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Walking & Hiking
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Walk your way through the Macleay

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 walking trails.

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Walking the Macleay

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Walking Trails & Experiences in the Macleay

Smoky Cape picnic area

For a scenic treat, make your way to Smoky Cape picnic area at the base of Smoky Cape lighthouse. Pause to feel the salty breeze as you gaze out over the Tasman Sea and Hat Head National Par

Smoky Cape Walking Track

Experience one of the largest remnants of unique littoral rainforest on the New South Wales coast on this moderately challenging hike. Smoky Cape walking track is a 4.4-kilometre track that

Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Standing high on a narrow headland, Smoky Cape Lighthouse is surrounded by the stunning coastal scenery of Hat Head National Park. The lighthouse itself is as beautiful as the views check o

Rainforest Walking Track, Hat Head National Park

A delightful stroll through rare coastal rainforest, this short track is a great way to introduce the kids to the joys of wildlife-spotting and birdwatching. Only a short drive from South We

Powder Magazine walking track

Powder Magazine track is an excellent short walk to the historic powder magazines on the headland at Arakoon National Park on the North Coast.  Only one of the constructions still stands, b

Mount Yarrahapinni Lookout

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

Monument Hill Walking Track

If you take a walk along the Monument Hill walking track, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of casuarinas in the heathlands, spectacular coastal views, and the fresh sea breeze upon your c

Little Bay to Smoky Cape Walk

If you’re an adventurous walker, you’ll love the Little Bay to Smoky Cape walk. This 10 kilometre coastal track begins near Little Bay picnic area in Arakoon National Park, near Kempsey

Korogoro Walking Track

Korogoro Walking Track is a 3.2 kilometre Loop with panoramic coastal views are only one of the attractions on this moderate track, encircling the headland at Hat Head. Korogoro walking trac

Kinchela Trig Lookout Walk

This short track leads gently uphill to reveal spectacular views of coastal estuaries and mountain hinterland, on the North Coast of NSW, south of Nambucca Heads. Not far from Hungry Gate ca

Killick Beach

Killick Beach is 14 kilometres long at Crescent Head is a picturesque white sand beach that is home to the Crescent Head Malibu Classic. Famous for a long, slow right-hand wave that peels of

Jack Perkins Walking Track

Jack Perkins walking track is a short walk that boasts some of the best views in Hat Head National Park, only a short drive from Kempsey. Take in spectacular views across the Tasman Sea from

Horseshoe Bay Beach South West Rocks

South West Rocks has a beautiful little beach surrounded by towering pines. This sheltered area is very popular with families wanting to swim. Horseshoe Bay Beach is close to rewarding fishi

Hat Head National Park

Hat Head National Park, near Kempsey, is a place of exceptional beauty. The beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands offer an ideal backdrop for bushwalking, camping or a quiet picnic.

Green Island Walking Track

An energising, medium level walk to delight both birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts. Green Island walking track leads through woodland and heath to a lookout with brilliant views to Smo

Gap Beach Walking Track

Gap Beach Walking Track's six-kilometre return track will have you heart-pumping! Grab your hiking boots and head for Gap Beach walking track, in Hat Head National Park. Near South West Rock

Delicate Beach

A popular break with two campgrounds located adjacent to Delicate and Big Hill. Delicate is an unusual beach with a large rock formation dividing it into two sections. When the swell is dire

Connors Walking Track

Tracing the rugged coastline, in northern NSW near Kempsey, this moderately challenging track offers delights all year round. Close to Hungry Gate campground in the southern section of Hat H

Carrai National Park

Inland from Kempsey, Carrai National Park protects vast tracts of eucalypt groves and subtropical rainforest on Carrai plateau, a huge granite area with steep escarpments that drop dramatica

Bridle Trail

Retrace history along an easy walking 1.2-kilometre return track, Bridle trail, near Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, five kilometres east of South West Rocks.  In days gone by, hor

Boyters Lane Bird Hide

Take in the wealth of bird life at the Boyters Lane Bird Hide on the way into South West Rocks. Built on an old dairy farm, the bird hide is placed within a tranquil area of rehabilitated

Boorganna Nature Reserve

Established in 1904, Boorganna Nature Reserve is the second-oldest nature reserve in all of NSW. It's located on the southern edge of Comboyne Plateau and protects a significant remnant of r

Big Hill Rainforest Walking Track

Starting at the picnic area by the beach, this short loop trail winds around the top of the headland, providing sweeping views of the pristine coastline and rocky shores below. Find a spot

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

Three Walks at Monument Hill

A series of interconnecting, easy walks that begin at the Trial Bay Gaol car park. With breathtaking coastal views and historical signage, these walks are popular for a reason. Nearby tra

Tamban Forest Walk

Distance: 5-6 kilometres Difficulty: Easy This is a pleasant walk through State Forest on maintained forestry roads. Drive from Kempsey via Frederickton to Tamban Forest in Collombatti. Pa

Little Bay to Smoky Cape Lighthouse Walk

Distance: 5.5 kilometres with two steep sections Difficulty: Moderate to difficult You can start with the Monument Hill walk from Trial Bay Gaol car park to Overshot Dam or start at Oversho

Jack Perkins Track and Lighthouse Walk

Distance: 2 kilometre return Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (short, but very steep) The starting point is at the Captain Cook Lookout. Before venturing down to North Smoky Beach, it is r

Crescent Head Pool to Back Beach Walk

Distance: 3 kilometres Difficulty: Easy Take this track if you are looking for a stroll away from the village hustle and bustle. Start at the car park at the swimming pool off Baker Dr.

Big Hill South Walking Trail

Distance: 5 kilometres Difficulty: Easy A beautiful walk with varied landscapes. In spring there is an abundance of wildflowers. The walk starts 12.5 kilometres south of the Crescent Head V

Big Hill Rainforest Walking Track

Distance: 1.4km loop Difficulty: Medium Big Hill is 11km south of Crescent Head, at the entrance point to Limeburners National Park. A beautiful walk starts right here at the car parking an

The Easy Way Walk, Hat Head

Distance: 5 kilometre Difficulty: Easy Starting from the footbridge in Hat Head, walk south across it, and keeping right, head up towards The Gap. About 50 metres after the end of the brid

Going South Walking Track

Distance: 12 kilometres Difficulty: Moderate The walk from the village of Hat Head towards Crescent Head. The track winds along the side of the cliffs to Kemps Corner. It is about 4 kilomet

Nulla Nulla Blacksmiths Farm

Nulla Nulla Blacksmiths farm combines a chemical-free farm, blacksmith studio, boutique accommodation and camping in the hills of Bellbrook in New South Wales. Stay in the delightfully de

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

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

Blackbird Flat Camping Ground

Blackbird Flat Camping Ground is located on the Macleay Valley Coast on the western side of Kempsey. Situated on the Kempsey Armidale Road. It is a free camping area located beside the Macl

Misty Mountain Wilderness Health Retreat

Misty Mountain is the perfect environment for you to relax and enjoy the benefits of a healthy holiday. Get away to a secluded valley where majestic waterfalls, clear mountain streams, tower

Bass Lodge

Located in the Macleay Valley Coast hinterland west of Kempsey, Bass Lodge was built in 1986 from the rounded rocks of the Macleay River and carefully crafted logs. The lounge room with