What is Port Macquarie Museum?

Port Macquarie Museum preserves and shares Port Macquarie’s authentic stories, original objects, artworks, treasures and relics, local memories, and community knowledge within Port Macquarie’s oldest surviving commercial building, the historic Store c1830. 

Why should I visit Port Macquarie Museum? 

Port Macquarie Museum makes a visit to Port Macquarie meaningful. It’s the perfect place to start any visit to Macquarie. 
Port Macquarie Museum offers an authentic, immersive cultural experience connecting visitors with the rich heritage and evolving character of our region.

Where is Port Macquarie Museum?   

Port Macquarie Museum is located at 22 Clarence Street in the cultural and historic heart of Port Macquarie (Guruk), on Birpai Country, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. 

What can I see at Port Macquarie Museum?

Port Macquarie Museum interprets and shares over 60,000 years of Birpai culture alongside the layered history of European settlement, from Port Macquarie's establishment as a British penal settlement in 1821 through to transformation into a thriving coastal city with tourism at its heart

Visitors journey through a series of curated exhibitions drawn from our collection of 20,000 objects, 100,000 photographs and 10,000 documents. These exhibitions share diverse and authentic local narratives – Birpai stories and perspectives, convict and colonial histories, and the lived experiences of local people and our community across generations. 

What does it cost to visit Port Macquarie Museum? 

There are admission charges to visit: Adult $7, Concession/Senior $5, Child $3, Family $15. 
As a community museum operating without any government support, admission charges help care for Port Macquarie Museum’s heritage-listed building and significant collections. 
Port Macquarie Museum Members can visit for free. A small annual membership fee applies. To join: https://portmuseum.org.au/join-or-support.html


Is Port Macquarie Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, accessible entry is through The Forest Courtyard adjacent to the main entrance. Phone ahead on 02 583 1108 to arrange access. 
Most exhibition spaces are wheelchair accessible. Exhibition spaces are not suitable for motorised scooters. Motorised scooters may be parked in the Museum’s garden area by arrangement. 

Where is the closest parking to Port Macquarie Museum? 

There is plenty of timed street parking outside the museum in Clarence Street and adjacent Hay and Murray Streets. Nearby Port Central Shopping Centre has free parking options including all day parking and EV charging stations. 
Two accessible public parking spaces for people with mobility impairment and the required permit are available in Clarence Street outside the Museum entrance with further accessible parking spaces located directly opposite outside the Historic Courthouse.

Is Port Macquarie Museum near public transport?   

Yes, Port Macquarie Museum is in the town centre of Port Macquarie, 100 metres from the closest bus stop in Clarence Street. Taxi and ride-share services also operate. 

Do you offer guided tours? 

Guided tours are not currently offered. Port Macquarie Museum offers a self-guided experience, including an audio and print guide. All exhibitions have information labels.  
Port Macquarie Museum also offers print and audio guides supporting walking and driving tours of Port Macquarie’s historic places and heritage sites. 

How do I know what exhibitions are showing at Port Macquarie Museum?   

The Exhibitions Page https://portmuseum.org.au/exhibitions.html details current exhibitions and experiences. Port Macquarie Museum offers a changing exhibition program. Exhibitions are curated from the Museum collection, offering an authentic Port Macquarie experience.  

Is Port Macquarie Museum Kid Friendly? 

There are lots of things for kids and families to do at Port Macquarie Museum, including a family friendly I Spy trail, hands-on exhibits and a kids activity space. 

Can I bring my dog to Port Macquarie Museum? 

Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome to visit with their owner. 

How long does it take to visit Port Macquarie Museum? 

It is recommended allowing an hour for your visit. Port Macquarie Museum is much larger than it looks from the outside.   

Can I view collection items not on display?

Many collection items not on display can be viewed online at Port Macquarie Museum Collections on eHive: https://ehive.com/collections/3977/port-macquarie-museum
Private viewings of collection items can usually be arranged by prior appointment. https://portmuseum.org.au/contact.html

Does Port Macquarie Museum have public toilets? 

Yes, Port Macquarie Museum has public toilets including a fully accessible toilet.  


Is there a café at Port Macquarie Museum?

Port Macquarie Museum does not have a café. It is surrounded by multiple cafes and other food and beverage options.