Explore Our RegionThe Macleay Valley Coast is a special place where relaxation is the order of the day. It is easy to access this beautiful area located in the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Blessed with the mighty Macleay River and many creeks and rivers, mountains, tranquil rural settings, pristine beaches, protected National Parks, historic buildings, industry, art and various cultural events.
Energise your soul… dive into paradise
As sunrise turns the sky purple, red and gold, a lone canoeist dips her paddle into the glassy waters of Trial Bay. At South West Rocks several pleasure craft head out to sea for a day's fishing. Other fishers cast their lines from sandy beaches and spectacular headlands along 82-kilometres of pristine coastline. On beach and point breaks from Crescent Head to Grassy Head, surfers take off on near perfect waves. Dolphins frolic around them, and whales breach offshore on the annual migration. Families set up umbrellas on golden beaches or wander walking trails through national parks, nature reserves and a conservation area, awed by the spectacular scenery and wildlife.
Hinterland hideaways…. Bellbrook and beyond
In the ‘cradle of Australian country music’, where the Macleay River and sparkling creeks collide, bellbirds still tinkle in forested mountains and time has gone fishing. Heritage-listed Bellbrook’s turn-of-the-20th-century architecture reflects an era when bullock teams laboured down Main Street and cedar getters felled huge trees with two pit saws riveted together.
For countless generations this magical valley sung with more than just the call of ‘timber’, it echoed with Thunghutti didgeridoos and tap sticks, and later the guitar strumming of country music legends Slim Dusty and his mate Shorty Ranger. Driving out to Slim’s boyhood farm along the Slim Dusty Way Scenic Drive, past jagged mountains, rolling hills and transparent Nulla Nulla Creek, it is easy to see where their inspiration came from.
Feel like a pioneer on an historic walk past Bellbrook’s perfectly-restored residential homes, hotel, café, general store and a Community Craft Centre. Accommodation ranges from riverside cabins to farmhouses, campgrounds and mountain health retreats.
At riverside Blackbird Flat Public Recreation Reserve’s free, car-based and dog-friendly campgrounds, west of Bellbrook, happy campers fish, canoe, mountain bike and cook perch or bass on the barbeque.
Historic Willawarrin has been a rest stop for travellers for centuries and there has been a pub here since 1893. Take a scenic drive back to Kempsey through state forest to Collombatti Lookout and Cedar Park Picnic Area beside the pristine Stockyard Creek. A pleasant walk leads through cool rainforest at the Ngambaa Nature Reserve.
En route to Kookaburra and Daisy Plains, undulating farmland and forested hills soon give way to razorback ridges and plunging valleys. Inaccessible by road until 1943, Kookaburra and Daisy Plains once sustained a small timber industry. Remnants of these communities are still visible and it is possible to stay overnight in rustic accommodation. Awake to infinite wildlife and birdsong. At Marys View lookout eagles soar by at eye level and the Macleay Gorges Wilderness Area stretches toward infinity.
Quick tips:
- Play tennis, as they have in Bellbrook for over 100 years.
- Fish for bass and perch, licences required.
- Purchase detailed maps from Kempsey Visitor Information Centre at South Kempsey before heading out on any of the above Scenic Drives.
Inspirational… art, craft, history
Fascinating art galleries at Kempsey and Gladstone reflect a treasure trove of talent from painters to potters, sculptors, weavers, quilters, furniture makers, jewellers, photographers and graphic artists. Annual art shows attract appreciative art lovers, while others take the local Arts Trail to the artists’ studios (by appointment only).
The Macleay Valley Coast’s natural beauty has also been inspirational to world-renowned musicians: Slim Dusty, Shorty Ranger and Joe Robinson.
Craft lovers head to monthly markets at Crescent Head, Bellbrook, Gladstone, South West Rocks and Kempsey, but can’t resist browsing through the valley’s quaint antique stores.
Whether it is an imposing gaol, remnants of timber getting, turn-of-the-20th-century architecture or Aboriginal ceremonial grounds, the Macleay Valley Coast’s rich history will dazzle and amaze.
Visit our various locations:
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