Relocate to Port Macquarie
Moving to Port Macquarie?
Discover Life on the Mid North Coast with Claymore Thistle
Thinking of moving to Port Macquarie? With its beautiful beaches, thriving community, and fantastic lifestyle options, living in Port Macquarie offers everything from natural beauty to modern amenities. At Claymore Thistle, we’re here to support your journey, making your relocation as smooth as possible.
Why Move to Port Macquarie?
History, Lifestyle, and Community
Port Macquarie, located on Australia’s beautiful Mid North Coast, combines rich history with a vibrant coastal lifestyle. Named after New South Wales Governor Lachlan Macquarie, it was first established as a penal settlement in 1821. By 1830, the area opened to settlers, and a few years later, the penal colony closed. Although the early population remained below 1,000, today, Port Macquarie is home to around 50,000 people and is projected to be the fastest-growing population in New South Wales over the next decade.
Living in Port Macquarie means joining a close-knit community in a town known for its scenic beaches, warm climate, and endless outdoor activities. The lifestyle here appeals to families, retirees, and professionals alike, offering a safe, friendly environment with plenty of natural beauty and sunny days to enjoy.
Unlike larger cities like Perth and Sydney, Port Macquarie has a less diverse mix of languages and cultures. About 80% of the population is Australian-born, and around 90% of residents speak only English at home. Common countries of origin for foreign-born residents include England, New Zealand, Scotland, Germany, and South Africa, with languages such as Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin spoken by some residents.
Whether you’re a retiree looking for relaxation, a family wanting a safe and community-focused area, or a professional moving to Port Macquarie for work, this town offers something for everyone.
Finding Your Feet in Port Macquarie
Living in Port Macquarie is made easy by its pedestrian-friendly layout, allowing residents to enjoy the town’s abundance of sunny days and peaceful outdoor spaces. Strolling around town is a treat, but if you need to get around a bit faster, you’ll find plenty of taxis and ride-sharing options like Uber available.
For those moving to Port Macquarie and looking to travel beyond the town, the local airport is conveniently located less than 5km from the CBD. It offers regular flights to major cities like Sydney and Brisbane, making regional travel simple.
Port Macquarie’s weather is another draw, offering a warm, pleasant climate with consistent rainfall year-round. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 18-26°C, while winters remain mild, rarely dropping below 8°C at night. With such comfortable weather, enjoying the outdoors is a big part of living in Port Macquarie.
What Is It Like Living in Port Macquarie?
Living in Port Macquarie offers incredible access to outdoor spaces, from tranquil parks and lush gardens to scenic walkways. If you love being near the water, this is the perfect place to call home. The Hastings River flows into the Tasman Sea at Port Macquarie, creating an environmental landmark that’s popular for fishing. It’s common to see locals camping with fishing gear along the river, enjoying the peaceful waters.
For beach enthusiasts, Port Macquarie boasts 18 stunning beaches. Adventure lovers can enjoy activities like water skiing, boating, surfing, and paragliding. If you prefer staying on land, you’ll find the areas around the beaches filled with quaint cafes, top-notch restaurants, and fresh seafood vendors. Between May and November, living in Port Macquariemeans access to some of Australia’s best whale-watching spots. Dolphins are frequent visitors, while autumn to late spring marks the peak of whale migrations as they move north for mating season.
For those who enjoy hiking, Port Macquarie offers both coastal and forest trails. Sea Acres National Park features a beautiful rainforest boardwalk where you can immerse yourself in lush green surroundings and even spot a koala if you’re lucky. For a scenic escape, drive 40 minutes from the city center to Diamond Head. This spot offers a blend of rainforest and beach landscapes, with the Diamond Head loop walk providing unforgettable views. After the hike, you can cool off at Diamond Head Beach. Ellenborough Falls is another must-see, offering views from a platform or a closer look after a 700-step descent.
Moving away from the coast, Port Macquarie is known as the koala capital of Australia’s east coast. The Koala Hospital here is a leading conservation center, caring for injured koalas and fostering those in need. Visiting the hospital is a meaningful experience and a must-do for those living in Port Macquarie.
Locals arts and culture
Port Macquarie’s calendar is packed with arts and entertainment events throughout the year, such as the ArtWalk, the Creative Ageing Festival, the Big Band Blast and the youth Literary Festival. The Mountain Bike Festival of Australia, NSW Touch State Cup and Hello Koalas Festival should also be marked in your diary!
To engage with local art, Glasshouse is the place to go. This architectural masterpiece is home to the regional gallery, where a wealth of original pieces are on display. Wine lovers are in luck with the acclaimed Hastings River wine region’s famous vineyards. Tastings on Hastings is an annual culinary and cultural food event in October where the area’s farmers, winemakers and culinary artisans showcase their award-winning products.
Port Macquarie is the ideal place to settle down if you’re looking for a slower pace of life outside the hustle and bustle of Australia’s major capital cities. This coastal town strikes the perfect balance with its laid-back beach life while there are still plenty of great opportunities for business and education.
Not sure which city is right for you? Why not book in for a free discovery call with one of our relocation agents.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of our land – Australia. The Gadigal of the Eora Nation are the traditional custodians of our local area.
