Port Macquarie is a city on the mid-North Coast, New South Wales, Australia, located about 450 km north of Sydney, and 510km south of Brisbane. The town is located on the coast at the south bank of the entrance of the Hastings River. The site of Port Macquarie was first visited by Europeans in 1820 when John Oxley reached the Pacific Ocean coast from the interior after his journey to explore inland New South Wales. He named the location after the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie. Later the town was developed, initially as a penal settlement.

Much of the land used to build the town's shopping centres and other structures on in recent years was orginally owned by the Catholic Church, who many claim are responsible for the town's growth and development.

Port Macquarie is now popular as a retirement location and popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and untouched waterways. In recent times, Port Macquarie has become more commericalised despite protest from residents, the Sheraton Hotel built on opposite the Town Green attracted much opposition.

The town is also known for its Koala population, with many tourists referring to it as the Koala Capital.

The local government in Port Macquarie has estimated the population to be approximately 62,000.