Port town is big on food

Of Peak Coffee and Stick Bar in Port Macquarie, says the Australian town pairs beautiful scenery and coastal lifestyle with a quality food and beverage scene.

Long gone are the days that the northern New South Wales town of Port Macquarie was seen as just a town offering big beer brands and chicken parmas. The city has embraced some cool craft food and drink businesses, which locals and tourists are rejoicing about.

Port Macquarie has more than 100 cafes, and the quality is of a high standard for a regional area. Specialty roasters such as Peak Coffee, an award-winning local roastery and brew bar, lead the way.

Cafes serving great brews comparable with large city cafes, include The Hill, Bookface Cafe, Studio 3, Bandwagon and Frankie’s Cafe.

Port Macquarie has an array of waterfront venues, such as The Stunned Mullet, The Beach House, Little Shack and Chop ’n Chill, which all offer amazing coastal vistas matched with quality product – on the plate and in the glass.

The town has recently been blessed with a small bar movement. Stick Bar serves original cocktails and a fun variety of charcoal skewers.

Hello Sailor on the marina is also matching great local beverages such as Moorebeer Brewing and Cassegrain Wines in a relaxed park-like setting with a rolling lineup of live music.

Botanic Wine Garden and Drury Lane Eatery are two other great casual dining options in the plaza of the town’s Glass House entertainment centre.

Port Macquarie has matured into a sophisticated tourist destination with food and beverages to match, which makes it ideal for a stopover, short break, or perfect location for working remotely.