Things to do in Port Macquarie

Theatre & Shows

Local Artists Original Artworks Exhibition

Sun, 25 Oct, 10:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · Free admission

View the latest exhibition of beautiful artworks by the Hastings Fine Art Gallery talented members. A wonderful variety of styles, sizes and subjects! All artworks are for sale and entry to the gallery is free.

Theatre & Shows

The Neighbour at the Gate

Mon, 26 Oct, 10:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · Free admission

A National Art School touring exhibition. The Neighbour at the Gate is a major exhibition presented by the National Art School Gallery, with a guest Curatorium led by Clothilde Bullen (Wardandi Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji) with Micheal Do and Zali Morgan (Whadjuk Balladong and Wilman Noongar). Bringing together newly commissioned works by leading Australian artists Jacky Cheng, Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson, Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay), Jenna Mayilema Lee (Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman, KarraJarri), James Nguyen and James Tylor (Kaurna, Thura-Yura language region), the exhibition reckons with the echoes of colonialism and immigration policies in Australia, unravelling how these forces continue to shape First Nations and Asian Australian experiences and relationships. Across various mediums and perspectives, The Neighbour at the Gate charts the entangled legacies of exclusion and resilience, drawing vital parallels between the past and present, memory and nationhood.

Theatre & Shows

Tickled Pink

Mon, 26 Oct, 10:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · From $3

Step into a world awash with shades of pink, where fashion, memories, and everyday life intertwine. Tickled Pink – Rosy Recollections showcases a curated collection of pink costumes, fashion pieces, familiar objects and their unique stories. From delicate fabrics to cherished keepsakes, this exhibition celebrates the enduring charm and cultural significance of the colour pink in personal and collective histories. Join them as you explore how these rosy hues have left their mark on style, sentiment and society in Port Macquarie and beyond.

Theatre & Shows

Barayal Bila (River Song)

Mon, 26 Oct, 10:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · Check price with organiser

Barayal Bila (River Song) is an exhibition that shares a story of Dungang 'Hastings River', through a poem and other visual forms, acknowledging the beautiful water ways from the mountains to the sea. The exhibition explores Birrbay people living in balance with Ngaya Barray 'Mother Earth' and who freely occupied the river system to obtain water, food, medicines, shelter materials, utensils and transport, then contemporary uses of the river for commercial and recreational fishing. The final theme of the exhibition highlights the need to care for Gurrwa 'Sea' and Barray 'Country', protecting and conserving our environment for our young ones; our grandchildren, grandchildren's children and all future generations. Produced with the support of Powerhouse as part of the Extending Storyplace project with Museums and Galleries of NSW.

Theatre & Shows

Secrets of Dawn: Reading and Reflection Space

Mon, 26 Oct, 10:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · Free admission

After viewing the exhibition, visitors to Secrets of Dawn are invited to spend time in a dedicated Reflection Space to remember and honour the Coota Girls Survivors and all Stolen Generations Survivors. Replications of Dawn Magazine issues featuring Coota Girls Survivors are available to read in the Reflection Space. Viewer Discretion Advised They respectfully caution First Nations viewers that Secrets of Dawn contains images and stories of deceased persons. This exhibition explores Stolen Generations history and Survivors' personal stories, which viewers may find distressing. Dawn Magazine contains deeply racist language and ideologies reflecting settler-colonial attitudes toward First Nations peoples.

Theatre & Shows

Reflections - Life at the Lake House

Mon, 26 Oct, 10:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · Check price with organiser

Immerse yourself in the evocative world of Lake Innes House, once the grand residence of Major Archibald Innes and now a treasured ruin. This captivating exhibition weaves together artworks, archives and personal objects to bring to life the rhythms of the lake house. At the heart of the exhibition are the intimate journals and diary entries of Annabella Boswell, whose vivid accounts reveal a deep connection to the surrounding waters. From the serene beauty of swimming in the ocean and the soothing sound of the nearby surf, to the expansive views from the Lake House tower. Narratives are brought to life through a unique blend of personal archives, historical objects, and contemporary artworks that invite reflection on the enduring relationship between people, place, and water.

Theatre & Shows

Secrets of Dawn

Mon, 26 Oct, 10:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · Free admission

Secrets of Dawn is a powerful, award-winning exhibition that exposes the tactics of assimilation enforced under the NSW Aborigines Protection Act (1909–1969). The award-winning Secrets of Dawn exhibition features content from Dawn Magazine alongside contemporary works from Coota Girls Survivors and descendants, exposing the tactics used under the Aborigines Protection Act (1909-1969) to progress the agenda of assimilation of First Nations people. Through powerful truth-telling, Secrets of Dawn honours Coota Girls Survivors and all Stolen Generations Survivors who, despite efforts to eradicate First Nations people and culture through assimilation, have resisted and persisted through truth-telling, healing and self-determination. Viewer Discretion Advised They respectfully caution First Nations viewers that Secrets of Dawn contains images and stories of deceased persons. This exhibition explores Stolen Generations history and Survivors' personal stories, which viewers may find distressing. Dawn Magazine contains deeply racist language and ideologies reflecting settler-colonial attitudes toward First Nations peoples.

Theatre & Shows

Secrets of Dawn: Dolly Peg Making

Tue, 27 Oct, 12:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · Free admission

The Secrets of Dawn exhibition features an interactive collective artwork comprising of Dolly Pegs created by Coota Girls Survivors and descendants as a representation of the Coota Girls journey of forcible removal, institutionalisation and domestic slavery. Coota Girls Survivors used the limited resources they had to create toys and games such as dolls out of wooden pegs, creating moments of joy, play and sisterhood despite their circumstances. The wooden peg doll is also a visual reminder of the domestic labour that Coota Girls Survivors were trained to do as slaves in wealthy non-First Nations households. The aim of this collective artwork is to highlight the stark contrast of the images portrayed in 'Dawn Magazine' of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls as a place of happiness and opportunity, compared with the reality of neglect and domestic slavery. Visitors to Secrets of Dawn are invited to contribute to this evolving collective artwork by creating a Dolly Peg in honour of the Coota Girls Survivors. Drop in during Gallery opening hours to create your Dolly Peg.

Business & Networking

Digital Deep Dive 2026

Tue, 27 Oct, 8:00 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · From $105

Digital Deep Dive is the Mid North Coast's digital event built specifically to support regional businesses. The event brings together regional business leaders, digital experts, and forward-thinking brands to explore what's next in digital innovation. Join 200 plus local small and medium business owners, managers, marketers, and decision-makers in the Mid North Coast for a day of panel discussions and breakout sessions on everything that matters: digital marketing and customer acquisition, business systems and processes, AI integration and automation, and cyber security and risk management. You will leave with a clear understanding of how to grow your business online, streamline operations, and leverage digital tools and AI to future-proof your business.

Live Music & Concerts

Where is the Green Sheep? Port Macquarie

Tue, 27 Oct, 9:30 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · From $30

Glasshouse Port Macquarie presents a Monkey Baa Theatre Company and QPAC's Out of the Box co-production Where is the Green Sheep? Based on the book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Written for the stage and directed by Eva Di Cesare. Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the beloved children's book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. We meet Blue Sheep who loves blue flowers and Red Sheep who loves to cartwheel in the fields, Bath Sheep who loves bubbles and Bed Sheep who loves to bounce... But where IS that Green Sheep? Blending puppetry and animation, this beautiful production invites young audiences to join three farmers on their quest to find the elusive green sheep. Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, this production integrates their voices as narrators, ensuring the work resonates deeply with young audiences. Where is the Green Sheep? is a co-production with QPAC's Out of the Box in association with Arts Centre Melbourne, The Sydney Opera House and The Art House, Wyong. Suitable for ages 1-6.

Classes & Workshops

Town Beach Sunrise Yoga Port Macquarie

Wed, 28 Oct, 6:15 am AEDT

Port Macquarie · Check price with organiser

Come for the yoga, flow to the sunrise, stay for the coffee. Town Beach Sunrise Yoga happens every Wednesday morning (weather permitting) at beautiful Town Beach in Port Macquarie, right next to Salty Crew Kiosk. Join a 30-minute yoga flow guided by qualified teacher - Shelley, and soak up the sounds of the waves at Town Beach, the stunning sunrise and the smell of the coffee. This is the perfect way to start your day and is open to all ages and abilities. Includes your brew from the Salty Crew Kiosk after class. Bring your mat, a towel and your keep cup. No booking is required.

Festivals & Fairs

No Lights No Lycra - Port Macquarie

Thu, 29 Oct, 7:00 pm AEDT

Port Macquarie · From $10

No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) is a global dance community offering an inclusive, non-judgmental space where people can come together to dance, express themselves, and experience joy. Founded in Melbourne, NLNL has grown to over 75 communities worldwide, including in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, India, and beyond, with more than half of sessions held in regional towns to ensure accessibility. Now we've brought it to Port Macquarie. NLNL events are drug- and alcohol-free, held in the dark, and open to everyone (+16), no dance skills or experience required. The philosophy is simple: everyone can dance. They run fortnightly, community-based events in a safe and welcoming environment. These 1-hour sessions are designed to boost wellbeing, encourage free movement, reduce stress, and foster social connection.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Facade Escape Room

Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie's first escape room is here. What's an escape room? It’s a mental adventure game where teams attempt to solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives within a set time. The challenges are set in an exciting fictional story - despite the name, players are never actually confined. And, usually, players move through a few rooms in the course of the story, it’s a mental challenge, not a physical one. The first escape room opened in 2007 in Japan, and since then the trend has exploded! Today there are over 8000 escape rooms worldwide and it’s still growing. Popular for groups of friends, workplace team building and families, most games suit "tween" ages and up (all escape rooms use "exciting" stories but some are more "exciting" than others, so parents should make the judgement for their child). Port Macquarie's Façade Escape Room uses tension but no monsters or jump scares. There is no special knowledge required - all the necessary information is contained in the game. So if you enjoy mysteries, puzzles, riddles, clues and exciting stories, you must try Facade Escape Room!

Image: Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Port Macquarie Town Beach Breakwall

Port Macquarie

A walk along this iconic break wall, provides you with stunning views of the Hastings River towards Town Beach. The colourful graffiti rocks that lead you along the breakwall are a collage of messages, tributes and memories from visitors and locals. Sunrises and sunsets are magical from the breakwall and the sight of dolphins playing in the river are a very regular occurrence. From the Town Green, the breakwall is a popular starting point of the nine kilometre Coastal Walk out to Tacking Point Lighthouse at Lighthouse Beach. It is a favourite spot for locals and visitors to take a leisurely stroll and spot marine life, marvel at watercraft coming in over the bar of Town Beach, chat with people who are casting their fishing lines and just take in the beauty of this picturesque location. There are chairs along the path and many big flat rocks to sit on and gaze out over the river and to the sea. There is a cafe at the Town Green end, and at the Town Beach end you'll find a skate park where you will see energetic and entertaining skills of bike, scooter and skateboard riders. Nearby are covered picnic tables, barbecues and a kiosk with toilet facilities.

Shopping and Markets

The Witchy Nook

Port Macquarie

The Witchy Nook in Port Macquarie is your go-to crystal shop, offering a carefully curated selection of crystals, gemstones, spiritual tools, and mystical gifts. Whether you're seeking healing energy, spiritual guidance, or a unique gift, the shop provides a welcoming space for those drawn to the magic of nature. They specialise in high-quality crystals, incense, tarot cards, candles, and other metaphysical essentials to support your journey of self-discovery and well-being. Explore the enchanting collection and connect with the positive energy of The Witchy Nook!

Image: Glasshouse Port Macquarie Theatre

Entertainment Venues

Glasshouse

Port Macquarie

Located in the heart of Port Macquarie, the Glasshouse is home to a theatre, Regional Gallery, studio, Visitor Information Centre, gift shop, conference and meeting facilities, and heritage displays. The Glasshouse offers a world of cultural experience, state-of-the-art technical facilities and flexible venues for performance, leisure and hire. Featuring innovative and environmentally sustainable design, the centre provides high quality exhibition, conference and performing arts facilities. The Glasshouse provides the region’s most modern technical and production infrastructure and highest level of patron comfort. Glasshouse Theatre - 588 seat, tiered state-of-the-art auditorium, with a full fly tower and orchestra pit. Glasshouse Studio - a black box studio exhibition and performance space, able to seat up to 116. International standard Regional Gallery space with over 600 square metres of floor area over three levels. Large foyer spaces able to be used as dedicated tradeshow and exhibition areas. Commercial catering kitchen available. Full fibre-optic communications and broadcast capabilities with audio-visual support provided in-house. Heritage and archaeological displays dating back to the 1820s.

Image: Glasshouse Regional Gallery, Port Macquarie

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Glasshouse Regional Gallery

Port Macquarie

Located in the heart of Port Macquarie, the Glasshouse Regional Gallery is a hub for culture, creativity and the arts. The Gallery showcases around 20 to 25 diverse exhibitions each year featuring contemporary, indigenous, historical, traditional, design and sculptural artworks. The program includes regular artist talks, workshops, educational activities and professional development opportunities for the community, artists and teachers. The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Art collection has two focus areas; abstraction and landscape. Recent acquisitions include artworks from artists who have made a major contribution to the cultural history of the region and artists with a significant national profile. The Council collection comprises of over 240 works which have been featured regularly within the gallery’s exhibition programs. The Collection features works by Euan Macleod, Elizabeth Cummings, Marion Borgelt, Alun Leach-Jones, Nola Jones, Chris Langlois and Luke Sciberras.

Image: The Glasshouse Shop

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Glasshouse Shop

Port Macquarie

The Glasshouse Shop proudly supports locally made, locally sourced, eco-friendly and sustainable product ranges. From exquisite glassware to handcrafted jewellery, discover unique items that make the perfect gift or treat for yourself. Located in the heart of Port Macquarie, the Glasshouse is a vibrant hub, featuring a 588-seat theatre, regional gallery, studio, Visitor Information Centre, conference and meeting rooms, heritage displays and a bar.

Shopping and Markets

Port Central Real Food Markets

Port Macquarie

Discover the freshest local produce and artisanal delights at the Port Central Real Food Markets! Set in the heart of Port Macquarie, this vibrant market celebrates the best of the Mid North Coast's growers, makers, and food artisans. Whether you're a passionate foodie or simply love supporting local, the Port Central Real Food Markets offer a unique shopping experience that connects you with the region's finest producers. Come along and enjoy the flavours of the Mid North Coast!

Image: Escape the Expected

Amusement and Theme Parks

Escape the Expected Team Building

Port Macquarie

Welcome to exciting team building and teamwork activities in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia! Discover the perfect blend of adventure & skill development with thrilling escape games and engaging scavenger hunts. Whether you prefer indoor challenges at your location or outdoor quests, they've got you covered for your group team building activities. The activities are designed to enhance your team's softer skills, fostering communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity. No matter the size of your team, they offer tailored experiences to ensure everyone has a fantastic time while building strong bonds. Get ready to embark on a memorable journey of teamwork and fun! Contact them now to book your team's unforgettable adventure.

Image: Port Macquarie Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Port Macquarie Museum

Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie Museum showcases Port Macquarie's history from its British settlement as a penal colony in 1821, through to the present day as a popular tourist destination and vibrant regional city. Discover the stories that have shaped Port Macquarie. Step inside Port Macquarie's oldest surviving commercial building c1830 and explore the people, places and events that transformed a remote penal settlement into one of Australia's favourite coastal destinations. Whether you're visiting for an hour or a weekend, Port Macquarie Museum offers one of the best ways to experience and understand Port Macquarie! The award-winning museum's extensive collection is displayed across several rooms and galleries in a series of themed exhibits. Displays are regularly updated, and temporary exhibitions are held from time to time. Visits for schools and other groups by appointment. Free audio guide available.

Image: Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Natural Attractions

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk

Port Macquarie

Start the walk from Town Green foreshore in Port Macquarie, winding along the coast via Town Beach, Rocky Beach lookout, Nobby’s Beach and Harry's lookout overlooking Shelly Beach and on to Sea Acres. You’ll see several historical sites along the way and enjoy stunning seaside scenery that surrounds Port Macquarie. Between May and November, you might spot a whale or two on their annual migration; don't forget to record your sighting. The south end of the walk is one of the few places on the east coast where the forest meets the foam. The walk ends at Tacking Point lighthouse; however you can break it up into shorter sections if you feel like a short walk or are walking with kids. There are opportunities for barbecues and swimming along the way, including at Shelly Beach and a beachside café at Flynn’s Beach. You can reverse the walk at Tacking Point Lighthouse and head into Port Macquarie. The walk is nine kilometres long (one way) where you will walk on beaches, there are multiple sections with stairs and viewing platforms.

Image: EarthingOut

Shopping and Markets

EarthingOut

Port Macquarie

EarthingOut is a crystal shop and spiritual store located in Port Macquarie, offering a curated range of ethically sourced crystals, handcrafted gifts and wellness products, organic incense, smudge sticks, tarot and oracle decks, books and soulful gift ware. The shop is designed to feel calm, grounded and inviting, giving visitors the space to slow down, explore and connect with what resonates. Each product is carefully selected for quality, energy and meaning, supporting protection, clarity, balance or the perfect gift for someone special. EarthingOut is more than a shop. It is a space to reconnect, feel at ease and bring a sense of peace into everyday life. Visitors are welcome to browse in store, where Mark & Crystal are available to assist in finding the right piece for their intention.

Image: Port Fresh Seafoods

Shopping and Markets

Port Fresh Seafoods

Port Macquarie

At Port Fresh Seafoods, they take great pride in their fresh seafood options. By sourcing from local fishermen and farmers, they are able to provide you with the highest quality seafood in Port Macquarie. To offer an array of seafood options, they also supply seasonal varieties from the multiple coasts of Australia. Whether you are looking for Port Macquarie’s premium oysters, tasty prawns, live crustaceans, or fresh fish, you will be certain to find quality seafood options at Port Fresh Seafoods.