Stars, mazes, scones: Great ways to spend winter on the Mid North Coast

Tend to feel cooped up during winter? Visiting the Mid North Coast during off season?

Here are eight things you can do during the colder months across the Mid North Coast. 

Know something we should add? Email us suggestions at [email protected]

Visit a small(er) town

The Mid North Coast is dotted with smaller towns full of character in between the major hubs, and they deserve your attention. 

For those who love an old pub or motel, heritage cinemas, supporting small business and discovering quirky new places, consider some wintertime suburban tourism to somewhere just outside your everyday commute. 

Add nearby nature walks and galleries full of charm and you’ve got a great day trip or weekend sorted.

Just choose somewhere from our (obviously non-exhaustive) list and go: Sawtell, Laurieton, Gladstone, Comboyne, Nambucca, Wauchope, Dorrigo, Bellingen, South West Rocks, Crescent Head.

Do a thrifting trail

There’s undoubtedly a craze for 90s style and nostalgic items from bygone eras recently and with it, more curated op shops like North Haven’s Chosen Stranger. 

Here’s our list from last year, which also includes Meg’s Op Shop and Boutique in Bellingen, Taree’s Valley Vintage and Wingham’s 2nd Chance Wares.

Do a beach to bush trike tour

Rug up and see Port Macquarie’s coastline in a way you never have before - on the back of a trike. 

Or opt for the 2.5 hour rural experience which includes a stop at a traditional Aussie pub. 

The four-hour option includes a trip up North Brother for its panoramic views plus a stop at Brewhaven Cafe. You can even design your own trike tour for special occasions.

More info at www.beachtobushtriketours.com.au/.

Go whale watching

It’s the season for it. You can take a vessel out with a guide to get as close as possible to these beautiful beasts as they journey north between May and November, or watch from a safe distance at one of the Mid North Coast’s many vantage points.

More info here.

Walk Australia’s largest hedge maze at Bago Maze and Wine

More fun than it sounds. Reward yourself with a wine tasting and cheese platter afterwards at this family-run establishment.

Here’s their website for more info.

Visit Moorland Cottage Cafe for the (actual) best scones on the coast

Fifteen minutes north of Taree you’ll find a place that can credibly claim the best scones on the Mid North Coast. 

With a dog-friendly courtyard and a glorious garden to bask in some winter sun while you enjoy your tea, this is worth going out of the way for. 

The menu is mostly gluten free and recently their “scone of the week” was orange and almond with grapefruit curd. 

Open Wednesdays to Sundays 9am to 3pm.  Bookings are essential at least 24 hours in advance, so phone or text 0413 230 831 to place yours.

Facebook is the closest thing they have to a website.

Visit a local gallery or museum

There aren’t many better places to wile away the time on a miserable day than at an art gallery. 

Our region is full of galleries and museums full of meaningful histories, unexpected discoveries and many experts to learn from and chat with. 

Time your visit for a talk or a curator-led tour for insight into local life, culture and history. School holidays often mean special programs for the kids. You can often find one-of-a-kind souvenirs from these places, too. They’re also great places to look into your family history.

There are loads - you only have to look. Here’s a master list where you can find your closest. 

Have a night at the Observatory

We get it, it’s tempting to spend another night at home streaming the next TV show, especially when it’s cold out. But what if we told you you could glimpse Saturn’s rings instead?

Port Macquarie Observatory has state-of-the-art equipment ready to let you get close and personal with neighbouring planets, comets, stars, and more. Join Sky Stories on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 7:30pm for a presentation followed by a viewing. 

Keep an eye on their What’s On page for fascinating extra-terrestrial adventures you can go on with kids, spouses, or even solo.