Aldavilla
Roughly 10 kilometres west of Kempsey and the last of the more urban suburbs heading west along the Armidale Road. Aldavilla is bordered on three sides by the Macleay River, with Fattorini Creek, a tributary of the Macleay, forming its northern boundary. Aldavilla is home to Aldavilla Primary School, Kempsey Airport and is a quiet suburb being a mixture of residential and residential acreage properties.
Arakoon
Just a 2 minute drive to the east of South West Rocks (approx 25 minutes from Kempsey), is the quiet village of Arakoon. Arakoon was the original settlement of the town of South West Rocks before it was relocated to its current location. Today, the area is home to the historic Trial Bay Goal, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, mostly residential and some 1Ha blocks, a cafe, a Big 4 caravan park and the spectacular Trail Bay beach – just to name one! Oh and perfect spot to enjoy the local wildlife first hand.
Austral Eden
Hugging the eastern banks of the Macleay River, spanning from Frederickton to Smithtown. Austral Eden was established by colonial architect John Verge after he obtained a land grant of 2,400 acres on the Macleay River. Today it covers 14 kilometers, primarily consisting of beef farms and is home to approximately 145 residents (2021 Census).
Barraganyatti
Just off the Pacific Highway, 35 kilometers north of Kempsey, Barraganyatti consists of mostly rural properties and is easily accessed by the old pacific highway (now Macleay Valley Way) and is home to 150 residents (2021 Census).
Bellbrook
Situated 52 kilometers northwest of Kempsey, on the banks of the Mighty Macleay, Bellbrook is a mountain village that is classified by the National Trust as a Heritage Village. A sleepy little rural village with a population of approximately 340 residents (2021 Census), a General Store, a primary school and the Bellbrook Hotel. For country music enthusiasts, a scenic drive to Bellbrook is a must, as it is home to one of Australia’s all-time country music greats, Slim Dusty, and you can even drive by his childhood homestead.
Bellimbopinni
Stretching from Frederickton to Clybucca on the northern banks of the Macleay River. Bellimbopinni has a recorded population of just 82 residents (2021 Census) and covers an area of approximately 5 square kilometers, mostly made up of rural beef farms/grazing.
Belmore River
Situated between Crescent Head and Hat Head, Belmore River stretches from the beach to Verges Creek. Comprised of swamp lands, rich cattle grazing lands and sand dunes.
Burnt Bridge
Located about 6 kilometers southwest of Kempsey, this small suburb is home to approximately 110 residents (2021 Census) and residential acreage properties.
Carrai
Carrai National Park is located on a granite plateau 110 kilometers northwest of Kempsey and offers bushwalking, mountain biking, 4WD touring and camping for self-reliant campers. Most notably, the stunning views from Mary’s View lookout are a must for the 4WD adventurer.
Clybucca
Between Kinchela to the east and Collombatti to the west is the suburb of Clybucca. A 20-minute drive northeast of Kempsey, it consists mostly of beef farming and grazing properties. Take a leisurely drive up the Old Pacific Highway (Macleay Valley Way) and visit the Clybucca Memorial Garden in honor of the bus crash in 1989 or explore the Clybucca Aboriginal Area which opened in July 2009.
Collombatti
Connecting Frederickton and Greenhill, Collombatti is known for its scenic drives (best done in a 4WD) to Cedar Park, offering a picnic area, bathroom facilities and a BBQ area. Take a short stroll through the rainforest to the picturesque Collombatti Lookout, offering 360-degree views over the countryside.
Comara
Famous for the Daisy Plains picnic area, it’s the perfect spot for peaceful lunch when exploring this park’s beautiful forests and steep escarpments. For the 4WD adventurer, it’s worth making the 25-minute drive from this picnic area to Mary’s View lookout in adjacent Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Just north of Comara, you will discover the Blackbird Flat Reserve Campsite, a free campground, by the river on the Armidale to Kempsey Road.
Corangula
Off Armidale Rd, 20 kilometers northwest of Kempsey you will find Conrangula. Skirted by the Macleay River on three sides it is home to just a handful of residents and coves just 10 square kilometers.
Crescent Head
Crescent Head is a small village 22 kilometers east of Kempsey, characterised by the rich surfing culture that runs deep in its veins. While its residents may be easy-going and shoes are optional, this surf-soaked town is anything but sleepy. Boasting one of the best surf breaks along the eastern shoreline and bakery sure not to disappoint! Crescent Head offers boutique shops to pursue, a caravan/holiday park, The Crescent Head Tavern and Crescent Head Bowling Club plus charming restaurants for all your entertainment and dining delights. Crescent Head also offers a Primary School, a public pool and a Golf course overlooking the ocean.
Deep Creek
Deep Creek is a sleepy little suburb northwest along Armidale Road, about 20 kilometers from Kempsey. Spanning pockets of National Parks and mostly rural, mountainous terrain and bushland properties makes it a great location for a hidden getaway. Need a haircut? Well look no further, Deep Creek even has a local hair salon!
Dondingalong
Spanning from south Kempsey to Sherwood, Dondingalong is a suburb in our valley that is known for its rich growing soils. It is home to The Pipers Creek Grove (also known as Dondingalong Organic Bushfoods) bushfood plantation and also features the Dondingalong Off-Road Circuit, operated by the Kempsey Macleay Off Road Club, located off Gowings Hill Road, which is a popular racing venue. Dondingalong has a population of approximately 1,000.
Euroka
Set on the banks of the Macleay River (on three sides in fact) and just 10 minutes west of Kempsey is the suburb Euroka. It is known as a dress circle location with semi-rural properties and fertile riverlands.
Fishermans Reach
Just north of South West Rocks (although it can only be accessed via Stuarts Point) you will find this small rural location covering just 18 kilometers and home to about 150 residents (2021 Census). Where the mighty Macleay meets the south Pacific Ocean, enjoy the expanse of the river and fishing galore!
Frederickton
Just 6.5 kilometers northeast of Kempsey is the village of Frederickton. Made famous for the Freddo Pie shop and home to a relaxed pub, cafe, and the Frederickton Primary School. Frederickton supports the local and national economy with Everson’s Food Processors.
Gladstone
A charming little village set on the bank of the Macleay River, home to 19 preserved historical buildings. Visit galleries, boutiques, and cafes, as well as the Riverside Market which is held once a month. Gladstone also has a Service Station, Public Pool and Police Station.
Greenhill
Located in between west Kempsey and Yarravel, Greenhill boasts some delightful views of the Macleay River and the mountains beyond. You will find here a popular General Store & Take Away, Greenhill Public School and the Macleay Valley Motorcycle Club and Greenhill Speedway.
Hampden Hall
Dress circle Residential Acreage living, 10 minutes from Kempsey. Bordering the Macleay River, Gills Bridge Creek, and Pola Creek. Hampden Hall has a land area of 2 square kilometers.
Hat Head
A small coastal village approximately 30 minutes northeast of Kempsey in the Hat Head National Park, housing only 365 residents (2021 Census). Offering a choice of caravan park or campgrounds, including campsites right by the beach. There are lots of walking tracks to choose from, excellent fishing and whale watching. The village has a General Store/Post Office and Bowling Club.
Hickeys Creek
Situated off the Kempsey-Armidale Road and west of Willawarrin is the suburb of Hickeys Creek which covers an area of 154 square kilometers. Take a drive here and explore the Toms Gully Cemetery which contains monuments dating from 1878 to the present day.
Jerseyville
A small (so small it only consists of a handful of streets!) well-known fishing village, located on the Lower Macleay between rainbow reach and South West rocks. Situated between Spencers Creek and the Macleay River. Home to the Macleay River District Fishermans Co-Op, which supplies top-notch quality seafood to over 60 local pubs, clubs, restaurants, and seafood outlets as well as to the Sydney Fish Markets. Famous for their seasonally caught fish, prawns, oysters, mud crabs, octopus, and shellfish, all available at the Jerseyville Retail Outlet.
Kempsey
The heart of the Macleay Valley was established in 1836 and is home to over 15,600 residents (2021 Census). Kempsey CBD is a bustling country town with all the shopping, entertainment, and facilities you could want. With four of the major supermarket outlets, including a Big W, as well as local and boutique shops, rural/hardware stores, RSL Club, pubs and restaurants, eleven schools and a Cinema. Kempsey boasts a newly upgraded state of the art public hospital and local airport.
Kinchela
Located on the Lower Macleay, Kinchela is split in half by Kinchlea Creek. The suburb is made up of mostly Rural properties with the occasional Residential Acreage property. Bordering the Hat Head National Park, Kinchela is home to south Smokey Beach. Kinchela also has a Primary School.
Kundabung
A quiet town with its name derived from an aboriginal word meaning ‘wild apples. Kundabung is divided into two by the Pacific Highway and the town is home to the local post office, general store, sawmill, hall, and rural properties.
Millbank
Home to three of the Macleay’s Mountains, the tallest for the suburb being Blue Knob at 890m tall. Millbank is known for its mountainous topography and state forest, covering 42.7% of its total area.
Mooneba
Bordering the Macleay River and the Yarravel Nature Reserve, Mooneba is a rural location west of Kempsey, boasting some of the macleays beautiful grazing and dairy farms.
Moparrabah
Nestled among the mountains of the Upper Macleay Valley, Mopabarrah is made up of vast rural properties and parts of the Willi Willi National Park. Flowing through Mopabarrah is Parrabel Creek, boasting delightful swimming holes and Bass fishing.
Mungay Creek
Located off the Kempsey-Armidale Road between Deep Creek and Hickeys Creek is Mungay Creek. 35 kilometers northwest of Kempsey, Mungay Creek borders Ngambaa nature reserve and a large portion of Collombatti National Park. Properties in this suburb are larger acreage properties suitable for beef cattle grazing.
Old Station
Located on the Lower Macleay, 13 km north-east of Kempsey, Old Station is a farming suburb with residential acreage to larger rural properties.
Pola Creek
A small acreage suburb along the South West Rocks Road, 5 kilometers northeast of Kempsey. Pola Creek is a quiet farming (beef and dairy) area that backs high onto the Macleay River.
Rainbow Reach
Covering a total land area of approximately 15 square kilometers. Rainbow Reach is bordered by the Macleay River and Clybucca Creek. It is home to approximately 83 residents and is made up of mostly rural properties.
Seven Oaks
A small rural suburb, northeast of Kempsey. Bordering the Macleay River and covering a total area of 5 square kilometers of farming land.
Sherwood
Located 15 minutes west of Kempsey, highlighting rolling hills along the Macleay River. Home to the ‘Sherwood Estate Winery’, Sherwood hall, an Anglican church, and one of the 5 Upper Macleay bridges.
Smithtown
Located on the left bank of the Macleay River. Smithtown is a quiet village, featuring a hotel with river views, a warf, a boat ramp, and a general store/post office. It has been home to the Nestle factory for the past century and continues to operate, producing 200,000 cans a day and approximately 13,000 tons of Milo a year!
South West Rocks
Renowned for its beachside, relaxed lifestyle, South West Rocks is a 35 km drive along the Macleay River northeast of Kempsey. South West Rocks is a sought-after location that is constantly growing. Boasting the best a seaside town has to offer, picturesque beaches, fishing, holiday and camping accommodation, boutique shopping, food and entertainment are all at your fingertips.
Stuarts Point
This riverside oasis sits by calm waters, which are breeding grounds for fish and crabs. There are multiple boat ramps + mooring available and an almost unlimited choice of beach, river, or blue water fishing spots. The perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers. There is a River Walk that starts at the end of Ocean Street in Stuarts Point the walk follows the riverbank for 2.5 kilometers through native bushland. There is a General Store, caravan park, pub, and park.
Summer Island
A small community on the Lower Macleay. Nestled on the banks of the river, rich alluvial soils make it the prime location for farming. In close proximity to the small villages of Gladstone and Smithtown as well as the Macleay’s beautiful beachside towns.
Tamban
Situated amongst the hills, Tamban is home to a small number of properties and only has a recorded population of approximately 90 people. Tamban can is best accessed via the pacific Highway through Eungai, why not visit Tamban Valley View Cottage and explore the beautiful mountain creeks and trails.
Temagog
Located 20 minutes west of Kempsey, Temagog covers a total of 84 square kilometers. Home to arguably one of the best swimming and fishing holes on the Macleay River. It is bordered by the Boonanghi State Nature Reserve, Boonanghi State Conservation Area, and The Macleay Valley.
Toorooka
A small rural suburb west of Kempsey, just off Armidale Road. Toorooka bridge is another one of the delightful swimming/fishing spots on the Macleay River! Known for its vast grazing land and the beginning of the Willi Willi National Park.
Turners Flat
Bordering the Boonanghi State Conservation Reserve and the Macleay River. Turners Flat is known for its undulating country, swimming holes and to have the highest bridge crossing on the upper Macleay.
Verges Creek
Between Crescent Head Road to the south and South West Rocks Road to the north is the bushy suburb of Verges Creek. Created in November 2020, the Verges Creek Nature Reserve covers an area of 74ha. Needing any local hardwood, then Macleay River Hardwoods at Verges Creek is all you need.
Willawarrin
A small rural village located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Kempsey and covering an area of 25 square kilometers. Willawarrin has a recorded population of 191 residents, with the village offering a small General Store/Post Office, rural store and Willawarrin Primary School. Additionally, it is home to The Willawarrin Hotel, which is a Heritage-listed country hotel serving the best beer in the Macleay Valley, with a five-room accommodation package.
Willi Willi
Located approximately 1.5 hrs from Kempsey Willi Willi is home to 29,870 Ha of Willi Willi National Park. Offering visitors scenic views, rainforest walks, waterfalls, and camping areas.
Wittitrin
A small rural suburb, bordered by national parks and conservation areas. With 73% of its total land area being national parks, Wittitrin is known for its amazing rainforests and waterfalls.
Yarrahapinni
The furthest north of the Macleay Valley suburbs, Yarrahapinni (locally known as Yarra) is an adventurer’s playground. Yarrahapinni boasts one of the most spectacular views on the coast. On a clear day, from the top of 498-meter Mount Yarrahapinni in the Yarriabini National Park, you can almost see the entire Macleay Valley Coast. When you’ve taken in the amazing view, enjoy a scenic drive or a lovely walk through Yarrahapinni’s dense, old-growth forests filled with flooded gums and hoop pines, learn about the local Aboriginal Dreamtime story and see the matching mosaics depicting the legend before making your way back down towards the coast to where the rainforest meets the sea. After all that exploring, take a break from the world at Yarralen Retreat which offers not only great accommodation but also a gallery of artisan crafts, you can even take a tour of the glass workshop or take part in a craft workshop. If you just want to relax, take a swim in the heated magnesium pool.
Yarravel
Yarravel is a 10 minutes drive west of the CBD of Kempsey and home to a little over 1,000 residents. Yarravel is home to Aldavilla Primary School and Australian Solar Timbers (AST) – one of the most environmentally sound producers of hardwood timber flooring, decking, and parquetry in Australia.
Yessabah
Located west of Kempsey, with a total land area of 46 square kilometers. Bordering national parks, Yessabah is home to a section of Dungay Creek, Yessabah Caves and the Yessabah Nature Reserve.