Things To Do in Port Macquarie

The Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park, 61 Billabong Dr., Port Macquarie (tel. 02/6585 1060), is a family-owned nature park where you can get up close to hand-raised koalas, kangaroos, emus, wombats, many types of birds, and fish. You can pat (but not hold) the koalas at 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm. There are also barbecue facilities, picnic grounds, and a restaurant. Allow 2 hours to fully experience this recommended wildlife park. It's open daily from 9am to 5pm; admission is A$15 (US$14/£6.75) for adults and A$6 (US$5.40/£2.70) for children.

The 257-passenger vessel Port Venture (tel. 02/6583 3058; www.portventure.com.au) offers a 2-hour scenic cruise on the Hastings River. It leaves from the wharf at the end of Clarence Street Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday at 10am and 2pm. Cruises cost A$25 (US$23/£11) for adults, A$12 (US$9.60/£4.80) for children 6 to 14, and A$65 (US$58/£29) for families. Reservations are essential. The boat also travels up the river on a 5-hour Barbecue Cruise most Wednesdays at 10am. It docks at a private bush park along the way, and passengers can tuck into a traditional Aussie barbecue of steaks, fish, and salad. You can then fish, take a bushwalk, swim, or take a 20-minute four-wheel-drive trip. The cruise costs A$60 (US$54/£27) for adults, A$20 (US$18/£9) for children, and A$120 (US$108/£53) for families. A 4-hour cruise leaves on Wednesdays, when the 5-hour cruise isn't running, also at 10am. It costs A$40 (US$36/£18) for adults, A$20 (US$18/£9) for children, and A$100 (US$90/£45) for families.