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KEMPSEY - NEW SOUTH WALES - 2440
Population: 10,300,  
Height above sea level: ,  
Latitude: 32.00.00,   Longitude: 152.47.00
Location:  430km north of Sydney
Highway: Pacific Hwy (1) 
Nearest Major Town: Kempsey
Nearest Airport: Kempsey
Touring Area: North Coast NSW



The city of Kempsey is on the Pacific Highway (1), nestled in the Macleay Valley on the MacLeay River roughly half way between Sydney and the Gold Coast. A short distance inland, it is a touring centre for the seaside resorts of Crescent Head, Hat Head, Grassy Head, South West Rocks and Stuart's Point.
These pristine beaches are protected from over development by the Hat Head National Parks, Arakoon State Recreation Area, Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve and the Goolawah Reserve. The Macleay River meanders through the valley and provides an aquatic playground for sports such as skiing, canoeing, boating, fishing and sailing. Fertile rural land, dense forests, crystal clear streams and quaint cournty villages create a natural tapestry as the valley stretches west to the great Dividing Range and the magnificence of the world heritage Werrikimbe National Park.
Great fishing, surfing, sailing, paddling, snorkelling and diving can all be enjoyed on this 80km stretch of coast.
To the west, the forests, mountains and grazing lands of the Upper Macleay area hold the pretty little villages of Willawarrin and Bellbrook, pretty villages with historic interest and quaint facades. Bellbrook is classified by the National Trust.
All around Kempsey there are national parks, interesting drives and walks, and peaceful riverside rest stops. The many fine beaches provide plenty of opportunity for swimming and surfing and are renowned for the clear waters and white sands. Crescent Head has played host to the Malibu surfing titles and each year in May, the Crescent Head Malibu Classic is held.
Fishing is another popular pastime with estuary, beach, freshwater, rock, bluewater and diving all popular. For divers, the many caves and reefs of the coastline offer plenty of opportunity to explore the caverns, fish and coral around the bays.
The variety of accommodation is vast - guesthouses, bed and breakfast, homestay, motels, hotels, caravan parks, camping grounds, self-contained units, cottages and cabins set in the bush- something for everyone! There are many and varied restaurants, cafes and takeaway food outlets available.
Call in at the Tourist Information Centre and discover the many attractions. sporting facilities and exciting events that make Kempsey and the Macleay Valley a great place to visit at any time of the year.
A holiday in Kempsey can be a rewarding experience for the whole family.

PLACES OF INTEREST:
  • Rudder Park: Site of the home of Enoch Rudder, founder of Kempsey
  • Kempsey Cultural Centre and Museum:
  • Day tours to South West Rocks, and around the Macleay Valley with stops at Crescent Head, Hat Head, Stuarts Point and Grassy Head.
  • Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve
  • Hat Head National Park
  • Goolawah Reserve
  • Arakoon State Recreation Area
  • Werrikimbe National Park, World Heritage Rainforest
  • Try diving in the many caves and reefs around Kempsey. The Fish Rock Cave, 2km. south of Smoky Cape is one of the largest ocean caverns in the world. Enquiries to the Information centre or the Fish Rock Dive Centre Ph: (02) 6566 6614



    ACCOMMODATION SEARCH

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    INFORMATION CENTRE

    Kempsey Tourist Information Centre
    South Kempsey Park. P.O. Box 78.
    West Kempsey. NSW. 2440. Ph: 02 6563 1555
    Fax: (02) 6563 1537
    Open 9am. to 5pm. weekdays. 10-4 weekends and public holidays.

    HOW TO GET THERE:
    Express Coach Companies
  • Greyhound Pioneer: 13 12 38
  • Kirklands: 1800 028 906
  • Lindsays: 1800 027 944
  • McCafferty's: 1800 076 211
  • Great Lakes Coaches: 1800 043 263

    Air Services
  • There is a regional airport at Kempsey
    Rail Services
  • CountryLink: 13 22 32

    National Car Rental Companies
  • Avis: 1800 225 533
  • Budget: 13 27 27
  • Hertz: 13 30 39
  • Thrifty: 1800 652 008



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    © Copyright Peter W. Wilkins