North Coast Nsw Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

The Gateway to the Stockton Beach Sand Dunes, a mecca for 4WD and fishing enthusiasts, Anna Bay has a village shopping centre that caters for al your basic needs. Birubi Point is the northernmost point of the 32 kilometres of Stockton Beach, a popular spot for surfers, and departure point for 4WD Adventure Tours of the extensive sand dune system.... the largest moving coastal sand mass in the southern hemisphere.

This reserve is home to Trial Bay Gaol (1886), a picturesque ruin which was built as a public works prison but was also used as a World War I internment camp. The gaol is surrounded by rocky foreshores and pleasant sandy beaches.

Wander through the gaol museum, explore the ruins or relax on the beach. Stroll over Monument Hill to the Little Bay picnic area, or enjoy the spectacular half-day walk from the picnic area to historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse in Hat Head National Park.

Around the gaol there are picnic areas and facilities for car-based and caravan camping, and you can stay at secluded Little Bay Cottage.

Bellbrook was named in 1882 after the local bellbirds and the adjacent river. A farming community rich in history and natural surrounds the village itself
being classified by the National Trust. Bellbrook has a general store and historic pub offering country hospitality and charm. Bellbrook is situated close
to 'Slim Dusty's childhood home at Nulla Nulla.

Bellbrook Cabins has comfortable accommodation and Bellbrook is a great place to fish, canoe, there is a tennis court and barbecue area and is a great
base for four wheel drive trips.

The beautiful town of Bellingen lies in the heart of the Bellinger Valley, where natural attractions abound. The Dorrigo World Heritage National Park is one of Australia’s easiest-to-get-to rainforest areas. At the Rainforest Visitor Centre you can walk the Skywalk over the forest canopy, or strike out on your own by following one of the walks through the park.

There are a variety of short and longer trails on offer, suitable for people of all ages and ability. The coastal towns of Mylestom and Urunga are the gateways to superb beaches in the area, perfect for surfers, anglers, and walkers.

The town of Bellingen owes its reputation as a booming arts and crafts centre to talented locals and the monthly markets held on the third Saturday of the month. You can taste the local produce at one of Bellingen’s renowned restaurants and cafes.

The elevated coastal views from this seaside village, 20 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, are some of the most spectacular in the region.

Bonny Hills was originally home to the fishing enthusiasts amongst the tough, north coast timbermen and dairy farmers from nearby Wauchope and hinterland. The old wood fishing shacks of the past are long gone, replaced by homes and holiday parks with million dollar views.

Family friendly holiday parks are located in Bonny Hills and Rainbow Beach, only a short stroll to spectacular beaches.

The cabins at Bonny Hills Holiday Park maximise the panoramic coastal vistas as do a number of other affordable holiday lettings throughout this area, ranging from houses to holiday units.

The Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centres can help you make the most of your time in the region.

The strip of green that flanks the golden coastline of Greater Port Macquarie is one of the state’s best kept secrets. The hills, valleys and forests are home to stunning natural attractions and welcoming country villages. The rugged hinterland escarpment is just a half-hour drive from the coast. Take your time touring around and you’ll uncover some of the region’s special delights.

The dairy-farming village of Comboyne is perched high on an open plateau and surrounded by lush farmland and rainforest, and if it wasn't for the distinctly Australian bird calls ringing out of the bush, the green patchwork hills could be in Yorkshire, England.

From Comboyne, the road winds its way back down the mountain rainforest towards Wauchope. Stop halfway at Blue Poles Gallery in Byabarra. Inside is a large gallery with changing monthly exhibitions and breathtaking valley views.

Most famous for the giant man-made banana at the northern end of town, Coffs Harbour is one of the largest regional cities in New South Wales.

Sprawling for miles up and down the coast, the area's many beaches make for perfect holidaying territory ­ with surfing, fishing and sand-side picnics and barbecues amongst the favourite pastimes of visitors and locals alike.

The banana plantations that fill the hills around the area make the landscape richly green and unusual. The town centre is great for city-standard shopping and is home to many recreational clubs and nightspots.

Collombatti is north west of Frederickton, there is a scenic drive which goes through that area. The Collombatti Scenic Drive is mostly a dirt road and best to be done in a four wheel drive vehicle. Visit Cedar Park which has a picnic area, barbecue facilities and toilet amenities. There is also a 600 metre rainforest walk which is an easy walk. Collombatti Lookout has 360 degree views of the countryside. Ngambaa National Park, Tamban State Forest and Collombatti State Forest are all in Collombatti.

Comara is north west of Bellbrook. Blackbird Flats recreational area is nearby. Camping, fishing and canoeing favourite past times at Blackbird Flat. Bemurrah a quaint farm house which has been renovated with a modern country decor is also located in Comara making it the perfect place to relax in the Upper Macleay.

Situated roughly 36 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour and 40 kilometres south of Grafton along the Pacific Highway it consists of a small village community set in largely untouched bush and coastal lands. The islands, ocean, headlands and estuaries in this area are within the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Corindi Beach offers long, rolling beaches and pockets of coastal rainforests, with many walks and cultural activities.

The surrounding areas to the west of Corindi Beach offer vast expanses of bushland and rainforest with a history of gold mining in early settlement days. It is ideal terrain for four-wheel driving with many mountain streams and water holes for swimming. There are extensive blueberry and exotic fruit farms north west of the village. Corindi Beach has a tavern, a caravan park, general store, service station, arts and crafts and a cultural centre.

Crescent Head is a pretty seaside village tucked into the lee side of Big Nobby, a volcanic remnant that slopes towards the sea in a tumble of basalt boulders. Between its summit and the sea lies a golf course with magnificent views over the town and ocean.

Crescent Head is famous for its surf circles. The area is hemmed on the south by Goolawah Reserve and Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve. North of the town lies Hat Head National Park which stretches all the way to South West Rocks. Crescent Head was declared a National Surf Reserve in June 2008.

Located only two kilometres off the Pacific Highway on Jones Island just 10 minutes north of Taree. Croki is a sleepy riverside village surrounded by lush dairy farms, green river flats and spectacular scenery.

There is a shaded picnic area with electric barbecues and toilets, a jetty to fish from and a portion of the Manning River is fenced off for swimming. The Manning River cruise boat (Manning Valley River Cruises) which offers a variety of cruises also picks up passengers at Croki.

Accommodation in and around Taree includes motels, hotels, caravan parks, bed and breakfast, cottages and country retreats. Taree is a great base to explore Croki and the Manning Valley; so talk to the friendly staff at the Manning Valley Visitor Information Centre for tips on great things to do and places to visit in the area.

Stay a bit longer - there’s lots to experience!

Crowdy Head is certainly the jewel in the Manning Valley crown. Crowdy Head is a quaint fishing village located just seven kilometres from Harrington. The historical Crowdy Head lighthouse perched high on the headland provides exceptional 360 degree views, a great spot for watching the whales as they head north and is easily accessible on a sealed road. Winter and late spring are the best times of the year for whale watching in the area.

Fishing charters and whale watching off Crowdy Head are available all year. The popular Crowdy Head Beach, patrolled during summer holidays, is edged by Crowdy Bay National Park which sweeps in a long arc from spectacular Diamond Head in the north to Crowdy Head in the south. Crowdy Head has a surf lifesaving club and an excellent boat ramp.

Accommodation available includes holiday houses and a motel.

Midway between Taree and Forster is the coastal area of Hallidays Point taking in Black Head, Diamond Beach, Red Head and Tallwoods Village. The expansive beach invites long strolls at sunset and fishing opportunities.

Meander along the nearby rainforest walk which encompasses striking coastal landforms as well as rare tracts of littoral rainforest and is a must for nature lovers and keen photographers. The walk takes in two headlands - Black Head and Red Head - and is joined by Black Head Beach.

With exclusive resorts fringing its beaches (at Diamond Beach), the area is fast becoming recognised as a lifestyle paradise. The luxury golf course development at Tallwoods features a championship golf course and nearby, the kids are well catered for with some fun parks just waiting to be enjoyed.

There is a great range of accommodation at Diamond Beach including family holiday park, resorts, holiday units and cottages.

Diamond Head is home to the popular Camping Grounds in Crowdy Bay National Park and is located on the coast line.

There is good fishing, bird watching and fascinating headland walks with abundant wildlife. At low tide you can explore the coastline. There are beautiful beaches to the north and south of Diamond Head.

Scenic Dorrigo, once an important timber town, today boasts the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. Focal-points of the rainforest park include both the Rainforest Centre and the dramatic Skywalk, a tree-top canopy walk offering a birds-eye view of the rainforest.

Renown for its hospitality, Dorrigo today is recognised as a place to enjoy country cooking, browsing through art shops and taking in the majestic nature areas both in and around the town.

Call into the Dorrigo Tourist Information Centre on Hickory Street at Dorrigo for more information.

Dunbogan is located 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie you’ll find the seaside villages of the Camden Haven strung out along the mouth of the Camden Haven River. On the north side of the river, you’ll find North Haven with its alfresco cafes, shady barbecues, riverside picnic areas and crashing surf beach. Sleepy Dunbogan is opposite with its sheltered swimming beaches and traditional boatshed, and bustling Laurieton nestled at the foot of North Brother Mountain, is the home base for the local fishing fleet and one of the best fish co-ops on the coast.

Dooragan National Park dominates the skyline is majestic North Brother Mountain, in Dooragan National Park. Enjoy grand coastal views from the mountain summit, which is accessible by sealed road.

Elands is located on Tourist Drive 8, a 40 minutes drive north west of Wingham. Elands is the home to the spectacular Ellenborough Falls.

The falls are located on the Bulga Plateau at Elands, one hour’s drive north west of Taree (distance of 50 kilometres, 15 kilometre unsealed) on Tourist Drive 8. Ellenborough Falls are a spectacular site. At 200 metres, it is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. A timbered walkway to the bottom of the falls with rest spots on the way provides a comfortable walk. There are also viewing platforms, barbecues, picnic tables, walking trails and a food kiosk that operates between 10am and 4pm on weekends and during school holidays.

Fingal Bay is the most eastern township in Port Stephens, New South Wales. It is surrounded by a national park and has a majestic bay with a patrolled surfing beach. Fingal Bay is only five minutes from the heart of Nelson Bay and a stones throw away from Shoal Bay.

The twin-town to Tuncurry, Forster is one of New South Wales' most beloved holiday spots. The twins are separated by a waterway famous for its easy fishing. Kids will love the abundance of activities designed especially for them, particularly the show rides that hit town each summer.

Forster's main beach is just a stone's throw from many accommodation options, or head out of town for more secluded beaches which literally stretch for miles.

Frederickton is the next village north of Kempsey on the Pacific Highway. Home to the famous 'Fredo Pies' - all 160 different varieties. Step back in time at Frederickton with a historic walks brochure which can be downloaded from the Kempsey Shire Council website or the Macleay Valley Coast Website or from the South West Rocks and Kempsey Visitor Information Centres and Kempsey Museum.

Georges Creek is north-west of Kempsey on Armidale Road north of Bellbrook. Located on the Upper Macleay River and surrounded by National Park is Bass Lodge which overlooks the beautiful Macleay River and a large reserve that provides the gateway to a wide range of activities. There is also a free camp site there.

Midway between Taree and Forster is the coastal area of Hallidays Point taking in Black Head, Diamond Beach, Red Head and Tallwoods Village.

Black Head Beach is a multi-award winning beach under the Keep Australia Beautiful Program. Patrolled during summer, it is regarded as one of the best swimming beaches in the Manning Valley. It features shady Norfolk Island Pines (planted in the 1920s and the 1940s), an ocean pool, excellent fishing opportunities, picnic areas and barbecues.

Meander along the rainforest walk which encompasses striking coastal landforms and rare tracts of littoral rainforest. The walk takes in both Black Head and Red Head.

With exclusive resorts fringing its beaches (at Diamond Beach), the area is fast becoming recognised as a lifestyle paradise. The luxury development at Tallwoods features a championship golf course surrounded by spectacular housing. Nearby, the kids are well catered for with fun parks waiting to be enjoyed.

Just 10 kilometres west of Moorland is the village of Hannam Vale, one of the most fertile and picturesque valleys in the Manning Valley. Savour the country hospitality of the Hannam Vale village which is nestled in the middle of significant National Parks.

Explore nearby Waitui Falls and Coorabakh National Park, visit Flat Rock lookout, Newbys Lookout, Newbys Creek Walk and Cave, Starrs Creek and Big Nellie the volcanic plug.

Hannam Vale is the ideal place for a country getaway, romantic escape or family holiday. Stay awhile and explore the Mid North Coast hinterland region of New South Wales Australia, while still being close to the popular beaches and tourism attractions of towns like Port Macquarie and Taree.

You will find friendly hospitality in a range of bed and breakfast, farmstay and self contained accommodation.

The sleepy village of Hat Head is surrounded by National Park. It is only 13 kilometres from the edge of the continental shelf, making this area one of Australia's premier blue water fishing destinations.

Hat Head's peninsular is laced with walking trails along which you must exercise with care. Nearby wetlands provide a breeding ground for birds and wildlife. Nearby Korogoro Point is one of the east's best vantage points for viewing the migration of whales during June and July, September and October.

Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest is situated in the southern end of the Great Lakes area, approximately two and a half hours drive north of Sydney. The twin towns of Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest are separated by the Myall River that feeds the Myall Lakes system. The towns are connected by the 'Singing' bridge, named for the sound of the wind as it passes through the rails.

The area is popular for fishing, bushwalking, camping and dolphin watching. Houseboating on the Myall Lakes is a relaxing way to pass your time. There are plenty of secluded areas so you can find your own piece of paradise.

Hawks Nest is home to a koala colony, where koalas can be seen in their natural habitat. Off the coast of Hawks Nest is Broughton Island, part of the Myall Lakes National Park. It is popular for deep sea fishing, diving, bushwalking and picnics.

Cedar cutting is the principle industry on which Kempsey has prospered since its foundation in the early 19th Century. Visit historic Trial Bay Gaol at
South West Rocks and the Wigay Aboriginal Culture Park. Just out of town, Gladstone is highlighted by The Old Lodge Pottery and Darkwater House,
which serves afternoon tea and sells local handicrafts. Within Kempsey itself, shopping, accommodation and all the benefits of a mid sized country town make it the perfect stopover point on a trip up the Pacific Highway.

A short drive from Port Macquarie, west of the Camden Haven region, lies the quiet village of Kendall. Kendall is named in honour of former resident and poet Henry Kendall. Close by; discover the delights of Norfolk Punch, a non-alcoholic herbal wine made to a 700-year-old medieval monastic recipe produced here in the rainforest-clad hills nearby.

The Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centres can help you make the most of your time in the region.

Kew, Laurieton, North Haven and Dunbogan are known collectively as Camden Haven. The tidal inlet 44 kilometres south of Port Macquarie is renowned for the quality of its stocks of oysters, lobsters, crabs, bream, flathead and other table fish species.

The area boasts charming seafront and lakeside bushwalks, river cruises and panoramic viewing platforms. Comboyne Plateau, 60 kilometres inland, presents a rainforest vista complete with scenic waterfalls.

Lake Cathie (pronounced ‘cat-eye’) is just 12 kilometres south of Port Macquarie.

A world where the essence of a perfect holiday is warm, crystal clear shallow waters full of splashing giggling toddlers; do-it-yourself lakeside barbecues and breezy holiday cottages, caravan parks and self-contained holiday flats that make a week by the seaside pass by in the blink of the eye.

Lake Cathie’s large saltwater lake is the second largest estuarine salt march area in NSW. Periodically opened to the sea, the warm shallow waters are ideal for young children and there are lots of picnic tables and barbecues around the shore. Venture up to the northern headland where a fantastic forest walk has been established, with a viewing platform which offers fabulous views across the lake and out to the ocean.

Lake Innes and Lake Cathie are joined by Cathie Creek to form an estuarine system which enters the ocean at the village of Lake Cathie, just ten minutes south of Port Macquarie.

Lake Innes house was built by Major Archibald Clunes Innes using convict labour, in several stages between 1831 and 1843. The Depression of the 1840s bought him to near insolvency and the closure of Port Macquarie as a penal settlement deprived him of convict labour.

Following Innes' departure the house was occupied by a number of people but was derelict by the beginning of the 1900s and subsequently deteriorated to its present state as a result of natural decay, vandalism and theft of building materials.

Tours are operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service every month. Bookings can be made by contacting the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre.

Laurieton is just 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie you’ll find the seaside villages of the Camden Haven strung out along the mouth of the Camden Haven River. On the north side of the river, you’ll find North Haven with its alfresco cafes, shady barbecues, riverside picnic areas and crashing surf beach. Sleepy Dunbogan is opposite with its sheltered swimming beaches and traditional boatshed, and bustling Laurieton nestled at the foot of North Brother Mountain, is the home base for the local fishing fleet and one of the best fish co-ops on the coast.

Dooragan National Park dominates the skyline is majestic North Brother Mountain, in Dooragan National Park.

Kattang Nature Reserve is located at Camden Head, three kilometres east of Laurieton, the beauty and natural diversity of Kattang make it ideal for bushwalking, photography, bird watching and fishing.

Lorne is located in the hills west of the Camden Haven region. Meander though the Lorne Valley and beyond to the fabulous scenery of the Comboyne Plateau. Discover the delights of the Lorne Valley Macadamia Farm and Café. 1400 trees on the farm's lush green paddocks, the café and its beautiful outlook is what makes the place really special.

The Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centres can help you make the most of your time in the region.

The approach to Manning Point from the highway follows a scenic route, crossing both Oxley and Mitchells Islands. These two islands form part of the Manning River’s rich delta and give it the unique privilege of being Australia’s only river system with two entrances.

On the ocean side, long sandy beaches beckon swimmers and walkers, while the river side is a haven for boaties, oyster lovers and fishermen. There is four wheel drive access to the beach through Manning Point Reserve, but take care not to disturb the breeding area of the endangered Little Tern. Vehicle on beaches permits are available at the Manning Point General Store.

The main street of Manning Point edges the river and the wooden jetties offer a perfect spot to cast a line. Visit the licensed restaurant, bowling club or cafe which serves delicious coffee and light meals.

Myall Lakes is located one hours drive north of Sydney. The Myall Lakes is open to the sea at Hawks Nest (Great Lakes) and is linked to the Bombah Broadwater within the Myall Lakes via the Myall River.

The Myall Lakes National Park is an unspoilt, unpolluted area in which to camp or bushwalk. There are many camping sports located throughout the park from Mungo Brush and as far north as Seal Rocks.

Access to the Myall for boat enthusiasts is at Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, Bulahdelah - Crawford Street and Bombah Point, Bungwahl, and Violet Hill in the north

Located on the coast, at the mouth of a small local river which bears its name, Nambucca Heads is a sleepy township just south of Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales mid-north coast. It's the beautiful surrounding beaches that mark out the area, making it an ideal stopover for a lazy summer holiday.

Enjoy fishing, surfing or simply sunbathing. Or take a trip just out of town to Valla, where holiday-makers are especially catered for with a myriad of things to do and see, including the biennial Volkswagen Spectacular and home to the Hot Rods, who come, meet and display their unusual vehicles every year around the October long weekend.

Half an hour south of Port Macquarie you will find the seaside villages of the Camden Haven strung out along the mouth of the Camden Haven River. On the north side, you’ll find North Haven with alfresco cafes, shady barbecues, riverside picnic areas, fishing spots and surf beach.

North Haven offers affordable accommodation consisting of motels, caravan parks and camping.

The Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centres can help you make the most of your time in the region.

Follow Armidale road through historic Willawarrin turning right before Bellbrook into Nulla Nulla Creek Road. Nulla Nulla Creek Road is where Slim Dusty lived in his childhood. The Slim Dusty Way Scenic Drive goes to his childhood home where you can push a button and listen to Slim talk, then continue on to the Pub with no beer at Taylors Arm.

Old Bar Beach, 16 kilometres from Taree, is Taree's closest surfing beach. There are long, white sandy beaches, a pool and picnic area, barbecues, children's playground, and the southern entrance to the Manning River.

Old Bar's laid back, beachside lifestyle is its charm. Whether it's a stroll on the beach, sipping cappuccinos at the local cafe or surfing a wave, Old Bar is a beachside treasure.

Old Bar village has a wide variety of retail outlets, ATM facilities, supermarket, tennis and squash courts, restaurants, cafes, a liquor store and a bowling club for meals and entertainment.

Accommodation is available at nearby country retreats, self-contained cottages, cabins, a holiday park, beachside guesthouse, villas, units and a resort.

The Old Bar Festival is annual event held over the October long weekend celebrating Old Bar's unique heritage listed airstrip, its beach culture and a large gathering of Kombi vans.

Pee Dee is 61 kilometres west of Kempsey in the beautiful Upper Macleay Valley Hinterland. Featuring the Macleay River meandering through lovely farmlands with magnificent views over the hills and countryside. Bemurrah Homestead is at Pee Dee, it is a fully self contained farm house which sleeps up to 12 people where you can enjoy canoeing down the river or catch fish for your evening meal. Just nine kilometres from the heritage listed town of Bellbrook.

Point Plomer is south of Crescent Head on Point Plomer Road, an unsealed graded dirt road. It is part of the Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve which contains outstanding coastal scenery, long pristine beaches, rich Aboriginal and European heritage. Fishing, swimming, surfing, bird watching, bush walking, picnics and camping are favourite past-times at Point Plomer.

With the mouth of the wide, lazy Hastings River on one side and the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean on the other, Port Macquarie is a water lover's paradise
where surfing, water skiing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, dolphin and whale watching, scuba diving and great fishing are all available. Away from the beach,
there are plenty of activities for all interests and ages including speed boat, 4WD tours, scenic river cruises and family attractions, or explore the galleries and museums.

Combine the above with great shopping, good food and wine and for your ideal holiday or short break, you have just what you need. To ensure a great stay, take a stroll along the riverside break-wall, watch the pelicans drift by, climb up to historic Tacking Point Lighthouse, take a scenic flight in a sea plane, historic tiger moth, jet fighter or microlight or visit the patients of the Koala Hospital.

Rawdon Island is named after Francis Rawdon Hastings, first Marquis of Hastings. Rawdon Island, located 15 minutes west of Port Macquarie, is actually made up of two islands - Little Rawdon Island and the main island. Now a rich and picturesque farming area, Rawdon Island was once a thriving community comprising 27 dairy farms, two churches, a school, ommunity store and football team.

The Old School is now a Heritage Function House and is a beautiful location for weddings, parties and meetings.

The Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centres can help you make the most of your time in the region.

Sawtell is found on the beautiful North Coast of New South Wales just six kilometres south of Coffs Harbour. Located 555 kilometres north of Sydney and 400 kilometres south of Brisbane, it enjoys Australia's most temperate climate.

Long sandy beaches, pristine rainforest, the magnificent Solitary Islands Marine Park and the nearby Dorrigo National Park make Sawtell a must visit destination.

Sawtell is bounded to the east by safe surf beaches, to the north and south by unspoiled waterways and Bongil Bongil National Park and to the west by scenic mountain ranges.

Sawtell has 12 restaurants and several takeaways. Bookings for the restaurants are highly recommended. Also in Sawtell is a lovely-restored cinema. You can enjoy a relaxing drink at the Returned Services League or Sawtell Bowls Club. You can also find an 18 hole golf course, croquet courts and 12 tennis courts.

This coastal town occupies the southern headland of Port Stephens, flanked by Tomaree National Park and has both ocean and harbour beaches.

Supposedly named by Governor General Macquarie because of the sand shoals that exist there. A paved walking track leads to the summit of Tomaree Head, rated as one of the top 10 panoramic views in the world. A ninety minute return walk includes a visit to WWII gun emplacements.

Shoal Bay is a pristine sandy beach with cobalt blue waters and resident dolphin population.

Shoal Bay can be reached by road approximately two hours north of Sydney. Several regular flights run daily to Newcastle's Williamtown airport. Most flights connect with Port Stephens local coaches.

Port Stephens Coaches depart daily from Sydney's Central Railway Coach Terminal.

Smithtown is a village 16 kilometres north east of Kempsey. Smithtown is on the western side of the Macleay River and travellers can join up with Tourist Drive 12 from Smithtown to go to either South West Rocks or south to Crescent Head.

You can step back in time and do a historic footpath walk around the township of Smithtown which was land previously leased in 1840 to Major Henry Oakes the first Commissioner for Crown Land on the Macleay. Milo is made at Nestlé in Smithtown.

Smoky Cape is south of South West Rocks where the Smoky Cape Lighthouse is located.

Accommodation is available at the Lighthouse Cottages and Bed and Breakfast.

Situated in Hat Head National Park, there are many beaches and bushwalking trails for you to explore.

Smoky Cape is the ideal vantage point for whale spotting.

South Kempsey has the award winning Val Melville Centre which houses the Macleay River Historical Society's Museum, the Visitor Information Centre and the Dunghutti Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery.

The architecturally stunning Slim Dusty Centre will also be located on the Pacific Highway at South Kempsey and when completed will be an iconic Australian experience built around the legendary country music star and Australian country music.

South West Rocks is where the Macleay River's journey ends, as it meets the sea. This beautiful area has clear aquamarine waters, tiny coves and a peaceful bay and is surrounded by lush green forest, fringed by light-coloured sands.

The area has eight beautiful beaches, numerous river tributaries and Arakoon State Recreation Area. Trial Bay Gaol is a must-see. First occupied in 1886, it was built from pink granite quarried nearby. Enjoy fabulous views from Smoky Cape Lighthouse, opened in 1891.

There are two dive centres based at South West Rocks – Fish Rock Dive Centre and South West Rocks Dive Centre. There are also a couple of fishing charter operators – The Rocks Fishing Charters and South West Rocks Fishing Charters.

South West Rocks has a large variety of accommodation including motels and guesthouses, self-contained and holiday letting, as well as a bed and breakfast, caravan park and campground.

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 hamlet sits by calm waters, which are breeding grounds for fish and crabs. This peaceful river arm is also a playground for water sports enthusiasts.

Taree is located in the Manning Valley with a population of 20,000 people and offers a variety of shops; modern undercover complexes, arcades, boutique gift and clothing shops, craft centres, antiques and specialty stores. Recreational facilities include Taree Recreation Centre, golf course, racecourse, ten pin bowling centre, aquatic and leisure centre, rowing and sailing clubs, lawn bowling, and the adjacent Manning River.

Riverside parks in Taree provide shady grassed areas, perfect for a relaxing picnic lunch. The Manning Quays provides a large recreational area, a pontoon and jetty facilities. Kendall Reserve in Cundletown features a picnic area, boat ramp and pontoon.

Alfresco dining in the main street is the main pastime. Many clubs, cafes and restaurants use local naturally grown produce and feature a variety of cuisines on their menus.

Try Tandem Skydiving or take a Scenic Flight over the city both operating from the Taree Airport.

Telegraph Point is located on the Pacific Highway, 15 minutes north of Port Macquarie, on the beautiful mid-north coast.

The local area is one of the most historical parts of Australia deriving the name from the telegraph line which crossed the Wilson River in 1869, to a small peninsula on the south bank.

The Wilson River is a popular location for a variety of water sports including fishing and water skiing.

The Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centres can help you make the most of your time in the region.

Tom's Creek is the entrance to the wonderful Hinterlands country side and waterfalls. Adventure through the beautiful bush ambience or relax in the country retreat accommodation. Whichever you prefer, visit Tom's Creek today.

The Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centres can help you make the most of your time in the region.

Toorooka is an area 35 kilometres north west of Kempsey. The Slim Dusty Way Scenic Drive passes by on the way to Slim Dusty's childhood home and to the Pub with No Beer. Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Macleay River Toorooka is a small settlement which in past times was home to a large butter factory which became an abattoir in later years.

Turners Flat is 19 kilometres north- west of Kempsey. The Slim Dusty Way Scenic Drive passes by on the way to Slim Dusty's childhood home and the Pub with No Beer. Situated just off the Armidale Road on Turners Flat Road you will find Bliss in the Bush Cafe - proprietors Mick and Kerry. This little cafe is a lovely quiet place to dine with fine food and an assorted lot of goods to purchase.

Urunga lies on the junction of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, prior to entering the Pacific Ocean.

Located on the Pacific Highway just north of Nambucca Heads and south of Coffs Harbour, the township is well known for its sea lido and footbridge across the Urunga Lagoon to the mouth of the river and the unspoilt beaches.

It is an excellent location for canoeing as well as being a popular fishing and surfing spot.

Bellingen Shire Council Visitor Information Centre is located on the Pacific Highway, Urunga. Centre provides extensive information on Urunga and surrounds, and has an over-the-counter booking service for accommodation.

Located on the Hastings River and 19 kilometres west of Port Macquarie, Wauchope is a friendly town of country charm and hospitality. It was here in the mid 1800s that pioneers made the town famous as a timber town, and today features Timbertown, a major working re-creation of a typical 1800's timber town. Now a modern rural centre, Wauchope is surrounded by picturesque farmland and forests and beyond, a hinterland of rainforest reserves and vast wilderness areas.

Some of the many things you can do in and around Wauchope include:
Step back in time at Timbertown heritage theme park.
Meet the locals that grow the produce at the Hastings Farmers Markets.
Chill out with some hot jazz and fine wine at Bago Vineyard’s Jazz in the Vineyard.

The Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centres can help you make the most of your time in the region.

West Kempsey has a variety of tourism attractions and accommodation. Dangars Creek Winery, Mesopotamia Lodge Deer Park, Greenhill Raceway, Kempsey Showground and saleyards and historic walks are all activities to do in West Kempsey. There are also pubs and clubs, churches and a cinema in West Kempsey.
Kempsey Shire Council civic centre and library are in West Kempsey as well as an aquatic centre and skate park.

Wingham offers visitors a step back in time. Its rich heritage is evident in the many splendid National Trust listed Federation buildings, which surround the town common modelled on the English square.

Take a self-guided Heritage Walk around Wingham. The walk highlights a number of built and natural items of significance to the history of the town. The walk is approximately five kilometres and brochures are available from the Manning Valley Historical Society Museum at Wingham. The Museum is located in the town centre and is open seven days.

Also found at Wingham is Wingham Brush Nature Reserve, part of the last 10 hectares of sub-tropical flood plain rainforest in NSW. Giant Moreton Bay figs dominate the Brush along with the grey-headed flying foxes; the Brush is a significant roosting and maternity site for the flying foxes. There are also over 100 species of birds and many native marsupials.

Woolgoolga – Woopi to the locals - is known for its large Sikh population, whose ancestors came here around the time of Federation. The landmark Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, a huge and imposing white structure, is the town's main attraction.

Drive through the Wedding Bells State Forest where the subtropical rainforest provides a habitat for many bird species. Stop and listen, and take the walking track along Woolgoolga Creek to the lovely waterfall.