Comprehensive information and links about Australia Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is a town on the mid-North Coast, New South Wales, Australia, located about 450 km north of Sydney, and 510km south of Brisbane. The city is located on the coast at the south bank of the entrance of the Hastings River. The site of Port Macquarie was first visited by Europeans in 1820 when John Oxley reached the Pacific Ocean coast from the interior after his journey to explore inland New South Wales. He named the location after the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie. Later the city was developed, initially as a penal settlement.

Much of the land used to build the city's shopping centres and other structures in recent years was originally owned by the Catholic Church, who many claim are in large part responsible for the town's growth and development.

Port Macquarie is now popular as a retirement location and popular tourist destination. It is known for its extensive pristine beaches and untouched waterways. The city is also known for its Koala population, with many tourists referring to it as the Koala Capital. Port Macquarie is also the home of the world famous Koala Hospital run by the Koala Preservation Society. The Koala Hospital cares for koalas injured through bushfire, dog attacks and collisions with vehicles.

In recent times, Port Macquarie has become more commercialised despite protest from residents; in particular the Rydges Hotel (formerly Sheraton by Four Points) built opposite the city Green attracted much opposition. Despite this, Port Macquarie still offers little in the way of night-time entertainment beyond a handful of nightclubs. Most cafes do not remain open at night, and restaurants close later in the evening. Anyone remaining at 9:30pm is generally presented with the bill and a polite but pointed request to settle and leave.

The local government area in which Port Macquarie is located is known as i. The name was officially changed in August 2005 following the results of a random community survey. The area was formerly known as i. The council has has estimated the population of Port Macquarie and its immediate surrounding area to be approximately 62,000.