Touring the Mid North Coast, NSW, Travel Information

The north coast of NSW holds some delightful surprises that mix the historic with the scenic attractions of the Macleay and Nambucca river systems. River Routes of the Mid North Coast South West Rocks, 39 kilometres north east of Kempsey, is a small coastal community located on Trial Bay.

Accommodation NSW Mid North Coast & Coffs Harbour

Great beaches and excellent rock, estuary and beach fishing contribute the area’s appeal. The Trial Bay Gaol was completed in 1886 from locally quarried granite and its prison labour used for the creation of a breakwater, the first stage of an ambitious plan to create a deep-water harbour. Rough weather destroyed the breakwater before it was completed and the project was eventually abandoned. The jail closed in 1903 but was reopened during World War I to intern German citizens as prisoners of war. It closed again in 1917, later becoming part of the Arkaroon State Conservation Area.

South West Rocks Road follows the course of the Macleay River, passing Jerseyville, the base for the local fishing fleet. A turn-off at Kinshella leads to the small coastal community of Hat Head, located in the midst of the 7,400 hectare Hat Head National Park. The road leads straight into Kempsey but a turn-off at Smithtown feeds onto the Pacific Highway.

Turning north, it meanders inland through Kempsey Shire to its boundary near the town of Stuarts Point. This coastal community, located off the Pacific Highway, includes Grassy Head, which was the original mouth of the Macleay River until its course diverted further south to South West Rocks during the floods of 1893.

Continuing north along the Pacific Highway, Macksville lies on the banks of the Nambucca River in the midst of a fertile region renowned for its grazing, dairy farming, fishing and oyster farming. Nearby Scotts Head is a beach renowned amongst surfers. Twelve kilometres north lies Nambucca Heads.

Tourism has taken hold in recent times with a number of patrolled beaches and great fishing spots. The Headland Historical Museum is well worth a visit, as are the colourful mosaics in front of the police station.