One of the best parts about staying here is how close you are to some of Port Macquarie’s most loved food spots, all within a few minutes’ drive, each offering something a little different.

We like to start the morning at Little Shack, the breezy waterside café that sits right 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 staying for breakfast. The coffee is reliably good, the smashed avo with dukkah and feta is a favourite, and the river views are unbeatable. If you’re still around come lunchtime, the crispy fish sandwich is the move.

For a no-fuss local classic, Mike’s Seafood in the town centre is our go-to. It’s been serving the community for decades and still does some of the freshest, crunchiest battered fish you’ll find on the coast. We usually grab a takeaway pack: snapper, calamari, and a pile of hot chips; and head down to Town Green for an easy picnic by the water.

When you’re after something a little more refined, The Stunned Mullet opposite Town Beach never disappoints. The menu changes with the seasons but always showcases the best local produce, and the wine list is one of the region’s best. The poached kingfish is a standout if it’s on offer.

If you’d rather eat in, the park’s BBQ area is a great place to unwind after a day out, and every cabin comes equipped with cooking facilities for easy self-catering.

It’s easy to slip into holiday mode here. Between the park’s two swimming pools and its relaxed coastal setting, you can spend the afternoon cooling off in the water or taking the short stroll down to the Hastings River to watch the boats drift by.

If you’re after a little dose of nature, make your way to Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve, just a few minutes’ drive from the park. The raised boardwalks wind through tranquil mangroves and paperbark forest — a peaceful spot to slow down and listen to the birdlife.

For a day trip that feels worlds away from the coast, head inland to Bago Maze and Wine. About 20 minutes from Port Macquarie, it’s set among rolling hills and vineyards, home to one of the world’s largest hedge mazes. Once you’ve found your way through, settle in on the lawn with a glass of Rosé and a local cheese platter — there’s often live jazz on Sundays, which makes it even better.

Closer to town, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is a must-do. The elevated 1.3 km boardwalk takes you through subtropical rainforest alive with bird calls, butterflies and dense green canopy. Guided tours add fascinating insight into the region’s wildlife and Aboriginal heritage — a perfect way to reconnect with nature before returning to your own slice of calm back at the park.

Although the park sits close to the airport, Port Macquarie only sees a handful of small daily flights, so aircraft noise is minimal and rarely noticeable.