What is Port Macquarie known for?
Port Macquarie is a coastal city on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, known for its beaches, coastal walks and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, the first hospital dedicated solely to koalas.
The town was founded in 1821 as a penal settlement for convicts who had committed further crimes in New South Wales. Some historic buildings from the convict era remain.
The city sits at the mouth of the Hastings River. Its beaches, including Town Beach, Flynns Beach and Lighthouse Beach, are popular for swimming and surfing.
The Koala Hospital
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital was established in 1973 and treats sick and injured koalas. It gained worldwide attention during the 2019 and 2020 bushfires, when it cared for koalas burned in the fires.
The Guulabaa Koala Conservation and Education Centre, opened in 2024 at Cowarra State Forest, allows visitors to learn more about koalas and the threats they face.
The coastal walk from Town Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse passes beaches and rocky headlands, with chances to spot whales and dolphins. The town is popular for retirement and family holidays.