Posted Fri 27 Jan 2023 at 08:16am
If you needed an excuse to discover just how dog-friendly Port Macquarie is, this is it! With dog-friendly venues, activities, beaches, and more, you won’t run out of things to do.
If you’re heading up to Port Macquarie for a vacation, you’ll be happy to know that you won’t need to find a sitter to mind your dog. With plenty of fun dog-friendly activities, cool cafes, and off-leash beaches in the region, your dog can join in on all the fun!
Looking for other destination options? Here are some of our favourite pet-friendly destinations in Australia.
Dog-friendly Cafes & Restaurants
Need your daily dose of coffee before you get started on your day? Port Macquarie has many dog-friendly cafes so that you can get your morning fix. Grab a seat and enjoy the freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast. If you’re in the mood for lunch, don’t worry! There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants to choose from.
Little Turkey
Head to Little Turkey for authentic Turkish cuisine that will leave you drooling for more.. With a large selection of meat and vegetarian options, they’ll be plenty of food to share around. Dine outdoors with your pup in one of their beautiful cabana-style booths while you listen to live music from local artists. Oh, and did we mention that there’s a doggy menu? Grab a treat packet, special snack or a puppuccino while your pup relaxes on a soft bed that the restaurant provides.
Salty Crew Kiosk
Situated right next to Town Beach, stopping by Salty Crew Kiosk is the paw-fect way to start your day. Take in the ocean air and try to spot some dolphins while you sit outdoors on their oversized patio. With tables and shady umbrellas to keep you and your pup cool during the Summer, you can relax and unwind with a nutritious meal.
Botanic Wine Garden
Botanic Wine Garden is the place for you if you love a glass of good wine! Choose from an extensive wine list featuring delicious wines from across Australia. Or, if you’re more of a cocktail person, opt for one of their classic or house cocktails. Don’t forget to fill up on dishes from their delicious menu with locally sourced produce. You and your pup can enjoy a night out in their outdoor dog-friendly area.
Chop ‘n Chill
Chop ‘n Chill has two Traveler’s Choice wins under its belt, and it’s easy to see why. With a unique menu that blends South East Asian flavours with smoky meat flavours of the Americas, and a fully stocked bar, what’s not to love? Sit outdoors with your furry pal and take in the Town Green and Hastings River scenery while you delight your tastebuds.
Other dog-friendly cafes and restaurants to explore in the region include:
Dog-Friendly Beaches
You can’t visit Port Macquarie without exploring its beautiful beaches! There are several dog-friendly off-leash and on-leash beaches for you and your pup to splash around and have fun.
Lighthouse Beach
Head South of Watonga Rocks on Lighthouse Beach for off-leash fun with your furry friend. Just make sure you keep a close eye on your pup, as there may be camels, horses and 4WDs roaming around.
Nobby’s Beach
Nobby’s Beach is the place to go if your pup loves meeting new furry friends! With a 400-metre stretch of sand, your pooch will have a ball running, digging and playing fetch. Finish off the day with a refreshing swim in the calm water.ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Other dog-friendly beaches to explore in the region include:
- On-leash
- Oxley Beach
- Cathie Beach
- Rainbow Beach
- Grants Beach
- Dunbogan Beach
- Sancrox Reserve
- Off-leash
- Rocky Beach
- Spooney’s Bay
- Grants Beach
- Washhouse Beach
Dog-Friendly Parks
Not a fan of getting sand in the car? Head to one of these dog-friendly parks to burn off some much-needed energy.
Stuart Dog Park
Stuart Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. With agility equipment to test your dog’s skills, your pup will be jumping over hurdles, weaving through tunnels and splashing around in the kiddie pool.
Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park
Spend a day in nature with your dog at Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park. This is an on-leash area, so ensure your pup is correctly secured whilst going on the circuit walk. You may be lucky to spot wildlife in this area, as koalas and flying foxes have made this park their home.
Other dog-friendly parks to explore nearby include:
- Fenced dog parks with agility equipment
- Henry Kendall Reserve Dog Park
- Blackbutt Reserve Dog Park
- On-leash
- Sancrox Reserve
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
Whether you’re travelling to Port Macquarie for two days or staying for an extended trip, it’s always important to find a place that makes you feel at home. There are plenty of dog-friendly options available – from motels and hotels to campsites and caravan parks, you’ll find one that suits you.
ibis Style Port Macquarie
If you’re after a hotel that’s close to the heart of Port Macquarie, ibis Style Port Macquarie is the best option for you. For an additional $80 per stay, your furry friend is allowed to join you. Each room is fitted with a work desk for those who can’t seem to put their work status as ‘out of office’, so you’ll be able to send a few emails and catch up on anything important. With free on-site parking, you and Fido will be traveling around town in no time!
NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resorto.
If you’re holidaying with your human and furry children, NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort is your dream come true! With a selection of pet-friendly accommodations available, your pup will love sprinting around the grassy areas and relaxing in comfort. Children will have a blast exploring the resort with a waterpark, pedal go-kart hire, mini golf course and more activities available throughout their stay.
Note: Read full terms and conditions before booking.
Other accommodations to explore in the region include:
Dog-Friendly Activities
Not only does Port Macquarie have paw-some places to explore, but there are also plenty of fun dog-friendly activities you and your pup can enjoy together. Whether you’re looking to sweat it all out on a long hike or you’d instead relax and sip local wines, there’s something for everyone!
Spot dolphins and whales at Tacking Point Lighthouse
Head to Tacking Point Lighthouse, Australia’s thirteenth-oldest lighthouse, for a panoramic view of Port Macquarie. Pack a picnic blanket, grab some takeaway and try your luck at spotting whales and dolphins with your furry friend.
Splash around at Stoney Aqua Park
Have a water-loving pup? Let your four-legged friend have the time of their lives splashing around Stoney Aqua Park. A huge inflatable obstacle floats on the man-made freshwater lake for children and kidults. With balance beams, trampolines, swings and other fun features, you can challenge each other and see who has what it takes to come out on top! You can easily spend the day here cooking up a BBQ, having a picnic or lounging around.
Taste local beer and wines
Visit Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard for a taste of history and fine wines. Only a 5-minute drive from Port Macquarie’s CBD, there’s no excuse not to drop in. With guided tours of the museum and wine tastings paired with cheese plates, you and your pup will have a blast.
For beer lovers, head to Wicked Elf Beer and Kitchen. With 12 different taps flowing with everything from IPAs to sours, you’re find one you like. Is there a better way to spend the day than sitting outdoors with your pup, sipping a cold pint of beer?
Get close and personal with nature
Head to Burrawan State Forest with your pup and marvel at the wonders of ‘Old Bottlebutt’ – a 200-year-old old red bloodwood tree named for its 16 m wide girth above its base. The Old Bottlebutt walking trail is an easy 600-metre loop that caters to all exercise levels. Don’t forget to pack some food and water! With a large sheltered area and picnic table, you can relax and take in the surrounding beauty while having a bite to eat. There are parking spots and toilets available in this area.
