Nestled on the Macleay River, Kempsey is a water lover’s paradise near world-famous surf breaks and ample fishing and swimming spots. There’s a wealth of bush treks through surrounding national parks, while Heritage-listed buildings and fascinating museums dot the town centre.
Things to do in Kempsey
Explore the Macleay River with boat hire, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Keen anglers can cast lines out for bass, bream and mulloways, while those looking for a picnic spot should head to Kempsey Riverside Park. About 20 kilometres away is Crescent Head, home to renowned surf breaks and a lookout with panoramic Pacific Ocean vistas.
Are you interested in Aboriginal culture and history? Head to Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park for complete immersion in Indigenous food and medicine sourced from native trees and plants. Afterwards, admire a collection of authentic Indigenous artwork, including dot paintings, at Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery. Along with paintings, you can purchase woven baskets, wood carvings and textiles.
Discover the life and legacy of one of Australia’s legendary country music stars at the Slim Dusty Centre. Here you can take a guided tour of Slim Dusty’s music memorabilia, watch documentaries in the theatre, listen to his songs in a recording studio and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.
Held on the first Saturday of every month, the Kempsey Riverside Market is the perfect chance to sample the region’s local produce, purchase artisan goods and crafts and treat the kids to family-friendly live entertainment. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Willi Willi National Park, home to walking trails, verdant rainforest and native animals.
Getting around Kempsey
The fastest route to Kempsey is by flying into Port Macquarie Airport, about 50 kilometres away, from Sydney or Brisbane. You can also drive there from Sydney in five hours and Brisbane in six hours. Kempsey’s town centre is easily explored on foot, but you’ll need a car to venture further afield.