Port Macquarie is the ideal road trip destination from Sydney with a range of different options of places to stay. Located on the NSW Mid North Coast and boasting endless pristine coastline and beaches, a lush hinterland, an abundance of national parks and family-friendly attractions Port Macquarie is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. Whether you’re travelling with kids, are in search of remote beachside getaway or prefer a resort that has everything under one roof, we’ve shared our local knowledge with the best places to stay on your next trip to Port Macquarie.
Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
Explore the great outdoors and sleep under the stars at these family-friendly camping grounds and caravan parks.
- Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park
In town, you can’t get much closer to the water than the Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, where you can wake up to the sound of crashing waves and the smell of salty sea air. Located right on the iconic breakwall, there are plenty of options when it comes to where to bed down – Waterview Cabins have front-row water views, while the caravan and camping sites are dotted throughout the beautifully landscaped gardens that overlook the Hastings River and Town Beach. The park hosts fortnightly activities for guests, from concerts and classes to trivia nights and markets, and there is a special program to keep the kids occupied during the school holidays.
- Lighthouse Beach Holiday Village
Pack your golf clubs and your tent for your stay at Lighthouse Beach Holiday Village, which is located 10-minutes’ drive from the centre of town next to the 18-hole championship Port Macquarie Golf Club at Lighthouse Beach. It’s a great base to fish, surf, swim, golf and explore the region’s coastal walking trails for the summer. Don’t miss the walk to the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse which rewards with spectacular views up and down the coastline.
- Diamond Head Campground
Get back to nature at the beachside campground at Diamond Head. It’s one of the most popular places to stay in Crowdy Bay National Park, renowned for its unparalleled beach access and excellent camping and picnic facilities. There are caravan sites as well as secluded places to pitch your tent. Wake up to a barefoot sunrise over the beach, then take your pick from several hiking tracks. Favourites include the 4.8km Diamond Head loop walk via Indian Head with its panoramic views of coast, mountains and forest, and the shorter Mermaid Lookout track.
- Reflections Holiday Parks Bonny Hills
Glamping more your style? Head to Reflections Holiday Parks Bonny Hills, which is nestled between Port Macquarie and Camden Haven with million-dollar views over Rainbow Beach. Cabins have a chic modern-Australian aesthetic, and there’s glamping in fixed tents that come complete with their own private bathrooms and covered deck. If you’re keen to get back to basics, the powered campsites offer water views and there’s access to great amenities and facilities in the park. Could it get any better? Yes, the park is pet-friendly, too.
Family Friendly Stays
Family friendly holiday accommodation with all the comforts of home, plus some for your summer holiday. Many of these amazing hotels and motels are great supporters of Cassegrain wines, so you’ll often be able to enjoy a glass of wine in their premises (before you get out to visit our Cellar Door).
- El Paso Motor Inn
One of the original motels in town, El Paso Motor Inn has been recently refurbished and is the Cassegrain team’s pick for a mid-range hotel with an excellent location in the heart of town and warm hospitality. There’s a swimming pool with river views and barbecue deck on site, and the CBD’s best restaurants, galleries, theatres, shopping and beaches are within walking distance, making El Paso a favourite when it comes to comfort and convenience.
Waters Edge Port Macquarie
Perfectly located on the banks of the beautiful Hastings River, Waters Edge Port Macquarie is the spot for a relaxing summer escape in heart of town. Centrally located between Settlement City and Port Central Shopping Centres, and a short stroll from breathtaking beaches, it’s an ideal base to explore Port Macquarie. This waterfront property is family-friendly with inter-connecting rooms, a children’s play area and palm-fringed swimming pool.
- Mantra The Observatory
With a stellar location just steps from Town Beach, Mantra The Observatory is the spot for families who want to be in the heart of the action in comfortable, generously proportioned accommodation. The apartments have a sleek, modern fit-out, most with kitchen facilities and all with patios. The view from the water-facing patios is postcard perfect, and facilities include a heated indoor lap pool, sauna, on-site restaurant and barbecue area.
- Ki-ea Apartments
Ki-ea Apartments are designed specifically for family stays. Conveniently located between Port Macquarie’s Town Beach and the Town Centre, this laid-back modern apartment complex offers one, two, three and four-bedroom fully self-contained apartments with complimentary undercover security parking. It’s a home-away-from-home vibe with a few added benefits. The complex also has a heated pool, sauna, spa, hot tub and plenty of guest barbecue areas for easy family catering.
- Ibis Styles Port Macquarie
Overlooking Town Beach and Town Beach Park, Ibis Styles Port Macquarie is a modern beach hotel with a relaxed contemporary vibe. Soak up the water views from the comfort of your bed, private terrace, the guest lounge (with a glass of Cassegrain wine) or from the outdoor swimming pool after a day exploring Port Macquarie and surrounds. Superior rooms have ocean and river views, while the Ocean View Suite offers modern beachside luxury with a blonde wood four-poster king bed and living area with sweeping water views.
- Mercure Centro Port Macquarie
For easy access to Port Macquarie’s highlights, from beaches to fishing, watersports, bars and restaurants, CBD hotel Mercure Centro Port Macquarie is the downtown hotel the Cassegrain team recommend. Suitable for couples and families, there’s an outdoor pool terrace and expansive rooftop recreation and relaxation area with hinterland views. The hotel’s Restaurant Synergy & Bar is considered one of the town’s top fine dining experiences, with a mod-Oz menu that includes daily seafood specials and your choice of steaks done on the grill. You’ll also be able to sip Cassegrain wines on the menu.
- Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel
Overlooking the city’s iconic breakwall, this casual family-friendly hotel has rooms and apartments with a home-away-from home feel. Located at the mouth of the Hastings River, it’s a 10 minute walk along the waterfront to Town Beach. There’s a heated outdoor pool and spa (with ‘dive in’ movie screenings in the evenings), and a rooftop deck with a hot tub and stunning ocean views. Onsite restaurant The Corner offers relaxed all-day dining from great breakfasts complete with Campos coffee in the mornings to burgers at lunch and cheese platters for happy hour.
Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel
Resorts
Up the ante with these family-friendly resorts that combine contemporary design and at-your-finger service with stunning waterfront locations.
- Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
The standout at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges is the pool area that overlooks the marina, complete with private cabanas and table service so you can enjoy cocktails and bar snacks or lunch from the comfort of your sun lounger. The bayside location means you can choose between Water and Garden View rooms – all are spacious – and make the most of the complimentary water sports activities, from kayaking to paddle boarding and fishing from the private jetty. From here it’s a 10-minute stroll into the centre of town, but if you don’t feel like leaving this luxe resort oasis, there’s mod-Oz dining at The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant, and happy hour cocktails at the Hamptons-inspired Pavilion & Garden Bar onsite.
- Flynns Beach Resort
Flynns Beach Resort offers deluxe family-friendly accommodation on the doorstep of Port Macquarie’s famed Flynn’s Beach. It’s a great option for a home-away-from-home family getaway with self-contained two-bedroom apartments that come with fully equipped open-plan kitchens, private laundry facilities and linen.
There’s plenty of space for the kids to tear around. The resort is landscaped with lush tropical gardens and is set on a nature corridor with a natural creek running through its centre. There are grassy picnic and barbecue areas, a designated children’s playground, two heated swimming pools (both with shallow toddler sections) and tennis courts to keep the young and young at heart entertained.
Need more Port Macquarie local tips?
Read our related articles on Things To in Port Macquarie and be sure to visit our Cellar Door. We’re located only a short drive from Port Macquarie town with lots to explore – an award-winning restaurant on site, a range of exceptional NSW and horse riding for the more active guests. We’d love to see you on your travels.
