Intriguing villages of the Macleay Valley Coast
TUCKED between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour on the NSW Mid North Coast, the Macleay Valley Coast is a compelling BLEND of COASTLINE, national parks and HINTERLAND peppered with a vibrant mix of VILLAGES. So which one is RIGHT for you? Read on.
CRESCENT HEAD
An idyllic coastal village famed for having some of the best surf breaks in Australia, ‘Creso’ is also a compelling coastal destination for FOODIES.
Eat: Breakfast at or sip coffee GREEN ROOM while watching the waves roll in at POINT
CAFE. Enjoy a generous share-plate BREAK
lunch at
PANDANUS GARDEN BAR & RESTAURANT, and an elegant yet relaxed dinner at LUMAH.
Stay: Home to
LA COSTA CANTINA
restaurant, is a
THE MED CRESCENT HEAD
funky motel with more than a few pops of Palm Springs about it.
Play: Paddle out for a surf at one of the famed local breaks such as Crescent Head Point. Don’t miss a trip out of town for a tasting (by appointment) at small-batch DISTILLERY. MARIA RIVER
GLADSTONE
Sitting serenely on the banks of the Macleay River, this charming little village is considered the cultural heart of the region.
Eat: Garden cafe serves STEAM & CEDAR artisan coffee, fresh-baked treats and homemade ice-cream. Then head to THE
for a long, HERITAGE HOTEL OF GLADSTONE lazy lunch overlooking the Macleay River. Play: Explore Gladstone’s art galleries, cafes, boutiques and historic buildings, starting at HUB, which has a network of THE GLADSTONE makers and artists based in the distinctive red house. A mooch around the monthly is also a must. GLADSTONE QUALITY MARKET
HAT HEAD
is a delightfully sleepy village HAT HEAD perfect for families. Ensconced within HAT it’s a medley of HEAD NATIONAL PARK, beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands. Stay: overlooking HAT HEAD HOLIDAY PARK 12 kilometres of beach with a barbecue area, camp kitchen, on-site kiosk and playground is a firm favourite.
Play: Directly behind the holiday park runs KOROGORO CREEK, with its crystal-clear waters that are safe for swimming and even better for snorkelling. And don’t miss the stunning ocean views on the 3.2-kilometre KOROGORO WALKING TRACK.
SOUTH WEST ROCKS
South West Rocks offers an irresistible blend of coastal tranquillity and family adventures. Play: Explore the historic ruins of TRIAL BAY GAOL, meet the kangaroos of and LITTLE BAY walk to for SMOKY CAPE LIGHTHOUSE sweeping views of the coastline.
Stay: Stay overnight in the keepers’ cottages at or check out the SMOKY CAPE LIGHTHOUSE villas at newly opened riverfront property ROCKS. SALT @ SOUTH WEST
Eat: You can’t go past the relaxed and friendly local pub or SEABREEZE BEACH HOTEL the just-caught seafood at MACLEAY RIVER DISTRICT FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE.