Port Macquarie Car Hire

Guide of Port Macquarie

Geography

Port Macquarie overlooks the Pacific Ocean on the North Coast of New South Wales, approximately midway between Sydney (420 kilometres) and Brisbane (510 Kilometres). The Greater Port Macquarie area extends north from the Hastings River to the Camden Haven River in the south and west to the Great Dividing Range. The surroundings encompasses 84 kilometres of coastline, sand dunes, coastal wetlands, forests and inland mountainous regions. Port Macquarie is only one of the townships within the locality others are Wauchope, Laurieton, North Haven, Dunbogan, Comboyne, Kendall, Kew, Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie. The terrain and climatic conditions inspired the locals to be creative, productive and resourceful with the agriculture, diary, seafood, arts and culture that could be produced.

Climate in Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie could be one of the most reliable sunny destinations with a balance of rain to keep the environment productive, lush and healthy. The rainfall is significant in the hottest summer months, refreshing the environment. Over the summer months, December to January, the daily average temperature range is 19°C to 27°C. Winter months, June to August, are drier and mild with temperatures only lowering on average from 9°C to 18°C. This milder weather is ideal for exploring the hinterland, enjoying a long lunch, fossicking for the perfect gift in a charming village, enjoying a coastal walk or layering up at night for sitting around a campfire or eating outdoors under the stars. The water temperature variations throughout the year are only slight, so conditions are idyllic for water activities all year round. In summer the average water temperature is around 24°C and in winter the lowest temperature average is close to 20°C.

Culture

Port Macquarie Greater Region respect the First People, the Birpai, who are the traditional custodians of the land, so in 2008 they signed a Statement of Commitment and Reconciliation which recognises that they occupied the area for more than 40,000 years. The Statement also acknowledges that the Birpai Aboriginal culture strengthens, enriches the community and provides the local inhabitants with respect, as well as tolerance to share values with people from many different lands. Originally nomadic, the Birpai people hunted and gathered seasonal produce across the land and from the waterways. First European occupation occurred in 1818, when John Oxley followed from inland the Hastings River Valley to arrive at the river’s mouth. Oxley named this site Port Macquarie after the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie, who funded the expedition. Upon Governor Macquarie request, Oxley reported that the Port Macquarie area would make an excellent site for a Penal settlement due to its natural resources, richness of soil and misinterpreted capacity of the port to receive ships. In 1821 a Penal settlement was established, however all ships escorting the personnel and convicts were wrecked on the sand bars at the river mouth. The settlement was self sustaining with convicts employed in building, agriculture (wheat, tobacco, cotton, vegetables, maize), blacksmithing, boat building, teaching, farming, baking and clerical duties. The Garrison Hospital and St Thomas’ Anglican Church, which was built between 1824 and 1828, both still stand. The Penal settlement was dismantled in 1830 as Port Macquarie was opened to free settlers to encompass the expansion of settlers outwards from Sydney. The arrival of free settlers increased the population, initiated a rapid growth in establishing properties, businesses and adding upon an already established agricultural environment, new farming techniques. Cattle and timber were the major focus, with dairy emerging at a later date. Infrastructure of roads and railways, the cultivation of the vine, arts, crafts and specialty produced all assisted with the prosperity of the Greater Port Macquarie Area.

Things To Do in Port Macquarie

The Greater Port Macquarie Area offers a wonderful hinterland, spectacular coastal line, National Parks for picnicking or hiking and the iconic Port Macquarie township, so let’s explore the possibilities. Port Macquarie has outstanding beaches, some patrolled, others with rock pools so endless hours of amusement. The beaches can be discovered on the Port Macquarie Coastal walk. Starting at Town Beach, the 9 kilometre walk consists of foot paths, beach walks, possibly swims, cafe stops and ends at Lighthouse Beach. Whether you go the whole distance or part of the way is your decision, but an Uber, taxi ride or bus back to town is well deserved. Time away from the beach allows you to visit The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, which has been rescuing and rehabilitating koalas since 1973. Whilst a hospital tour is self guided there are many volunteers ready to answer questions and at certain times of the day, if you are lucky, you can watch the koalas being fed their favourite eucalyptus leaves. On the koala theme one can orientate oneself with Port Macquarie on the Hello Koala Sculpture Trail. Using the trail map you will find 81 impressive koala sculptures located all over Port Macquarie. Billabong Zoo Koala and Wildlife Park allows the visitor to get up close and personal with over 80 species of Australian and exotic wildlife. From snow leopards, koalas, red pandas, meerkats, cheetahs, you are encouraged to pat, stroke, feed, hold and hear talks about the animals. Just for fun, Port Macquarie has camel rides available on the beach. Port Macquarie Museum revisits the history of the British Penal settlement. Through the 2000 objects spread within several rooms or galleries, local sporting achievements are highlighted, stories of those who served in the First World War are told and the development into tourism is explained. The Glass House situated in the heart of Port Macquarie is the home of a theatre, the Regional Art Gallery, The Visitor Information Centre and a basement that also showcases heritage as well as archaeological displays dating from the 1820s. Many artists are drawn to Port Macquarie for the natural inspiration. You will find painters, drawers, potters, sculptors and photographers. Many of these artists open their studios for tours, sales and regularly offer workshops or classes. How about picking your own strawberries? Ricardoes’ Tomatoes and Strawberries Farm, located just 10 minutes drive from Port Macquarie town centre, grows 5 varieties of hydroponic strawberries. After working up an appetite enjoy a lunch at their cafe and then browse the shelves of their local homemade preserves. Sea Acre National Park has a 1.3 kilometre rainforest boardwalk from the main centre through the rainforest. Either take a self guided walk or a Ranger guided Aboriginal tour were you will be informed about bush tucker, medicine plants, you will see rainforest birds and animals. A coastal drive south through beautiful seaside villages of Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills, Laurieton and Dunbogan will allow you to experience small town culture, walk town tracks, stroll along rivers or beaches and try local produce. Australia’s third largest single drop waterfall is located north of Port Macquarie in Manning Valley and is well worth the 1.5 hour drive. Whilst the hinterland has many township to investigate, a visit to the Bago Maze and Winery nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded with eucalyptus trees, vines and an architecturally designed native Lilly Pilly hedged maze that spans over 2000 metres is one for the bucket list. When you find your way out of the maze you deserve refreshments of choice, glass of wine, coffee or soft drink and maybe indulge in a cheese or meat platter of local produce.

Eating Out in Port Macquarie

With a climate of mild to high temperatures, periods of precipitation, the local produce flourishes, farming is supported, the ocean is bountiful of all types of seafood and this enables the chefs of the Greater Port Macquarie to experiment and produce culinary menus to inspire the tourist. Banks Cafe based on the Hastings River, has the intention of keeping the seasonal produce fun and presented with a modern Australian vibe. The avocado, cherry tomato salsa, feta, gremolata is on gluten free sourdough and can be inclusive with sides of bacon or poached eggs. Mains for lunch or dinner are more substantial, such as braised beef cheek with smoked potato mash, honey roasted parsnip crisps and tarragon jus. If you want just a drink there are 6 side dishes to choose and beer battered steak fries with rosemary salt are a crowd pleaser. Chop’n Chill is a place where friends come to meet, enjoy each others company and indulge in a diverse cuisine. Pop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack in between. The menu caters for vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, share plates, with numerous categories of mains, the choices are endless. Start the day with hashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms covered with cheese then oven baked till golden brown and finally topped with tomato bruschetta. Bring friends at lunch to share plates of grilled calamari, rice paper rolls, chicken bites and baked camembert. Dinner will be hard to decide, but their own special smoking recipe and cooker makes this section of smoke platters tender and juicy, so you might be persuaded. Cassegrain Winery located minutes from Port Macquarie provides a cellar door, a working winery with tours available so you can understand the process involved in producing the wine you are tasting. Twotriplefour restaurant associated with the winery proudly crafts a local paddock to plate menu that accompanies the Cassegrain wines. Grazing plates like rabbit, pistachio terrine with onion jam, or pork, sage scotch egg with sundried tomato aioli, or chilled blue swimmer crab, artichoke dip with crudités are great to share. Mains and desserts are also tempting for that lingering long lunch or dinner. The winery makes an ideal setting for a picnic amongst the vines. Twotriplefour coordinate the hamper and all you need to do is locate the position you want to lay around and enjoy the feast. Lying in the Byabarra hinterland just outside Port Macquarie the namesake café and bar, The Byabarra, allows you to combine casual, but hearty meals with spectacular views. Always enticing is their signature crispy pork belly, chefs special fried rice, wok fried vegetables with soy dipping sauce. The pasta is homemade and there are four options to choose. Local mussels are cooked two ways and both are gluten free.

Transport

Port Macquarie Airport is located 4 kilometres from the city centre. The airport has over 100 direct flights in and out a week from Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Lord Howe Island. New services are commencing soon from Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast. Town centre transfer options are bus, Uber, taxi or car rental. Train travel from Sydney or Brisbane is an option, but the train passes through Kendall and Wauchope and then you are required to bus to Port Macquarie. Greyhound Australia or Premier Motor Service both have a daily bus service from Brisbane or Sydney to the Greater Port Macquarie Area. Within Port Macquarie town centre Busways operates and the timetables are available online or from the visitor centre. There is also the option of the local taxi service. Whilst most attractions within Port Macquarie township can be accessed by walking or public transport, to explore the hidden treasures of the Greater Port Macquarie Area the convenience, flexibility of hiring a car would be ideal.

Top Tips when hiring a car in the Port Macquarie

• Research Port Macquarie Car Hire Options: When looking for Port Macquarie car hire, explore multiple car rental companies. Compare rates, vehicle availability, and policies to find cheap car hire deals.

• Book in Advance: Securing your hire car in advance, especially during peak seasons, can lead to better rates and ensure the availability of preferred vehicles.

• Consider Port Macquarie Airport Rentals: Car hire services at Port Macquarie Airport offer convenience, but also explore rentals in town, as they might offer competitive rates.

• Explore Rental Car Types: Depending on your needs, explore various car options. Smaller rental cars might be suitable for city exploration, while larger ones may be better for longer coastal drives.

• Check for Discounts and Deals: Look for special car hire deals and discounts for cheap car hire in Port Macquarie. This could include memberships, online promotions, or seasonal offers.

• Understand Rental Terms and Conditions: Pay attention to the terms and conditions regarding insurance coverage, fuel policies, mileage limits, and any additional fees before confirming your booking.

• Inspect the Rental Car: Before driving away, thoroughly inspect the rental car for any existing damages. Ensure the rental company acknowledges any issues to avoid being held responsible upon return.

• Fill Up with Free Parking: Utilise free parking spaces available in Port Macquarie. This can save money and hassle while exploring this coastal town.

• Explore Mid North Coast Routes: Familiarise yourself with routes along the Mid North Coast using maps or GPS to make the most of your travels.

• Consider Off-Peak Hire Times: Hiring a car during off-peak times might result in a lower hire price due to reduced demand.