Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is a popular retirement location and popular tourist destination. It is known for its extensive beaches and waterways. The town is also known for its koala population, being the home the Billabong Koala Park, and the Koala Preservation Society's Koala Hospital, caring for koalas injured through bushfire, dog attacks and collisions with vehicles.
The residential suburbs stretch to Lighthouse Beach in the south, Thrumster to the west and to the so-called "North Shore" on the north bank of the river. Settlement Point has a new canal development, being one of the most expensive real estate developments in the town. More recently, Sovereign Hills (Area 13) has begun development in the west. It will include new schools, shopping facilities and residential areas.
In the 2006 Census the wider area of the Hastings Valley had a total population of 68,429.
In the last two years the Newcastle Jets have played one of their Pre-Season Cup matches at the Port Macquarie Regional Stadium.
It is also noted for having a better night life then other areas such as Coffs Harbour with many pubs and clubs all within walking distance of each other.
It has become a major service centre for those living between Taree in the south and South West Rocks to the north.
Beaches include (in order from north to south): North Shore, Town Beach, Oxley Beach, Rocky Beach, Flynns Beach, Nobbys Beach, Shelly Beach, Miners Beach and Lighthouse Beach. Only Town, Flynns and Lighthouse Beaches are manned by Surf Life Saving Clubs and Lighthouse is only watched at the north end. There is an active surf culture with the beaches being the main tourist attraction.