Photo: Inas / CC0
Port Macquarie might be best known for its stunning beaches and coastal national parks, but just inland a thriving wine region awaits. The vineyards here, many family-run and boutique, are set among rolling hills and lush farmland, offering a relaxed, personal tasting experience. The subtropical climate produces excellent Semillon, Verdelho, and Chambourcin, and several cellar doors serve up local cheeses and oysters to match. Whether you're a dedicated oenophile or just looking for a pleasant afternoon drive, the wineries around Port Macquarie make a delightful detour from the coast.
Highlights & What to See
- Cassegrain Wines – The region's most established winery, with a striking cellar door, French-inspired architecture, and a restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine. Their Verdelho and Chambourcin are standouts.
- Bago Vineyard & Maze – A fun family stop with a giant maize maze, farm animals, and a casual cellar door offering fruit wines and traditional grape varieties.
- Long Point Vineyard – A boutique, organic vineyard with a rustic cellar door. Try their award-winning Semillon and enjoy the peaceful views over the valley.
- Waitui Wines – A small-batch producer known for handcrafted wines, including a delicious Chambourcin rosé. The owners often pour the tastings themselves.
- Innes Lake Vineyard – Set around a picturesque lake, this vineyard offers tastings of their estate-grown Verdelho and Shiraz, plus a picnic area with stunning views.
Suggested Time to Spend
Dedicate half a day to a relaxed winery tour – around four hours is perfect for visiting three cellar doors without feeling rushed. If you want to include lunch at one of the vineyard restaurants, plan for five to six hours. Most wineries are open from late morning to mid-afternoon, so start your journey around 10am to make the most of the day. Combine with a morning walk at the coastal breakwall or a late afternoon beach visit.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Macquarie Coastal Walk – A stunning 9km walk along the coast, passing beaches, headlands, and the iconic breakwall with its painted rocks.
- Sea Acres National Park – A protected coastal rainforest with a boardwalk through the canopy, perfect for spotting birdlife and ancient trees.
- Billabong Zoo – A wildlife park with koalas, crocodiles, and a chance to hand-feed kangaroos – great for families.
- Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse & Museum – Learn about the town's convict past and maritime history in this beautifully restored building.
- Lake Cathie – A tranquil coastal lagoon ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a peaceful picnic by the water.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Port Macquarie — Inas / CC0
- Sea Acres National Park — Poyt448 Peter Woodard / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Billabong Zoo — mdalmuld / CC BY 2.0
- Lake Cathie — Photnart ( talk ) / Public domain
- Hastings River — Sky rockets in flight at English Wikipedia / Public domain