Search and Stay: the Nambucca Valley, NSW Mid-North Coast
A drive through the Nambucca Valley will take you to miles of unspoilt beaches, seaside towns, heritage and rural villages, and through productive farmland and rainforests to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. This area rich in natural beauty, history and culture is well worth a visit, so book Nambucca holiday accommodation with on Search and Stay. and discover the magic that is Nambucca Valley.
The name Nambucca is derived from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘entrance to waters’. Explore the tranquil waterway where bottlenose dolphins frolic in the estuary. Golfers will be thrilled, too. The Island Golf Club is an 18-hole course on Stuart Island in the middle of the river.
For sweeping views of Nambucca beaches and beyond, the Captain Cook Lookout above pretty Shelly Beach is a great vantage point for whale watching when majestic humpback whales migrate along the coast between May and November.
In a beachside reserve at Shelly Beach are picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Beach fishing is popular, and there is a boat ramp at the southern end. Other popular beaches north of Shelly include Beilbys Beach and Main Beach, home of the Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club.
South of the river mouth is Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, jointly managed with the Gumbaynggir Aboriginal people, the traditional owners. South Beach is a favourite for experienced surfers and beach fishers. There are rainforest walking trails, and Warrell Creek is ideal for kayaking.
The Nambucca Valley on NSW's mid-north coast has 27km of expansive coastline, you’ll find a beach that’s just right for you. We have beautiful coastal walks, pet-friendly beaches, beach access points, and the most stunning vantage points to watch the whales and dolphins.
With water as clear as you’d find in any paradise, the shades of blue where the Nambucca River meets the sea inspire year-round. Further upstream, the river and its tributaries share their story and as they wander through Macksville and Bowraville. Water sports abound throughout and shady spots beckon for picnics and cheeky naps on the banks.
Take your pick from Valla Beach, Nambucca Heads, Scotts Head, Valla and Grassy Head, as well as many great undiscovered spots in between.
Shift gears with a palette change from coastal blue to rural green on a drive through the hills and villages of the Nambucca Valley. The pace is welcomingly slower here with farm life around Eungai, Missabotti and historic Bowraville – the quintessential rural main street bookended by turn of the century hotels. Hills and valleys go hand in hand and Mt Yarrahapinnni crowns the Yarriabini National Park, looking out over the Eucalyptus rainforest toward Scotts Head and the coast beyond.
The Nambucca Valley is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and only 40min drive south of Coffs Harbour. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour Airport or you can catch the train from Sydney. Plenty of waterfront accommodation is available, from a beach shack to luxury retreats.
Book Nambucca Heads holiday accommodation now on Search and Stay.
Content: Nambucca Valley Tourism Assoc
Images: Destination NSW