Along the coast, south of Port Macquarie’s Town Beach and along the coastal walk, Sea Acres National Park is a pocket of rainforest easily accessible to visitors. Featuring the Sea Acres Centre, which is essentially a visitor’s centre, a gift shop selling stuffed toy cockatoos and lemon myrtle soaps and the like, and the start of the Rainforest Boardwalk (fees apply). Take a Discovery Tour with National Park’s and Wildlife staff along the boardwalk and learn about Aboriginal bush tucker and the history of the Sea Acres area as you wander through the dense canopy. Otherwise, stroll at your own pace and enjoy the serenity of the sounds of nature. Also accessed through the gift shop is the Rainforest Café and access to the outside eating area on the open deck is only through the café. The rainforest canopy shades the deck so there’s no need for a roof and the café itself is made of endless glass to allow as much natural light in, which is tough considering the towering trees and thick foliage. Although a no-brainer for me, my friends find it tough to choose from the extensive ‘sweets’ menu. I’m happy to see the humble Devonshire Tea make it up on to the board and that the fluffy scones coming out of the kitchen are homemade, and just the right size for a snack. The jam is fairly average and the whipped cream chilled and firm – I just wish there was more of it.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream:

Tea: A selection of organic loose-leaf teas served in a small pot.

Price: $$

Overall: Dine under the shady canopy to the backdrop of rainforest bird life.

Location: Sea Acres Rainforest Visitor Centre, 159 Pacific Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Ph: 02 6582 3355 www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/Visitor-centres/Sea-Acres-Rainforest-Centre

Reviewed August, 2015