Stuarts Point

Mountains by the sea

Yachts, dinghies and motorboats voyage out to sea from Fisherman's Reach, passing Shark Island and oyster leases. Wooden jetties, with complementary pelicans, jut into the wide Macleay River along the leafy riverbank. Sacred ibis and seagulls wade onshore. Sea eagles, osprey and hawks soar overhead, looking for bream, whiting, flathead and blackfish. Occasional dolphins, stingrays, turtles and sharks also cruise the waterway.

Situated on the Macleay River Arm near Grassy Head, life in Stuarts Point has always been linked to the river. In the late 1880s Stuarts Point was the first port of call for seagoing vessels heading upriver. Schooners, ketches and small steamers docked at its wharf, not far from a gracefully-arched footbridge that leads to Stuarts Point's long golden beach today. Back then the river was 350 metres wide and up to four metres deep.

Named after Scotsman John Stuart, who settled at Double Corner (now Grassy Head) and began building ships, Stuarts Point thrived. Hennessy's Sawmill buzzed and bullock teams bought huge hardwood logs down from the surrounding forests of Eungai, Yarrahapinni and Barranganyatti.
 
Stuarts Point lost prominence in 1893 when a flood changed the Macleay River’s course and a new river entrance was opened at South West Rocks in 1902. Today Stuarts Point is renowned for fishing and boating, and as a fertile growing region for macadamias, avocados, bananas and other sub-tropical fruit. Its cheerful village provides specialty shops, a bowling club, hotel, takeaways, tennis courts, a children's playground, boat ramps and a shady barbeque area. Accommodation ranges from delightful B& Bs, to holiday houses and a riverside holiday park. 

Quick tips:

Tourist Drive 14 to Stuarts Point winds its way through fruit and nut plantations, rainforest, bushland and detours into seaside villages.

A one-hour river walk meanders from Stuarts Point to Grassy Head through mangroves, paperbarks, banksias and eucalyptus. Or take a one-hour beach walk along Grassy Head Beach, over Grassy Head and return along the beach to Stuarts Point.

Watch for whale spouts in season.

Walk the dog leash free from south of Grassy Head to the wall at Stuarts Point.

Beach driving, for permit holders only, is permitted on 8.7 kilometres at the southern end of Stuarts Point Beach. For information and beach driving permits, maps and regulations contact Kempsey Shire Council on (02) 6566 3200.