Port Macquarie-Hastings
Port Macquarie-Hastings is one of NSW's top-performing councils, ranking 15th of 128 and strongest on lifestyle & amenity.
"Mid-north coast gem — koalas, beaches, and one of NSW's fastest-growing regional centres"
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 87,000
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
63 out of 100
#8 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#15 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 58/100 |
| Community Services | 64/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 75/100 |
| Core Operations | 53/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Port Macquarie-Hastings performs strongest in lifestyle and amenity investment (better than 75% of peers). Performance in core service delivery is moderate at the 53th percentile among peers.
What Makes This Place Unique
Mid-north coast gem — koalas, beaches, and one of NSW's fastest-growing regional centres
Port Macquarie-Hastings combines the growing regional centre of Port Macquarie with coastal villages and rich farming hinterland. It's become a popular retirement and lifestyle destination, with a hospital, university campus, and improving amenity.
Known For
- Koala Hospital — globally famous wildlife facility
- Town Beach and Lighthouse Beach
- Port Macquarie's growing dining and arts scene
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre — coastal rainforest boardwalk
Living Here
Port Macquarie offers genuinely good regional city amenity with a coastal setting. Health services are strong, the beaches are excellent, and the community is welcoming. A top-tier regional lifestyle option.
Hidden Gem
The coastal walk from Town Beach to Lighthouse Beach — through sea-cave formations and past rock pools, rivalling any urban coastal walk in Australia.