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Places to go
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Places to go on the Macleay Valley Coast

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

With pristine beaches, majestic rainforests, and spectacular national parks, you’ll be mesmerized by the natural beauty of the region. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the ocean or explore marine life by snorkeling or scuba diving. If you’re up for a hike, explore the scenic trails and witness the breathtaking views of the coast and hinterland.

Get to know the unique towns that make it one of NSW’s top regional destinations.

Kempsey is a town with a rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to learn about the local Aboriginal culture at Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park. The Slim Dusty Centre is also a must-visit for country music fans.

South West Rocks is a coastal town with a range of outdoor activities to enjoy, including exploring Arakoon National Park, visiting the historic Trial Bay Gaol, and taking in the stunning views from Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Horseshoe Bay Beach and Fish Rock are also popular attractions.

Hat Head is a small town surrounded by the natural beauty of Hat Head National Park. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic walking trails and beaches, including Hat Head Beach and Smoky Beach.

Crescent Head is a laid-back surf town that boasts one of the best surf breaks on the coast. The town is surrounded by Hat Head National Park and offers visitors a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty, including the picturesque Killick Creek.

Stuarts Point is a quiet coastal village that is ideal for fishing and boating. The town’s main attraction is Stuarts Point Beach, which offers a long stretch of sand and calm waters for swimming.

Learn more by visiting the links for each village or town below.

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Willi Willi

Willi Willi offers a tranquil escape into nature, with dense subtropical rainforests and an abundance of native flora and fauna. It's ideal for adventurers, nature lovers, and those looking

Smithtown

Boating. It’s what river folk do. And at Smithtown you’ll see all kinds of vessels entering and exiting the mighty Macleay River at the boat ramp. It’s the hub of Macleay River life.

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 hamle

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 Gard

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

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, ki

Macleay Valley Hinterland

The Macleay Valley Hinterland is a wild and natural area with a rich indigenous, agricultural and musical history. Exploring this neck of the woods requires a bit of initiative and an advent

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

Gladstone

Nestled on the banks of the Macleay River, Gladstone is a charming little village brimming with creativity, history and culture. Listed as a ‘Creative Community’ on the Mid North Coast A

Hat Head

Hat Head on the mid-north coast of New South Wales near South West Rocks is a natural paradise. With 12km of uninterrupted beachfront and crystal clear Korogoro Creek, the ultimate getaway a

Crescent Head

Crescent Head is a village characterised by the rich surfing culture that runs deep in its veins. While it may be easy-going and shoes are optional, this surf-soaked town is anything but sle

South West Rocks

Boasting jaw-dropping beaches, world-class fishing and diving and a host of hiking trails, South West Rocks is a haven for nature-lovers. It’s also home to the Trial Bay Gaol, a unique att