Morning light on Port Macquarie’s Shelly Beach.

The scenic coastal spot that punches above its small-town weight

Midway between the Gold Coast and Sydney,Port Macquarie is shrugging off its “God’s waiting room” label.

  • bySheriden Rhodes
Historic lighthouse on Tacking Point near Port Macquarie.

Hotel review:Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel,Port Macquarie

If it's been a long time since you've docked yourself at Port Macquarie,prepare to be surprised.

  • byJane Richards
Sue Ashton feeds Lismore Myrtle formula during her recovery.

Port Macquarie:$8m in bushfire donations funds world-first wild koala breeding program in NSW

The notoriously difficult task of breeding koalas for the wild may become a reality thanks to an outpouring of donations in the wake of last summer's bushfires.

  • byAnthony Dennis
Port Macquarie's change is helping tackle the big issues facing regional areas:lack of opportunity,loneliness,boredom – plus the stresses of bushfires and COVID.

Port Macquarie,NSW:Travel tips,things to see and do

The once sleepy shores of this mid north coastal NSW town are now buzzing with creativity.

  • byJane Richards
Nobby Beach,Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie,NSW,travel guide and things to do:Nine must-do highlights

There's a new buzz around Port Macquarie,led by artists,boutique businesses and inventive farmers.

  • byJane Richards
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Lighthouse Beach,Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie travel guide and things to do:Nine must-do highlights

With a bounty of natural assets,some furry superstars and a friendly,relaxed vibe,there's no better place to recharge your COVID-weary soul than this charming,waterfront town.

  • byJulie Miller
Outdoor pool at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges.

Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges hotel review:Superb location - the new incarnation of Sails

An idyllic base from which to explore an area that has been doing it tough over summer.

  • bySteve Meacham
Port Macquarie coastal walk.

Port Macquarie's Historical Cemetery:Australia's oldest cemetery

Of Australia's state capitals,only Sydney and Hobart are older than Port Macquarie.

  • bySteve Meacham
Forget the fortified wine after dinner - this chef heads straight to Blue Cow Gelato.

Port Macquarie,NSW:Best places to eat - chef Pete Cutcliffe's picks

Breweries,excellent seafood,great coffee:the Mid-North coast now has a foodie feel.

  • byJulietta Jameson
One of JetGo's four Embraer ERJ135KLs.

Airline review:JetGo Melbourne to Port Macquarie

A surprisingly sweet ride on a smaller passenger jet.

  • byJulietta Jameson