The colours, sounds and natural beauty of the mid north coast are an inspiration to a growing number of musicians, artists and writers.

The regions colourful convict history, its reputation as an iconic holiday destination, and an intensified focus on arts and culture make it an attractive option for holiday makers who want to explore the unique cultural aspects of this increasingly sophisticated destination.

With two major entertainment centres, the newly opened Glasshouse Arts Conference and Entertainment Centre in Port Macquarie  and the well established Manning Entertainment Centre in Taree, an increasing number of metropolitan theatrical troupes and choral and orchestral companies are making their way to the mid north coast for an expanding schedule of first class entertainment.

This complemented with innovative entrepreneurs, wineries, restaurants and community groups staging first class concerts and art exhibitions, amateur theatre companies putting their best foot forward on local stages, some of the largest drama, music and dance eisteddfods in regional Australia and outdoor cinemas under the stars add to the attractiveness of this region’s coastal and hinterland towns and villages.

Regional food festivals, indigenous celebrations, well established art galleries display the best of local and imported talent adding to the eclectic cultural mix.

Historic buildings nestle against contemporary office blocks and expansive town greens. Bands of eager volunteers mann the historic Court Houses and Maritime Museums dotted along the coast, historic lighthouse cottages are glamorously restored remerging as popular holiday accommodation.

Relics of the region’s past are lovingly restored and displayed in proud community museums each tracing the history of their town through the people, education, sports, professional vocations, household items and hobbies of inhabitants now long gone but not forgotten.

Local ceremonies and major festivals always pay respect to the original inhabitants of the land – the indigenous tribes of the Birpai, Thungatti, Worimi and Kumbaingen.

In 2010 the inaugural Saltwater Freshwater Festival at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens on Australia Day bought together black and white communities in the biggest celebration of t he Mid North Coast’s Aboriginal culture, every held, providing an authentic cultural experience for visitors and local communities.

History and culture weave, roll and blend to provide a diverse and colourful journey through the arts, culture and heritage of this massive region.