Wauchope
Bago Maze and Winery, Wauchope
Wauchope
On the banks of the Hasting River, the hinterland town of Wauchope on may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to rural charm. It’s also a great base for exploring the immense national parks and state forests that surround, and makes a great day trip from Port Macquarie.
Highlights
A charming country town
Just 20 minutes from Port Macquarie, Wauchope made its riches in the 19th century, when the timber trade took off. The town has come a long way since its yee-haw roots, however, with its streets now lined with boutique fashion outlets, stylish homeware stores and cool cafes, all while retaining its laid-back charm.
Townscapes, Wauchope
Hit the road
Wauchope promotes itself as ‘motorcycle-friendly’, encouraging bikers (and road-trip enthusiasts) to stop by and rest in its cafes and club before taking the iconic 300-bend ride along the Oxley Highway toward Walcha through the Cottan-Bimbang National Park. Motoring enthusiasts can also enjoy the windy country road to Byabarra and Comboyne to discover majestic escarpments, panoramic views, forests, as well as dairy and fruit farms.
Motorcycle riding, Wauchope
Back to nature
Lace up your walking shoes to marvel at Old Bottlebutt, a 200-year-old bloodwood tree with a 16-metre girth, located in the Burrawan State Forest along the beautiful Bago Road. And if you like chasing waterfalls, you’ve come to the right place – drop in on plummeting Rawson Falls in the Boorganna Nature Reserve, among many others.
In Willi Willi National Park, take in the scenery from the Wilson River picnic area and tackle the 3.5-kilometre Waterfall Walk, which encompasses pretty rainforest, a magnificent strangler fig, and a waterfall and pool. Or check out Mount Boss State Forest, a local favourite home to a waterhole perfect for a summer dip and two camping areas.
Burrawan State Forest, Herons Creek
More things to do
At Bago Maze and Wine, the kids can get lost in one of the world’s largest hedge mazes while the adults enjoy a wine tasting and cheese platter at the cellar door. The maze’s design is so incredible that it wins design awards around the world. Meanwhile, design of a different kind is on display in the town’s Oxley Lane, where the Walls of Wauchope project has seen artists decorate walls with eye-popping murals.
Just a stone's throw from Wauchope, Beechwood Hotel is a classic country pub and a great spot to fuel up on your hinterland adventure.
Bago Maze and Winery, Wauchope
Getting there and where to stay
Wauchope is about four hours’ drive north of Sydney, 6.5 hours south of Brisbane and just 20 minutes from Port Macquarie. Trains stop at Wauchope Station and the journey from Sydney takes just under seven hours, or you can fly into Port Macquarie Airport and hire a car to explore the region. Accommodation options include motels and campgrounds.
