Visitor Information

Visitor Information

Explore the Nambucca Valley

The name Nambucca is derived from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘entrance to waters’. Explore the tranquil waterway where bottlenose dolphins frolic in the estuary. Golfers will be thrilled, too. The Island Golf Club is an 18-hole course on Stuart Island in the middle of the river.

For sweeping views of Nambucca beaches and beyond, the Captain Cook Lookout above pretty Shelly Beach is a great vantage point for whale watching when majestic humpback whales migrate along the coast between May and November.

In a beachside reserve at Shelly Beach are picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Beach fishing is popular, and there is a boat ramp at the southern end. Other popular beaches north of Shelly include Beilbys Beach and Main Beach, home of the Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club.

South of the river mouth is Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, jointly managed with the Gumbaynggir Aboriginal people, the traditional owners. South Beach is a favourite for experienced surfers and beach fishers. There are rainforest walking trails, and Warrell Creek is ideal for kayaking.

The Nambucca Valley is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and only 40min drive south of Coffs Harbour. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour Airport or you can catch the train from Sydney. Plenty of waterfront accommodation is available, from caravanning and camping in holiday parks to luxury retreats.

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Accommodation

Find the perfect place to stay for your holiday

Shopping

Discover some unique products and antiques in our boutique stores.

Gaagal Wanggaan National Park

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park offers a variety of water activities and other great things to do like kayaking, swimming, boating and fishing.

Visitor Guide

View the Nambucca Valley Visitor Guide online

4WD Beach Permits

Get your 4WD Beach permits here

Yarriabini National Park

Explore Yarriabini National Park on a school excursion or day trip. Enjoy spectacular coastal views, a rainforest walk or a scenic drive, as well several great birdwatching and picnicking spots.

Things to do

Jump in the car and discover some hidden gems.

Local Maps

Download our wide range of free maps and brochures

Kayak Hire

Take the family for a sunset paddle

Featured Attractions

Check out some of our top locations and attractions wine, food, and scenic options for the wonderful Nambucca Valley. We can’t wait to show you around!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common question we are asked. If you need further assistance, please drop into our Visitor Information Centre where one of our local experts can assist you, or email us at info@nambuccavalley.com.au

The Nambucca Valley is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and only 40min drive south of Coffs Harbour. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour Airport or you can catch the train from Sydney. Plenty of waterfront accommodation is available, from caravanning and camping in holiday parks to luxury retreats.

The short answer is no – an official licence is not needed to fish in New South Wales. You do, however, legally need to pay the New South Wales Recreational Fishing Fee. Keeping this receipt on hand when you are out on both salt and freshwater acts as a form of licence.

More information can be found at: 
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee

Train and coach timetables can be found on the Transport NSW website: https://transportnsw.info/regional-north-coast-line

Access onto the beach in the Nambucca Valley is permitted at certain locations in Nambucca Valley, Scotts Head and Valla Beach. Permits are required, a two-week tourist permit is available along with an annual permit. Permits can be purchased at the Nambucca Valley Visitor Information Centre in Nambucca Heads or at Council’s Administration Centre in Macksville.

More information, including a beach access map, is available here:

https://nambucca.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-QTW-44-38-10

There are several boat ramps in the Nambucca Valley, adjacent to rivers and beaches. They are suitable for launching boats for the enjoyment of a variety of recreational pursuits.  Boat ramps are in Nambucca Heads, Macksville, Scotts Head, Bowraville, and Valla Beach. For a full list of locations, please visit:

https://www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-YSE-67-52-23

The Nambucca Valley has several incredible lookouts, that will transport you to a real-life postcard. Lookouts over the ocean are the perfect spot to view the annual humpback whale migration or spot a pod of dolphins playing. Lookouts nestled atop of mountains offer scenic views of the Nambucca Valley all the way to the coast.

  • Captain Cook Lookout, Nambucca Heads
  • Rotary Lookout, Nambucca Heads
  • Lions Lookout, Nambucca Heads
  • Headland Lookout, Nambucca Heads
  • Nyambaga Walking Trail Platform , Nambucca Heads
  • Wakki Beach Lookout, Scotts Head
  • Headland Lookout, Scotts Head
  • Lookouts in Valla Beach along Valla Beach Road
  • Kosekai Lookout, Dunggir National Park
  • Yarrahapinni Mountain Lookout, Yarriabini National Park
  • Killiekrankie Lookout, Gumbaynggirr National Park/New England National Park

There are several pet friendly accommodation options around Nambucca Valley, where well behaved pets are welcome. Your pets should be vaccinated, flea, tick and heartworm treated. Please check with the individual accommodation venues for facilities and condition of stay.

There are several beaches in the Nambucca Valley that are dog friendly. Details can be found here: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/nambucca-heads.shtml

Mobile phone coverage in the area is generally great, although in some more rural areas you may lose the signal. This is also dependent on your service provider.

Where to find us

Please come and see us and pick up the information you need to make
your holiday in the Nambucca Valley memorable and comfortable.

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