What a trip this has been. You have seen so much of the beautiful interior of northern New South Wales, starting from your home point in Queensland. Through
Dangar Falls to
the Hunter Valley to the
Blue Mountains and
the Jenolan Caves. After bidding
Katoomba farewell you came down to the coast where
Myall Lakes National Park welcomed you with refreshing clear water and stunning beaches.
Now pressing northward you decide to take another day to spend in a hotel, always a good choice after you have been camping with no showers.
Port Macquarie is that spot today, located 162 kilometres north of Myall Lakes it is a short drive up the Pacific Coast highway.
Refresh yourself in Port Macquarie!
The town was named after the governor of New South Wales back in 1818, another tribute to the man who seems to have an endless stream of things named after him.
The area became a penal settlement in 1821 for those committing secondary crimes. The area was renowned for its isolation, the perfect place to serve hard labour. Criminals were easily kept in control here.
Renowned for its isolation, which is great when you are on vacation!
The first sugar cane was cultivated here in 1823 and in 1830 was opened to settlers when the penal colony moved to the Moreton Bay area. Over 20 shipwrecks occurred before a lighthouse was erected in 1879. If you are a history buff this is the place for you.
The town today is pretty, clean, tidy, a good spot to spend some time on the seas for a day, take a cruise on one of the ships for hire, walk along the sea wall.
A great place to walk!
The Hastings River spills into the sea and is home to all kinds of water sports. Yachts, jet skis, sail and fishing boats all sit waiting to be let loose into the tide.
Yachts, jet skis, sail and fishing boats all waiting to be let loose into the tide!
Attractions include the Smokey Cape Lighthouse, Billabong Koala Sanctuary and the famous Lord Howe Island that is just a plane ride away.
The rock wall goes for miles. Huge boulders line the way, keeping things from moving and eroding. It has been allocated an art gallery of sorts. As you walk along the edge you can take note of all the art work that has gone on with a great number of the large boulders. The styles are numerous, varied, temporary.
Walk by the sea and enjoy the artworkl!
Apparently anyone can show up with whatever means they choose from paint to tiles and create their own piece of art on the particular boulder that takes their fancy. Don't get too attached because it is there only until the next artist comes along wanting to carve out their own spot on the same boulder.
The coastal walk is a great way to see some of the area, gets you outdoors for a while and there are restaurants along the way.
Restaurants and pubs along the way!
There is no shortage of accommodation including an enormous holiday park that lives adjacent to the rock wall and encompasses cabins, tents and your caravan.
Cabins that are part of the caravan park!
This certainly is a spot to come back to on your next trip. After only one day you must carry on with your road trip as you head to Emerald Beach Resort just north of Coffs Harbour.
