Day Trip To The Nambucca Valley

The Coast

Approximate drive time from Coffs Harbour:

• Valla Beach — 30 minutes
• Nambucca Heads — 40 minutes
• Scotts Head — 55 minutes

The Nambucca Valley Coast rewards early starters, with surfers, walkers and locals moving quietly through familiar routines. Headland sunrises, morning waves, and a walk along the Nambucca River are a great way to start the day before heading to a local café for a morning coffee, delicious breakfast and planning your next move. Fishing, paddling, snorkelling, and exploring our open-air art galleries are great post breakfast options. Walk from the Visitor Information Centre to the V Wall and see the 12 incredible artworks along the Arts Trail, created by local artists and sculptors. If you are into a bit of adventure head along to the Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park where there are trails for everyone including kids and family friendly to fast and flowy.

If it’s rainforest, creek tracks and bird-watching you’re after, be sure to make time to explore Yarriabini National Park, where you can picnic under the ancient trees, or make your way to the lookout for stunning views down to the coast.

Our coastal villages are the kind of places where café conversations linger, dogs nap under tables and visitors are welcomed into local life. 

The River

Approximate drive time from Coffs Harbour:

• Nambucca Heads — 40 minutes
• Macksville — 45 minutes
• Bowraville — 50 minutes

The Valley is shaped by the Nambucca River. It sets the pace here-slow, continuous and connective, winding through historic towns, rural landscapes and is deeply connected to Gumbaynggirr culture and our daily life. The river and its surrounds hold stories that reach well beyond the present,stories of Country,creativity and resilience that continue to shape the towns and their people.

Bowraville offers shady places by the river to relax, a kids adventure playground and a range of unique shops and galleries to explore as you admire the historic buildings in the main street. Macksville offers an opportunity to launch the tinny and try your luck at fishing, a range of boutique realtors and superb cafes along the riverbank, as well as fresh local oysters and macadamias. As the river finds it’s way to the ocean walk alongside it along the V-Wall or take a snorkel to see what lays beneath its depths.

The Hinterland

 Drive times starting at Macksville:

• Taylors Arm–27kms, 40 minutes each way sealed road
• Williams Hill Loop–34kms 45 minutes sealed and gravel road

The Hinterland begins as you follow the river inland. The road narrows, the pace shifts, and the landscape opens into farmland, forested hills and long, quiet views. Roadside produce stalls appear along the way, home baked goods, seasonal fruit, vegetables, honey and preserves are offered, it’s a place where trust is given easily and friendly country hospitality abounds. Picnic spots sit quietly near the river, beneath shady trees and wide-open skies. Historic icons such as the Pub With No Beer provide gathering places and a chance to chat to locals who enjoy sharing the history of the region. A 4WD adventure up Kosekai Road will take you to Dunggir National Park, where Kosekai Lookout offers expansive views over the entire Nambucca Valley, all the way to the coast

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Local Markets

Markets in the Nambucca Valley are community meeting points, places where food, creativity and connection come together. Most lean strongly toward local produce, handmade goods and conversation are exchanged without hurry. Regular farmers markets include the Eungai Creek Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning, the Scotts Head Farmers Markets held every second and fourth Sunday. Community markets include the Bowraville Country Markets held on the second Saturday of each month, Funkya@Unkya community markets, held the last Sunday of even months, and the Valla Beach Community Markets held the first Saturday of even months.

Live music and events are held around the Valley from Bowraville Theatre to Valla Public Hall.Check out the Mid North Coast Gig Guide and Archive Mid North Coast for more.