Attractions + Adventure

ATTRACTIONS

� The Greater Port Macquarie region is full of so many surprises for the entire family to enjoy.

⟶ Cheetah at Billabong Zoo

Conservation through education. Memorable experiences all in one place.

Billabong Zoo ⇗ World Renowned Breeding Centre. Established 1995.

� Book a Personal Animal Encounter online. Get up close and personal with koalas, meerkats, snakes, red pandas, snow leopards or cheetahs and you’ll make memories of a lifetime. Adopt a Koala. Want to make a difference and help koalas through our World Renowned Koala Breeding Centre? Adopt one of our precious koalas for one year. Jump online at billabongzoo.com.au Retail Therapy. Browse our zoo shop for that special Australiana souvenir or choose from our selection of beautiful gift ideas. The Meeting Point Café. Enjoy a delicious bite to eat from our varied menu in a bright and airy location with indoor and outdoor seating. Open to the public from 9am to 2.30pm. Visit us soon. 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie www.billabongzoo.com.au admin@billabongzoo.com.au www.instagram.com/billabongzoo www.facebook.com/billabongzoopmq Open 9am to 5pm

⟶ Stoney Aqua Park

STONEY AQUA PARK Coming back to Port Macquarie again this summer even bigger and better is Stoney Aqua Park, one of the world’s largest Aqua parks! Stoney Aqua Park is a water lover's dream and located just 10 minutes from Port Macquarie. It covers a huge area and boasts a wide variety of inflatable fun items for everyone’s enjoyment on a safe man-made and professionally supervised lake. Here you will find slides, blast bags, trampolines, swings, challenge tracks, balance beams, wobble pads and more. To top off your experience, there is a beach area with sun lounges, BBQ area, with picnic tables and shade, change rooms, SUPs and kayaks for hire, a kiosk, and even accommodation on site if you want to make a weekend of it. It’s all about having a fun day out for the entire family in a safe environment. All ages and abilities are welcome to come along for the day or just a few hours. Also at the complex on a second man-made lake is Australia’s premier water-ski park where you can water ski, wake board or go tube riding (instruction is provided for all levels and equipment is provided). Groups, birthday parties, and corporate functions are welcome. So make a splash on your holiday and join in the fun at this awesome aqua park! (See page 13).

BILLABONG ZOO: KOALA + WILDLIFE PARK Enjoy a fun-filled day out at the award-winning Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie, NSW where you’ll meet Australian and Exotic animals. You can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of animals, reptiles and birds. There are over 220 animals for you to see in this tranquil 10 acre Koala and Wildlife Park. Enjoy their much loved Zoo Talks (included in the admission fee) throughout the day: 16 keeper presentations and feeding sessions every day covering 10 species, plus a Reptile Show at the weekends and during holidays. From their koala breeding centre to their big cat enclosures of cheetahs, lions and snow leopards you’ll discover enchanting Australian and Exotic animals at every turn including Shrek their Monster crocodile. Experience memorable personal animal encounters with Koalas, Cheetahs, Red Pandas, Snakes, Meerkats, and Leopards. Bookings essential. Remember to bring your camera or video - and share this unique experience with friends and family. Especially popular for children and adults alike is the kangaroo and wallaby walk through hand-feeding area - Macropod Meadow - free and open all day. Children can enjoy the playground and the whole family have access to picnic areas set in beautiful shaded gardens with koi carp ponds. Delicious new menu options for breakfast and lunch are available along with snacks, ice-cream, coffee and drinks at their popular Zoo Café. Souvenirs, gifts and retail therapy in their Zoo Shop. Billabong Zoo, Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 is open every day 9am-5pm, rain or shine - it’s more than just a great day out, it’s the best value zoo in Australia. Book your ticket or personal animal encounter online at billabongzoo.com. au. (See our ad page 11).

BAGO MAZE + WINERY The largest hedge maze in NSW is situated within the grounds of the picturesque Bago Maze & Winery, Wauchope. Open daily from 9.00am, the Bago Maze consists of 2,000 metres of pathways including sunken pathways, elevated walkways, bridges, observation towers plus a number of treasure hunt items to keep you entertained throughout the journey. Inspired by the surrounding bushland and vineyards, the maze incorporates a myriad of symbolic imagery within its pathways and hedges. The adventure through the maze takes from 20 minutes to an hour to complete however, many hours of fun can be had making for an entertaining day. No bookings required for groups under 15 people. Phone 6585 7099 (see page 3).

See full ad page 11

Full Ad Page 21 / Map Ref N11

� FAMILY FUN + ADVENTURE

RICARDOES TOMATOES & STRAWBERRIES FARM Free entry to Ricardoes farm opens the doorway to a day of family fun and adventure with activities to satisfy all ages seven days a week. The property’s location in beautiful open countryside is a breath of fresh air year-round yet it’s only 10 minutes’ drive from town, all on a sealed road. Port’s most awarded tourist attraction is famous for its popular pick-yourown strawberries experience from easily accessible vertical frames: seniors can stroll the avenues and reach out at arm’s length while, lower down the lattice, tiny tots can too. And there’s plenty of grassy space for kids - and long-distance travellers - to stretch their legs. Berry picking is all under soaring greenhouse cover so wind and rain never matter. Airconditioned Café RED is cool in summer, warm in winter, and offers sit-down table service as well as the option of takeaway: budget-priced outstandingly wholesome farm-fresh brekkie, lunch, snacks, barista coffee and Ricardoes’ ”world’s best” scones with whipped natural cream, lavished with strawberry jam. Browsable farm shop features Ricardoes Fine Food Show medal-winning sweet and savoury preserves, take-home vegies and produce, one-of-a-kind gifts, souvenirs, and novelties for children. Cafe 7 days, 9am-3pm; no-charge BYO, high chairs, wide entry and ramp, all level indoors, sealed carpark, clean rest rooms. Farm Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8am-5pm. (see page 5).

⟶ Fishing on The Hastings River

HASTINGS RIVER HORSE RIDING This small family-owned stable is nestled between Port Macquarie and Wauchope on the beautiful Mid North Coast. Chrissy and her team have years of experience in riding and love nothing more than to share their passion for horses with new and experienced riders. Join them on the signature River Ride with Quizzie the leader of the pack, who will keep the pace. Witness what the Hastings has to offer on this scenic trek which winds along the banks of the Hasting River. Stroll past the lush paddocks, observe the local birdlife and see what makes the landscape come to life. ‘Can’t wait to get you in the saddle.’