Macksville
The Kombi Keg van on Wallace Lane, Macksville
Macksville
A bustling river port until 1953, Macksville, on the banks of the Nambucca River, melds rural charm with a relaxed water-based lifestyle. Boaties and fisherfolk are lured to the sparkling waterways, while the beach at nearby Scotts Head is popular with surfers. The town is also brimming with history and heritage, from its Indigenous past to pioneering life.
Highlights
Local culture
Explore Macksville’s pioneering heritage on a downloadable history walk, strolling along the river and visiting sites such as the 1919 railway station, the Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage and Museum, the beautifully-restored Star Hotel, established in 1885, and the Macksville Hotel, a community hub for more than 100 years. To gain insights into the life and culture of the Gumbaynggirr traditional owners of the Coffs Coast region, visit the Gumbaynggirr Keeping Place.
Nambucca River, Macksville - Credit: Seen Australia
Discover the town’s artistic spirit with a walk down Wallace Lane, running between the Nambucca River and the main street. It’s an open-air art gallery lined with vibrant murals that celebrate local culture, history and stories. Every night, the riverfront around the Macksville Bridge is illuminated with a colourful light display. Get a taste of local country music at the annual Macksville Music Muster in February.
Wallace Lane Murials, Macksville
Just west of Macksville in the tiny village of Taylor’s Arm is The Pub with No Beer, made famous by country music singer Slim Dusty's hit 1957 song with the same name. To the north in Bowraville is more heritage, from the verandahs on the main street to the art deco Bowraville Theatre and the Frank Partridge VC Military Museum.
The Pub with No Beer, Taylors Arm - Credit: Sara Jayne Prince Photography
Outdoor adventures
Macksville is surrounded by lush coastal ranges, state forests and national parks. Explore the Yarriabini National Park on the Way Way Creek Road, a touring route that winds through tall subtropical rainforest. Follow a mountain bike trail through the wilderness or relax at the tranquil Pines picnic area, near the rainforest walking track. A short drive away is the spectacular Yarriabini lookout.
In the coastal Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, you can walk through 11 different ecosystems. Warrell Creek inside the park is a calm estuary perfect for kayaking, canoeing and birdwatching. Further inland, explore Dunggir National Park and the Kosekai lookout’s great views of the splendid Nambucca Valley, with many endangered species including koalas, yellow-bellied gliders and parma wallabies.
Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, Scotts Head
The cool beach village of Scotts Head is one of the Mid North Coast’s most famous surf spots, with a long right-hand point break that can run for 50 to 150 metres under the headland. There’s even a viewing platform above the break where you can watch the action – it’s also a top vantage point for whale watching between May and November.
Scotts Head - Credit: Nambucca Valley Visitor Information Centre
Getting there
Macksville is just over five hour’s drive from Sydney, an easy 40-minute drive south from Coffs Harbour and an hour north of Port Macquarie. Or take things slow and follow the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip north over a week. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to the nearby Coffs Harbour Airport. You can also get the train direct from Sydney, which takes about 7.5 hours. 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.
