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Things to do
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Things to do on the Macleay Valley Coast

There’s always something new to discover on the Macleay Valley Coast.

From bushwalking to fishing, diving to surfing; choose from the variety of things to do on the Macleay Valley Coast for your next adventure.

If you would prefer to take it easy then there are plenty of beaches to relax at, restaurants and cafes to enjoy a long lunch or support our local shops with a spot of shopping!

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Adventure

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Things to do

Explore more of the fantastic places to go on the Macleay Valley Coast.

Macleay Valley Coast Art Trail

Welcome to the Macleay Valley Coast Art Trail, where local artists bring their visions to life against the backdrop of the beautiful Macleay Valley. You’ll be surprised as you encounter a

Nature Trails of the Macleay

There’s more to the Macleay Valley Coast than breathtaking beaches and world-class waves. From hiking and observing the feathered natives of the Australian bush, to zooming through eucalyp

4WD & Off-Road Driving

From outback off-roading to 4WD beach driving, get off the beaten track and explore the Macleay Valley Coast in 4WD. Beach permits for financial year are available for a fee and cover the

Golf

What’s a holiday without a hit of golf?! The Macleay Valley Coast has some great golf courses with some beautiful views to get you in the zone…or distract from your not so great day on t

Itineraries

With the Macleay Valley Coast as your guide, embark on a range of itineraries throughout our region. Use our itineraries below to plan your holiday, then book accommodation, experiences, tou

Shopping

All the Macleay Valley’s finest shopping treasures can be found at markets and nestled in local boutiques, who more often than not, support local designers and makers. Don’t expect chain

Road Trips

Hit the road and discover all the incredible things on offer in the Macleay Valley Coast. Whether it’s a classic drive along the coast, the stunning Scenic Drive 12 or exploring the epic M

National Parks & Reserves

With stunning National Parks that stretch from the mountains to the sea, kilometres of beaches to swim and surf in and glorious river country to explore, there’s no better place to enjoy n

Bird Watching

With temperate, subtropical, coastal and rainforest environments the diversity of bird life on the Macleay Valley Coast is pretty darn amazing. Both novice and die-hard bird watchers are

Diving

The Macleay Valley coastline’s turquoise waters beckon you to take a deeper look at what lies below the surface. South West Rocks offers world class scuba diving opportunities. The famous

Walking & Hiking

There’s more to the Macleay Valley Coast than breathtaking beaches and world-class waves. Pack a picnic, get back to nature and explore our diverse National Parks on these fantastic walkin

Fishing

No matter what sort of fishing you love, you’re in with a good chance of catching the “big one” while you’re here. With beach, rock, reef, deep sea, river and estuary fishing all at

Family Fun

An endless choice of brilliant beaches, from gentle rolling waves in secluded bays to pounding point breaks. Soft serve ice cream and crunchy fish and chips. Bike tracks, bushwalks and sand

Activities & Adventure

Discover the best things to do on the Macleay Valley Coast here!

Camping

Whether you’re after a secluded hinterland getaway or want to dip your toes in the ocean, the Macleay Valley offers a variety of incentives to get you packing your tent and heading out int

Festivals & Events

Looking for what’s on in the Macleay Valley? Explore what’s happening in our region now!

Aboriginal Tourism

Tucked away in some of our most picturesque locations are galleries and cultural centres that allow you to experience the art and history of our original indigenous inhabitants, the Dunghutt

Arts & Culture

The Macleay Valley is home to a rich Indigenous history and a vibrant culture that is maintained by strong local Indigenous groups, art galleries and events. Whether you’re after a unique

Beaches & Surfing

Whether you’re a surfer, in need of a gentle bay for the kids to splash in or just want to walk on the sand without seeing a soul, there’s a beach waiting here just for you. With hund

Food & Drink

As one of the major growing areas on the NSW coast, the Macleay Valley Food Bowl is a rich agricultural region that supplies many metropolitan markets with produce grown in rich soil and a t

All things to do

Abstracted Outline of the Macleay River Mural

Ash uses contemporary design elements to create a sense of motion and energy. Amongst these elements is the inclusion of important species and ecosystems of the Kempsey Shire forming a narra

Akubra Store

The wait is finally over! By popular demand, the iconic Kempsey store at South Street has re-opened its doors. A beloved community landmark for many years, this store has been an integral pa

Arakoon National Park

The idyllic Arakoon National Park on the NSW mid-north coast is home to the historic Trial Bay Gaol and is a wonderful place for a daytrip to explore Australian history or for a family campi

Back Creek at South West Rocks

Back Creek is the perfect spot for families to spend the day swimming, running around on the sand and walking across the bridge through the beautiful mangroves. There is also South West Ro

Back Creek Cultural Art

Head down to the turquoise waters of Back Creek to view the cultural art bollard wraps displaying designs by well-known Dunghutti artist Nancy Pattison. Painted in bold colours, the bollards

Bellbrook Park

Featuring a shaded rest area, a playground for children and a beautiful Aboriginal mosaic, positioned centrally in the village, the Bellbrook Park is the perfect spot to stop for a rest whil

Bellbrook Park Wupu Manhatinum (Travelling Star) Mosaic

Take a Sunday to drive out to beautiful Bellbrook to witness Wupu Manhatinum (Travelling Star), a sculpture created in memory of beloved local elder and artist Aunty Esther Quinn. Situated

Big Daddy Skater Sculpture

While you’re at the skatepark, don’t miss the legendary Big Daddy Skater, an innovative sculpture that pays homage to custom car designer and cartoonist Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth. The sc
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Food & drink

Bucket Brewery

They take great pride in being a family-owned and operated independent brewery located in their hometown of Kempsey on the beautiful Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. What you get is what

Cressence

Family-run and owned, the bistro menu of Cressence is jam-packed with mouth-watering delights to be enjoyed. Cressence serves up a variety of fresh and cooked seafood, chips, salads, picni

Fredo Pub

Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Macleay River, the recently refurbished Fredo Pub (formerly the Macleay River Hotel) is a traditional country hotel that’s brimming with charm and cha

Miyachi's Sushi

Miyachi’s Sushi offers fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine, with a menu that includes sushi rolls, sushi packs, poke bowls and veggie spring rolls. The flavorful karaage bowl and house-ma

Mumma Thai

Mumma Thai serves up delicious Thai food, featuring all the favourites like pad Thai, laksas, curries and more. Authentic flavours are at the heart of every dish, with options available fo

Old School Cafe Smithtown

The Old School in Smithtown has been restored to a quaint cafe, garden and events venue. With gardens to explore out the front and a verandah with views of the Macleay River, this is the p

Pho Home

Pho Home in Kempsey offers an authentic taste of Vietnam with its inviting atmosphere and delicious dishes. Specialising in traditional pho, their menu features a variety of flavourful noodl

The Sherwood Estate

The Sherwood Estate is the premier restaurant, bar and function centre in the Macleay Valley. Open for special events, festivals, functions and community gatherings, this beautiful venue is
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What's on?

Beachside Markets South West Rocks
14/09/2024 - 11/10/2025

Beachside Markets South West Rocks are located within the reserve area at picturesque Horseshoe Bay on the second Saturday of each month. Browse through the abundance of stalls offering fre
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