Stuarts Point Convention Centre

Brought your board? Take it along to the fine waves of Grassy Head Beach (a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive) or over to Scotts Head (10 minutes). Elsewhere along the coast there are good fishing spots to seek out, kayaks to hire in Stuarts Points and seaside walks out to the heritage-listed Smoky Cape Lighthouse (35 minutes). Ramp up the cultural offerings with trips to historic prison Trial Bay Gaol (35 minutes) or an amble around the arty galleries and colourful koala sculpture trail in Port Macquarie (an hour). Rather see real-life koalas? Head for Billabong Zoo (an hour), where you can stroke koalas, feed kangaroos and meet other cute critters. For more wildlife, aim for Dolphin Marine Conservation Park or go diving or snorkelling at Solitary Islands Marine Park (both are within an hour’s drive). Other outings nearby might include trips to Coffs Harbour (50 minutes) or a bonkers day at the Big Banana Fun Park (55 minutes).