The Haven @ Arakoon Guidebook
Sightseeing
Step back in time and discover the eerie ruins of Trial Bay Gaol. It’s harsh, cold stone walls seem out of place with the five star coastal views that surround it.
The gaol was built to house prisoners who were brought to the area in 1886 to construct a breakwater to make Trial Bay a safe harbour halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. The breakwater was never completed, but if you look out from the guard tower you can still see some of the remains. Then, during World War 1 the gaol was used once again, this time as an internment camp for local German residents who were suspected (almost always falsely) to be conspiring with the enemy. It hasn’t been used as an active gaol since, and is now an historic ruin.
Today, the gaol is a must-see attraction with a well curated museum of historic artefacts from the site, and a memorial to those who spent time within its walls.
Trial Bay Gaol entry: Adult $11. Concession $8. Family $30 (two adults and two children).
Opening hours:
Daily, open 9am – 4.30pm
Closed on Christmas Day
Phone: 02 6566 6168
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Trial Bay Gaol
73 Trial Bay Gaol Access RdStep back in time and discover the eerie ruins of Trial Bay Gaol. It’s harsh, cold stone walls seem out of place with the five star coastal views that surround it.
The gaol was built to house prisoners who were brought to the area in 1886 to construct a breakwater to make Trial Bay a safe harbour halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. The breakwater was never completed, but if you look out from the guard tower you can still see some of the remains. Then, during World War 1 the gaol was used once again, this time as an internment camp for local German residents who were suspected (almost always falsely) to be conspiring with the enemy. It hasn’t been used as an active gaol since, and is now an historic ruin.
Today, the gaol is a must-see attraction with a well curated museum of historic artefacts from the site, and a memorial to those who spent time within its walls.
Trial Bay Gaol entry: Adult $11. Concession $8. Family $30 (two adults and two children).
Opening hours:
Daily, open 9am – 4.30pm
Closed on Christmas Day
Phone: 02 6566 6168
A must-do while in the area is a visit to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. One of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in Australia, its beautiful 360-degree views provide an ideal spot for whale watching between May and November. The historic Trial Bay Gaol is also found nearby, offering a glimpse into Australian history. The hauntingly beautiful location originally opened in 1886 and was home to prison labourers before becoming an internment camp during World War I. Spend the day stepping back in history by exploring the ruins and old cells while learning about how the gaol shaped the Macleay Valley Coasts future.
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Smoky Cape Lighthouse
Lighthouse RoadA must-do while in the area is a visit to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. One of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in Australia, its beautiful 360-degree views provide an ideal spot for whale watching between May and November. The historic Trial Bay Gaol is also found nearby, offering a glimpse into Australian history. The hauntingly beautiful location originally opened in 1886 and was home to prison labourers before becoming an internment camp during World War I. Spend the day stepping back in history by exploring the ruins and old cells while learning about how the gaol shaped the Macleay Valley Coasts future.
The South West Rocks area is home to a number of historical attractions with many dating back to the 1800’s. The Trial Bay Gaol is the most known of these, its oceanside cliff location within the Arakoon National Park makes it both beautiful and haunting. Explore the picturesque ruins along the Bridle trail or see if you can spot the local kangaroos and wallabies that frequent the site. The Smoky Cape Lighthouse is also located nearby and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline and hinterland. In operation since 1891, the heritage lighthouse also offers guided tours and with the views from the top great for whale watching.
Walking up to the sunrise over the water and being only meters from the beach and creek is one of the major benefits of Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park. Horseshoe Bay is a protected beach that offers a great right-hand wave when an east coast low is in town. The main beach stretches 3.5km around to Trial Bay, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll and dip in the ocean. Trial Bay also offers a shallow, sheltered cove protected from swell by a Breakwall making it perfect for families. If you’re looking to take a drive, South Smoky Beach is accessible by 4-Wheel Drive for those with a beach driving permit.
A great variety of fishing spots, with both onshore and offshore options available at South West Rocks. Anglers regularly catch mulloway from the rock walls at the entrance, bream, luderick, flat head and whiting from the rivers, as well as native bass in the freshwater reaches of the river. If you have the option to head off shore you can try your luck landing a marlin, yahoo, spanish mackerel and longtail and yellowfin tuna. The Horseshoe Bay and South West Rocks area is also perfect for water sports with snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing and boating all easily accessible and available.
Offering a lively local shopping and dining scene, South West Rocks has a number of fashion boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants serving up delicious seasonal produce. The relaxed costal village setting is perfect to spend the day sipping a coffee while reading the paper, or strolling along the main street looking for unique wares. Our top pick of cafes is Malt and Honey, located only a few meters from the park’s entrance, it has reliability good coffee and great breakfast options. Horseshoe Bay markets are also on the second Saturday of every month from 8am until 1pm and offer a great selection of fresh local produce, jewellery, crafts, crystals and art.
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South West Rocks
The South West Rocks area is home to a number of historical attractions with many dating back to the 1800’s. The Trial Bay Gaol is the most known of these, its oceanside cliff location within the Arakoon National Park makes it both beautiful and haunting. Explore the picturesque ruins along the Bridle trail or see if you can spot the local kangaroos and wallabies that frequent the site. The Smoky Cape Lighthouse is also located nearby and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline and hinterland. In operation since 1891, the heritage lighthouse also offers guided tours and with the views from the top great for whale watching.
Walking up to the sunrise over the water and being only meters from the beach and creek is one of the major benefits of Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park. Horseshoe Bay is a protected beach that offers a great right-hand wave when an east coast low is in town. The main beach stretches 3.5km around to Trial Bay, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll and dip in the ocean. Trial Bay also offers a shallow, sheltered cove protected from swell by a Breakwall making it perfect for families. If you’re looking to take a drive, South Smoky Beach is accessible by 4-Wheel Drive for those with a beach driving permit.
A great variety of fishing spots, with both onshore and offshore options available at South West Rocks. Anglers regularly catch mulloway from the rock walls at the entrance, bream, luderick, flat head and whiting from the rivers, as well as native bass in the freshwater reaches of the river. If you have the option to head off shore you can try your luck landing a marlin, yahoo, spanish mackerel and longtail and yellowfin tuna. The Horseshoe Bay and South West Rocks area is also perfect for water sports with snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing and boating all easily accessible and available.
Offering a lively local shopping and dining scene, South West Rocks has a number of fashion boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants serving up delicious seasonal produce. The relaxed costal village setting is perfect to spend the day sipping a coffee while reading the paper, or strolling along the main street looking for unique wares. Our top pick of cafes is Malt and Honey, located only a few meters from the park’s entrance, it has reliability good coffee and great breakfast options. Horseshoe Bay markets are also on the second Saturday of every month from 8am until 1pm and offer a great selection of fresh local produce, jewellery, crafts, crystals and art.
Fish Rock is internationally renowned as one of the best dives in Australia, and attracts divers from all over the world. The splendour of the natural underwater topography and the prolific variety of marine life are truly breathtaking.
Known as “the divers dive” Fish Rock features one of the only dive-through caves in Australia and at 120 metres long is one of the largest ocean caverns in the southern hemisphere. The area is home to an abundance of both temperate and subtropical marine life including turtles, rays, eels, and fish, as well as being a breeding ground for the rare Grey Nurse Shark.
Two dive centres operate year round (weather permitting):
Fish Rock Dive Centre and South West Rocks Dive Centre
Fish Rock
Fish Rock is internationally renowned as one of the best dives in Australia, and attracts divers from all over the world. The splendour of the natural underwater topography and the prolific variety of marine life are truly breathtaking.
Known as “the divers dive” Fish Rock features one of the only dive-through caves in Australia and at 120 metres long is one of the largest ocean caverns in the southern hemisphere. The area is home to an abundance of both temperate and subtropical marine life including turtles, rays, eels, and fish, as well as being a breeding ground for the rare Grey Nurse Shark.
Two dive centres operate year round (weather permitting):
Fish Rock Dive Centre and South West Rocks Dive Centre
LITTLE BAY TO SMOKY CAPE WALK
If you’re an adventurous walker, you’ll love the Little Bay to Smoky Cape walk.
This 10 kilometre coastal track begins near Little Bay picnic area in Arakoon National Park, near Kempsey on the north coast of NSW. Start at historic Overshot Dam, where you can feed the ducks before setting off. Then simply follow the ridge to The Gap Beach and Smoky Cape tracks.
As you walk you’ll come across beautiful, diverse scenery including heathland, rainforest and grassy woodland. Depending on the season, you might see wildflower displays or spot whales from the cliffs.
When you arrive at Smoky Cape, head to Captain Cook’s lookout for a picnic lunch and a tour of the lighthouse. Or you can always do the walk in reverse and finish at the picnic area at Little Bay
Little Bay Walking Track
Little Bay Walking Track
LITTLE BAY TO SMOKY CAPE WALK
If you’re an adventurous walker, you’ll love the Little Bay to Smoky Cape walk.
This 10 kilometre coastal track begins near Little Bay picnic area in Arakoon National Park, near Kempsey on the north coast of NSW. Start at historic Overshot Dam, where you can feed the ducks before setting off. Then simply follow the ridge to The Gap Beach and Smoky Cape tracks.
As you walk you’ll come across beautiful, diverse scenery including heathland, rainforest and grassy woodland. Depending on the season, you might see wildflower displays or spot whales from the cliffs.
When you arrive at Smoky Cape, head to Captain Cook’s lookout for a picnic lunch and a tour of the lighthouse. Or you can always do the walk in reverse and finish at the picnic area at Little Bay
MONUMENT HILL WALKING TRACK
If you take a walk along the Monument Hill walking track, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of casuarinas in the heathlands, spectacular coastal views, and the fresh sea breeze upon your cheeks as you approach the summit.
The monument itself was built as a tribute to German internees who passed away in Trial Bay Gaol during World War One. Along the walk you’ll see many flannel flowers, planted by the internees because they reminded them of edelweiss and of home.
If you do feel like a longer walk, you can join the Bridle trail and loop back via Powder Magazine walking track, and if you’d like a break, you can enjoy a picnic or go for a paddle around Little Bay picnic area.
Monument Hill Track
Monument Hill Track
MONUMENT HILL WALKING TRACK
If you take a walk along the Monument Hill walking track, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of casuarinas in the heathlands, spectacular coastal views, and the fresh sea breeze upon your cheeks as you approach the summit.
The monument itself was built as a tribute to German internees who passed away in Trial Bay Gaol during World War One. Along the walk you’ll see many flannel flowers, planted by the internees because they reminded them of edelweiss and of home.
If you do feel like a longer walk, you can join the Bridle trail and loop back via Powder Magazine walking track, and if you’d like a break, you can enjoy a picnic or go for a paddle around Little Bay picnic area.
City/town information
Hat Head National Park on the mid-north coast of New South Wales near South West Rocks is a natural paradise. Explore the lighthouse, camp by the beach and go fishing and swimming.
Hat Head National Park, near Kempsey, is a place of exceptional beauty. The beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands offer an ideal backdrop for bushwalking, camping or a quiet picnic.
There is a choice of campgrounds, including campsites right by the beach, or you could stay at the Smoky Cape lighthouse keepers’ cottage with its stunning coastal views, be sure to take a guided tour.
There is an endless number of bushwalking tracks and trails, ranging in grade throughout the Hat Head National Park. The Korogoro Track is the most notable, with access directly from the park. The trail winds through the lush forest before running along the headland of Hat Head National Park, offering spectacular coastal views before moving back into the rainforest.
The Smokey Cape Walking Track is also favourite in the area. Wander through the dense coastal forest while keeping an eye out for the abundance of wildlife, including swallow-tailed butterflies, swamp wallabies and red-necked wallabies. Great picnic spots are also available along the way.
If you’re looking to cast a line while in town, Hat Head and its surrounding areas offer great fishing locations both on and offshore. For land-basing fishing make sure to head to Bird Rock or Spinning Ledge, both providing the chance to catch spanish mackerel, cobia, marlin, tuna and kingfish. Beach fishing can be found directly in front of the park and from the rocky outcrops with the classics such as bream, whiting and tailor all an easy catch. For the more experienced and enthusiastic anglers, as Australia’s closest point to the continental shelf, the offshore fishing provides an excellent opportunity to snag a few big catches.
South Smokey Beach is known to the locals as Hat Head Beach. It is a great spot for recreational surfers or those looking to learn, with the waves breaking softly and a long right-hand break beside the headland. The pristine water, long stretches of sand and sheltered location make it perfect to just sit back and relax while taking in the sunshine all year round. South Smoky Beach stretches north for 15km and can be accessed by 4-wheel drive with a beach-driving permit. Korogoro Creek, which offers great snorkelling and swimming.
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Hat Head
Hat Head National Park on the mid-north coast of New South Wales near South West Rocks is a natural paradise. Explore the lighthouse, camp by the beach and go fishing and swimming.
Hat Head National Park, near Kempsey, is a place of exceptional beauty. The beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands offer an ideal backdrop for bushwalking, camping or a quiet picnic.
There is a choice of campgrounds, including campsites right by the beach, or you could stay at the Smoky Cape lighthouse keepers’ cottage with its stunning coastal views, be sure to take a guided tour.
There is an endless number of bushwalking tracks and trails, ranging in grade throughout the Hat Head National Park. The Korogoro Track is the most notable, with access directly from the park. The trail winds through the lush forest before running along the headland of Hat Head National Park, offering spectacular coastal views before moving back into the rainforest.
The Smokey Cape Walking Track is also favourite in the area. Wander through the dense coastal forest while keeping an eye out for the abundance of wildlife, including swallow-tailed butterflies, swamp wallabies and red-necked wallabies. Great picnic spots are also available along the way.
If you’re looking to cast a line while in town, Hat Head and its surrounding areas offer great fishing locations both on and offshore. For land-basing fishing make sure to head to Bird Rock or Spinning Ledge, both providing the chance to catch spanish mackerel, cobia, marlin, tuna and kingfish. Beach fishing can be found directly in front of the park and from the rocky outcrops with the classics such as bream, whiting and tailor all an easy catch. For the more experienced and enthusiastic anglers, as Australia’s closest point to the continental shelf, the offshore fishing provides an excellent opportunity to snag a few big catches.
South Smokey Beach is known to the locals as Hat Head Beach. It is a great spot for recreational surfers or those looking to learn, with the waves breaking softly and a long right-hand break beside the headland. The pristine water, long stretches of sand and sheltered location make it perfect to just sit back and relax while taking in the sunshine all year round. South Smoky Beach stretches north for 15km and can be accessed by 4-wheel drive with a beach-driving permit. Korogoro Creek, which offers great snorkelling and swimming.
Gladstone is a must visit while you’re in the Macleay as the quaintest little village along the Macleay River. Beckoning those who enjoy a riverside stroll and love heritage, history and funky finds, stop for a while and explore the village. With 19 beautifully preserved buildings, art galleries, specialty shops and cafes, you can relax and take a stroll.
Don’t miss the famous Gladstone Quality Markets on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 9am to 2pm opposite the Gladstone Hotel. Brimming with local food, art, craft and locals who are passionate about their wares, the market regularly attracts a big crowd to this usually quiet riverside village.
For those who enjoy boating and fishing, there is a boat ramp ready for a great day out on the Macleay River exploring the local waterways.
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Gladstone
Gladstone is a must visit while you’re in the Macleay as the quaintest little village along the Macleay River. Beckoning those who enjoy a riverside stroll and love heritage, history and funky finds, stop for a while and explore the village. With 19 beautifully preserved buildings, art galleries, specialty shops and cafes, you can relax and take a stroll.
Don’t miss the famous Gladstone Quality Markets on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 9am to 2pm opposite the Gladstone Hotel. Brimming with local food, art, craft and locals who are passionate about their wares, the market regularly attracts a big crowd to this usually quiet riverside village.
For those who enjoy boating and fishing, there is a boat ramp ready for a great day out on the Macleay River exploring the local waterways.
Crescent Head is protected by 60km of National Park making it the perfect spot for bush-walkers and nature lovers. If you’re looking for wildlife the popular walk through lush coastal rainforests to Big Hill is a great choice, with the lucky few also spotting the threatened and well-camouflaged ground parrot that calls the area home. The 1.4km walk also provides great picnic spots along the way and a chance to see microbats flying through the canopy at sunset. For stunning coastal views and the chance to spot Humpback whales during the migration season, take a short stroll to Crescent Head Lookout, it’s sure not to disappoint.
Killick Beach, also known as Front Beach or just Crescent Head Beach, is the obvious choice and easily accessed directly from the park. The beach offers one of the longest point breaks is Australia and is the local favourite. Goolwah beach, which is located to the southern site of the water tower down a steep path is also an excellent point break. Delicate Beach is not only a great spot for surfing but on a calm down, offers great snorkelling conditions. If you’re looking to take a short drive, located just 14km from Crescent Head is Point Plomer Beach. It’s long, sandy beach has a pumping right hand wave and a cult-like reputation.
Crescent Head is an anglers paradise with an array of creek, rock, ocean and beach fishing on offer. The shifting gutters along the coastline are ever popular with the beach fishermen and women, with tailor, bream, mulloway and whiting all an east catch. Popper, silver trevally, luderick and rock cod are also readily available around the area. Head to the north side of the Crescent Head point for shallow sand and rock flats. If you’re heading offshore make sure to take advantage of the boat ramp located in park, when the swell is low it gives easy access for smaller boats. Upon returning with your catch fish cleaning facilities are available just next to the boat ramp.
Fresh local produce, jams and pickles, handmade and homemade goods, fishing and surfing gear, clothing, jewellery and second-hand wares, are all on offer at the colourful Crescent Head markets. Markets are held on the 3rd Sunday of the month at the Crescent Head Reserve. If you’re unlucky to miss the markets there is no need to worry as the local cafes will keep you satisfied. Drop into the Green Room Café and Fruit for a bite or check out the classic Barnett’s Bakery, serving up mouth-watering baked goods.
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Crescent Head
Crescent Head is protected by 60km of National Park making it the perfect spot for bush-walkers and nature lovers. If you’re looking for wildlife the popular walk through lush coastal rainforests to Big Hill is a great choice, with the lucky few also spotting the threatened and well-camouflaged ground parrot that calls the area home. The 1.4km walk also provides great picnic spots along the way and a chance to see microbats flying through the canopy at sunset. For stunning coastal views and the chance to spot Humpback whales during the migration season, take a short stroll to Crescent Head Lookout, it’s sure not to disappoint.
Killick Beach, also known as Front Beach or just Crescent Head Beach, is the obvious choice and easily accessed directly from the park. The beach offers one of the longest point breaks is Australia and is the local favourite. Goolwah beach, which is located to the southern site of the water tower down a steep path is also an excellent point break. Delicate Beach is not only a great spot for surfing but on a calm down, offers great snorkelling conditions. If you’re looking to take a short drive, located just 14km from Crescent Head is Point Plomer Beach. It’s long, sandy beach has a pumping right hand wave and a cult-like reputation.
Crescent Head is an anglers paradise with an array of creek, rock, ocean and beach fishing on offer. The shifting gutters along the coastline are ever popular with the beach fishermen and women, with tailor, bream, mulloway and whiting all an east catch. Popper, silver trevally, luderick and rock cod are also readily available around the area. Head to the north side of the Crescent Head point for shallow sand and rock flats. If you’re heading offshore make sure to take advantage of the boat ramp located in park, when the swell is low it gives easy access for smaller boats. Upon returning with your catch fish cleaning facilities are available just next to the boat ramp.
Fresh local produce, jams and pickles, handmade and homemade goods, fishing and surfing gear, clothing, jewellery and second-hand wares, are all on offer at the colourful Crescent Head markets. Markets are held on the 3rd Sunday of the month at the Crescent Head Reserve. If you’re unlucky to miss the markets there is no need to worry as the local cafes will keep you satisfied. Drop into the Green Room Café and Fruit for a bite or check out the classic Barnett’s Bakery, serving up mouth-watering baked goods.
Get yourself to Grassy Head to discover one of the Macleay Valley Coast’s unspoiled gems. Grassy Head is a great holiday spot for families, thanks to its abundance of fish and birdlife, kilometres of white sandy beaches and dense, natural bushland. The headland itself offers a beautiful view of the Macleay Valley Coast. The beach has gentle waves, is safe for swimming and is patrolled during the school holidays, excluding winter. The rainforests of the Way Way State Forest and Pines Picnic Area are just behind Grassy Head, and there is Four-Wheel Drive tracks within the Way Way State Forest and Yarriabini National Park for those seeking adventure.
Grassy Head
Get yourself to Grassy Head to discover one of the Macleay Valley Coast’s unspoiled gems. Grassy Head is a great holiday spot for families, thanks to its abundance of fish and birdlife, kilometres of white sandy beaches and dense, natural bushland. The headland itself offers a beautiful view of the Macleay Valley Coast. The beach has gentle waves, is safe for swimming and is patrolled during the school holidays, excluding winter. The rainforests of the Way Way State Forest and Pines Picnic Area are just behind Grassy Head, and there is Four-Wheel Drive tracks within the Way Way State Forest and Yarriabini National Park for those seeking adventure.
About 40 minutes north of Kempsey, Yarrahapinni boasts one of the most spectacular views on the coast. On a clear day, from the top of 498-metre Mount Yarrahapinni in the Yarriabini National Park, you can almost see the entire Macleay Valley Coast.
A significant place for both the Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations, Yarriabini means koala rolling (but they don’t recommend trying that yourself. It’s a long way down, and they love koalas). The place name Yarrahappini is the corrupted version of this original Indigenous word.
When you’ve taken in the amazing view, enjoy a scenic drive or a lovely walk through Yarrahapinni’s dense, old growth forests filled with flooded gums and hoop pines, learn about the local Aboriginal Dreamtime story and see the matching mosaics depicting the legend before making your way back down towards the coast to where the rainforest meets the sea.
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Yarrahapinni
About 40 minutes north of Kempsey, Yarrahapinni boasts one of the most spectacular views on the coast. On a clear day, from the top of 498-metre Mount Yarrahapinni in the Yarriabini National Park, you can almost see the entire Macleay Valley Coast.
A significant place for both the Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations, Yarriabini means koala rolling (but they don’t recommend trying that yourself. It’s a long way down, and they love koalas). The place name Yarrahappini is the corrupted version of this original Indigenous word.
When you’ve taken in the amazing view, enjoy a scenic drive or a lovely walk through Yarrahapinni’s dense, old growth forests filled with flooded gums and hoop pines, learn about the local Aboriginal Dreamtime story and see the matching mosaics depicting the legend before making your way back down towards the coast to where the rainforest meets the sea.
Frederickton is the next village just north of Kempsey located on Macleay Valley Way. Fredo Pies and Café is a must do when in town, make sure to try one of the famous croc pies! The Garden Bar and restaurant offers fantastic waterfront dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located in the Old Cheese Factory. Another place for a tasty bite to eat in town is the Macleay River Hotel which offers all your pub favourites. If you like to play golf, there is a nine hole course at the Frederickton Golf Club which has scenic views of the Lower Macleay and black cockatoos nest in the trees near the club house.
Frederickton
Frederickton is the next village just north of Kempsey located on Macleay Valley Way. Fredo Pies and Café is a must do when in town, make sure to try one of the famous croc pies! The Garden Bar and restaurant offers fantastic waterfront dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located in the Old Cheese Factory. Another place for a tasty bite to eat in town is the Macleay River Hotel which offers all your pub favourites. If you like to play golf, there is a nine hole course at the Frederickton Golf Club which has scenic views of the Lower Macleay and black cockatoos nest in the trees near the club house.
Stuarts Point was the port for vessels entering the Macleay River from the river’s old entrance. This silted over when a new entrance was forged by flood in 1893. Now the riverside hamlet sits by calm waters, which are breeding grounds for fish and crabs. There is a boat ramp and mooring available, and an almost unlimited choice of beach, river or blue water fishing spots. This peaceful river arm is also a playground for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers. The River Walk: starting at the end of Ocean Street in Stuarts Point the walk follows the riverbank for two and a half kilometres through native bushland including paper-barks, mangroves, banksias and eucalyptus to beautiful swimming areas and fishing spots along the Macleay River.
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Stuarts Point
Stuarts Point was the port for vessels entering the Macleay River from the river’s old entrance. This silted over when a new entrance was forged by flood in 1893. Now the riverside hamlet sits by calm waters, which are breeding grounds for fish and crabs. There is a boat ramp and mooring available, and an almost unlimited choice of beach, river or blue water fishing spots. This peaceful river arm is also a playground for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers. The River Walk: starting at the end of Ocean Street in Stuarts Point the walk follows the riverbank for two and a half kilometres through native bushland including paper-barks, mangroves, banksias and eucalyptus to beautiful swimming areas and fishing spots along the Macleay River.
Nestled on the banks of the Macleay River, Kempsey is the major service town of the Macleay Valley Coast. Kempsey is a blend of old-world charm and a thriving regional river town, and famous as the birthplace of country music legend Slim Dusty and Akubra Hats, Australia’s iconic hat brand.
Wander along the banks of the mighty Macleay River which runs through the heart of the townships, or dine at one of the many quality local restaurants or cafés. Spend an afternoon seeking out your favourite vintage treasure in one of the antique and old wares stores. Make sure not to miss West Kempsey with independent retail outlets including clothing boutiques, homewares as well as many tasty cafés and eateries.
Discover our native plants in the Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park. The natural parkland setting provides the backdrop to experience local Aboriginal culture and learn about traditional foods. You can take an interactive guided tour to learn all about the trees, shrubs and plants the Aboriginal People used for food and medicine.
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Kempsey
Nestled on the banks of the Macleay River, Kempsey is the major service town of the Macleay Valley Coast. Kempsey is a blend of old-world charm and a thriving regional river town, and famous as the birthplace of country music legend Slim Dusty and Akubra Hats, Australia’s iconic hat brand.
Wander along the banks of the mighty Macleay River which runs through the heart of the townships, or dine at one of the many quality local restaurants or cafés. Spend an afternoon seeking out your favourite vintage treasure in one of the antique and old wares stores. Make sure not to miss West Kempsey with independent retail outlets including clothing boutiques, homewares as well as many tasty cafés and eateries.
Discover our native plants in the Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park. The natural parkland setting provides the backdrop to experience local Aboriginal culture and learn about traditional foods. You can take an interactive guided tour to learn all about the trees, shrubs and plants the Aboriginal People used for food and medicine.