Dine beachside

The surf fuel cafe is located in Waves Campground at Crescent Head. You can order your bacon-and-egg roll or almond latte and then walk a few steps down to the beach and enjoy them with your toes in the sand. The menu is seasonal, so that you might find granola and seasonal fruits or roasted mushrooms with cashew cheese. Lunchtime is the perfect time to try the beer-battered fish and chips.

Discover a legend

Slim Dusty was a guitarist, songwriter, and producer. Was there anything he couldn’t do in the world of country music? Slim Dusty Centre, Kempsey, is the only place where the late artist’s talents are on display. It’s not necessary to like his music to understand the impact he made on Australia. He was the first Australian artist to have a number-one international song.

Love Lumah

Kempsey’s sustainable dining scene, whether you call it farm to plate or paddock to table, is alive and kicking. Lumah Restaurant in Crescent Head is a great example. Inspired dishes include char-grilled Milly Hill Lamb Rump from New England or blue swimmer crab pasta made with crab sustainably caught in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The view of the Pacific will certainly capture your attention if they do not.

Get Active

If you want to spend a whole day playing sports, the South West Rocks Country Club is a great choice. You can play golf, 10-pin bowling, or lawn bowls. Croquet, tennis, and croquet are also available. There are three dining choices, including the diner-style delights at Social Alley.

To market, to sell

Kempsey’s Riverside Market is held on the first Saturday of every month from 8 am to 1 pm. Stock up your cooler with fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, and art. You can also pick up souvenirs such as relishes, handmade soaps, or locally-made art. While you browse, enjoy live music, bacon-and-egg sandwiches, and stellar coffee.

Pump up the Volume

You’ll want your family to head straight for the West Kempsey Pump Track if you have BMX or skateboarders in the house. The undulating path is banked and allows you to cruise the hills on roller skates, bikes, scooters, or skateboards. This is a safe and fun path that’s suitable for kids of any age.

Golf in the Great Outdoors

What is a weekend getaway without a game of golf? Especially if it’s played alongside a herd of kangaroos. Kempsey Golf Club is an 18-hole par-72 course designed by Arthur W. East. The study, which is gently undulating, is framed by bushland and is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds.

Strolling from the south to the east

The South to East Kempsey Walk will make you know Kempsey better than anyone else. This 7km easy trail will take you through gardens and parks and along the Macleay River. You will also walk through the East Kempsey Cemetery with its green spaces, shady trees, and peaceful atmosphere.

Enjoy a homebrew

Sam Preston and Amanda Preston are a husband-and-wife team who are passionate about their Bucket Brewery in Kempsey. Try their brews in South Kempsey, including the Charlie Bucket Stout (a chocolate stout infused with vanilla) and the Coffee Lager. Learn more about the brewing processes with a guided tasting and tour. If you’re lucky, Miss Bucket might be there to accompany you.

Nature is awe-inspiring

Yarrahapinni is an ancient landscape that has deep spiritual significance to both the Dunghutti people and Gumbaynggirr. Explore old-growth forests with flooded hoop and gum trees, listen to Aboriginal Dreamtime tales, or enjoy the breathtaking views of the coast.