Girls Weekend in Port Macquarie

The Ultimate Girls Getaway Long Weekend

Three days. Good friends. Outstanding food, a cheeky gin or three, proper beach time, and zero guilt about that long lunch that turned into dinner. Sound good? Here's exactly how to do it.

Where to Stay

For a girls' getaway, you want a place where everyone has their own space but you can still gather in comfort. Self-contained apartments with ocean views and a shared deck? Yes please. Contact the holiday rental team at Wiseberry Real Estate for holiday home and apartment bookings, or Beachscape Holiday Rentals. Here are some other picks for groups:

•      Sandcastle Apartments  In-spa, ocean views, Stunned Mullet restaurant downstairs  sandcastleportmacquarie.com.au

•      The Observatory by Mantra  Day spa on site, right on Town Beach  observatory.net.au

•      Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartments  Heated pool, roof deck, 4.5 stars  macquariewaters.com.au

•      Northpoint Apartments  Luxury self-contained, ocean views, walkable CBD  northpointapartments.com.au

•      Ki-Ea Apartments  Rooftop BBQ, heated pool, spa and sauna  ki-ea.com.au

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Friday: Arrive, Exhale, Celebrate

AFTERNOON

Drop the bags, hit the waterfront

You've arrived. Port Macquarie has that immediate effect where your shoulders drop and you start talking louder. Once you've checked in, wander down to the Town Green and Lady Nelson Wharf. The Hastings River is right there, the sunsets are ridiculous, and the vibe is immediately 'yes, this was a good idea.'

SUNDOWNERS

First drinks: make them count

Little Shack at the Breakwall on Town Green is the spot for the first sunset drink. Tiki-style umbrellas, the breakwall stretching out in front of you, cocktails that taste like a holiday. If you want something more elevated for the first night, wander to Town Wharf (head west of you’re on Town Green) to Florence Jones Cheese and Wine at the end of Clarence St. They do an exceptional cheese and charcuterie spread right on the waterfront, and can match with their boutique, curated wine collection.

Birdrock Bar & Grill

103A William St | birdrockportmacquarie.com.au Their early evening ‘Oysters & Aperol’ sessions are fast becoming a favourite. 4-6pm daily.

DINNER

The Stunned Mullet - just book it

First night dinner should be here. Full stop. This award-winning fine diner opposite Town Beach has been doing incredible things since 2005. Chef's Hats, Wine List of the Year nods, and a vibe that's casual-luxe without being stuffy. Order the dressed oyster flight and whatever you can't pronounce. 24 William St | thestunnedmullet.com.au Open lunch and dinner, 6 days. Book early, especially for Friday nights.

Saturday: Beach, Boutiques & Bottomless Brunches

MORNING

Breakfast with a waterfront view

Start the day at Hastings Coffee Co, on the ground floor of the Westport Club. Barista coffee, wholesome brekkie options, freshly baked goods, and that Hastings River right in front of you. Open from 8am every day. It's the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you've got it together.

Local tip  Grab your coffees takeaway and walk the Breakwall before the day heats up. The views from the end are genuinely spectacular.

MID MORNING

Head to the Beach, and/or walk the Coastal Walk (as much or as little as you like)

Port's 9km Coastal Walk is one of the genuinely great things about this place. You don't have to do all of it. Start at Town Beach, follow the trail over the headlands, hit Flynns Beach for a swim, and call it a day whenever the coffee craving kicks in again. Secret coves, dolphin sightings, and views that'll fill your camera roll. BYO Swimmers.

LUNCH

Bottomless Brunch/Lunch at Birdrock Bar & Grill

103A William St | birdrockportmacquarie.com.au - Their Bottomless Lunch ($99pp, four courses, two hours of wine and beer) is a weekend must-do. Book ahead.

AFTERNOON

Boutique shopping

Walk it off with a browse through Port's CBD. Clarence Street is where you'll find Haus of Alma, a gorgeous boutique for fashion, homewares, and seriously good coffee. Owner Lusanna and her team know how to style you up, and if you want proper personal attention, book a styling session in advance. Haus of Alma - 12+13/6-14 Clarence St | hausofalma.com.au Boutique Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm | Espresso Bar 7 days from 6am

Local tip  Also check out the Glasshouse Gift Shop on Clarence St for locally made goodies and the Regional Gallery if you want a cultural hit with your shopping. Murray Street is also a mecca for fashion lovers, with Lilli-Rose Design, Pearl, and Chyc Collective. We also love Mothership Records and The Village Market for vintage finds.

EVENING

Dinner at The Beachfront, then live music at Finnian's

The Beachfront Bar & Grill at Port City Bowling Club is not your average bowling club fare, with premium steaks and handcrafted cocktails in a beautifully renovated coastal space. Then roll on to Finnian's Tavern for live music. Crowned NSW's Best Live Music Venue by the AHA two years running. Dance like nobody's watching. Finnian's Irish Tavern: 97 Gordon St, Port Macquarie | Live music most nights.

Or, if authentic Thai food enjoyed with river views and fresh local seafood takes your fancy, check out Mekong Thai Laos on Clarence St for lunch or dinner.

Sunday: Sip, Stroll & the Scenic Way Home

MORNING

Rainforest breakfast, then the boardwalk

The Rainforest Cafe at Sea Acres is tucked into one of Australia's largest remaining coastal rainforests, just minutes from town. It's lush, peaceful, and the kind of spot that makes you feel like you're at a health spa even if you follow your bacon and eggs with cake. Which you should. Walk the 1.3km elevated boardwalk afterwards. Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, 159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie | Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch | (02) 6582 4444

MID MORNING

Wine tasting at Cassegrain Wines

Just ten minutes drive from Port Mac, a visit to this award-winning wine maker is a must. Visit the cellar door, then take a wander around the beautiful property. Feeling energetic? Book a horse ride through the vineyards from the onsite Port Macquarie Horseriding! 10 Winery Drive, Port Macquarie | cassegrainwines.com.au Cellar Door open 7 days 10am-5pm | Restaurant Wed-Sun 10am-4pm | (02) 6582 8324

LUNCH

A lazy last lunch at Taste@Cassegrain

Sit on the sunny deck overlooking the vines and settle in for a chef/wine maker lunch like no other. Book online here.

AFTERNOON

One last stop: Bago Maze and Wine

If you're heading inland or just want to stretch the weekend a little further, Bago Maze and Wine out near Wauchope is genuinely one of the most fun things you can do. One of the world's largest architecturally designed hedge mazes, wine tasting paddles, cheese and charcuterie from local producers. Who says you have to be sensible about going home? Milligans Road (off Bago Road), Wauchope | bago.com.au Open 7 days 9am-5pm | (02) 6585 7099

Good to Know

Getting here: Port Macquarie is around 4 hours from Sydney or 5 from Brisbane. Rex and Qantas both fly direct from Sydney.

Getting around: You'll need a car or book a tour for the distillery and winery runs. Everything in the CBD is very walkable.

Wet Weather options: Gather the crew and go strawberry picking under cover at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, catch a movie, or book in for a session at X-Golf.

Book ahead: The Stunned Mullet, The Beach Front, Taste@Cassegrain, and Maria River Distillery all need reservations, especially on weekends.

More inspiration: Grab a glossy copy of Discover Port Macquarie magazine when you arrive, or read it online here. Free, and packed with local intel.