Photo: Archives New Zealand / CC BY 2.0
Riccarton Estate is a serene countryside retreat just outside Port Macquarie, offering a taste of rural life with a touch of luxury. Set on sprawling farmland, this boutique estate combines stunning natural beauty with warm hospitality, making it an ideal stop for travellers seeking peace and a connection to the land.
Highlights & What to See
- Farm-to-table dining: Savour seasonal produce at the estate’s restaurant, where menus highlight local ingredients, including estate-grown herbs and vegetables.
- Wine tasting: Sample small-batch wines from the estate’s vineyard, with varieties that thrive in the region’s temperate climate.
- Farm tours: Join a guided walk to meet the resident animals (think friendly goats and free-range chickens) and learn about sustainable farming practices.
- Walking trails: Meander along paddock-side paths and through native bushland, keeping an eye out for kangaroos and colourful birdlife.
- Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the clear night skies here are perfect for spotting the Southern Cross and Milky Way.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend half a day (3–4 hours) at Riccarton Estate, which allows for a leisurely lunch, a wine tasting, and a short farm walk. If you’re staying overnight in one of their charming cottages, you’ll have time to fully unwind and explore the surrounding trails at a relaxed pace.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Macquarie – Just a 15-minute drive away, this coastal town offers beautiful beaches, the Koala Hospital, and a lively waterfront dining scene.
- Hastings River – Cruise or kayak along the river, stopping at historic sites like St Thomas’ Anglican Church and the Port Macquarie Museum.
- Billabong Zoo – A family-friendly wildlife park about 20 minutes south, featuring koalas, crocodiles, and a walk-through aviary.
- Lake Cathie – A peaceful lake ideal for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching, located a short drive south of Port Macquarie.
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
- Hastings River — Sky rockets in flight at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Billabong Zoo — mdalmuld / CC BY 2.0
- Lake Cathie — Photnart ( talk ) / Public domain