There’s action, adventure and art to make the whole family smile in the Hastings these holidays.
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Don’t miss the holiday highlight, ArtWalk, then keep the kids busy with plenty of boredom busting activities.
The Hastings caters for all ages and all budgets - making it one of the best family holiday hotspots around.
The buzzing coastal town and hinterland is jam-packed with exciting experiences.
Light up the night at ArtWalk
On Thursday, April 19 the heart of Port Macquarie will come to life with ArtWalk - an interactive night of street art, live music, great food and creative celebration. Free, family-friendly pop-up performances and captivating art installations will delight the crowds after dark. Not to be missed, ArtWalk is a cultural highlight on the annual events calendar.
Get crafty with kids art classes
Kids will love the interactive workshops at Port Central Shopping Centre these holidays where Arthouse Industries will lead classes in street art, dream catchers and collage. There are more art activities for kids at the Regional Gallery with the Glasshouse Sprouts program on April 18, 21 and 24. Paint Your Town is running a kids art, music and drama camp during the first week of the holidays.
To market to market
Find an abundance of fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, tasty food stalls and local entertainment at markets across the region these holidays. Explore the Twilight Food Markets every Saturday, the Artist Market on April 22 and the Wauchope Farmers Market on April 28.
Make a splash at Stoney Aqua Park
Swing, slide, balance and bounce into the water with inflatable fun for all ages at Stoney Aqua Park. Afterwards, chill out with a picnic or bbq by the lake. Head to the newest hotspot for action-packed excitement, just 20 minutes from Port Macquarie.
Go wild at Billabong Zoo
Get up-close and personal with koalas, crocodiles, snakes and snow leopards at Billabong Zoo. Be part of the daily feeding frenzy and animal talks with over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Enjoy the playground, picnic areas, Zoo Cafe and shop.
Catch a ride on a camel
For a holiday memory you won’t forget, head to Lighthouse Beach for a camel safari along the sand. Don’t miss one of Port Macquarie’s most popular family friendly activities. Hear all about the history of this amazing animal while you enjoy the elevated view.
Family friendly winery trail
The family friendly wineries around the Hastings have something for everyone. Sit back and relax as you sample a local drop while the kids are entertained with interactive art, farm animals, a maze and horse riding.
Back to nature
Every day at 3pm the Koala Hospital offers a free feed, walk and talk tour to learn about the sick and injured koalas at this unique, volunteer-run attraction.
Learn how to ride and care for horses and take part in fun farm games at a holiday kids camp at Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding, nestled in the foothills of the Hastings Valley hinterland.
At Sea Acres Rainforest Centre enjoy the tranquility along the 1.3km elevated rainforest loop walk, visit the Spirit of the Land exhibition and explore the intricately detailed Frugal Forest installation made entirely of recycled materials.
Drop a line or get out on the water
Learn how to fish responsibly in a safe and fun environment at Lake Cathie with the NSW Fisheries kids Fishing Workshop on April 17.
NSW Fisheries is running four hour kids fishing workshops these school holidays. The kids learn how fish responsibly in a safe and fun environment. NSW DPI fishing workshops include fun lessons on fishing techniques, information on NSW fishing rules, best methods to maximise released fish survival and a practical fishing session in a safe location.
If water is more your scene, float down the Hastings River on a Chinese Junk, learn about the natural environment on an eco-cruise, hire a jet ski or roar along at 100km/hr on the fastest boat in NSW. Head to Town Wharf and pick your favourite watery adventure.
History and heritage
Find all 57 hand painted one-metre high koala sculptures on the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, taking you to interesting sites across Port Macquarie, from the hinterland to the sea.
Head to the heritage theme park Timbertown to ride a steam train, watch the bullock demonstrations, learn how to crack a whip and pan for gold.