In his latest adventure, Alistair Sutton visits the NSW seaside city of Port Macquarie where he discovers a gorgeous new hotel and much more...

Comfort and style sum up the 4.5 star Mecure Centro Hotel, Port Macquarie. As soon as you walk in, the hotel’s understated ambience with its warm chocolate colours and clean lines envelope you.

Conveniently located in the centre of town, with its beaches and attractive coastline, the hotel has sweeping views of the hinterland and Hastings River. My partner Damien and I sipped champagne and listened to live music on the roof deck, a perfect place for intimate get-togethers.

Our spa room was huge and very well appointed with an LCD TV lounge area, balcony, king size bed and a spa bath worthy of any Hollywood movie set.

The room, indeed the entire hotel, is immaculate.

Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who are unfailingly friendly without being too full-on. The lovely girl on reception, Hayley, deserves special mention.

During the day we explored the town and its fascinating convict past; the Historical Society Museum is the best small-town museum I have visited.

Port Macquarie’s beaches are justifiably famous with their pine trees, rocky headlands and panoramic views. There are plenty of opportunities for trekking around and you can see why ‘Port’, as it’s known, is such a hit as a tourist destination.

After feasting on fresh seafood and more champagne on the hotel roof deck, Damien insisted we visit historic Roto house (I just wanted to stretch out on a lofa lounge by the heated pool).

Roto was the home of one of the early families in the region and is within walking distance of the hotel (well, perhaps not when you’re full of champagne and prawns).

I admit it is worth a visit, even if only to experience the dotty guide who looked wistfully through the lace curtains at the couples having their wedding photographs taken and sighed, “Love’s young dream… if only they knew what they were in for!”

Back at Centro we tried the futuristic equipment in the gym which I can only say, as a self-confessed gym queen, is the most elaborate I have seen and surprisingly user-friendly.

Afterwards, we relaxed in our spa bath – every bit as decadent as it looked – before dining in the intimate Synergy Bar and Restaurant beside the pool terrace.

The meal was superb, from my entree of mushroom soufflé, to Damien’s main of pork fillet and my marinated duck, rounded off by melt in your mouth crepes Suzette.

The service from our young waiter Leo was attentive, professional and as always at Centro, very personalised.

On our way home we drove through nearby Wauchope to visit Bago Vineyard.

Set in rolling hillsides, it features a well appointed tasting area and terrace.

The wines were excellent, tending to favour a dry palate.

Naturally, we bought some to remind us of this fantastic part of the world, handy to Brisbane and Sydney but seemingly a world away from the hassles of city living.

www.centrohotel.com.au

www.pmheritage.com.au

www.bagovineyards.com.au