Settling Into the Beach Lifestyle and Getting to Know Koalas

Café breakfasts are sacred in Australia and Three Monkeys is a beloved institution on the local café scene has been serving coffees for over 20 years. For a quintessential Aussie breakfast, order the avo smash (served with beetroot hummus, feta and lime on sourdough bread) and a flat white. The café does not take bookings and accepts walk ins only.
Check out the mouth-watering menu.
Monday — Sunday: 07:30-15:00

Stop for your second coffee of the day at the Boatshed in the charming riverside village of Tea Gardens. Drawing inspiration from the waterways on their doorstep, the town has a creative and adventurous spirit.
The Boathouse quaint cafe is located on the bank of the calm Myall River. Sip your coffee on the cafe deck, enjoy the serenity and be inspired yourself. Bookings are not taken.
Monday — Sunday: 07:30-11:00, 12:00-14:30

Take a break from driving and have a dip in the ocean at Blueys Beach. This popular surfing beach has impressive views of headlands to the north and the neighbouring beach, Seal Rocks, to the south.
The water is, without a doubt, a stunning shade of blue, but apparently the beach's name comes from a rogue local cow.

Almost every Aussie town has a great fuss-free Thai restaurant (or two, or three) and in Forester, it's Limlong thai. The casual restaurant serves all of the classic dishes such as spring rolls, pad thai, drunken noodles, tom yum soup and mango and coconut sticky rice.
Keep up to date with Limlong Thai on their Facebook Page.
Tuesday — Sunday: 10:30-14:00, 17:00-20:30 Monday: Closed

It's pretty hard to see a koala in the wild since they tend to live in remote places and sadly, their numbers are declining. But at Port Macquarie, you can see these cute and cuddly marsupials up close at the Koala Hospital.
The hospital has been rescuing and rehabilitating koalas since the 1970s and is also dedicated to conserving and restoring their natural environment. Visitors are welcome for self-guided tours of the enclosures, treatment clinic and museum. Bookings are not required.
Monday — Sunday: 08:30-16:00

Check into Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel, which is located in the town centre, close to tonight's bar and restaurant.
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Before heading off on a coast walk, grab some gelato at Blue Cow. This locally-owned ice-cream shop makes their gelato fresh everyday, using real ingredients only and not artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Flavours change seasonally but expect creative options such as Turkish delight, baklava and salted coconut pea flower.
Sunday — Thursday: 10:00-21:30 Friday — Saturday: 10:00-22:00

Take a stroll along Port Macquarie's rugged coastline and take in the ocean views, golden beaches and rolling green headlands. If visiting between May and November, you may even spot some migrating whales. The full walk is around 9 km one way but for a shorter version, I recommend walking to Flynn's Beach from this starting point.
Maps and more information are available on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Relax with a cocktail by the water at The Beach House. This bar is set in an old-school heritage-style building with vast awnings and plenty of outdoor seating. Their cocktail menu features classics such as a French martini and whiskey sour, as well as cocktails unique to the house, like the 'lycheeni' which features vodka, limoncello, elderflower, lycee and lime.
Reserve your table online.
Monday — Thursday: 11:00-22:00 Friday — Saturday: 11:00-23:00 Sunday: 11:00-22:00

Since you're driving along the coast, it makes sense to sample the local seafood. The menu at Bills Fishhouse and Bar stays true to what's available locally and in season with dishes such as Yamba prawns with tequila and lime aioli, and charred swordfish with eggplant, parsnip, broccoli, fennel and fish jus.
Bookings can be made online.
Tuesday — Saturday: 17:30-Late Sunday — Monday: Closed

If you're not ready to call it a night, head up to the roof deck and enjoy a soak in the hot tub while admiring the ocean view. There is also an outdoor pool where the hotel hosts movie nights during summer.
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