For lovers of adventure and the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. The Macleay Valley Coast offers world-class surfing, fishing and diving experiences, and a hinterland full of spectacular bush walks and exciting mountain bike trails just waiting to be discovered.
Learn to ride the waves
Crescent Head is a surfing paradise. It is a National Surfing Reserve and the world-famous point break is one of the longest rides in Australia – so you couldn’t ask for a more iconic place to learn how to surf! On Point Surf School offers lessons for both individuals and groups, from beginner to intermediate to ripper. Your instructor Steve Firkin is a veteran surfer and boardmaker who is passionate about passing on his knowledge to fledgling surfers. Bring your towel and a positive frame of mind and Steve will get you confident in the water in no time. You’ll find On Point Surf School near the boat ramp at Killick Creek on the main reserve in Crescent Head.
Hit the bike trails
Montem Bike Tours is your first port of call for a cycling adventure on the Macleay Valley Coast. It has a great range of bikes for all ages, with everything from cruisers to mountain bikes to tandem bikes. Whether you’re after a leisurely ride around town, or you want to get your heart racing on the Kalateenee Mountain Bike trails, Montem Bike Tours can help you out. Visit Olly and Kristy at the Montem Hub Cafe at the Kempsey Golf Club, who will share their passion for mountain biking and love of the great outdoors. They operate a fully mobile business so can meet you near your accommodation or trails: just make sure to book 48 hours in advance.
Dive with grey nurse sharks
Just off the coast of South West Rocks is one of Australia’s most spectacular dive sites: Fish Rock Cave. The thrill of entering a 125-metre-long cave and travelling to the centre of a small island is one you won’t forget. This underwater world is home to an amazing and diverse array of marine life, including endangered grey nurse sharks. While their pointed teeth give them a somewhat fearsome appearance, they are gentle and harmless to humans. You are also likely to encounter black cod, large wobbegong sharks, black rays and giant cuttlefish. South West Rocks Dive Centre is a family-owned and-operated business offering guided dives at the site since 1981. It caters to all levels of experience, so you’re in good hands with the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Get a bird’s eye view
To truly take in the stunning views of the region from a whole new perspective, you can book a joy flight with City and Country Air Charters. Flights operate from Kempsey Airport and allow you to experience the beauty and majesty of Smoky Cape and Hat Head. You can even spot whales from the air during their migration! Surprise your significant other with a romantic sunset flight, or take the kids on an experience they’ll never forget.
Keep it reel
The Macleay Valley Coast is a fishing wonderland, and there are plenty of excellent fishing opportunities for both experienced and beginner anglers in the ocean and waterways. Hat Head, Stuarts Point and Grassy Head are popular spots to drop in a line, or you can book a trip with several fishing charter operators who guarantee a memorable and high-class fishing experience. Wildside Sport Fishing offers sport, reef and game fishing charters for all ages and levels of experience, or you can hop aboard the Lauren Maree with Trial Bay Fishing Charters and try to land the big one!
Hike your heart out
The bush and coastal walks of the Macleay Valley Coast overlook breathtaking beaches, pristine coastline and hinterland rainforest, meaning hiking here is an endless ‘choose your own adventure.’ Some of the best coastal walks, from easy to challenging, are in the Arakoon and Hat Head National Parks. The 10-kilometre track from Little Bay to Smoky Cape is a challenging hike, or you can explore the shorter trails near the historic Trial Bay Gaol. Mount Yarriabini is a significant site for the Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr people: wander through the dense, old-growth forests and enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the whole coastline.
Read more about the towns along the Macleay Valley coast by clicking here.
For a complete guide to adventure activities in Australia, click here, and check out the best nature and wildlife experiences in the country here!
Travel to the Macleay Valley Coast
Rex flies to Port Macquarie, and from there it’s a short 40-minute drive to the heart of the Macleay Valley Coast. Book your flights here and check out the Rex route map below!
