Fast facts
- Historic river town close to national parks and majestic beaches
- On the Macleay River, midway between Sydney and the Queensland border
- 428 km north of Sydney, population 10,300
Why go there
Kempsey is a convenient place for an overnight stop for anyone driving between Sydney and the North Coast.
The town has a number of historic buildings, and the detour from Kempsey to Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks is particularly recommended.
The village of Gladstone, 15 km north-east of Kempsey, is a historic precinct with great character. Among its notable buildings is the Gladstone Hotel, which claims to have the best beer on the Macleay River. The Gladstone Court House and Police Station have a heritage listing.
History
The area around Kempsey was extensively logged for its cedar trees. Pastoralists settled the cleared land and Kempsey developed as the service centre for the rich Macleay River Valley.
Things to do
- Explore the fascinating history of the district at the Macleay River Historical Society.
- Take Scenic Drive 14 through Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Scotts Head, a lovely journey through banana plantations, forests and farmland.
- Take in the river and town views from the Apex Historical Lookout on the southern side of the river.
Don’t miss
- Cruising the lower Macleay River with Osprey Cruises.
- The excellent products of the Sherwood Estate Wines.
- The local woodcrafts at The Woodshed.
- Grove of red cedars at Cedar Park, part of the Tamban Forest Drive.
- Birdwatching for jabiru along the Macleay River mudflats.
