Port Macquarie Airport parking | fly PQQ

Tired of searching high and low for great deals on parking at Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ)?

Grab a cold one and put your feet up for five minutes mate – because we’ve got you covered.

This fair dinkum guide delivers all the crucial info you need about PQQ parking options with some dead useful extra info too – like the best places to eat and shop before you board your flight.

We’ll get right into it shortly. But if you’re rolling in from outside the area, maybe you also want to extend your holiday or business trip just a little to take in the delights of the local area, because Port Macquarie is no slouch when it comes to natural beauty and fun things to do.

Take the Coastal Walk, for instance. This stunning 9-kilometre trail winds along the Port Macquarie coastline, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific, powder sand beaches, and verdant green spaces as you proceed. Highlights include Town Beach, Oxley Beach, Flynn's Beach, and Nobbys Beach – remember your sunblock and bring plenty of water!

And if you love a bit of animal magic, don’t miss the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of these cuddle creatures and learn all about an iconic institute that rescues and rehabilitates them in their time of need.

Staying on the wild side, head over to Billabong Zoo to see not only koalas, but also kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and dingoes. You can even feed kangaroos by hand. Alternatively, book a Camel Safari along the immaculate sands of Lighthouse Beach. You’ll get a unique view of the surrounding scenery and some truly them-stopping images for your social platforms.

Meanwhile, another hidden rock pools are another standout attraction of this region. These cathartic oases for swimming and relaxing can be found in hotspots like Miners Beach, Shelly Beach, and Rainbow Beach. And if you want a bird’s eye view of these environs, hop on board a scenic helicopter flight and capture lifelong memories (and jaw-dropping photos) from a chopper.

You can also discover the fascinating history of surfing at the Port Macquarie Surfing Museum, which boasts a brilliant collection of memorabilia and exhibits showcasing the sport’s development.

Find the best deals at Port Macquarie Airport

Want to complement this outstanding guide with some complementary Port Macquarie parking search tips?

For starters, taking a look at parking aggregator sites and apps lets you compare the best deals from providers large and small. If you don’t mind hopping on a shuttle bus, off-airport parking is usually cheaper than onsite, and if you book early, you’ll bag an early bird bargain.

You can also consider public transport or ride-sharing, keep an eye out for coupons and promo codes online and in the local press, ask about parking at a nearby hotel or check if any parking provider or airport authority provides a loyalty program which includes money off future fees.

Compare parking at Port Macquarie Airport

With a total of 175 parking spaces in its public car park, Port Macquarie Airport’s parking provision is perfectly proportionate.

And this joined up thinking and practical planning has been part of the history of PQQ’s history since its inception in the 1950s, when it was built to answer the needs of the region’s growing community and to provide a gateway for tourism.

The airport had humble beginnings when a 500 yard clearing formed the first landing strip, and it officially opened in 1955 as a hub for private aircraft traffic and flying clubs.

The airport benefitted from lots of upgrades throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including a new taxiway, extended runway and control tower, all of which allowed it to welcome larger aircraft and increase commercial services.

The airport terminal building was constructed in 1985, providing an integrated hub for passenger check-in, baggage handling, and waiting. This was a big step in PQQ establishing itself as a centre for regional aviation.

Further growth in passenger numbers and flights followed in the 1990s, and more infrastructure improvements followed, while the 2000s saw PQQ establishing regular passenger services to large cities like Brisbane and Sydney.

The 1990s saw further growth in passenger numbers and flight services, leading to ongoing infrastructure improvements, including runway extensions, lighting upgrades, and terminal expansions. These developments solidified the airport's role as a vital transportation link for the region.

Today, Port Macquarie Airport is a vital gateway to the Mid North Coast region, connecting the community to big cities and supporting tourism, business in ways that would be unimaginable without it.

What parking is there at Port Macquarie Airport?

The PQQ car park is located bang in front of the terminal building, so it’s super-convenient for travellers.

Here are your official options.

Short-term parking

Free parking for the first 30 minutes in this public car park makes it ideal for quick passenger drop-offs and pick-ups. Parking rates apply after that first 30 minutes, with rates applying

Long-term parking

When you’re away for a little longer, this lot offers daily, weekly and monthly rates, with deals designed to be cost-effective for every duration.

You can pay for your parking using credit cards, debit cards and cash. There are machines throughout the car park, so it’s all very convenient. The car park is monitored by CCTV and very well-lit, so your vehicle is always safe, and there are plenty of accessible spaces for passengers with disabilities.

You might also find alternative parking providers offsite, offering extras like car wash and valet services, but wherever you’re parking, pre-book if possible and failing that, allow plenty of time to find a space when you arrive, especially during peak times.

Getting to Port Macquarie Airport

Driving to Port Macquarie Airport from nearby (or not so nearby) towns and cities is (thankfully) pretty easy.

From Coffs Harbour, head north on the Pacific Highway/A1 for around 152 kilometres and the airport will be on your right.

Rolling in from Taree? Drive north on the Pacific Highway/A1 for approximately 83.5 kilometres and the airport will be on your right.

And if you’re setting off from Newcastle, head north on the Pacific Highway/A1 for about 247 kilometers and (you guessed it) the airport will be on your right.

Cruising in from Sydney meanwhile? Take the M1 Pacific Motorway north for around 330 kilometres, take exit 40 for the Pacific Highway/A1, then continue north on the Pacific Highway/A1 for around 58 kilometres. After this, the airport will appear on your right.

Facilities at Port Macquarie Airport

Facilities and amenities at Port Macquarie Airport are decent – there’s everything you need for a comfy and convenient travel experience.

Highlights in the passenger terminal include check-in counters for various airlines, an efficient baggage claim area, security screening checkpoint, plush departure lounge with seating and device charging stations, plenty of toilets, ATMs, public telephones and an information desk.

PQQ also makes every effort to be as accessible as possible, with designated disabled parking spaces, wheelchair-friendly toilets, and ramp access to the terminal.

And there are also baby changing facilities, a lost and found service, first aid room and observation deck with a wonderful view of the runway for plane spotters.

In terms of eating, Biggles Flight Lounge is the only game in town. As PQQ’s main café and bar, it serves everything from cappuccino to lager, and there are plenty of pastries, sandwiches and light bites.

Furthermore, when you want a quick grab and go snack, the airport’s vending machines fit the bill, with all your favourite crisps, chocolate and soft drinks.

Shopping is also limited at PQQ. But there’s a kiosk in the main building selling keepsakes, souvenirs, and travel essentials.

Port Macquarie Airport’s public art program showcases a variety of public art pieces to reflect the region’s deep culture and natural beauty.

For instance, Cave Urban’s stunning Lost at Sea sculpture at the airport entrance resembles a huge seashell and symbolises the connection to the coast and ocean. And the Hello Koalas sculptures is a series of brightly painted koalas that kids and adults alike fall in love with

Last but not least, there are lots of Indigenous artworks around the airport, as an important reminder of the First Nation People’s role as traditional guardians of the land.

Voila! All the Port Macquarie Airport parking info you’ll ever need, with some top-notch info about facilities, amenities, and the local area too.