This regional city has the best of both worlds: natural features (such as the beach, forests, hinterland and lakes) and the critical mass of population to support a vibrant culture and diverse experiences. There are always new experiences to enjoy. This region is called the holiday coast but I rather live here full-time!

Loved Port Maquarie, but the luxury apartment we stayed in was infested with bed bugs - Beachside Holiday Apartments - so we wasted a lot of time moving from the infested apartment while it was fumigated and transferred to an apartment without a view. So, we had to move out of our room, lug our luggage into a different apartment until it was safe ...