Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie was founded in 1821 as a penal settlement for reoffenders, and traces remain in the courthouse, the convict-built St Thomas church and the historic cemetery, though the town's identity now is a holiday one. Its best-known institution is the Koala Hospital, opened in 1973 and the first of its kind, which treats sick and injured animals and lets visitors see those in care, particularly at the afternoon feeding. Along the harbour breakwall, thousands of rocks have been painted by visitors over decades, forming an unofficial rolling artwork. Nine beaches line the coast within a short drive, linked by a coastal walk with headland lookouts, and whales pass close inshore in season.

What you actually see

• The Koala Hospital - the world's first koala hospital, with animals in care.
• The painted breakwall - thousands of rocks painted by visitors along the harbour.
• The coastal walk - a nine-kilometre route linking headlands and beaches.
• The convict-era buildings - the courthouse, cemetery and St Thomas church.

When to go

September to May for beach weather; whales pass from May to November and are visible from the headlands. School holidays fill accommodation. Summer is warm and humid with afternoon storms.

Honest expectations

The koala hospital relies on donations and the number of animals visible varies; it moved through a major redevelopment in recent years. Koala populations in the region were badly hit by the 2019 fires. The town is a busy holiday centre in summer, and beaches carry rips.

Nearby

South West Rocks lies north; the Camden Haven and Ellenborough Falls are south and inland.