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Where can you find a place in
northern NSW that has good facilities, is not overcrowded or
overdeveloped, centrally located and is naturally beautiful? The
Macleay Valley Coast, situated in the heart of North Coast NSW,
is the place plus it has a whole lot more to offer. It is the
perfect holiday destination for couples, families or the
adventure lover.
Kempsey, the commercial
centre and hub of the Macleay Valley has of one of the finest
museums in country NSW. The Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park also
in Kempsey features a traditional food tree park, arts crafts
and culture. Kempsey is renowned as the home of Akubra hats, and
both Slim Dusty and Shorty Ranger were born in the valley. The
town has an extensive shopping centre, clubs, many cafes and
restaurants and a number of motels, hotels and caravan parks. In
recent years, some unique quality home style accommodation has
become available in Kempsey and the surrounding valley including
guesthouses, bed & breakfast properties and farm stays. The town
has some of the best sporting facilities on the coast with an 18
hole golf course, two bowling clubs, a ten pin bowling alley,
gymnasiums, squash and tennis courts, horse and greyhound racing
tracks and an indoor cricket arena.
There is a lot of discussion from
holiday makers and locals as to where the true treasures lie in
the valley. Some say it is the unspoilt coastline, others feel
it is the superb Upper Macleay hinterland and yet others
maintain that the real essence of the valley lies in the Macleay
River that carves its way through rich rural country on route
from the mountains to the sea. Whatever the point of view, there
is something for everyone the Macleay Valley Coast.
The Macleay Valley Coast’s 80km
coastline has to be seen to be believed. Protected by the Hat
Head National Park, Arakoon State
Recreation Area, Limeburners Creek
Nature Reserve and the Goolawah Reserve, the coast combines safe
beaches and creeks for families; miles of uninterrupted coast
for the peace lover or the fisherman in pursuit of the "big
one"; the protected calm of Trial Bay for the water sport
enthusiast; the powerful surf for the board rider or body
surfer; and the rocky outcrops and headlands for the snorkeller
or rock fisherman.
South West Rocks, the
largest seaside town in the valley, offers visitors a wide range
of accommodation, including motels, guesthouses, luxury units,
self contained cottages, caravan parks with modern on site
accommodation and camping grounds. Sporting facilities are
excellent and include an 18 hole golf course, bowling greens,
tennis and squash courts, bushwalking tracks and a swimming
pool. Fishing boats, waveskis, catamarans, and boogie boards can
all be hired and charter fishing boats operate from the entrance
of the Macleay River. Scuba divers from all over the world
travel to South West Rocks to dive Fish Rock Cave, an underwater
cave just off the coast from Smoky Cape. There is shopping for
everyone either in the town centre or the new Rocks Shopping
Fair at the entrance of town. The Country Club, the Hotel and
Tavern provide entertainment and there is a choice of fine
restaurants, bistros and takeaways for those who choose not to
cook whilst on vacation. Attractions include historic Trial Bay
Gaol, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, the oyster barn, a river cruise,
the historic Boatman's Cottage and interesting arts, crafts and
antique shops.
The picturesque village of
Crescent Head, renowned as a great surfing beach, offers
something for everyone. The Holiday Park is sited right on the
water and offers both oceanside and creek front sites and well
positioned comfortable self contained cabins. In the village,
three modern motels, units and cottages provide holiday
accommodation to suit most tastes. Just to the south, cabins
nestled in the bushland, rustic camping grounds at Racecourse,
Delicate Nobby and Big Hill and a caravan park in an unspoilt
bushland setting compliment the range of accommodation in and
around Crescent Head. The unique 6 hole waterfront golf course
is a must for all members of the family and the village also has
tennis courts, bowling greens and a swimming pool. Entertainment
is provided at the Country Club and the Tavern and there is a
good selection of restaurants, cafes and shops.
Peaceful Stuart's Point,
situated on the river and minutes away from a long white sandy
beach, is popular with fisherman who try their luck in the
blackfish breeding grounds of the Macleay. The Holiday Park is
situated right on the banks of the river and people can drag
their fishing boats onto the sand just outside their site or
watch as the children enjoy water sports at their front door.
Units and cottages are available
for holiday rental and nearby, there is a resort that
specialises in fishing holidays and an island in the river that
features self contained log cabins. The village boasts a small
shopping centre, tennis courts, a tavern and the bowling club.
Takeaway food is available and there are restaurants for a
special evening out. At nearby Grassy Head, an unspoilt
beach entices families to relax and unwind. There is a caravan
park tucked into the bushland, self contained holiday units, an
Ecology Centre which is ideal for large groups and a couple of
gorgeous guesthouse B & B’s overlooking breathtaking
Yarrahapinni Mountain.
Surrounded by the Hat Head
National Park is the pretty coastal village of Hat Head.
Popular with fishermen, families and bushwalkers, the town is
renowned for its productive fishing and tranquil lifestyle. The
Holiday Park, in the heart of the village, is close to both the
beach and Korogora Creek and there are also units and cottages
available for holiday rental. The bowling club has two greens,
there are tennis courts nearby and the area is serviced with two
general stores. A series of walking trails lead bushwalkers on a
tour of discovery through the National Park and in spring, the
wildflower displays are spectacular.
The Macleay Valley Coast is more
however, than just a wonderful collection of seaside villages
with spectacular beaches. A visit into the Upper Macleay
Hinterland is a must. The Hinterland is an playground for
those interested in adventure and discovery, with spectacular
scenery that can be enjoyed by those taking one of the many
recommended drives through farm and forest country. Experiences
abound with abseiling, kayaking, canoeing, bushwalking, mountain
biking, historic villages and the opportunity to visit many
craft, antique and nursery outlets. A visit to the national
trust village of Bellbrook is just like taking a step back in
time. Country hospitality can be enjoyed in a quaint pub or at
one of the bed and breakfast properties in the area. Visit the
deer farm at Kempsey or the late Slim Dusty’s homestead for a
glimpse of rural Australia.
There is a comfortable motel at
Kundabung and hotels at Smithtown, Gladstone, Frederickton,
Willawarrin and Bellbrook. Frederickton has a nine-hole golf
course, a game of bowls can be enjoyed at the bowling club in
Smithtown. Gladstone is well- known for it’s Arts and Crafts,
unique gift shops and delicious food served out of local café’s.
Come alive and rejuvenate
yourself in the Macleay Valley Coast. Immerse yourself in
nature’s wonderland, feel your muscles relax, breathe deeply,
clear your mind and enjoy the core values shared by generations.
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