One of the perks of staying at this Park is that you’re right on the doorstep of some of Port Macquarie’s most loved food spots, each offering something a little different.

We always start our mornings with a coffee at Little Shack, a breezy waterside café sitting at the start of the breakwall. It’s the sort of place you wander down to in your thongs for a flat white and end up lingering over breakfast. On our last visit, we grabbed a table outside with the sun bouncing off the Hastings River, and tucked into smashed avo with dukkah and feta on sourdough while watching the pelicans glide past. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and the perfect way to ease into the day. If you’re there at lunch time their post midday menu is similarly tempting. We can highly recommend the crispy fish sandwich.

Speaking of crispy fish, Mike’s Seafood in the town centre is hard to beat for that classic coastal ritual of fish and chips. It has been serving the community for decades and still does some of the freshest, crunchiest battered fish you’ll find on the coast. We picked up a takeaway pack — snapper, calamari, and of course, a pile of hot chips — and wandered down to Town Green (next door to the Park) for an easy picnic by the water.

If you’re after something a little more refined, The Stunned Mullet is our pick. Opposite Town Beach, it’s an open and stylish restaurant with a modern-Australian seasonal menu that shows off the best local produce. Last time we visited, the poached kingfish was an absolute standout. Indulge in their extensive wine list featuring many Hunter Valley labels.

If you’d rather self-cater, the Park has a fully equipped camp kitchen and all cabins are fitted with modern cooking appliances. 

At the park itself, it’s easy to spend an afternoon by the pool or wandering out along the breakwall to watch the waves crash in. Town Beach is right at your doorstep too, which makes those spontaneous swims or a quick surf session part of your daily rhythm.

If you’re in the mood for a stroll that feels worlds away from the bustle of town, Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve is just a short drive from the park. We followed the raised boardwalks through mangroves and paperbark forest and spotted plenty of birdlife along the way. It’s peaceful, shady and a reminder of how much natural beauty sits tucked right into the heart of Port Macquarie.

For something completely different, we set aside half a day to head inland to Bago Maze and Wine. It’s only about a 20-minute drive but feels like another world, with rolling green hills, rows of vines and one of the largest hedge mazes in the world. We wandered through the maze before settling in on the lawn with a glass of Rose and a platter of local cheese — live jazz plays most Sundays, which makes it a truly memorable spot to while away an afternoon.

Back closer to town, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is a must-do. The elevated boardwalk winds 1.3km through lush subtropical rainforest, and the guides are full of fascinating insights into the plants, wildlife and Aboriginal heritage of the area. We went on a humid morning and the canopy gave us cool shade, with the sound of whipbirds echoing through the trees. It’s one of those walks where you feel both relaxed and completely recharged by the end.

Sites are generous, but parking around the town foreshore can be tight. If you’re heading out for dinner or to the markets, we’ve found it’s easiest to leave the car at the park and walk.