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Mokea Designs — Image credit: Mokea Designs

Shopping and Markets

Mokea Designs

Mokea Designs is the design studio and Retail boutique of fashion design label Mokea. Browse through the Mokea styling along with a range of coastal inspired lifestyle clothing, hand chosen by the designer. the fashion garments in the Mokea brand are only created on a small scale, this gives the boutique a unique edge and is a burst of fresh colour and texture to walk into. The styling is dress up, dress down (smart-casual and Coastal), specialising in natural fibres that suit their trans-seasonal lifestyle. It is situated in the 'must visit' jewel heritage town of the Macleay Valley, which sits alongside the vast Macleay River , hosting a small array of unique retail shops, cafes and very welcoming Heritage Hotel.

Gladstone NSW

0.0 km away

Steam and Cedar_Gladstone_Macleay Valley Coast — Image credit: Macleay Valley Coast

Shopping and Markets

The Gladstone Hub

The Gladstone Hub is situated in the heart of the historical village of Gladstone, where you will find a network of businesses offering a unique range of products and services. They supply beautifully sourced and selected handmade items from hairclips and accessories to wall hangings, health foods and fair trade shopping. They also have an in-house local photographer, an artist, a jewellery designer and a maker, as well as other holistic services such as sound energy healing, yoga and so much more. The Gladstone Hub also has an eco-friendly takeaway Steam and Cedar on the block offering delicious freshly prepared food and drinks. Ask for their famous Drogher Toastie, named after the Drogher Boats that hauled cedar logs down the Macleay River many moons ago – you will not be disappointed!

Gladstone NSW

0.0 km away

Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery — Image credit: Macleay Valley Coast

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery

The Macleay Valley Art Gallery is a popular hub for Macleay Valley artists, offering a dedicated space for local exhibitions. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions in two gallery spaces and is a great place to discover both established and emerging artists in the area. Time your visit with the Gladstone Quality Markets, held on the third Sunday of the month, to experience this gorgeous village at its best.

Gladstone NSW

0.2 km away

Gladstone Shopping Macleay Valley Coast — Image credit: Macleay Valley Coast

Shopping and Markets

Gladstone Heritage Buildings

Gladstone is a must visit while you are in the Macleay, the quaint village is home to 19 beautifully preserved buildings that host local art galleries, an emporium, artisan finds and boutique shopping sourced both locally and internationally. Stretching along the banks of the Macleay River it is a relaxing and beautiful village making shopping a delightful experience. The Hub is a collective of businesses offering carefully crafted handmade products, gifts, coffee and wholesome health foods. After exploring, dine out at one of the many cafes, restaurants or the local pub. Trading hours for the majority of the shops are Wednesday-Sunday, closing Monday-Tuesday. Opening hours throughout the holidays may change to open all days. For an extra treat to the retail senses, visit on Gladstone Quality Market Day, which falls on the third Sunday of the month at Gladstone Park.

Gladstone NSW

0.4 km away

Macleay Valley Farm

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Macleay Valley Farm

The Macleay Valley Farm is a small family-friendly working farm at Syd Sutherlands Lane, Clybucca on the Mid North Coast just a short 20-minute drive from South West Rocks, 20 minutes from Hat Head, 30 minutes from Crescent Head, 45 minutes from Port Macquarie and 55 minutes from Coffs Harbour. A place where the kids and adults can hug a lamb, lay with a cow, feed an alpaca or simply just enjoy a delicious coffee or something to eat while the kids run off some of that excess energy exploring the farm. They have lambs, alpacas, goats, chickens, turkeys, geese, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, cows, ducks, pigs, guinea fowl and a calf. You can even grab some local honey and homegrown seasonal vegetables to take home with you!

Bellimbopinni NSW

5.9 km away

Frederickton Golf Course — Image credit: Frederickton Golf Course

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Frederickton Golf Club

Frederickton Golf Club features a well-groomed, picturesque nine-hole course that provides plenty of challenges for the keen golfer and the weekend hacker alike. The club is known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and hospitality, with the club offering a bistro every Friday night, and the kitchen opens for lunch on Saturday. They also cater for functions. As well as the bistro they also offer a barbecue area which can be used by social groups, you bring the meat and they can provide the rest. Out on the course, the golfers are well catered for with six carts for hire at great rates and green fee specials on Sunday when it will only cost you AUD10 for a round.

Frederickton NSW

6.5 km away

Hat Head National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Hat Head National Park

Hat Head National Park, near Kempsey, is a place of exceptional beauty. The beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands offer an ideal backdrop for bushwalking, camping or a quiet picnic. There is a choice of campgrounds, including campsites right by the beach, or you could stay at the Smoky Cape lighthouse keepers' cottage with its stunning coastal views, be sure to take a guided tour. There are lots of walking tracks to choose from, excellent fishing and whale watching. Birdwatchers can look for black swans and spoonbills in the park's wetlands, hawks and eagles soaring above beach cliffs and shorebirds like curlews and plovers around the beach.

Hat Head NSW

8.1 km away

South Smoky Beach Macleay Valley Coast — Image credit: Macleay Valley Coast

Natural Attractions

South Smoky Beach

South Smoky Beach stretches north to Smoky Cape Lighthouse and has four-wheel drive access for those with a beach driving permit. South Smoky Beach is a long sandy beach where you can pull up a million miles from anyone and have the beach to yourself which is great if you want to go sunbaking away from the crowds. Depending on swell direction and the location of sand bars, several beach breaks can be found producing a mixture of left and right-hand waves for the experienced surfer. On most days you can have the break to yourself.

Kinchela NSW

8.6 km away

The mouth of Korogoro Creek in Hat Head — Image credit: Macleay Valley Coast

Natural Attractions

Snorkel Korogoro Creek

Hat Head Village is located in the heart of Hat Head National Park. The area is characterised by excellent surfing beaches, good fishing and snorkelling. It is also noted for the whales and dolphins off the coast which can be viewed from many headland points. One of the top things to do in the Macleay Valley is to snorkel at Hat Head Creek. Make sure to time it just before high tide when the creek is full and brimming with marine life. The water in the creek is picture-perfect and crystal clear and reaches up to two metres of depth in places. Keep an eye out for hermit crabs, flat heads, mullets and even octopus ( tip look for the ink in the sand and they will be nearby). There is an abundance of mangroves in the creek that are an important part of the marine ecosystem, make sure not to tread on these! They are a vital part of the habitat and fish nursery. For the more adventurous you can snorkel into the ocean which wraps around Hat Head Mountain which is frequented by Wobbegong Sharks, so keep an eye out for these.

Hat Head NSW

10 km away

Kinchela Trig Lookout Walk — Image credit: Photo: Debby McGerty/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Kinchela Trig Lookout Walk

This short track leads gently uphill to reveal spectacular views of coastal estuaries and mountain hinterland, on the North Coast of NSW, south of Nambucca Heads. Not far from Hungry Gate campground, it’s a great introduction to the remote wilderness of the southern section of Hat Head National Park. Kinchela Trig lookout walk winds through well-established banksia groves up to the trig station, marked with a concrete plinth. In spring, the vibrant red banksia flowers make for excellent birdwatching, attracting rosellas and cockatoos. During summer, the surrounding bush comes to life with cicada song. Enjoy the fresh breeze off the ocean, as you take in the dramatic coastline stretching as far as the eye can see. Directly in front, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the headland. Keep your eyes peeled as sea-eagles and brahminy kites cruise the skies above this rugged stretch of coast.

Hat Head NSW

11 km away

Korogoro Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Debby McGerty/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Korogoro Walking Track

Korogoro Walking Track is a 3.2 kilometre Loop with panoramic coastal views are only one of the attractions on this moderate track, encircling the headland at Hat Head. Korogoro walking track, on the easternmost tip of Hat Head National Park, winds through rare littoral rainforest and heathlands, dotted with wildflowers and endangered native grasses. As the path climbs steeply, stop to catch your breath and admire the stand of she-oaks; an important food source for glossy black cockatoos. The region is also home to rare kangaroo grasses which, although threatened, are thriving in the park due to the dedicated efforts of rangers and local community groups. Emerging through windswept banksias, enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze. A perfect spot for a break, take in the spectacular view over a picnic lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for the distinct white flannel flowers that burst into bloom in spring.

Hat Head NSW

11 km away

Gap Beach Picnic Area

Natural Attractions

Gap Beach Picnic Area

Nestled between rocky headlands with a backdrop of lush rainforest, Gap Beach is a beautiful place to go fishing, surfing or swimming. This basic picnic area tucked at the southern end of Gap Beach has a picnic table and non-flush toilet. It's the perfect getaway when you're staying at Smoky Cape campground or Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages. With a 4WD vehicle, you can drive to the end of South Gap Beach Road, then make a short walk to this beach. Boasting pristine white sand, Please note that this beach is not patrolled. Gap Beach is also a lovely place to cool off when exploring the many walking tracks of South West Rocks.

Hat Head NSW

11 km away

Kempsey Corporate and Workwear

Shopping and Markets

Kempsey Corporate and Workwear

Established in 2014, Kempsey Corporate and Workwear offers a wide selection of premium workwear, corporate and casual fashion, and all your embroidery needs. With iconic brands like Akubra, you can find timeless hats and belts that capture the essence of Australian style. Step into comfort with Mongrel Boots, available in both leisure and work styles, perfect for any occasion. Explore the rugged yet stylish Wrangler classic jeans, a must-have in any wardrobe. Whether you need reliable workwear or stylish fashion pieces, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Kempsey Corporate and Workwear provide the best brands and quality to meet your needs. Discover more in store.

Kempsey NSW

11 km away

Connors Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Debby McGerty/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Connors Walking Track

Tracing the rugged coastline, in northern NSW near Kempsey, this moderately challenging track offers delights all year round. Close to Hungry Gate campground in the southern section of Hat Head National Park, Connors walking track offers fantastic whale watching in autumn, brilliant wildflowers in spring, and secluded beaches in summer. In the warmer months, you might see vibrant paper daisies and pea flowers, dotted among the gnarled banksias in the heathland. Gazing across the rocky platforms, look for the nearby blowhole which puts on a spectacular show when a southerly wind blows. Winding through rainforest and sheltered gullies, you’ll be treated to spectacular coastal views. The track gently winds down to Connors Beach, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waves. Enjoy a seaside picnic here, or continue along the headland trail to Third Beach.

Hat Head NSW

12 km away

Coolamon Aboriginal Arts Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Coolamon Aboriginal Arts Gallery

Call into the Coolamon Arts Hub at Annecto on Smith Street to view the stunning original art exhibition featuring local Indigenous artists, many of whom are displaying their work for the first time. Artists working with the Coolamon Aboriginal Arts Hub create a wide range of traditional and contemporary artwork including paintings, carvings, sculptures and works on paper. The display was spearheaded by Dunghutti and Thunghutti elders with the aim of strengthening community bonds between elders and young people.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

K&A Boutique

Shopping and Markets

K&A Boutique

K&A Boutique is an established fashion store that has been proudly serving the Kempsey community for over 50 years. Offering clothing that suits a variety of ages, sizes and tastes, with styles that cater to every season and trend. From timeless classics to the latest looks, there’s something for everyone. The friendly and helpful staff ensure a personalised and exceptional shopping experience.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

Abstracted Outline of the Macleay River Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Abstracted Outline of the Macleay River Mural

Ash uses contemporary design elements to create a sense of motion and energy. Amongst these elements is the inclusion of important species and ecosystems of the Kempsey Shire forming a narrative to raise awareness of their importance and vulnerability. An abstracted outline of the Macleay River creates a dynamic shape throughout the work; offering negative space and balance yet wrapping the elements together and firmly grounding the piece to the Shire and the communities through which it flows. Included in the mural are: Spider orchid Swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains Green and golden bell frog Freshwater wetlands on coastal floodplains Lesser creeping Fern White-flowered wax plant" Ash Taylor is an early career muralist from Brisbane. She is captivated and inspired by the natural environment. Her work is vibrant and energetic, mixing abstraction, carefully chosen colour palettes, gestural mark-making and illustration to create a connection between the viewer and nature. By bringing the natural environment to public, urbanized spaces Ash amplifies the beauty and detail of nature and creates a space to consider the importance and issues relating to the conservation and preservation of our natural spaces.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

Christina Huynh (STYNA) Macleay River Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Christina Huynh (STYNA) Macleay River Mural

Set along the Macleay River, with a backdrop of the iconic Kempsey bridge, Christina's artwork tells a light-hearted and playful narrative of vulnerable flora and fauna endemic to the Macleay Valley Coast. Pictured here are the White-Flowered Wax Plant, Swamp Orchid, a Green and Golden Bell Frog, Koalas, and Azure Kingfisher. There is also a hidden nod to Smithtown's Milo factory with the milo cans used as plant pots Christina's work celebrates the beauty of our rich biodiversity and beauty in the day-to-day and her hope for the overall work is to evoke feelings of connection, optimism and wonder for our natural landscapes and the fauna that inhabit them. Christina Huynh (b. 1990) is an award-winning illustrator and muralist based in Western Sydney, Australia, that paints under the name STYNA. Her art practice involves creating murals, illustrations and picture books from differing mediums of pencil, watercolour, ink and pen to acrylic and aerosol. With an enthusiasm for goldfish and all things fragile in our natural world, Christina creates stories that express her everyday thoughts, experiences and childhood memories. She finds inspiration in storytelling, human emotion, wayfaring and the heritage of people and place.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

Community Healing Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Community Healing Mural

This creation was put together from the inspiration of being in nature on country and connecting back to the land, being grounded replenishes the soul and makes you feel whole again. This also gives a sense of healing water plays a massive part in this, walking barefoot on the ground helps with your connection to country. The diamond pattern is significant to Dunghutti Nation it represents ceremony and or a place of significance. Footprints represent the path we leave for our future generations to follow. On the bottom in the white, we have the depiction of our river flowing through the valley with waterholes representing towns in between. The black detailed designs depict the land and its different habitats. The top depicts the mountains in white. The black details again represent the land and its habitats. If we can connect to all of these elements and share and acknowledge culture we can then start our healing journey. Jason is a proud Aboriginal artist from the Dunghutti/Thunggutti Nation of Kempsey. He is passionate about his culture and sharing his knowledge with the next generation. Jason has evolved into a successful artist creating stunning artworks on various mediums for a broad range of customers and corporate clients, through commissioned work and private sales. You can view more of his works through his website

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

Ellie Hannon Macleay River Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Ellie Hannon Macleay River Mural

In this mural, Ellie's explores the Macleay River and its diverse native plants and trees. She presents this space through the lens of place and memory, and how we shape our experiences of places. Ellie is intrigued by the way that darkness can alter the experience of our surroundings and shift the way our inner and outer worlds meet. As the sun sets, the fading light shapes and reshapes a tree, a movement, a sound, or a shadow down a pathway. The ensuing darkness bends our perception and imagination, testing our trust in what we see with our own eyes. All that is solid dissolves with the light and becomes something new. These are the moments in which we slow down to notice the wax and wane and remember that everything in this world is cyclical and transient. Nothing remains still. Ellie Hannon is an Australian artist based in Newcastle NSW that works across exhibitions, public art, and community engagement projects. She explores the natural environment as both a subject and a point of departure that begins an investigation into how interactions and impacts on these spaces shape individual and collective identity. Characterised by her bold and harmonic colourscapes, Hannon's paintings employ gestural mark-making with playful textures and perspectives formed through patchwork backgrounds, gravitational mid-grounds, and intricate foregrounds.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

From the Mountains to the Sea Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

From the Mountains to the Sea Mural

This design presents a cohesive visual story, themed 'From the Mountains to the Sea', celebrating Kempsey as the rich, biodiverse heart of the Macleay River. The design features threatened flora and fauna native to the Macleay including the red-tailed phascogale and loggerhead turtle raising awareness and educating viewers about the threatened status of these important species. Alex Sugar is a Melbourne-based realism painter well-known for his large-scale murals and studio works depicting native Australian flora and fauna. He has a particular interest in merging this distinctive style with still life and surreal components. The aim of his mural work is to translate his studio practice to large-scale projects - strengthening his connection to art and the natural environment, while aesthetically enhancing urban sites. He currently takes on commissioned studio paintings on wooden panels, and charcoal works on high-quality archival paper. He also takes requests for privately commissioned mural projects and council-commissioned mural work. His council work conceptually considers the current socio-cultural and historic roots of the site - contributing assets that are both relevant to the community and act as distinctive artworks in themselves.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

Golden-Headed Cisticola Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Golden-Headed Cisticola Mural

Ash's popular style combines the broader community appeal of nature’s local flora and fauna, in this case, a photorealistic representation of a Golden-headed Cisticola frequently spotted by birdwatchers in Kempsey, bookended by the Christmas Bell flowers purely for the complimentary colours, juxtaposed against the modern stylized three-dimensional graffiti lettering that appeals to the younger more contemporary sector of the community. Ash's work acknowledges the graffiti movement within the mural, appealing to both ends of the community spectrum aiming to start conversations that shatter demographic boundaries and offer a chance to learn about differing perspectives in our communities respectfully. From the dark silhouetted mountains in the background to the flowing waters of the sea in the lower foreground, the mural will have a subconscious appeal to locals who have these two visual components woven into their sense of belonging and connection to their surroundings. Ash Johnston is an established street artist from Coffs Harbour and has been instrumental in bringing street artists to the region to showcase their talents and brighten up streetscapes. As well as running Open Studio, a retail store and art studio, Ash is often engaged as a mentor for young people teaching them street art and essential life skills.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

Indo the Artist Savages Lane Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Indo the Artist Savages Lane Mural

This artwork celebrates what Kempsey's famous for, Akubra Hats, Country Music, and its breathtaking natural bush and flowers, the eucalyptus gum trees, wattle, and daisies. The artwork is painted in a Folk country style, representing the town's history, county music, and traditional heritage and with words of inspiration. Patrick Indo is an award-winning and prolific street artist from Crescent Head. With a distinct contemporary pop style, his works have been featured in magazines, television and festivals. Indo has collaborated with many known commercial brands as well as with community-based projects in Kempsey and surrounds mentoring young people in street art and creative industries. Several of his public artworks can be found in Kempsey including the Flood Marker pole in Clyde St Mall, the Crescent Head amenities and murals at Blackfish Cafe, and the Mediterranean Hotel. You can find more of his work at his website.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

Kelly Purvis Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Kelly Purvis Mural

The concept for this mural design is storytelling through a portrait of Indigenous youth. The vision is that it will evoke a sense of threads of love and wisdom from elders to younger generations. Kelly collaborated with Dunghutti artist Nancy Pattison on the design and concept. The young person symbolises hope and the future while in her hand she holds a praying mantis - the Dunghutti totem 'Gurrgiyn' representing culture, country and tradition. The Rainbow Serpent in the starry skies represents creation and the Dreamtime. Kelly Purvis grew up in South West Rocks and maintains a strong connection with the Macleay Valley. She has travelled extensively painting large-scale murals, exhibiting her work in galleries and acquiring some impressive accolades such as winning the Bellingen Art Prize, STILL finalist and Brett Whiteley Travelling Scholarship finalist. Kelly now resides in Coffs Harbour and is devoted to sharing her creative passion and knowledge through teaching drawing and painting.

Kempsey NSW

12 km away

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