Our coastal location makes summer time an absolute joy, but let's not forget just how beautiful our place is in winter, with so much still to see and do.

From local cinemas in Port Macquarie and Laurieton, to indoor playgrounds and outdoor adventures like one of the many nature walks scattered throughout the region, there's simply no excuses when the kids say, 'I'm bored'.

The Glasshouse is home to our Regional Gallery where you can wonder at the incredible creative talent on show, or maybe go back in time and learn about the history of our place at one of our region's museums. Let's also not forget about just how good an old fashion day trip can be.

Pack a picnic, rug up and head to the hills at Comboyne via Kendall and check out all things, from craft and cafes to waterfalls and stunning lookouts.

And on the topic of picturesque views from high places, it's now whale watching season and we have some of the best vantage points on the east coast.

While we get to enjoy all of this right on our door step all year round, inviting others from all over to come and eat, see and do is a major focus for Council, and our Tourism team has just launched a new winter marketing campaign promoting our place in key areas like Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

I encourage everyone to try something new, explore our place and really take the time to discover something special in your own back yard this winter.

For more ideas on how you can live like a tourist in our region visit portmacquarieinfo.com.au.