Date ideas in Port Macquarie
22 date ideas around Port Macquarie, from sunset oysters at Little Shack and dinner at The Stunned Mullet to the Koala Hospital, the coastal walk to Tacking Point Lighthouse and a BYO sunset cruise on the Hastings. Swipe through them above, or browse every one below. Each was checked on the place's own website: what it is, when it's on and what it costs. 2 are free.
Every date idea in Port Macquarie, by kind
22
ideas
2
free
6
kinds
Sep 2026
last checked
For couples: 6 date ideas in Port Macquarie
HERONS CREEK
Get lost in Bago's hedge maze, then taste the wine
In the hinterland at Herons Creek, a third-generation family farm has more than 2km of hedge maze paths with towers and bridges, which it calls Australia's largest. Afterwards, taste the estate-grown wines at the cellar door with a cheese or grazing platter looking over the vines.
When Every day 9am to 5pm; last maze entry 4pm. Closed Christmas Day
Cost Maze $14.50 each online; tastings and platters priced at the cellar door
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Cassegrain vineyard, where the trail ride runs. Photo: Christopher Wood · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Trail ride and wine tasting at Cassegrain
Learn the basics in the sand arena, then ride through the Cassegrain winery grounds and surrounding bush tracks with a guide. Add a wine tasting at Cassegrain's cellar door when you book, about 10 minutes' drive from town.
When By appointment only; the cellar door is open every day 10am to 5pm
Cost $145.95 each for the 1.5-hour lesson and trail ride (minimum two riders); wine tasting is an optional extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Lighthouse Beach, where the camel rides run. Photo: Inas · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Camel ride along Lighthouse Beach
Walk the water's edge of Lighthouse Beach on a camel while the cameleers tell you about these 'ships of the desert'. Dolphins are often seen in the waves, and whales pass in season.
When Every day except Christmas Day, weather permitting: 9:30am to 1pm (9am to 2pm in NSW school holidays). No bookings; first come, first served
Cost $45 each for about 20 minutes; 10% surcharge on public holidays
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
A resident koala at the Koala Hospital. Photo: Sophiebellek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Visit the Koala Hospital, then coffee at Roto House
See resident koalas, watch vets at work in the koala clinic and learn about the wild koala breeding program at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital on Lord Street. Next door, Roto House café lends picnic rugs for the lawns around the late-Victorian house.
When Hospital every day 8:30am to 4pm (closed Christmas Day); café 8:30am to 3pm March to November, 8am to 4:30pm December to February
Cost General admission from $16.50 each (1 hour)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Town Beach, below the observatory's headland. Photo: wood26 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Stargazing at the Port Macquarie Observatory
On the headland above Town Beach, volunteer astronomers give a talk on the night sky, then guide you to the planets and stars through the observatory's 14-inch telescope.
When Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights (extra nights in school holidays): 7:30pm from March to October, 8pm from November to February
Cost $28 each (when checked); book on TryBooking
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
PORT MACQUARIE
Side-by-side spa for two at Aqua Vitae
Port Macquarie's Aqua Vitae Day Spa has a double treatment room with double hydrotherapy spas, so you can be pampered side by side. Couples packages range from a half-hour spa to a long escape with massage and facials, and come with fruit, Lindt chocolate and a glass of wine or champagne.
When Hours vary by day (closed some days); the Port Macquarie location page lists the next seven days' hours, opening 9am
Cost From $140 for two (30-minute hydrotherapy spa); 60-minute massage for two $288; packages up to $782 for two
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Food and drink: 6 date ideas in Port Macquarie
Town Beach, across the road from the restaurant. Photo: Nathanhb98 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Dinner at The Stunned Mullet by Town Beach
A small Town Beach restaurant built around wine: its list keeps changing and the staff love talking you through it. Dinner is a fixed-price menu with plenty of choices at each course.
When Dinner Tuesday to Saturday, bookings 5:30pm to 8:30pm (online only); lunch Tuesday to Saturday from noon. Tables of two have two hours
Cost Dinner $110 each (fixed-price menu); lunch is à la carte
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
PORT MACQUARIE
Seafood tasting menu at Bills Fishhouse
A modern seafood restaurant and bar on Clarence Street cooking local, seasonal and Australian seafood, with bespoke cocktails. Order mains like crisp-skinned barramundi, or hand the night to the chef with 'A Taste of Bills': signature oysters and five courses including dessert.
When Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30pm; two sittings, last booking 8:30pm
Cost Mains $39 to $49; A Taste of Bills $129 each (whole table only) (when checked); 15% surcharge on public holidays
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The breakwall at the river mouth, a stroll from Little Shack. Photo: Brian Tolagson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Sunset oysters at Little Shack on the Town Green
A waterfront bar and cafe on the corner of the breakwall and the Town Green, looking across Pelican Bay at sunset. From 4pm it serves a spring share menu of oysters, anchovy toast and pork skewers with drinks.
When Share menu Tuesday to Sunday from 4pm; open every day, until 8pm (9pm Friday and Saturday)
Cost Bell's Island oysters $6 each, marinated olives $10, anchovy toast $18 (spring menu, when checked)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Lake Cathie, a short drive from the vineyard. Photo: Annette Teng · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
LAKE CATHIE
Wine, art and sculpture at Long Point Vineyard
A small Lake Cathie vineyard established in 1994 that makes its wines from estate-grown grapes, with an art gallery of local artists' work at the cellar door. Take a cheese platter out to the deck and find 'The Wonderers', a sculpture from Sydney's Bondi to Coogee walk, on the oval.
When Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm (closed Sunday, Monday and Christmas Day)
Cost No entry fee listed; tastings and cheese platters priced at the cellar door
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
BEECHWOOD
Country pub dinner at the Beechwood Hotel
A traditional country pub in the Hastings hinterland, 10 minutes from Wauchope, with two beer gardens, eight beers on tap and a hitching rail out the front for your horse. The bistro does pub favourites plus a nightly special.
When Bistro every day: lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm, dinner 5:30pm to 8:30pm; nightly specials from 5:30pm, dine-in only
Cost Nightly specials: $15 pasta (Wednesday), $15 schnitzel (Thursday), $18 rump (Friday), Sunday roast from $25; 2-for-1 on selected items Tuesday
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Hastings River boardwalk in Wauchope, the market's town. Photo: Kim Gallery · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
WAUCHOPE
Fourth-Saturday Wauchope Farmers' Market
Once a month local farmers bring their fresh produce to the Wauchope Showgrounds. Go early for a coffee and a wander, then head on into the hinterland for the day.
When Fourth Saturday of each month, 8am to midday
Cost Pay as you go at each stall
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
On the water: 4 date ideas in Port Macquarie
The Hastings River at Port Macquarie, late in the day. Photo: Foramparikh21 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
BYO sunset cruise on the Hastings River
Cruise upstream on the Hastings River and through the Broadwater canals as the sun sets, with evening music playing. Bring your own drinks and nibbles, and watch for the river's local dolphins.
When Sunset departures from the CBD; dates on the booking calendar
Cost From $40 each (90 minutes)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The ocean off Port Macquarie, where the humpbacks pass. Photo: Christopher Wood · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Sunset whale watching off Port Macquarie
Head out in the golden light of a sunset tour to watch humpback whales on their annual migration past Port Macquarie, on one of Port Jet's purpose-built whale-watching boats.
When Whale season, which runs from the end of May until mid-November; times on the booking calendar
Cost Listed from $95 (90 minutes, when checked September 2026); ticket prices shown at booking
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Hastings River, where you cruise. Photo: Christopher Wood · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Hire a BBQ boat on the Hastings River
Skipper your own BBQ boat from Jordan's Boat Shed and cook lunch on board while you cruise the Hastings River. The driver needs to be 18 or over with a car licence.
When Times on the online booking calendar; arrive 15 minutes before departure
Cost From $185 per boat (seats up to 12)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Hire boats at Settlement Point Boatshed. Photo: Christopher Wood · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Paddle to Pelican Island from Settlement Point
Hire a stand-up paddleboard or kayak at Settlement Point Boatshed (a quick lesson is included with the board) and paddle out to Pelican Island. Look for turtles and seabirds, then walk across the sand in the middle of the bay to see the Hastings River run into the Pacific.
When Hire 7am to 3pm; set hire times on weekends and holidays
Cost Paddleboard $20 an hour, including instruction
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Shows and music: 2 date ideas in Port Macquarie
The Glasshouse on Clarence Street. Photo: Christopher Wood · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
A show at the Glasshouse
The Glasshouse arts centre on Clarence Street presents touring theatre and live entertainment, including its SELECT program of productions from major arts companies and theatre producers. Pick a night from the What's On list.
When See the What's On page; box office Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, weekends 9am to 2pm
Cost Ticketed; prices on each show's page
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
PORT MACQUARIE
Free exhibition: The Neighbour at the Gate
A major exhibition from the National Art School Gallery, curated by a group led by Clothilde Bullen, is showing at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery. Entry is free.
When Until 29 November 2026: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, weekends and public holidays 10am to 2pm; closed Mondays
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Make something: 2 date ideas in Port Macquarie
PORT MACQUARIE
Life drawing night at the Glasshouse
A casual two-hour life drawing class, 'stripped back to basics', led by Mid North Coast artist Carly Marchment in the Glasshouse's Ross Family Studio.
When Friday 13 and Friday 27 November 2026, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Cost $40 each
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
PORT MACQUARIE
Thursday night pottery at The Seed
Make a mug, a vase or whatever you like from clay by hand (no wheel), with teacher Jade on hand for tips. Come back about three weeks later to glaze it, and collect the fired piece a few weeks after that.
When Thursdays 6pm to 8pm during school terms (not in school holidays); the last Thursday of the month is a glaze session
Cost $75 each, including 700g of clay, apron, firing and glazing
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Views and climbs: 2 date ideas in Port Macquarie
Tacking Point Lighthouse, where the walk ends. Photo: Marshypoo · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Coastal walk to Tacking Point Lighthouse
Walk 9km from the Town Green along the beaches and headlands (Town Beach, Nobby's, Harry's Lookout above Shelly Beach, then through Sea Acres) to the 1879 Tacking Point Lighthouse. Whales pass between May and November, and the lighthouse has 180-degree views of the ocean and coastline. Do a shorter section if you prefer.
When Any day; check NSW National Parks alerts before walking the Sea Acres section, which has had closures for track upgrades
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The boardwalk into Sea Acres rainforest. Photo: Christopher Wood · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PORT MACQUARIE
Sea Acres rainforest boardwalk
A 1.3km boardwalk rises seven metres through coastal rainforest into the canopy, just south of town. Watch for rainforest birds, goannas and diamond pythons, then have breakfast or lunch at the Rainforest Centre café. Ranger-guided tours run on set dates.
When Every day 9am to 4:30pm (closed Christmas Day); ranger tours at 10am, 11am and noon on the dates listed by NSW National Parks
Cost $9 each; ranger-guided tour $10 each
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Can't decide? Let the deck pick your Port Macquarie date
Stuck for date night ideas, or for things to do together at the weekend? Instead of scrolling lists, let the deck deal you one date idea at a time. Swipe right on the ones you like, left on the ones you don't, and within a few minutes you have a shortlist to choose from, or just take the first one you both said yes to.
How it works
Swipe to decide. Each card is one date: what to do, where it is, when it's on and what it costs. Swipe right (or tap Save) to keep it, left (or Skip) to see the next.
Share it with your date. Share sends a link that opens the deck on the same card, so the other person can say yes too.
Keep the ones you like. Saved ideas stay under the deck and on the map. Sign in and they're kept in My Places on every device.
Filter by the kind of date. Food and drink, shows and music, on the water, views and climbs, making something together, or ideas for couples.
Where the date ideas come from
Every idea of ours names a real place and was checked on its official website: what it is, when it's on and what it costs, with a link to that website and the date it was checked. Ideas with an end date leave the deck once they finish. Photos come from Wikimedia Commons and are credited on each card. Mixed in are bookable tours and experiences, clearly marked, with today's prices.
Questions
Can it pick a date for us?
Yes. Swipe until one appeals, or save a few and choose between them. For a single answer, the date wheel picks one at random.
Is it free?
Yes. Many of the ideas are free too: walks, lookouts, galleries, markets and swims.
Do we need an account?
No. Saves stay in your browser; sign in only if you want them on other devices.
Date ideas in other cities
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Every idea links to the place’s own website and was checked there on the date shown; times and prices change, so check before you go. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.