Friends, chasing a classic Aussie town where river life meets empty beaches and big-sky headlands? Kempsey delivers.

It's the Macleay River's laid-back hub, famed for country music heritage and the iconic wide-brim hat, with rainforest-rimmed creeks and lighthouse lookouts minutes away.

Use this guide for clear costs, timing, transport, and easy add-on adventures.

Slim Dusty Centre

A modern museum celebrating a national music legend, with stage outfits, guitars, and immersive stories. Allow 60–90 minutes. Typical entry $10–$22 (family passes available). Open most days 10:00–16:00; check hours in school holidays. On-site café, parking, and accessible paths. It's 5 minutes' drive from the CBD.

Local Museum

In a Glenn Murcutt–designed building, the Kempsey Museum spans First Nations stories, timber history, river trade, textiles, and vintage tech. Expect $5–$10 entry or donation, 10:00–16:00 most days. Kids like the hands-on sections; combine with the visitor centre next door for maps and local tips.

Akubra Showroom

The factory store showcases the hat that's become an Australian icon. Browse sizes and colors; quality models typically $200–$300 and built to last. Open weekdays 09:00–16:00. It's a top spot for a durable, meaningful souvenir.

Aboriginal Art

At the same complex, the Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery features regional artists and rotating exhibits. Entry often free; pieces and handmade crafts start around $25. Great for ethically sourced gifts—scarves, homewares, and jewellery with provenance.

Hat Head

Just east, Hat Head National Park protects long beaches, dunes, rainforest pockets, and high headlands. NSW day-use fee $8/vehicle. Birdlife is prolific and walking tracks range from easy foreshore strolls to heath-top lookouts. Pack water, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen.

Cape Lighthouse

The Cape Lighthouse crowns a 111-metre headland with commanding ocean views. Grounds are free; occasional tower tours $15–$20. May–Nov brings whale sightings. Nearby heritage cottages book out early in peak season—expect $220–$380/night.

Crescent Head

This headland village is a surf favorite. Killick Beach offers a famously long right-hander; board hire $25–$40, lessons $60–$90. Families love calm Killick Creek for wading at high tide. Walk to the headland lookout for sunrise and winter whale watching.

Goolawah Beach

South of Crescent Head, Goolawah National Park is essentially five kilometres of wild, uncrowded sand. Swim the shallows, beachcomb, or camp beside the dunes ($15–$25 pp, book ahead). Expect wildlife at dawn and star-filled skies after dark.

Riverside Park

Right in town, Kempsey Riverside Park makes an easy break on Pacific Highway trips. Free BBQs, tables, and a big playground with a flying fox. The monthly Saturday market (usually 08:00–13:00) brings produce, plants, crafts, and street eats from $6–$15.

Rudder Lookout

Across the river, Rudder Park frames Kempsey and the Macleay from a grassy hill. Bring a picnic for sunset; facilities include shade, tables, and a small play area. It's a quick detour after the riverside market.

Culture Park

Book a Wigay Aboriginal Culture Park tour to learn traditional plant uses across rainforest and wetland pockets. Guided sessions from $20 adults / $10 kids (by appointment). Self-guided weekday walks are usually free—watch for signed plants and seasonal bushfoods.

Music Festival

Each September, the Slim Dusty Festival fills landscaped grounds with performances, songwriting sessions, bush poetry, and craft demos. Day tickets often $35–$50; multi-day passes $90–$150. Plenty of family-friendly daytime programming.

South West Rocks

Thirty minutes east, this beach town packs a lot in. Horseshoe Bay suits gentle swims; Trial Bay and Gap Beach offer more space. Experienced divers target Fish Rock Cave; charters $200–$250 for two dives. Flatwater fans can SUP Back Creek ($20–$30/hr).

Trial Bay Gaol

Granite ruins overlooking turquoise water in Arakoon National Park. Exhibits and a climbable watchtower make the history vivid. Entry $12 adults / $8 children; allow 60–90 minutes. Combine with nearby headland walks and winter whale spotting.

Visitor Centre

Back at the Murcutt complex in South Kempsey, the Macleay Valley Coast Visitor Centre has maps, local advice, and souvenirs. There's plenty of parking (including long-rigs), a playground, an off-leash dog area, and shaded lawns for a leg-stretch.

Practical Planner

Getting there: Kempsey sits on the Pacific Highway. Driving times: Sydney 4.5–5 hrs, Brisbane 5.5–6.5 hrs, Port Macquarie 45 mins. NSW TrainLink services stop at Kempsey Station. Car hire in regional hubs from $55–$90/day.

Staying: Motels $95–$150, cabins $120–$200, powered sites $25–$40. Book early for school holidays.

Eating: Riverside cafés, bakery pies, veggie pasties, fish-and-chips, and fresh market fare.

Safety: Rips can occur; swim between flags where patrolled. Carry water on headland walks. Drive cautiously at dusk due to wildlife.

Conclusion

Kempsey shines when you mix culture (museums, gallery, festival), river downtime, and easy coastal adventures from Hat Head to South West Rocks. Which will you tackle first—lighthouse views, longboard lines, or a heritage deep-dive? Share your pick and any secret picnic spots you discover!