Articles

Top 4 Creative Places For Weddings

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:56:00 GMT

How different would you be prepared to make your wedding? A few have picked truly unusual locations, but local parks, restaurants or holiday locations can give a wedding an interesting twist. Port Macquarie holidays take advantage of a beautiful location. So too can your wedding.

Parks

While parks are commonly used for wedding photo shoots, fewer couples use them for the actual wedding ceremony. This could be considered an opportunity lost, as most leafy suburbs have some very nice parks, beautifully maintained by the local government. While many will not be swayed from a traditional church based wedding, weddings held in parks hold several advantages.

One benefit is that the whole day's proceedings can be held in the one location. This cuts out problems associated with getting from wedding venue to photo taking venue to reception venue. Losing a couple of beloved guests to a few wrong turns or a broken down car, or missed transport is not what you need on your special day. Staging the whole event in a park is also a time saver, leaving more time for the bride and groom to catch up with all their guests. This can be preferable to brief, fleeting hellos, before moving along quickly, in order to get around and see everyone within a limited time.

Two major benefits of park weddings are cost and waiting time. Popular dedicated wedding venues can be a little pricey, due to this popularity. It also means many of them will be booked out for many months in advance. With parks often being a local government expense rather than revenue earner, many local councils will be all too eager to permit weddings in their parklands at a reasonable price.

The informal environment of a park does have its downsides. If you don't have the whole park to yourselves, you might need to share with curious dogs, and maybe curious people! A park can make your wedding a relaxed affair though.

Hobby Related

Some people are very passionate about their hobbies, and choose to get married somewhere that is linked to this life passion. Motor sport fans might choose to get married at or near their favourite racetrack. One couple made the news for getting married underwater while scuba diving! A Japanese couple succeeded in being the first couple (the only couple?) to tie the knot at a newly opened airport! It obviously helps if both the bride and groom share the same passion!

Restaurants

In a similar vein to hobby related weddings (there are plenty of folk that are passionate about food!), restaurants can also make great matrimonial venues. A regular favourite restaurant can be quite a comforting place, and one already knows that the food is great! While some restauranteurs might be reluctant to close their venue on a busy weekend night, others may be quite amenable to the guaranteed patronage of all your nearest and dearest.

Weddings on Holiday

Why not combine your wedding with a wonderful time away? Starting your life together in an exotic location might even add more excitement to this special day (if that's at all possible!). Getting married in a holiday town can also mean no extra hassles in having to organise a honeymoon!

Some Port Macquarie hotel operators are well versed in holding wedding functions. They can complement any plans you have for an outdoor ceremony, with a reception at the hotel afterwards, and even give a backup ceremony venue in case of inclement weather.

Planning Guide For a Beach Wedding

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:17:00 GMT

Planning a beach wedding should be an exciting task. But often there seems like so much to consider that it becomes more of a stressful experience. Whether you're still deciding on what beach you want to be married on, or if you've already booked your Port Macquarie wedding reception venue and accommodation, we've got a list of tips to help with your beach wedding, wherever you are in the planning process.

Choosing a beach

This is obviously one of the most important things to consider when having a beach wedding. If you have a place where you and your fiancee consider to be special, perhaps that is the best place. Your wedding day is going to be one of the most memorable days of your life so you should choose a beach you both love visiting. However, it is important to consider how difficult it may be for guests to get there and if it is difficult you may want to think of accommodation options for them.

It is always a good idea to contact councils to make sure you are allowed to hold your ceremony on the beach and find out if there are any other regulations relating to sound, seating or number of guests. Some councils are stricter than others.

The time of year

The time of year is vital for a beach wedding. Obviously the best time for an outdoor beach wedding is from Spring through to Summer. However, you do not want to get married when the weather is too hot so to avoid searing temperatures try and choose a date anytime from September to December.

A beach wedding means slightly different dress codes

If you are having a beach wedding, it is a general rule that the dress code will be less formal, as often the bridal party themselves are less formal. Generally shoes are not worn on the beach and beach wedding dresses tend to be more classical, simple and easy to move in. Guests will generally have a cocktail or smart casual dress code.

Accommodating for elderly relatives who will need seating

It may be the case that you simply want everyone to gather around you while you are married, but you may need to provide seating for elderly relatives or for those who may not be able to stand for a lengthy period of time. A good idea is to have a few rows of seats just in case anyone does need to sit down.

Back up plan in case it rains

No matter what you should always have a back-up plan. Depending on when you choose to get married, you may want to hire a marque for sun or rain protection just in case. Even if it is not used, at least you will have piece of mind and one less thing to worry about on your big day.

Getting married on a beach is a wonderful experience. If you're busy and want to get married on the coast you may decide on having a north coast wedding planner who can help you book the venues and organise everything for you. If you have a little bit of time on your hands you may simply want to organise the wedding yourself. Either way, the build up to your wedding should be a wonderful time. I hope our planning tips have helped you with your plans for your big day.

Top 5 Road Trips in Australia

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:13:00 GMT

Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to explore our beautiful country and get some much needed rest and relaxation. Whether you decide to travel north and indulge in some north coast accommodation and pampering, or whether a trip to Red Centre is more your idea of fun, we've got the list of the top 5 roads trips Australia has to offer.

The coastal explorer's way

This road trip will take you along the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide. Along the way you'll encounter some of Australia's most spectacular beaches and the iconic remaining Twelve Apostles.

Stop off at Bells Beach to watch surfers take on the famous Southern Ocean swells and enjoy a journey you'll never forget.

A road trip to the Red Centre

A trip to the Red Centre should always include a base walk of 'The Rock' with an Aboriginal guide. Once you've learnt all about the spiritual significance of the area, why not take a camel ride at sunrise and explore the amazing landscape of Australia's Red Centre.

Cruise the east coast north from Sydney to Cairns

If you have a few weeks up your sleeve a great Aussie road trip is to drive from Sydney to Cairns. Stop and enjoy a few days rest in five star Port Macquarie accommodation and spend a day or two further up the coast in the beautiful Surfers Paradise. Between July and November you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales breaching off Hervey Bay. The Great Barrier Reef also offers the ultimate in detours and the most amazing place to snorkel and dive.

Head north from Hobart to Freycinet National Park

Tasmania is a great state to go driving. You can head north from Hobart to Freycinet National Park where you can take a walk to Wineglass Bay. Well-known for its beauty and being voted one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Tasmania also has a lot to offer adventure seekers. Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park boasts some of the best hiking spots in Australia.

Highway 1

Highway 1 is for those who dare to go the distance. It is the longest highway in the world stretching over 25,000 km. It will take you on an unforgettable journey right around the rim of Australia if you're fortunate enough to be able to take the time out to do it. It's not to be taken lightly, and will take around 9 months to complete.

Australia has some amazing places to visit and some truly incredible landscape to be explored. Whether your a young family, a couple with grown-up children, or a bunch of friends deciding on where to go this Summer for adventure, the next time you're planning a holiday, perhaps consider road tripping to a few different places and take a chance to experience Australia like never before.

Just make sure you load your car up with the essentials, including a map, torch, water and other important items. Then load the car up with some great road trip tunes, and start driving.

How Much Can You Expect to Spend at a Day Spa

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:08:00 GMT

There are some excellent spas across Australia that offer some amazing deals. There are many north coast pamper packages which are ideal for a weekend of luxury. Before booking your spa treatment or package there are a few things to consider. One of the main things being how much you want to spend.

Here, we've outline some of the factors that will determine how much you can expect to pay at a day spa.

The location of the spa

Depending on where the spa is located will heavily influence the price of the spa treatments. In popular holiday destination's the price may be slightly higher or even fluctuate in price depending on the time of year. If you are planning to indulge in some spa treatments while you are away on a holiday make sure you allow for it to be a little more than what you would normally pay.

Time of year

The time of year can really make a huge impact on the price of spa packages. If you are going to a spa within your hotel, you may find there will be big discounts for off-peak times. Usually this can occur during Winter for coastal cities. In general, you can always search online and find great hotel and spa packages combined for a complete luxurious experience.

There are also certain times of the year that spa's offer discounts. These are generally around Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Christmas. During these periods it is a good idea to shop around and get the best deal that suits you.

What you want to have done

The price you pay at any day spa will depend on what type of treatment you want done. The more involved the treatment, the more you will pay. It will also depend on the products the spa is using. Some natural and organic products can cost more so therefore the treatment will be more. However you will want to think about what products are best for your skin and investing in a treatment that is a little extra might be a good idea.

Luxury spa or a regular day spa

You need to decide on what type of spa experience you want. Are you wanting to spoil a friend and have champers and chocolates on arrival? Or do you simply want a quick facial on a Saturday morning?

If you want a more elaborate experience, a one or two night stay at a Sydney hotel including a list of spa treatments might be what you're after. There are also some wonderful Port Macquarie Hotels that offer you the 5 star pamper treatment at their in-house spa's. In fact there are lots of Port Macquarie Accommodation and Hunter Valley accommodation that include some great spa treatment packages. It really just depends on what you want.

Whether you want to book in a weekend of pampering or are simply wanting to organise a relaxing massage after work, spa pampering is really something you can do on all budgets.

Top 5 2010 Unmissable Events in NSW

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 06:24:00 GMT

There are some truly wonderful events happening right across NSW this Winter. Here, we've listed some of the top events you won't want to miss. The Wintersun Festival for one, is set to see Port Macquarie accommodation book out fast so get your calendar ready and check out what's in-store.

Country Energy Australian Surf Festival - Port Macquarie

This is a huge event that brings everyone across Australia to Port Macquarie to watch our best surfers compete. The festival runs over two weeks and includes lots of activities including a surf art and photography competition, live music, surf film screenings, a historical surfboard timeline and much more. Running from August 15th until August 28th, this is the event of the year for those who love to surf, enjoy the sport, or simply enjoy surf culture.

17th Biennale of Sydney

Sydney's 17th Biennale began on the 13th of May and will run until the 1st of August. The event takes place at multiple venues across the city and includes everything from art exhibitions, music performances, plays and other cultural events.

The Wintersun Festival 2011

The WinterSun Festival will be held in Port Macquarie in 2011. The event is Australia's leading Rock and Roll Nostalgia Retro Event and includes live entertainment, Hod Rod, classic & custom car shows, parades and so much more. The event will run from June 3rd to the 13th and will truly be a highlight for 2011. Definitely one event not to be missed.

Half Ironman in Port Macquarie, October 2010

Ironman challenges are always great events to watch. This half ironman marathon is set to be a fun event not only for spectators and of course the entrants, but with all of the other events on the day that will coincide with the Half Ironman. A guaranteed fun day out. If your calender is already booked for this October, book in a trip to Port Macquarie for the Ironman & Half Ironman which will be held on the 1st of May 2011. This will be the first time the events will be held on the same day. It's sure to be a great event.

State Cup Touch Football in Port Macquarie December 2010

This is the 33rd Annual State Cup for the New South Wales Touch Association and is a jam-packed, three day sporting event of non-stop action. With 180 teams, 200 referees and both men's and women's divisions it's sure to be a great event for anyone who enjoys football./

In 2010 the National Touch Titles will also be held in Port Macquarie during March. It's a good idea to start looking at Port Macquarie Hotels some months in advance to avoid missing out and also to receive some great deals on prices and packages.

There are so many things to do right across New South Wales this Winter and for the rest of the year. This is merely a taste of what's on offer. I hope our list of top 5 events has given you inspiration for some great holiday fun for the rest of the year and into 2011.

What You Should Take With You For a Beach Holiday

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:44:00 GMT

Compared to a gourmet wine and food vacation, a sightseeing vacation, or even a camping vacation, beach holidays are so easy ... especially in Port Macquarie! Barely any clothes to pack, no tickets to arrange, just duck back to your Port Macquarie hotel for lunch rather than dragging out the gas stove and chopping all your own veges. Yet, the beach is not without its own special quirks that can make it an uncomfortable place to be if you haven’t prepared properly. Today we go through what to pack if you’re taking a beach vacation to Port Macquarie.

Being sun smart

Being sun smart is a crucial consideration for beach holidays. Australians have the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world - a combination of an outdoor lifestyle, a depleted ozone layer and the latitude many of our major cities lie at combines to mean that 1 in every 2 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. To help reduce that incidence, and to be in the healthier 50% of the population, make sure you bring:

Sunscreen - SPF 30+ is the new standard
Light tshirts and skirts to cover up with when not in the water
A wide-brimmed hat
A beach umbrella
A long sleeve rash vest if you'll be spending extended periods snorkelling or swimming
Sunglasses - many parts of your eye tissue cannot heal or regenerate, so always look after your eyes
Aloe vera gel in case you do get a bit of extra sun

Don't forget that packing all of these sunsmart items is only the first part of the puzzle - you them have to be disciplined enough to use them.

Clothing

While you won't need to ensure you have enough clothing to put three layers on every day (Port Macquarie has a famously mild climate, and your Port Macquarie hotel will be climate controlled), you will certainly need to have more 'changes' than usual. You won’t be able to leave clothes or swimmers to dry with salt water on them (they'll degrade quite quickly), and sand will make it pretty impossible to repeat-wear any items. Make sure you pack:

Enough clothing to change once a day - taking account of how often you plan to do washing
Things with long sleeves as well as short sleeves
Shorts that aren't denim - for the ocean
A hat!
Comfy thongs as well as dressy thongs or sandals
One or two outfits that are suitable for Port Macquarie restaurants with a dress code

Swimmers

Try to buy swimmers that cover as much of your body as possible. Rash vests are not sexy … but neither is skin cancer! Remember to pack two pairs, so that if you want to go swimming both before and after lunch, you don't have to wear your bathers wet. Eww!

Sporting equipment

Beach holidays are often active holidays - there is so much opportunity to get off your bottom and do something exciting! If you own any of the following equipment, think about whether you'll use it on your Port Macquarie holiday to the beach:

Snorkel and mask
Scuba equipment
Surfboard or bodyboard
A ball for throwing around
Cricket set

Other general items

The dreaded midgie and sandfly have ruined more than one picturesque beach vacation - but not if you bring your insect repellent! Here's a couple of other things to add to your list, that don't necessarily fit in to a category:

Underwater camera
Folding beach chairs - though some Port Macquarie hotels will loan these to you
A kite
Plastic bags
A beach blanket
Food! The most beautiful beaches are invariably the ones without a hot dog van in sight. You don't want to have to go all the way back to your Port Macquarie hotel to get a bite to eat.

Don't forget towels - your Port Macquarie hotel will provide shower towels, but you won't be able to bring them down to the beach with you!

What Are the Best Vantage Points for Whale-Watching in Port Macquarie?

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:38:00 GMT

Port Macquarie is lucky enough to be on the humpback whale migration route - surfers, scuba pers, beachgoers and fishermen all encounter the gentle giants quite often in their travels from July through to October, in migration season. One of the unfortunate facts of marine life, though, is that it is largely hidden from our view until it surfaces. The internet has gone a long way towards filling the information gaps in our lives … but can't quite predict the future yet! Keeping it ouch with your Port Macquarie hotel staff is a great way to get tips about the best whale-watching timing, but still, whale watching can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Today we're checking out the best ways to ensure that you get a glimpse of the humpbacks … rather than just beautiful, but very unchanging, ocean views.

Dolphin and Whale Watch Center / Cruise Adventures

Cruise Adventures runs the Dolphin and Whale Watch Center on Short Street Wharf in Port Macquarie. Their whale watching cruises take out a maximum of 12 people, so you won't get stuck at the back of the crowd, holding your camera up to try and shoot a picture over people's heads! They hold whale watching cruises from may to November, but the best time to go in terms of likelihood of whale-spotting is July to October. The Cruise Adventures boat has a knack for finding sea life - in the past few seasons they have seen killer whales, Pilot whales, endangered Minke whales, Brydes and Southern Right Whales, manta rays, sharks, massive sea turtles and dolphins.

Akuna Seaplanes

You never really appreciate all the enormous marine life that is in our oceans until you see it from above. Cutting out the glare of the sun on waves makes visibility amazingly good, and if you take a seaplane ride for more than an hour or two, seeing whales is almost a sure thing. Groups of up to three adults, or two adults and two children, can fit on one plane. All day adventures, or simple 15 minute flights can be booked.

Port Venture Cruises

This vessel is designed for both river and sea use, and groups are limited to 20 people for whale watching. The boat has upper and lower viewing decks - you can be sure that the people up the top won’t let a whale get past unannounced! Wheelchair access is available, and the cruiser is very modern in all other respects. You can often book cruises on the Port Ventuer direct through your Port Macquarie hotel.

From the beach

You can always take a quick walk from your Port Macquarie hotel down to the beach - keep a close eye out, and you'll often see humpbacks and Southern Right whales in the distance, breaching (jumping up and splashing back down into the water). Make it a point to bring your lunch out on to the beach and eat staring at the ocean - keep it up for a few days and you have a good chance of seeing a whale.

One of the main reasons for visiting Port Macquarie hotels is the whale-watching opportunities. A little planning will definitely go a long way towards ensuring that you get to see the gentle giants of the ocean, though - check the weather schedule ahead of your trip, as many cruises are cancelled in bad weather, and book ahead with your chosen boat operator.

Top 5 Spots for Live Music in Port Macquarie

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:35:00 GMT

Port Macquarie's certainly not the big city (that's why most people come here, after all!), but there is no shortage of things to do at nighttime. Live music is the most popular Saturday night activity in town, and there is quite an array of pubs and clubs where you can hear real people doing what they do best ... none of those jukebox hits that give you a terrible case of Friday night déjà vu! From Port Macquarie hotels, to pubs, and occasionally to the streets, we check out the best places to have a shouted conversation and a happily deaf morning-after.

Centro Hotel Port Macquarie

You can't beat the convenience of nobody in your party having to be the designated driver! Get your live music fix at the Centro Hotel every Friday night, and you only have to be sober enough to operate an elevator and your legs to get to bed. Centro Hotel Port Macquarie is one of the most active promoters of live music in town - lots of new local acts to listen in on. Check them out on the corner of Hay and William Street.

Panthers Port Macquarie

The Panther's Club in town is affiliated with the Penrith Panthers rugby club, so there's quite a down to earth atmosphere here, and lots of friendly, smiling faces. They have one of the most regularly updated events calendars in town - gigs ranging in price from free, to $5 entry, to $40 tickets are regular events. They are open every night of the week, and while Friday is the most popular live music day here, you'll also frequently find Sunday afternoon gigs.

Finnian's Irish Pub

Finnian's is one of the most reliable live music venues in Port Macquarie, with live music every Friday and Saturday night from a great selection of local bands as well as travelling acts. When they don’t have live music, there are pub trivia nights and raffles in the front bar.

Blue Water Bar and Restaurant

Blue Water is cheap and cheerful - a great place to enjoy a filling $12 steak and a selection of big brand beers on tap. More enticing than the food and drink, though, is the live music here. Like most places in town, Blue Water offers live music no Friday nights- their acts start from around 6pm, so make Blue Water your first stop and check out some of the other venues afterwards. On Sundays the fun continues though, with their Live Acoustic Club. From 3-6pm anybody can book in to have a go at the mike - this can be a lot of fun, both to watch and to participate in. If you’re on vacation, nobody will ever know ... !

Settler's Inn Port Macquarie

This Port Macquarie hotel on Hasting's River Drive is mostly dedicated to sleeping and eating ... but occasionally they get an awesome blues band or comedy act through. Check in with the Settler's Inn while you're in town - they'll occasionally have a gig on a weekday, also.

Port Macquarie is a safe friendly place to go out on a Friday night ... and a taxi ride back to your Port Macquarie hotel is always cheap! You're on the frontline here - live music is always raw and real, never over-polished and always offers great crowd involvement.

Dining in Port Macquarie - Best of the Best

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:32:00 GMT

When most of us think of fine dining, Paris, New York and London come to mind ... or at least, Lygon Street! The reality is that there are restaurants popping up all over the world that have a creative flair and a real passion for their food. Owing to the region's climate that is perfect for grape-growing, quite a few of these establishments are in Port Macquarie hotels and streets! Whether you're searching for the perfect fillet steak to go with your red, or some delicately cooked and amazingly flavored seafood for a crisp Port Macquarie white, today we explore what real customers have to say about the dining in Port Macquarie.

Ca Marche at Cassegrain Winery

If you love the finer things in dining life, you'll no doubt make it to Cassegrain Winery at some stage during your Port Macquarie vacation. Real customers rate the food, the service and the ambience as 'almost perfect', or 8-9/10, and the value for money as 10/10. The average meal price for one of chef Nikolai Byczkov's entrees and mains is $47.

Cedro

Cedro is located on Clarence Street in Port Macquarie, and they frequently score 10/10 for service and value for money, according to real traveler reviews. You'll often hear comments about the 'relaxed atmosphere' at Cedro's. The food is described as slightly quirky, fabulous and amazing!

Restaurant Synergy and Bar, Centro Hotel

The restaurant serves modern Australian food with a menu that is driven by seasonal ingredients. Their signature dish, the pork loin wrapped in prosciutto, is available year-round however. A business guest from Brisbane said that "the bar and restaurant were first-class with a fantastic menu - try the steak", and " The Synergy Restaurant was great tasting modern cuisine, the best I have eaten in Port Macquarie before".

Poco Loco Mexican Restaurant

This memorably-named Mexican and Latin American restaurant is located on Pacific Drive, and when you can't really be bothered putting on enclosed shoes, this is a great place to grab a quick and delicious bite to eat. Customer estimations of value vary incredibly, but the Mexican food is invariably complimented: " the Mexican food is excellent and in generous portions. The deep fried jalapenos were delicious and wife and son devoured their mains...", and " The staff were funny and it's a relaxed cafe style restaurant, just perfect for if you're there on holiday", say some customer reviews.

The Stunned Mullet

As the name suggests, this restaurant on William Street serves modern Australian cuisine ... it has also garnered more reviews than almost any other restaurant in Port Macquarie! It is generally recognized to have excellent food ... although your credit card will know about it at the end of the night, in contrast to many of the Port Macquarie hotel restaurants like Synergy.

Port Macquarie hotels and restaurants in general have quite a lot to offer ... even for those used to dining in major cities. Perhaps even for those used to dining in Paris! After all the outdoor activities that Port Macquarie has, you are certain to work up an appetite - check out a variety of restaurants around town, and your tastebuds will provide you with a chorus of gratitude.

6 Ideas for Long Vacations in Port Macquarie

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:25:00 GMT

Australia is a big country ... it won’t hit you how big it is until you blow a tyre on the M1 and have to walk to get help! One of the upsides of all that size, though, is the fact that you can drive for a couple of hours and be somewhere that feels completely different to where you came from, yet has all the same laws and regulations, same language, and same currency. There's little need to go further than your backyard for a vacation ... and for many of us, that means Port Macquarie is the ideal place. Today we check out all the different themes you could have for a Port Macquarie longer vacation, and how your choice of Port Macquarie hotel can help ensure you have a fantastic time doing whatever makes you feel good.

1. Learning to bodyboard or surf trip

Port Macquarie is famous for its surfing opportunities, with a wide range of breaks that are suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders. If you have the time on your vacation, it's a wonderful opportunity to learn to surf or bodyboard - there are schools for both in the area. Port Macquarie Surf School is located at Flynn's Beach, and the Bodyboard School can be contacted on Cross Street.

2. Motorbiking trips

With no defined wet season, a beautiful climate year round and little traffic, Port Macquarie is the perfect place to explore with the wind whipping round you and that indefinable feeling of freedom. You don't even need to have your own bike! Check out Bikescape Rental and Tours, which can cost as little as $80, for rentals and some exploring ideas, and then follow up by yourself later on. You'll want a nice, comfy Port Macquarie hotel (one with massage facilities!) to chase away that road fatigue, though.

3. Wine-tasting vacation

The climate in Port Macquarie is not only good for bikes, but for winegrapes - an unlikely, but very real, match! Check out the selections of local wines at your Port Macquarie hotel - most stock quite a range. You can set a priority list for visiting the wineries in the area from there - check out Cassegrain Wines, Douglas Vale Homestead, Innes Lake Vineyards, Villa d'Esta Vineyards, and Bago Vineyards … if your tastebuds can distinguish the difference after a few hours!

4. Scuba ping vacation

Port Macquarie pe Centre and Rick's pe School both offer equipment hire and lessons, and if you're in the area for a while, it is well worth dedicating a few days to learning to scuba pe and exploring the reefs around Port Macquarie. Make sure you ask to check out Fish Rock pe Centre, where grey nurse sharks can be found all year round … and you'll sometimes also hear whale song underwater!

5. Adrenaline vacations

Port Macquarie is a beautiful place to be outdoors … and naturally, being outdoors will mean pushing the limits for some! There are plenty of activities to exhaust your adrenal glands in Port Macquarie - check out Freefall Skypers located at the airport, Adrenaline Rush Karting on Pacific Parkway, and the Portjet Wild Thing (one of Australia's fastest jet boats) on Short Street.

6. Kangaroo Camping vacations

Kangaroo Camping is a guided camping tour around Port Macquarie - for those who don't want to purchase their own equipment and go completely without toilets for several days, this is a great complement to a luxurious Port Macquarie hotel. The company has full sporting gear to make use of (kayaks, fishing rods, snorkels, etc), and there are plenty of close wildlife encounters.

Port Macquarie hotels offer such a great base to explore all of the attractions in the area - and if you have an extended stay, there are so many new and thrilling things to experience. A world away in your mind, only a couple of hours away by car.

6 Ideas for Weekend Breaks in Port Macquarie

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:12:00 GMT

Some places are popular with nightclubbers, some with rough-and-tumble vacationers, and some only with the over 60's. Port Macquarie is one of those rare places that truly has something for everyone ... and even if your Port Macquarie holiday will only last a few days, there are plenty of awesome experiences to be had! Today we check out some of the themed Port Macquarie vacation weekends that are popular with holidaymakers ... of every shape, size, age and preference!

1. Camping weekend

Port Macquarie has a beautiful climate year round. If you're coming from a lower latitude, you'll find that there is a significant proportion of the year when it is warm enough to go camping … yet Port Macquarie has no defined wet season like many other warm, coastal areas of Australia. What else could you ask for? Perhaps a nice soft bed in a Port Macquarie hotel - a half and half weekend could be a lovely break!

2. Surfing weekend

Port Macquarie is renowned for its surfing opportunities. Not the smallest reason for its popularity is its proximity to Sydney, which creates a great opportunity to really feel like you’re getting away from the city, while catching awesome waves. Point Plomer, a point break, is one of the highest rated surf beaches. Flynn's Beach and the Town Beach are also popular with surfers, and Saltwater Point, Southies and Bonny's Hill are definitely worth a look in.

3. Whale watching weekend

From July through to October, humpback whales use the seas off Port Macquarie as part of their migration route. There are numerous cruise boats that can take you out to get up close and personal with some of the largest mammals on the Earth … in many cases the whales are happy to come right up to the boat and 'interact' with the people, in a way. You'll be dreaming about a whale-watching weekend while staring at your work computer screen for days afterwards!

4. Luxe & Gourmet weekend

Port Macquarie is a wonderful place to treat yourself - not least because when you come out of your day spa, you don't have to fight through half an hour worth of angry traffic to get back home and relax! Many Port Macquarie hotels have day spas attached - try the signature spa at Centro Hotel Port Macquarie, Aqua Vitae on Gordon Street, or Affusions Day Spa on William Street. Check out Cassegrain Wines when you're all scrubbed- and massaged-out.

5. Golfing weekend

There's not much attraction in going to chase a ball around a paddock when you can feel your lungs burning from smog as soon as you start breathing hard! Port Macquarie has plenty of space and a climate that lends itself to golf year round. Choose a course that is a little further away from the ocean - you don't want to spend your entire weekend learning to compensate for a sea breeze! There's Hydro Golf and Putt Putt on Boundary Street if you have kids - otherwise check out Emerald Downs, Camden Haven and Port Macquarie Golf Course.

6. Off-the-beaten path weekend

Port Macquarie also has quite a few unique attractions that aren't found anywhere else in Australia. If you enjoy finding something completely different to the usual holiday activities, make a special trip away from your Port Macquarie hotel for:

A seaplane adventure flying over the ocean with Akuna Seaplanes
A Kelly's Bushranging adventure tour
The Second Burying Ground at Port Macquarie on Gordon Street
The Koala Hospital on Lord Street

Port Macquarie is only a few hours drive away from Sydney, but a world apart in feel ... and that is exactly what you want for a weekend away. Most of your attractions will be within either walking distance or a short, non-stressful car trip of your Port Macquarie hotel, and you can come back to work feeling that you're living your life, not just working to pay the rent. Awesome!

How Should I Pack For a Small Trip?

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:07:00 GMT

No matter how many vacations you take, and how many Port Macquarie hotels you book, there is always something to bring (or to leave out) when you pack for next time! Packing for short trips is especially tricky - you don't want to be spending all your time washing clothes, but neither do you want to be lugging around kilograms of unneeded things. Today we go through some guidelines for packing for short trips that are guaranteed to make the task easier.

Packing lists

It simply isn’t possible to hold a complete catalogue of every item you'll need to bring in your head. Writing down what you'll need to take is the most sensible option. It is easiest to start your packing list a few weeks in advance, and add to it immediately as you think of things. Keep it in your handbag, or on a sheet of paper in your wallet, for this reason.

Carry-on bags

Whether you are travelling by plane or car, you should have your main luggage separated from the things you'll need from hour to hour. Keep things like the following in your carry-on luggage:

Wallet, phone and keys
Travel tickets and booking notes
Snacks and a drink
A book to read
Medications
Emergency phone numbers and address

Weather check

Always know in advance what the weather will be like at your destination before you start packing. This way you'll know whether it will be warm enough to swim in the ocean or the pool at your Port Macquarie hotel, whether you'll need a raincoat or sunscreen, whether your long pants will just sit in the bottom of the suitcase, and what sort of shoes to bring. Checking the weather helps ensure that you leave out unnecessary clothing and sport items, as well as packing the things you really need. You'll want to leave the clothes packing until one or two days before you leave, for this reason.

Suitcase packing tips

When you pack your suitcase, you should create several layers:

A bottom layer with the bulkiest and heaviest items
A middle layer with ordinary weight clothes, etc
A top layer with delicates, underwear, etc.

Here are some other idea for getting the most out of your suitcase space … and saving yourself carrying yet another bag around for a simple weekend Port Macquarie holiday!

Use shoes and anything else that is hollow as a compartment for underwear and socks
Roll garments rather than folding - they often wrinkle less
Make sure you've packed 'mix and match' items, so that you can create several clothing combinations from only a few pieces.
Pack detergent, so that even if there are no laundry facilities at your Port Macquarie hotel you can still rinse out sweaty travel clothes and wear them again.
Transfer your toiletries into smaller bottles.

Commonly forgotten items

Here are some of the items that we most often hear people cursing themselves for forgetting!

Their camera
A book
Hand sanitiser, eye drops or cough lollies
Something to read
Panadol
An umbrella
Insect repellent

Packing for a short trip is not difficult, as long as you put a little time into the planning. Thinking ahead is the key to a having short Port Macquarie vacation where you arrive light and leave happy!

8 Creative Ideas for a Perfect Romantic Getaway

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:57:00 GMT

In the worlds of women's magazines, there's often an unspoken assumption that romance means wine, candles, oysters/chocolate, him cooking dinner for her and holding hands. Unfortunately, that doesn't leave much room for the thousands of couples worldwide where one has to be a designated driver (no wine!), one or both are on a diet, he has no cooking skills whatsoever … and they just plain don't like candles! Romance is a state of mind, it's not defined by the accessories. So if you're looking for some romance in your Port Macquarie holiday, we have some creative ideas for making the moon hit your eye like a big pizza pie. No wine required!

1. Get the honeymoon suite, even if you aren’t on honeymoon

Honeymoon suites have big beds that are made for lying in til 11am, they usually have spa baths, they have luxury bath products that make your skin smell good enough to eat … they generally encourage romance! Whether you've had a honeymoon together already, or that is so far in the future that you don't know if it will happen, is immaterial. Ask your Port Macquarie hotel for the honeymoon suite, and then make the most of it!

2. Unplug the television in your hotel room

Wine might not be an automatic romance-creator … but do you know what is an automatic romance-killer? News readers. Don't let them invade your Port Macquarie vacation … unplug that telly and talk to each other!

3. Eat takeaway dinner on the beach

Moonlit walks on the beach are pretty standard romance fare. You can individualise them a little by skipping the candlelit Italian dinner, and sitting down to takeaway spaghetti bolognaise on the sand instead!

4. Take a yoga lesson together

Really, taking any sort of lesson together can be a very romantic bonding experience. It puts you completely on the same level - you are both new, wide-eyed novices at something. But you're novices together! Yoga's romantic because it is so relaxing - but if you don't like the idea, simply replace it with another lesson.

5. Go horseriding together

No car stereos, plenty of fresh air, a sense of being at one with nature … horseriding is completely different too driving. If you’re taking a vacation in Port Macquarie, there are plenty of horseriding schools offering either full- or half-day rides.

6. Find the darkest spot you can and watch the stars

There's something magical about the feeling of connection to the universe that watching the stars creates. We all know that feelings of magic are best shared with someone you love! Make a competition out of spotting shooting stars, and see who can find Venus and who can find Mars. Your Port Macquarie hotel roof might be a good spot - order some champagne, have somebody bring it up to the ends of the elevator and check out the constellations.

7. Sleep outdoors for one night of your vacation

Another way to take yourselves completely out of your comfort zone, making your partner into a safe haven of comfort and familiarity. A lovely follow-up to watching the stars … though with camping regulations it can be difficult to arrange. Get back to your Port Macquarie hotel the next day … you'll appreciate that mattress all the more!

8. Get a spa treatment together, and re-create the experience by yourselves the next day

You'll often find spas attached to Port Macquarie luxury accommodation. Get a treatment with the works: wraps, scrubs, massages, oil rubs and a cup of tea afterwards. Then grab some at-home spa products, and re-create the experience by yourselves up in the honeymoon suite!

Romance is about celebrating each other, being together in body, mind and spirit. Port Macquarie offers so many ways to do that - your Port Macquarie vacation is a prescription for a healthy relationship!

Six Must-See Attractions in Port Macquarie

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:27:00 GMT

Port Macquarie is well-known as the best surf destination within a half-day drive of Sydney, and area where year-round beautiful temperatures and the friendly small-town feel make every visit delightful. There is wine-tasting, a variety of sports and adventure activities to get into, gourmet restaurants and heritage listed areas. There are literally hundreds of activities and attractions to check out - but if we had to pick 6 to see in a week, this is where we'd go! Here we explore the top attractions in the Port Macquarie region for a variety of tastes, from the sedentary and serene to the adrenaline-exhausting thrills of a lifetime! We'll also outline what to look for in your Port Macquarie hotel room to complement your choice of attractions.

Cassegrain Wines

There are several boutique wineries in the Port Macquarie region, an area which is fast becoming known as a companion to the Hunter Valley in producing NSW's most creative and complex wines. Cassegrain Wines has a focus on French techniques and sensibilities in their wine-making, and they are one of the best known vineyards and wineries in the area. Many good Port Macquarie hotels stock their products in-house - try them out with dinner, and then purchase your favourites from the cellar door.

Timbertown Historical Village

This heritage village is surrounded by 87 acres of natural forest, and they show you what the pioneers of the Port Macquarie area faced as part of their daily grind. There are plenty of retailers located within the grounds as well, offering unique gifts that aren't available elsewhere. The furniture making and steam engines are a hit with the boys - the petting zoo and chocolate factory usually please the rest!

Glasshouse Entertainment Centre

As a fast-growing region of Australia, Port Macquarie is now home to a modern, sleek theatre facility - the Glasshouse Entertainment Centre. The Centre usually liaises with local Port Macquarie hotels to ensure people know what's going on in terms of performance art in the region. Currently you can check out Toni Childs, and the well-loved Australian play Cosi, but attractions here are constantly being updated.

Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve

This enormous reef area off Point Perpendicular has a pinnacle of 18m, and a drop of up to 32m in one spot. There are grey nurse sharks on it all year round (harmless to humans), as well as plenty of colourful nudibranches, reef fishes and pelagics. Choose a Port Macquarie hotel where you can truly relax and celebrate getting out of a school of twenty sharks alive! Those with on-site spas are recommended for divers.

The Koala Hospital

Around 250-300 koalas are admitted to the Intensive Care Wing of the Koala Hospital every year. They will remain with the hospital until they have made a full recovery, and then be returned to the wild. You can see the koalas being fed daily, but as they are recuperating interaction is limited. Still an awesome experience!

Ricardoes Tomatoes

Though tomatoes are its namesake, the reason most people come here is the juicy, delicious strawberries that you can pick yourself. They grow 5 varieties hydroponically, so they are in season all year round. Let the kids run rampant and get horribly sticky (or do so yourself!), and grab lunch in the café afterwards. If you get a premium Port Macquarie hotel room, you will likely have refrigeration available in-room so that you can take your strawberries home.

8 Ideas for Active Holidays Around Port Macquarie

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:21:00 GMT

There are two types of people in the world - broadly speaking! There are those who believe that holidays are for sleeping 12 hours a day, sampling local cuisine and beverages and generally wallowing about enjoying not having anything to do … and there are those that believe you have to get out and grab life by the throat at all times, especially when you are on holidays! Today we are catering to the get-up-and-movers among you, exploring what Port Macquarie has to offer in terms of adrenaline, adventure and complete exhaustion. Just round the corner from your Port Macquarie hotel there is a wild world waiting to be discovered … we give you directions!

Port Macquarie Sport

Surfing

The 'totally radical' surfing is one of the main reasons people book at Port Macquarie hotels. You'll find surfboard friendly accommodation (and staff that don’t mind vacuuming up sand!) at several locations across Port Macquarie, many within walking distance of the beach. Point Plomer and Saltwater Point are two of the highest rated surf spots in the area - Bonny Hills, Port Macquarie North Shore and Southies are all great on different days as well.

Kayaking

You can either hire your own, or go on a kayaking tour in the Hastings River at Port Macquarie. If you get a guide, your eyes will be opened to a lot of things that newbies to the area would otherwise miss.

Horse Riding

Horse riding in the Port Macquarie area usually centers around the Bellrowan area. Horse riding tour operators offer pub rides, trail rides as well as overnight packages. You'll want a nice, comfy Port Macquarie hotel room booked for when you get back from those thigh-busting overnight rides!

Hiking

There are heaps of hiking opportunities in the area, both on the coast and inland a little further. Even those with a minimum fitness level can easily complete the new 9km coastal walk in Port Macquarie, stretching from the Tacking Point lighthouse to Westport Park. You'll experience the subtropical rainforest of the area, as well as sandy beaches and stunning rocky coastline and historic sites.

Golf

Quite similar to hiking (!), golf in Port Macquarie is affordable and available at a great range of courses. Hydrogolf is one of the most popular during summer, where water is an integral part of the park and the course's best adjective is 'creative'!

Fishing

You don't have to own a boat that you can drive up the coast - you don’t even need to own your own fishing equipment. Most of the fishing charters in the Port Macquarie offer top of the line equipment hire as well as charters in most seasons of the year.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving with the grey nurse sharks, nudibranches, corals, pelagic fish, sea snakes and moray eels of Port Macquarie's coastline is thrilling, to say the least! There are plenty of high-visibility dive sites around: Bonnies Reef, Cathie Wall, Old Faithful and Mermaid Reef offer natural dive sites. There is also The Titan, one of Australia's largest cranes, now lying on its side underwater and creating an artificial reef.

Best Port Macquarie hotels for active adventurers

Look for Port Macquarie accommodation that truly allows you to relax - by the time you've got through all that diving, golfing, surfing and kayaking, you will have earned it. The best Port Macquarie hotels for active travellers offer:

An onsite spa and massage facility to ensure that soreness doesn’t cut your adventure short
A restaurant on site, for when you've used up all your energy during the day and cannot move to get dinner!
Ultra-comfy beds … a pillow menu is always a bonus!
Restaurant and room service dishes that are packed with nutrition, much-needed calories and flavour.