Nambucca Heads
Nambucca Heads - Credit: Poppy Pop Top Creative | Nambucca Valley Council
Deriving its name from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘entrance to waters’, Nambucca Heads is a relaxed seaside town at the mouth of the Nambucca River. Soak up its natural beauty, from sparkling waters where dolphins play to pockets of rainforest that line the shore, and explore its vibrant arts scene.
Highlights
Local colour
Nambucca Heads’ rich heritage and fascinating stories are on display throughout the town. Start at the famous V-Wall, where vibrant artworks have been painted along the rocks of the breakwall by locals and visitors over many years. Along the foreshore, you can walk through thousands of years of culture and coastal beauty along the Nyambaga Bindarry Public Art Trail. Striking artworks and interpretive signs tell the stories of the Gumbaynggirr people and their connection to this land.
V-Wall Outdoor Gallery, Nambucca Heads - Credit: Rob Cleary
Copyright: Seen Australia
On Bowra St, you’ll find the Nambucca Heads street mosaic, which tells the story of the Nambucca River from the mountains to the sea. Visit The Stringer Art Gallery inside the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre to see works from local artists and themed exhibitions. For something unique, tee off at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club, Australia’s first island golf club. You may even be able to watch dolphins swimming past as you swing.
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club, Nambucca Heads - Credit: Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club Ltd
River & beaches
You’re never far from the water in Nambucca Heads. There are four ocean beaches along the coast, including the calm Shelly Beach – once named the best mainland beach in Australia – and Main Beach, which is patrolled in summer and popular with swimmers and surfers. Along the river, estuary beaches are ideal for families, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Main Beach, Nambucca Heads
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.
Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, Nambucca Heads - Credit: Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park
On two wheels
Ride through the pretty hinterland countryside on the Macksville-Nambucca Heads Cycleway, a 25-kilometre return route that’s flat and easy. Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park in the Nambucca Heads State Forest has trails suitable for all ages and levels of experience.
Macksville - Nambucca Heads Cycleway, Nambucca Heads - Credit: Poppy Pop Top Creative
Copyright: Nambucca Valley Council
Where to stay
Accommodation in Nambucca Heads includes multiple holiday parks, a retro hotel and holiday houses. Reflections Nambucca Heads sits right behind Main Beach, is pet friendly and has everything from tent sites to cabins. Other popular parks include Ingenia Holidays Nambucca Heads and Big4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Nambucca Heads. The Cubana Resort is a classic seaside motel reborn with a touch of vintage glamour, surrounded by lush gardens and close to the river.
Ingenia Holidays Nambucca Heads, Nambucca Heads - Credit: Ingenia Communities
Getting there
Nambucca Heads is just over five hours’ drive from Sydney and around 40 minutes south of Coffs Harbour. Or take things slow and make this a memorable stop on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip, as you explore the spectacular NSW North Coast. You can also catch the train direct from Sydney, which takes around eight hours. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour Airport. If you don’t drive here, hiring a car is the best way to explore the Coffs Coast region and its many scenic drives, including the Waterfall Way.
