Wauchope to Port Macquarie drive: Distance, time & attractions

The Wauchope to Port Macquarie drive covers a 20km distance in 20 minutes. Attractions on the way include the WildNets Adventure Park and Billabong Zoo.

The Wauchope to Port Macquarie drive is a very short one by Australian standards. For most travellers, it is likely to form the last part of a longer road trip – from Tamworth to Port Macquarie or Armidale to Port Macquarie.

Wauchope to Port Macquarie distance and driving time

The distance from Wauchope to Port Macquarie is 20km. Wauchope is theoretically a separate town, but it is more-or-less a suburb.

The driving time to Port Macquarie from Wauchope is around 20 minutes, provided traffic isn’t too heavy.

Wauchope to Port Macquarie drive: Hastings River and Vickers Fudge

The Wauchope to Port Macquarie drive is along the Oxley Highway, but there are several little branch-offs to consider along the way.

First up is the Rocks Ferry Reserve, a pretty little spot along the Hastings River. Shortly afterwards, you’ll come to Vickers Fudge, a confectionary-maker that’s open to the public.

Attractions between Wauchope and Port Macquarie: WildNets Adventure Park

But perhaps most of interest is Cowarra State Forest, a forest laced with trails for walks and scenic drives. The Oxley Highway cuts through the northern section of the forest, and runs close to the WildNets Adventure Park.

This is essentially a soft play centre for all ages, strung out on springy nets between the trees. Kids will love it, but adults can have a great time too, and it is split into separate areas of boisterousness.

Wauchope to Port Macquarie drive: Billabong Zoo

Just before you cross the Pacific Highway, you’ll come to the turn-off for the last attraction between Wauchope and Port Macquarie. Billabong Zoo is a solid spot for encounters with native Australian animals, although it doesn’t vary from the Aussie wildlife park template.

Things to do in Port Macquarie include scenic helicopter flights, the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, and camel rides on Lighthouse Beach.