MACQUARIE WATERS
Reporter: MEL SYMONS
If you’re wondering where to take the kids these school holidays, then Port Macquarie is the answer! Dive right in – there’s a tonne of fun to be had!
Greater Port Macquarie
Greater Port Macquarie is located midway between Sydney and Brisbane on the North Coast of NSW. It is only 260 km north of Newcastle, 420 km from Sydney and 510 km from Brisbane.
Enjoy uncrowded, patrolled beaches. Cruise serene rivers and waterways, at whatever speed takes your fancy. See migrating whales, pods of dolphins and koalas in their natural habitat. Explore remnant rainforests or the historic ruins of a colonial mansion. Discover the range of local shops, markets, galleries, arts and crafts and world class wineries. Whatever your interest, Greater Port Macquarie has just what you need.
Koala Hospital
The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, Australia, is the world's first hospital dedicated solely to the care and preservation of koalas.
The Hospital has a treatment room, eight Intensive Care Units, a 24 Hour Rescue and Treatment operation and multiple recovery yards. The Hospital has a research affiliation with the University of Sydney.
The Koala Hospital is open 365 days a year and visitors are welcome at all times.
A "Feed, Walk and Talk" tour is conducted every afternoon at 3.00 p.m. where a volunteer walks around the outside yards informing visitors of the history of each koala, why they are there and what is being done for them while other volunteers are feeding the koalas.
Adopt a Wild Koala Program
The Adopt A Wild Koala Program is the major source of fund raising for the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. The cost of an adoption is AU$40 per year.
The adoption package consists of a Certificate of Adoption that has the photo of the adopted koala on the front, the name of the person adopting the koala, the name of the koala and the date of adoption.
As well as the Certificate the package also contains a story about the adopted koala, a vinyl sticker with the KPS Logo and the words “I Have Adopted A Wild Koala”, a coloured pamphlet about the Hospital and a booklet about koalas.
More Information
Koala Hospital
Reserve Lord Street, Port Macquarie
Telephone: (02) 6584 1522
www.koalahospital.org.au
Tours daily at 3pm
Entry is free
Prices correct as at 16/06/07
Macquarie Waters
Macquarie Waters is a brand new apartment complex conveniently located in the Port Macquarie CBD featuring stylish motel rooms and self contained apartments.
Guests can sample the freshest in local cuisine at The Corner restaurant café, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
Macquarie Waters Hotel and Apartments has 49 brand new stylish motel rooms, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for guests to relax in. Some apartments have spas or ocean views from the balcony.
The self contained boutique apartments include:
• Flat screen TV, DVD, stereo and Austar
• FREE Broadband internet connection
• Contemporary furnishings
• Spacious, open plan living area with balcony
• Modern kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and stove
• Stainless steel appliances
• Fully equipped laundry with dryer
• Designer bathrooms with bath and shower
• Reverse cycle air conditioning
All linen provided
More Information
Macquarie Waters Hotel & Apartments
11 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie
1800 70 25 35
www.mwaters.com.au
Prices start from $170 per room per night.
Prices correct as at 16/06/07
Dive In Theatre
Watching big hit films ‘Jaws’, ‘Finding Nemo’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’ whilst submerged in water adds a whole new dimension to the full cinema experience for children.
Macquarie Waters Hotel and Apartments features an innovative ‘Dive-in-Theatre’, the first of its kind in NSW. Enjoy a state-of-the-art cinema experience with a 2.3 x 4 metre screen and surround sound whilst lazing about in the heated pool and spa.
The latest films are available free for guests every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night during school holidays with movie-themed pool parties and giveaways for the kids.
More Information
Macquarie Waters – Dive In Theatre
11 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie
Telephone: 1800 70 25 35
Every weekend
Prices correct as at 16/06/07