Port Macquarie, New South Wales
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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 city 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 city was developed, initially as a penal settlement.
Much of the land used to build the city's shopping centres and other structures on in recent years was originally 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. It is known for its extensive pristine beaches and untouched waterways. The city is also known for its Koala population, with many tourists referring to it as the Koala Capital.
In recent times, Port Macquarie has become more commercialised despite protest from residents; in particular the Sheraton Hotel built opposite the city Green attracted much opposition. Despite this, Port Macqaurie still offers little in the way of night-time entertainment. Most cafes do not open night, and restaurants close early in the evening. Anyone remaining at 9:30pm is generally presented with the bill and a polite but pointed request to settle and leave.
The local government in Port Macquarie has estimated the population to be approximately 62,000.de:Port Macquarie