13 of the Best Kept Secrets in Port Macquarie NSW

Flourish bell tents

So you thought you knew Port Macquarie? Get out and about to the untouched corners of the region with this list of 13 Best Kept Secrets, perfect for planning your next holiday.

Go glamping in the hinterland, hunt down the best sweet treats, take the kids rock climbing on the beach, and hire a BBQ boat on the river.

“Most of these places are off the tourist trail, known only to the locals, so with Summer upon us we hope people will get out and explore some of these best kept secrets.” said Liesa Davies, Group Manager, Economic Development at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

1. Flourish glamping tents 

- for a unique glamping experience by the coast or in the hinterland, Flourish will pitch and style a bell-style tent for any occasion. Luxury linen, bedding, lanterns and breakfast hampers can all be provided. Prices start from $390 for two nights. More info

2. School of Rock climbing at Nobby's Beach 

- adventure company Edge Experience now offers real rock climbing at Nobbys Beach in town. Ideal for 5-12 year olds, they can can try their hand at climbing a gently sloping crag. From $35. edgeexperience.com.au

3. Hire a BBQ Boat from Dunbogan Boatshed

- gather the family, grab the fishing rods and relax on board a special BBQ boat while drifting down the Camden Haven River. The kids will love feeding the fish and ice-creams from historic Dunbogan Boatshed. No license required and costs $150 for four hours.dunboganboatshed.com

4. Bittersweet Café Patisserie at Lighthouse Beach 

- a few minutes' drive from town, this hidden gem is where the locals go for cakes, biscuits, bread, macarons and award-winning Belgium chocolates. More info

5. Back-stage Tour at the Glasshouse 

- find out what goes on behind-the-scenes at the North Coast's leading cultural centre. The one-hour tour explores the stage, dressing rooms, back of house areas and history of this venue. glasshouse.org.au

6. Lamp work classes at Arthouse Industries 

Arthouse Industries

- learn about the art of lampworking, a type of glasswork, at a series of evening and day workshops held within this boutique shop. Skye Petho shares her passion and creativity to make jewellery and wearable art arthouseindustries.com.au

7. Sweet treats at Miss Nellie's Café 

- the quaint village of Kendall is well-fed with lovingly baked goodies on the veranda at Miss Nellies. Enjoy cakes with local Lorne macadamias, towering milkshakes, ice-cream, melted chocolate with dippers and local Holy Goat Coffee. Then take the historic Henry Kendall poet walk around the village. More info

8. Real Food Local Produce Markets 

- every Tuesday from 2-6pm you can buy straight from the farmers at a new food market in the Port Macquarie town centre. There are finger limes and garlic from Near River Produce, raw honey from Honeycomb Valley and fresh vegies from The Naked Farmers. Held next to the Glasshouse. More info

9. Harrys Lookout 

- with views over Shelly Beach, Harrys Lookout is a must-do stop along The Coastal Walk and a local gem for weddings and photos. It features a large wooden table with seating for up to twenty and is named after Harry Thompson who made this area his home from 1960-2000. More info

10. Rocks Ferry Walk at Wauchope 

Rocks Ferry Walk

- stunning Jacaranda and fig trees line the boardwalk along this gorgeous stretch of the upper Hastings River. The 2.8km return walk features picnic spots with views, a rocky beach and kids playground.More info

11. Elements of Design Emporium 

- head to Wauchope for some of the best boutique shopping and start at Elements of Design Emporium for fashion, furniture and homewares. They also love to help with styling and interior decorating. More info

12. Pilots Beach 

- escape the crowds on a hot day at Pilots Beach nestled inside the break-wall of the Camden Haven River. Children can frolic and surf in the gentle waves and see resident dolphins swim by. Then immerse yourself in nature, go bush-walking and see sea eagles in nearby Kattang Nature Reserve. More info

13. McInherney Park 

- looking for a kids park with a view in town? This is on the banks of the Hastings River with a sandy beach, electric barbecues, picnic tables and a children's playground.

Some of Port Macquarie's more popular attractions include The Koala Hospital, Billabong Zoo, Ricardoes Tomatoes, Timbertown, Bago Maze and cruises along the Hastings River.

Miss Nellie's Café 

Port Macquarie is a 4-hour drive North of Sydney or a 1-hour flight from Sydney and Brisbane with connections to the rest of Australia. Direct flights from Melbourne commence in November 2016 with JETGO. 

Find out more information go on-line at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au