Bago Vineyards And Maze

Just a 15-minute drive north of Port Macquarie, Bago Vineyards and Maze is a delightful family-run winery that pairs award-winning cool-climate wines with one of Australia’s largest hedge mazes. Set on a gentle hillside overlooking the Hastings River valley, this is a place where you can sip a glass of semillon while watching kids (or adults) disappear into a living labyrinth of more than a kilometre of pathways. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious – think picnic tables under shady trees, a cellar door that feels like a friend’s living room, and a genuine passion for the craft of winemaking.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar door tastings: Sample the vineyard’s cool-climate specialties – the semillon and chambourcin are standouts – and chat with the knowledgeable team about the region’s microclimate.
• The hedge maze: Navigate a giant maze planted with more than 800 conifers; it’s a fun challenge for all ages and offers a quirky photo op from the central viewing tower.
• Picnic grounds: Bring your own picnic or grab a cheese platter from the cellar door; the lawns are dotted with tables and umbrellas, perfect for a lazy afternoon.
• Wine and gift shop: Stock up on bottles to take home – the port and fortified wines are local favourites – plus browse artisan condiments and local honey.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that 1–2 hours is plenty to enjoy a tasting, tackle the maze, and relax with a glass of wine on the lawn. If you’re keen to linger over a picnic or take the maze slowly, allow up to three hours. The vineyard is open daily from late morning to late afternoon, so it works well as a mid-morning stop before lunch in Port Macquarie or as a laid-back afternoon outing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – just 15 minutes south, with its beaches, coastal walk, and lively café scene.
• Billabong Zoo – a wildlife park in Port Macquarie where you can meet koalas and feed kangaroos.
• Lake Cathie – a quiet coastal lake and beach, great for a swim or paddle, about 20 minutes south.
• Cattle Creek Falls – a short rainforest walk to a pretty waterfall in the nearby Bago State Forest.
• Wauchope – a historic timber town with antique shops and the Timbertown heritage park, a 20-minute drive west.

Please check official sources for current details.