing driver
* [[Brett Firman]] (born 1982), Rugby League player. Attended Port Macquarie St Josephs College and played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2000.
* [[Sam McIntyre]] (born 1998), Rugby League player. Port Macquarie Sharks junior.
* [[Jeremy Latimore]] (born 1986), Rugby League player.
* [[Scott Dureau]] (born 1986), Rugby League player. Port Macquarie Sharks junior.
* [[Thelma Raye]] (1890–1966), actress, lived here from c. 1950 until her death

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage|Port Macquarie}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Port Macquarie}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080908023712/http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/ Port Macquarie-Hastings Council]
* [http://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au Port Macquarie tourist information]

{{Mid North Coast NSW |state=autocollapse}}
{{Portal bar|New South Wales}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Port Macquarie| ]]
[[Category:Cities in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Mid North Coast]]
[[Category:Port Macquarie-Hastings Council]]
[[Category:Suburbs of Port Macquarie| ]]