Maritime Museum

Port Macquarie's Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of seafaring history, housed in a charming 19th-century former courthouse overlooking the Hastings River. With passionate volunteer guides and fascinating exhibits, it offers an intimate glimpse into the region's shipwrecks, lighthouses, and coastal trade.

Highlights & What to See

• Shipwreck relics – Recovered artefacts from the Syria and other lost vessels, including china, anchors, and personal belongings.
• Lighthouse lens – A stunning first-order Fresnel lens from the nearby Tacking Point Lighthouse, one of the oldest on the NSW coast.
• Aboriginal watercraft – A beautifully crafted bark canoe and exhibits on Indigenous maritime culture.
• Model ship collection – Intricate scale models of vessels that sailed the Pacific, including a detailed replica of the HMS Endeavour.
• Coastal trading stories – Photographs and logs detailing the bustling river trade that built Port Macquarie.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 45 minutes to an hour to explore the two floors of exhibits. Chat with the knowledgeable volunteers – they often have personal tales that bring the displays to life. Combine with a stroll along the nearby Town Green or a coffee at one of the waterfront cafés.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tacking Point Lighthouse – A short drive east, this historic lighthouse offers coastal views and whale-watching in season.
• Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse – Just across the road, this grand building houses a local history museum.
• Hastings River Walk – A scenic riverside path linking the museum to the town centre and the Glasshouse cultural precinct.
• Koala Hospital – A 10-minute drive away, this world-famous wildlife hospital is a must for animal lovers.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre – Explore a boardwalk through coastal rainforest, just 5 minutes south by car.

Please check official sources for current details.