Port Macquarie (3)

There is much to do in Port Macquarie for exercise.  There is bushwalking, running along the many beaches, surfing, windsurfing, skydiving, paragliding, horse riding, camel safaris, kayaking, cycling, ten pin bowling, bowls, croquet, golf, and skateboarding.  For those less energetic there are ferry tours, seaplane trips, helicopter rides, museums, galleries, wineries and historical buildings.  And of course there's always shopping in your free time!!

We drove to Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, which has grown into a very successful business. Plants are all under cover and the fruit available all year round.  Visitors can buy from the centre, or pick your own and then have them weighed for pricing.  There is a great little cafe there, and a wide range of jams, chutneys, relishes, and dressings for sale.  We picked a bucket of strawberries, which are the sweetest I have ever tasted and not a bruise or sweaty surface in sight.  Just sweet, juicy, red flesh.

We then visited another light house just south of the town centre, taking some more photos of oceans and beaches.

This is Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries at Blackmans Point, about 15 min drive north of Port Macquarie.  The tomato bushes are very high, with new green fruit at the higher level, and ripe ones at easy picking height.  Plants are very tall.

They also have strawberries which are U- pick and they look and taste delicious.  As you can see, the plants are grown in soil tucked into vertical pipes, so no bending and no dirt on the fruit!

Cheap labour always helps!!

The development of a new business, which began with a tin money box placed at the farm gate.

The lighthouse at Tacking Point just 10 mins south of Port Macquarie 

And yet another beach.  Within 5 kilometres of Port Macquarie there are 8 fantastic beaches suitable for surfers of any age and skill level.