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Spend some time to discover why
locals and regular visitors call this Paradise.
Being the start of sub tropical
Australia, Nambucca boasts a most enviable climate. Summer
maximum temperatures are usually in the high 20’s and on the
rare occasions when it is above 32 degrees C, a cooling sea
breeze usually kicks in. Winter nights can be brisk but the days
are mild and ocean temperature is around 20 degrees.
Realistically it is possible to enjoy the surf on all but the
bleakest winter days.
The clean, uncrowded beaches of
Scotts Head, Nambucca Heads and Valla Beach have long been
popular family holiday destinations. Some have made this their
holiday destination or short getaway for over forty years –
others are just now discovering the safe surfing conditions with
waves to suit all levels, and the long, wide beaches of sand so
clean it squeaks beneath your feet.
Fishing is a popular and rewarding
recreation in the Nambucca. Choose from deep sea, beach, rock,
estuary or fresh water angling. Boat hire operators, bait and
tackle suppliers, staff at the Visitor Information Centre or
fellow fishermen can advise where the best spots are located –
when you do catch the big one, make sure you register it in the
‘Fish of the Month/Year’ competition.
The Nambucca River system begins
its journey in the rainforests of the Great Dividing Range.
Through rolling hills and fertile farmland the journey continues
to the river town of Macksville where the main tributaries join.
These inland waterways are ideal for canoes and small craft. The
final stretch of river between Macksville and Nambucca Heads is
the breeding ground of the famous Nambucca River Oyster. It is
also a popular recreation area for water and jet skiing,
sail-boarding and sailing. The other arm of the river system,
Warrell Creek runs parallel to the coast from Nambucca Heads to
Scotts Head before turning inland. This river is an angler and
birdwatcher’s dream. Boat ramps are located at Nambucca Heads,
Macksville, Gumma and Scotts Head. Small, light craft can be
launched at many locations up-river.
Golf, lawn bowls and many
other sports can be enjoyed throughout the year. The challenging
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course must be Australia’s most
picturesque; and the courses at Bowraville and Macksville would
be amongst the friendliest. Bowlers will enjoy a game at Scotts
Head, Macksville, Bowraville or Nambucca Heads.
Bushwalkers and birdwatchers can
join local groups on regular treks through forests, National
Parks, Nature Reserves and rural roads. There is even an area of
rainforest complete with walking tracks in the centre of
Nambucca Heads. River boardwalks and pathways at Nambucca Heads
and Macksville provide easy, level walking surfaces. So that you
can fully appreciate the views and atmosphere, seats have been
strategically placed throughout all towns.
Nambucca’s history and heritage is
well documented in museums at Nambucca Heads, Bowraville and
Macksville. Many buildings from the early 1900’s have been
restored to their former glory. These include Bowraville Theatre
and heritage hotels in Bowraville, Macksville and Taylors Arm.
The Nambucca atmosphere awakens
many artistic talents. Galleries and shops, featuring various
works by locals, are scattered throughout the shire. Outdoor art
displays are another feature of the area. Vibrant mosaics and
murals at Scotts Head, Nambucca Heads, Bowraville and Yarriabini
National Park brighten the streets and reserves. All visitors
should wander along the colourful V Wall. This is a gallery of
“postcards” painted by vis-itors – you are encouraged to add
your thoughts.
Your accommodation options are
many – from tent sites at basic camping grounds to luxury units,
country resorts, waterside cabins and river houseboats. Staff at
the Visitor Information Centre can help you find the place to
suit your needs and budget.
Some of our events are a little
unusual. You might like to trek 26 kilometres to the Pub With No
Beer, enjoy a country race meeting at Bowraville Racecourse,
listen to the huffing, puffing and chugging of old tractors at
the Rusty Iron Rally, or admire the gleaming, colourful Hot
Rods.
To experience the natural beauty,
cultural richness and idealic lifestyle of the area it is best
to leave the highway and explore the network of secondary roads
and even some unsealed backroads.
EUNGAI RAIL & EUNGAI CREEK
The tiny villages of Eungai Rail &
Eungai Creek mark the Nambucca Shire southern boundary. Timber
was a prominent industry and a drive through the forest and
Ngambaa Nature Reserve will provide spectacular views and
probable encounters with fauna including wallabies, echidnas,
goannas and other reptiles.
SCOTTS HEAD
Scotts Head has been a popular
destination for families and surfers for many years. Main Beach
could possibly be Australia’s best – safe for all ages, good
waves to ride, clean sandy stretches and accessible headlands.
The Caravan Park is also a day recreation area with children’s
playground, picnic tables and gas barbeques. Yarriabini National
Park with The Pines Picnic Area and Mt Yarrahapinni Lookout is
only minutes from Scotts Head, providing welcome relief when you
are beached-out!
MACKSVILLE
The river town of Macksville is
the perfect place for motorists to break their journey – just
turn off the highway to relax in the parks on either side of the
river or around the billabong at the southern end of town.
Better still, drive a few kilometres to the peaceful riverside
picnic spots at Gumma or Talarm. Macksville is renowned for its
food – delicious macadamia nut products, award winning sausages,
hamburgers too big to get your mouth around, handmade chocolates
and creamy fudge. The heritage of the area is evident in the
Pioneer Cottage and two turn-of- the-century hotels.
TAYLORS ARM
The village of Taylors Arm is the
location of the famous Pub With No Beer. Regardless of the words
of the song, cool beer is on tap along with other drinks, meals
and accommodation.
Soak up the picturesque
countryside from the wide verandahs and learn about the early
timber and farming industries from the many photographs and
artifacts decorating the walls.
BOWRAVILLE
You must take time to visit the
heritage town of Bowraville. The wide streets were built for
bullock teams and many buildings survive in renovated splendour
from the early 1900’s. The Folk Museum is recognised as one of
the best in Australia and Frank Partridge VC Military Museum
displays the history of Australian Armed Forces. Cafes,
galleries, antiques and collectables plus the locals who enjoy a
chat will make this a place to remember.
NAMBUCCA HEADS
Nambucca Heads is a town with
something for everyone. The beaches and river lure anglers,
surfers, swimmers and boaters. Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops,
clubs and taverns have taste delights and views to die for. The
history of early settlement is shown in photographs and
artefacts at the Headland Museum. Galleries and public art show
the many local talents and visitors are invited to leave their
art as a postcard on the massive boulders that make up the V
Wall. If you want to get physical there’s golf, bowls and tennis
plus a gym and indoor sports centre – or miles of walking tracks
along the river and through the rainforest.
VALLA BEACH
Valla Beach is just a couple of
minutes off the highway and is the perfect hideaway – long
sweeping beaches and picture postcard views will ensure you make
a return visit. West of the highway is highly productive Valla
Rural. Here the tasty macadamia nut has replaced the red cedar
of yesteryear.
You may also discover some
localities with weird sounding names – Congarinni, location of
superb wetlands; Missabotti, the link between Bowraville and
Bellingen; Burrapine, Thumb Creek and Girralong nestling at the
edge of New England National Park, plus many more.
The Nambucca Valley is so easy to
get to and a great place to relax and spend quality time with
your loved ones. |
