The best wineries and cellar doors in Port Macquarie

It seems the operators of Port Macquarie struggle to do anything by halves, demonstrated best in their offering of fully-fledged wineries.

From a vineyard planted alongside one of the world’s largest mazes, to the only volunteer-run winery in the country, to a cellar door within an art gallery – Port Macquarie delivers a dynamic mix of vineyards set in unique locations, and all within driving distance to the region’s many beaches. Here, a guide to its best wineries and cellar doors.

1. Bago Maze & Winery

Bago Maze and Winery view from above. (Image: Andrew Kowalewski/Discover Media Australia)

Head 30 minutes inland from Port Macquarie into the hinterland of the Hastings River Region to find a curious combination of a vineyard planted alongside an architecturally designed lilly pilly hedge maze that reaches two kilometres high and contains over two kilometres of winding paths to explore.

The family-run 10-hectare vineyard specialises in producing premium chardonnay, verdelho and fortified wines, merlot and ports – think sparkling pinot noir chardonnay, chocolate and blueberry liqueurs, and a shimmering blueberry rose that’s a fruity twist on a summer staple. Sample the range at the onsite cellar door with a wine tasting paddle accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie platter featuring the region’s best produce.

Alternatively, assemble your own picnic spread featuring a bottle of Bago wine, cheese platter, handmade chocolates and local produce and preserves from the onsite shop to be enjoyed in a sun-soaked patch of grass on the property before you venture into the iconic hedge maze to round out the experience.

2. Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery

Wine and cheese has long been touted as the perfect pair, but Long Point makes a strong case for art to transform this famous duo into a winning trifecta.

The vineyard and gallery hybrid (located just 18 minutes’ drive from the centre of town) offers wine tastings, local art and delicious produce all under the one roof. Premium chardonnay, frontignac, verdelho, cabernet, chambourcin and tempranillo all feature on the cellar door tasting list.

Don’t miss the 2017 chardonnay, best described as a complex and rewarding wine with fresh guava and melon and hints of green apple, with a well-balanced vanilla oak finish. And be sure to order the famous Jolly Nose Tawny and refreshing alcoholic Ginger Beer while you’re there.

Take your beverage of choice with you to accompany your viewing of the gallery which features works by a number of talented local artists and exhibits that rotate on a bi-monthly basis. Check the gallery’s Facebook page for artist events prior to your visit.

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3. Cassegrain Wines

Cassegrain Wines in Port Macquarie — Cassegraine Wines employs traditional winemaking techniques from France.

The Cassegrain family, who are descended from an old wine-making family in France, have spent the last 30 years combining their rich knowledge of traditional French winemaking methods with modern Australian techniques to produce a diverse portfolio of award-winning wines.

The multi-region producer’s grapes are grown on the alluvial flats of their 4.9 hectare Hastings River vineyard, featuring semillon, verdelho, chambourcin, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon; and in the New England region of NSW at the 30-hectare Richfield Vineyard (part-owned by Cassegrain Wines) for chardonnay, verdelho, semillon, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and ruby cabernet varieties across the 30-hectare vineyard to produce their extensive range of wines.

Find the cellar door within the working winery on the Cassegrain Estate just 13 minutes’ drive from the Port Macquarie town centre. Stay for a tasting – don’t miss the chambourcin and sparkling wine varieties – purchase a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the winery, or opt to dine at twotriplefour, the paddock-to-plate restaurant housed on the estate. For something completely different, combine your wine tasting and meal with a trail ride through the vines with Port Macquarie Horse Riding.

4. Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard

In the mid-nineties a community conservation group banded together to salvage an important part of Port Macquarie’s winemaking heritage – the Douglas Vale History Homestead & Vineyard. Today the site, which dates back to 1859 and is located conveniently in the centre of town, has been thoughtfully transformed into a working vineyard and museum that is run entirely by volunteers. Making it the only one of its kind in Australia.

At the height of its glory the estate spanned 44.7 acres and produced international acclaimed award-winning wines. Approximately 4.1 acres of vineyards remain of the property today and the not-for-profit organisation produces a small variety of wines that include two whites, a rose, two reds and a fortified wine made from villard blanc, chardonnay, chambourcin and shiraz grape varieties.

Arrive in time to take one of the daily tours of the museum and grounds, followed by a wine tasting at the cellar door accompanied by a cheese platter – and the pleasure of knowing you are supporting the local community.

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5. Little Fish Cafe and Vineyard

Find Little Fish Café and Vineyard overlooking the vineyards of Innes Lake Estates just 11 minutes outside of town. Tastings of the Little Fish and Innes Lake range of chardonnay, frontignac and verdelho, cabernet and chambourain are available by appointment, but the best way to taste their vino is alongside a meal in the French restaurant helmed by Steve Delandemare.

The French chef has drawn inspiration from the cuisine of his homeland to create a modern menu using the best seasonal produce, perfectly paired with a glass of their wine offering. Try the fig and red wine braised beef cheeks matched with a glass of the Inneslake Shiraz.

Dine on the veranda overlooking the vineyards or in the gardens among the jacaranda, poinciana and magnolia trees. Alternatively, bring your own picnic rug and dine alfresco among the vines with a pre-ordered platter from the restaurant that is overflowing with local produce, meats, cheese and horderves.

Originally written by Eliza Sholly with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery. Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda, and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines.

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines, where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie, right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk, an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park. Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast, a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery, where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal, which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores, between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch. Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong. A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery, which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen. It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

The best wineries and cellar doors in Port Macquarie

It seems the operators of Port Macquarie struggle to do anything by halves, demonstrated best in their offering of fully-fledged wineries.

1. Bago Maze & Winery

2. Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery

3. Cassegrain Wines

4. Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard

5. Little Fish Cafe and Vineyard

The best cafes and coffee in Port Macquarie

16 of the best places to stay in Port Macquarie

14 top Port Macquarie restaurants to try in 2025

16 of the best Port Macquarie cafes for coffee lovers

Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

Winter on the Central Coast

Winter in Wollongong

It seems the operators of Port Macquarie struggle to do anything by halves, demonstrated best in their offering of fully-fledged wineries.

1. Bago Maze & Winery

2. Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery

AI Prompt

3. Cassegrain Wines

4. Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard

5. Little Fish Cafe and Vineyard

The best cafes and coffee in Port Macquarie

16 of the best places to stay in Port Macquarie

14 top Port Macquarie restaurants to try in 2025

16 of the best Port Macquarie cafes for coffee lovers

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

Winter on the Central Coast

Winter in Wollongong