Do you have holiday FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)? Does everyone you know seem to be going away over the holidays but you? It might be for budgetary reasons, or maybe a lack of annual leave. Whatever your reason, don’t feel that you have to completely miss out, plan a ‘staycation’ and make the most of being on holiday at home!
Camp in the backyard
Set up your very own backyard glamping resort! Put the tent up and camp in the backyard for the night. Have a barbecue dinner, light some candles and dine under the stars for the evening. 
Since you’re at home and not entirely roughing it, why not throw in some creature comforts like some couch cushions and a small mattress so you can get a good night’s sleep. For the most authentic camping experience, switch your mobile phone off for the evening and leave it inside the house so you won’t be tempted to switch it back on!
Take some time for yourself
As you’re holidaying at home, we’re guessing you probably have a fair bit of time on your hands. Why don’t you use some of that time to go and have a pamper session and refresh and rejuvenate mind and body?
Perhaps you could book into a day spa for a massage or sauna, or maybe head to a beauty salon to have your hair or nails done.
If you’re on a tight budget, create your own day spa at home! Find a quiet part of the house, pop on a face mask and place your feet in a foot soak while you read your favourite book or magazine. Try our recipe for a home made foot soak;
Homemade Foot Soak
Ingredients
- 5 cups warm water (not boiling)
- ¼ cup sea or Epsom salt
- 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil – we recommend Ylang Ylang or Lavender for relieving stress.
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a bucket or large basin. Place the bucket/basin on a bath mat at your feet so you don’t spill water on the floor.
- Put your feet in, soak and relax for at least 20 minutes.
If foot spas and manicures aren’t your thing, simply take some time out doing the things you do love. Whether it be sitting in a comfortable chair with a good book, cooking up a storm in the kitchen or completing a 10,000 piece puzzle with your family, do something relaxing that makes you happy (this means no Monopoly, as we all know how that ends)!
Be a tourist for the day
There are heaps of other low cost and no cost ‘touristy’ activities that you can do in Port Macquarie during Summer. Here are our top suggestions:
- Go on a picnic to Comboyne, Harrington, Taree, Foster, Coffs Harbour, Wauchope, Gladstone – grab a map and pick a spot!
- Get active – hire a Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak and explore the Hastings River, go fishing, take a BBQ boat out for the day, or have a blast at the inflatable water park – the options are almost endless!
- Try your hand at a round of golf on one of Port’s beautiful golf courses, or have a go at Putt Putt or Aqua Golf!
- Check out the local markets for some fresh produce, delicious coffee and locally-made gifts
- Pack a picnic rug, grab some fish and chips and find a spot on the beautiful Town Green. Enjoy your meal and just watch the world (and boats) go by
- Book a tour with Frankie’s Travel to check out some of the wineries, restaurants and breweries who are putting Port Macquarie on the foodie map!
- Go on a sunset cruise along the Hastings River – the added bonus is you can bring your own cheese and wine!
Try something new
Just because you aren’t holidaying in an exotic foreign country, doesn’t mean you can’t step out of your comfort zone. While on your holiday at home, try something new and see where this experience leads. Go to a new gym class, climb a challenging walking trail, attend an art workshop or even go to the movies by yourself. When you push yourself and get out of your comfort zone, great things can happen – you might make a new friend or discover a special talent you have that you never even knew existed.
Tick off your bucket list
Use the time to do (fun) things you’ve been meaning to do for a while. Whether it be hiking North Brother, completing the Coastal Walk or taking on the challenge of the Bago Vineyard Maze (wine in hand, of course).
Hit the water (if it’s warm enough)
We don’t need to tell you that Port Macquarie is lucky to possess some of the best beaches that Australia has to offer. And who doesn’t love a trip to the beach while on holidays – it wouldn’t really be a holiday without it! Pack a picnic lunch, beach umbrella, towels, sunscreen and plenty of water and head to one of the many gorgeous beaches. Check out the Visit NSW website for their list of the Best Beaches in Port Macquarie.
Did you know there are a few inland freshwater swimming holes in the Port Macquarie Hastings Region? For something different you could take a day trip and go for a dip at one of these picturesque locations. Wild Bull Camping Area, in Mount Boss State Forest (near Wauchope) boasts a beautiful swimming hole. Also try Swans Crossing or Boorganna Nature Reserve, near Comboyne for some other great swimming spots.
However you choose to spend your holiday at home, make sure you do things that just make you happy. For lots of other fantastic ideas on things to do in the Port Macquarie Hastings Region, visit the 52 Things to Do in Port Macquarie or Discover Port Macquarie.