The first time I met Port Macquarie: Lana Hilton
With sandy blonde hair, aquamarine eyes and an athletic, albeit relaxed body, it will be hard for me to forget the first time I met Port Macquarie.
Amid new year’s resolutions I was looking to escape the grind of Sydney life and I longed for someone I’d never met and knew very little about – Port Macquarie was that someone.
It took me two days to fall in love with “Port Mac’ and that was before I’d fully explored its unique waters, exciting activities and most importantly – its people.
What tipped me over the edge from schoolgirl crush to love was Port Mac’s family. The locals were some of the loveliest I have ever met.
I never encountered a rude waitress or surly shop assistant – even the security guard at the pub was lovely!
Nowhere in Sydney will you meet a security guard who smiles as you walk in (without checking you out) and then helps the staff clear tables.
Port Macquarie takes pride in its appearance with incredibly clean streets, grassy knolls and unblemished beaches.
Its aura is light and fresh.
Aromas from the restaurants whose patrons spill onto the streets are mouthwatering, especially the fresh waffle cones which try to entice you as a cheeky dessert on your carefree walk home.
It didn’t take long to notice Port Macquarie’s love affair with art.
The Glasshouse is a beautiful building offering tourists and the community any form of art they choose.
But it was the Breakwall that really took my fancy.
There is nothing exciting about a path that curves around a bay, following the clear, azure water out to the ocean.
However, a path delightfully decorated with art murals whose canvases are the large rocks and boulders that lead the way is a sight to behold.
The Breakwall commemorates love, family holidays, birthdays, religion, cartoons and even death.
The sense of community this wall represents is overwhelming for both locals and tourists alike.
The dazzling colours and designs symbolise all who have met and felt welcomed by Port Macquarie.
My favourite was a line that simply read “it’s just perfect”.
The Breakwall ends at a skate park which is quite fitting as one form of art leads into another.
Ordered chaos is one way to describe it as even the six year olds in skinny-leg jeans and converse shoes manage to read the language, knowing when it’s their turn to scare the wits out of their sidelined parents as they race up and down ramps on their pocket-sized scooters.
Laughter and cries from a nearby playground filter through, and there are kites dancing in the warm breeze as children play below.
I did notice the lack of children on the streets and realised they were all here; happily mingling, attempting dare-devil antics and enjoying the freedom that Port Macquarie allows them.
And let’s not forget the healthy dose of exercise.
Port Macquarie reminds me of a friend from my childhood.
It’s as if when I am here I am back enjoying the innocence, the soft breeze, the friendships and the atmosphere; rather than thinking about how much money I’m spending or obtaining driving directions.
I feel rejuvenated when I am with Port Mac – I can’t help feeling that this is how life should be lived.
