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 Arts Trail, the village is home to 19 preserved historical buildings and a host of art galleries, boutiques and cafes. Gladstone is known as the cultural heart of the Macleay Valley Coast.
Georges Creek is north-west of Kempsey on Armidale Road north of Bellbrook. Bitumen road to Bellbrook then the road becomes unsealed. 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.
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 Garden Bar and restaurant offers fantastic waterfront dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located in the Old Cheese Factory. Another place for a tasty bite to eat in town is the Macleay River Hotel which offers all your pub favourites.
If you like to play golf, there is a nine hole course at the Frederickton Golf Club which has scenic views of the Lower Macleay and black cockatoos nest in the trees near the club house.
Whether you are looking for swimming, surfing, fishing, family friendly, pet friendly or 4WD – there is a beach for you surrounding Forster Tuncurry. From the seclusion of Nine or Seven Mile to the great surfing on One Mile to the perfect spot for the kids in the bull ring ocean baths. Beaches here face east, south and north so regardless of the weather you are assured a great beach.
Fingal Head is a sleepy coastal village at the mouth of the Tweed River. A popular attraction is the Fingal Lighthouse that can be reached via a short walk through remnant coastal rainforest. Watch dolphins play and whales during their annual migration season.
Cook Island and its marine reserve can be seen offshore, its variety of bird species makes it popular for birdwatchers. The area was name after Fingal in Ireland because the basalt headland was thought to be similar to the Giants Causeway there.
A picturesque coastal village with a relaxed ‘holiday’ vibe – the Fingal Bay neighbourhood is an idyllic location where good surf, friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere meet on the sand.
With a good range of accommodation from a Beachside Holiday Park and seaside resort, to luxury homes, families come year after year and make holiday memories that last a lifetime.
Fingal beach is a glorious white sand beach tucked under Fingal Head. This family-friendly, patrolled surf beach is perfect to catch a wave, catch a fish, or just catch a sunrise on your early morning walk or for a relaxing Sunday afternoon drink overlooking the beach.
There’s plenty of lookouts to take in the sweeping vistas of rocky coastlines and the passing parade of humpback whales – Barry Park at the northern headland has a whale watching platform and picnic area.
Fingal Spit is a sand spit that links the mainland to Fingal Island. The island is still accessible by boat and well worth taking a cruise which includes a fully guided nature walk visiting an Aboriginal fish trap lagoon, as well as Point Stephens Lighthouse and ruined caretakers cottage.
The historical town of Eltham is located 15 kilometres from Lismore off the Bangalow Road. Visit The Eltham Hotel, a classic country pub offering country meals and drinks. You can also view the beautiful old Eltham Rainway Cottage and Bridge site.
The Eltham Valley Pantry offers visitors quality farmhouse cooking, homemade cakes and freshly roasted coffee. Here visitors can stroll around the pecan orchard, relax with a coffee on the patio or browse the pantry that is stocked with a range of premium food products from the local area.
Evans Head is a relaxed fishing town on the Northern Rivers. It is home to long unspoilt beaches, an abundance of fishing spots, deep sea fishing, a river estuary that provides a safe spot for children to swim and a legendary surf break.
Adjacent to two national parks and part of the beautiful Richmond Valley, Evans Head has one of the largest caravan parks in New South Wales. Located on the banks of the river, Evans Head is a popular holiday destination.
Elands village is high on the Bulga plateau and is your destination for Ellenborough Falls: the state’s tallest single drop waterfall at 200 metres.
It’s your last stop for petrol and supplies before driving ahead to Ellenborough Falls and Tapin Tops National Park.
It is important to note that load limits have been imposed on two bridges between Wingham and Elands. The limits are 12 tonnes on Duffs and eight tonnes on Marlee bridge.
It’s recommended that caravans or large trailers are not taken further than the town of Bobin.
Dunoon is located 20 kilometres from Lismore and is known as the macadamia capital of Australia. The macadamia processing plant sits on the outskirts of the village and produces delicious products sold here and overseas.
Pick up local produce from the Dunoon General Store or enjoy its impressive sports ground and club that hosts regional cricket and soccer games. Stop for a meal at the clubs restaurant offering indoor and outdoor dining.
Dunoon is the gateway to the Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Rocky Creek Dam. As the water supply for Lismore, swimming is prohibited but enjoy a picnic by its shores or one of the easy forest walks.