There are 57 nature reserves within Halmstad Municipality, with different types of flora and fauna. You'll find vast marshes, deciduous woods, steep mountain slopes, rushing waterfalls and a bird sanctuary. Lace up your hiking boots or pump up your bike tires and discover a Halmstad that surprises. If you prefer to explore by water, gently gliding in a canoe is a delightful experience. Distances are short, so you can feel like a true adventurer one minute and be back in your hammock the next. Galgberget, or 'Gallows Hill', just a stone's throw from the city centre, is peaceful despite its name hinting at the site's history. Walking paths, bridleways and fitness trails share space in the beech and mixed woods. With views over Laholms Bay and Halmstad's city centre, it's a perfect spot to rest on one of the benches. Several hiking trails wind through Haverdal's coastal forest reserve. If you listen closely, you might almost hear the gnarled pines lamenting the drifting sands and harsh sea winds. Further north, the nickname of Skipås Nature Reserve, “God’s Green Meadows”, speaks for itself. Venture deeper inland into the heart of the countryside, where meadows and lush mushroom-filled forests offer a bounty of outdoor activities. In Simlångsdalen, tranquil lake waters beckon for leisurely canoeing excursions.

A few local companies offer dolphin-watching tours, which take travelers on short morning trips out into the sea, where wild dolphins roam free and sometimes present themselves to curious visitors. Some companies also offer fishing and/or snorkeling tours. Sidab Sea Tours P.O. Box 131, PC 114

Port Macquarie is part of a significant wine region around the Hastings River where the best grapes are chambourcin, chardonnay, verdelho, semillon and merlot. Dairy and oyster farms, as well as plantation crops such as macadamia nuts and avocados, make this a great foodie destination. Fresh produce aplenty can be sourced at Wauchope Farmers Markets, held on the fourth Saturday of every month. Annual food and wine festivals include Tastings on the Hastings and Oysters in the Vines.

Established in 1973, the Koala Hospital is a charitable organisation that takes care of around 2,000 koalas who live in the lush, green region of Port Macquarie, The area is home to the biggest population of coastal koalas in Australia. Visitors are welcome at the Koala Hospital every day of the year between 8am and 4.30pm. Walk around the grounds to see the koalas in care and watch them being fed daily by volunteers at 8am and 3pm. Walk & Talk tours are conducted every day at 3pm.