Located a 20-minute drive north of Forster-Tuncurry on the New South Walesmid-north coast, the Big Tap is another of Australia’s Big Things that are dotted around the country. We drove along The Lakes Way heading out of Tuncurry. On the way, we passed through what the map called The Big Roundabout. It is a roundabout but is not that big, so we didn’t bother stopping.
The side closest to the Big Tap had a cleared spot where several cars could stop. As it’s located on a farmer’s property you can’t get close, so we viewed it from the fence line.
An interesting attraction and worth stopping to see if you are trying to see Australia’s big things.
Located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, Port Macquarie is a favourite tourist destination. Not only does it have beautiful beaches and rainforests, but is the Koala Capital of Australia. Not only these things and convict history, but if you get bored you can pick your own tomatoes or strawberries.
Below is a list of place we visited and things we did with links on this page. Should you want a more in depth story, links are provided further down the page.
One of the great attractions to Port Macquarie is the amazing beaches. Surrounded by wonderful sandy beaches, there are plenty to choose from, whether you want ones close to town or more privacy a small drive away.
Flynns Beach
Looking Through Trees to Flynns BeachFlynns BeachFlynns Beach
Oxley Beach
Beautiful Oxley BeachOxley Beach
Rocky Beach Lookout
View from the Rocky Beach LookoutRocky Beach Lookout
Housing the Port Macquarie Theatre, Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre, the Glasshouse Arts and Visitor Centre is a great place to visit, because not only does it have these things, but there are ruins in the basement!
Located all over Port Macquarie and its surrounding districts on the NSW mid-north coast, The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is a fun way to find your way around town. Many businesses and attractions have sponsored one or more of the sculptures making it an interesting way to explore the area and as a bonus finding lots of them.
Established in 1973 and dedicated to the to rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild koalas, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital also helps visitor learn about this unique Australian animal.
Preserving Port Macquarie’s maritime history, the Mid-North Coast Maritime Museum occupies two old Pilot Cottages dating from the 1890s. Originally used to house the pilot and the boatmen who assisted him but now repurposed into a museum.
This is a fun area near the town centre and next to Town Beach. The rocks of the break wall have been decorated by past visitors to make a colourful display along the beach.
Decorated rocks on the breakwallDecorated rocks on the breakwallFamily portrait painted on the breakwallTacking Point Lighthouse painted on the breakwallDecorated rocks on the breakwall
Located in the centre of town, the Port Macquarie Museum preserves the area’s history from colonial settlement and its dependance on the timber industry to the tourist destination it is today.
A favourite with locals and tourists, Port Macquarie’s Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries is a fun place to pick your own fresh produce. Located only 20 minutes from the Port Macquarie CBD on the New South Wales mid-north coast, it’s a must-see place for visitors.
Designed by James Barnett and built in 1879, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia. With its own small carpark and located only 9km from Port Macquarie, it’s easy to get to.
Housing the Port Macquarie Theatre, Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre, the Glasshouse Arts and Visitor Centre is a great place to visit, because not only does it have these things, but there are ruins in the basement!
If you want to find out what to see and do, or find accommodation, this is the place to go. The staff are super friendly and helpful and do their best to help you out.
In the basement, original foundations from the previous building in the area have been preserved. Other artifacts found during excavation are also on display.
Displayed in the foyer are PK Sparkles and Lady Lola the Dancing Koala from the Hello Koala Sculpture Trail. If you’re following the trail to see the koalas you get to see two in one location.
Behind the koalas the Regional Art Gallery had some interesting artworks on display. They feature a range of contemporary, indigenous, historical, traditional, design and sculptural artworks. During the course of the year, they rotate up to 20 exhibitions through the gallery, including touring exhibitions.
PK SparklesLady Lola the Dancing KoalaBotanical Hue Extraction by Edi ClelandLife’s Many Vicissitudes by Olivia CotovichBlended by Abbey MunroeConnecting with Country by Sonia Shields and Where are we Now by Katrina ManeThe Origin of the World by Minka GillianMother Eagles Going Hunting by Iluwante Ken
