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Newbys Creek walk and caves

Natural Attractions

Newbys Creek walk and caves

A good introduction to the cool solitude of the Coorabakh rainforest can be found at the elevated boardwalk near Starrs Creek picnic area, but for something slightly more adventurous, consider the short walk along Newbys Creek to a natural cave. Stuttering frogs hide among the lush ferns that border this crystal clear stream. Take off your shoes and shuffle along a creek bed that threads through dense subtropical foliage and moss-covered rocks. Newbys cave is just five minutes from the road, but feels kilometres away. The cave is a large overhanging rock formation that creates a natural shelter above the water. Rest in the shade and try to spot some of the native wildlife, or retrace your steps and head to the nearby Newbys lookout. The walk along the creek is relatively easy, though the track is unformed and the cave may be inaccessible after heavy rainfalls, when water swells, so be sure to check recent weather before setting out.

Lansdowne Forest NSW

6.5 km away

Coorabakh National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Coorabakh National Park

Millions of years ago, volcanoes sculpted parts of the Australian mainland, leaving rocky plugs and dramatic escarpments as they faded and disappeared. Three of these volcanic intrusions can be seen in Coorabakh National Park, dominating the area: Big Nellie, Flat Nellie and Little Nellie. The Park contains a stunning and varied world of low shrubs and lofty eucalypt trees, cool subtropical rainforests and sheltered gullies teeming with wildlife. There are 18 distinct forest ecosystems. Crystal clear streams run through mossy banks, and sheer sandstone cliffs tower above Manning Valley at Flat Rock and Newbys lookout. Visitors to Coorabakh National Park will find beautiful lookouts and secluded picnic spots, with easy walks, scenic caves, and pleasurable drives along back roads that seem a million miles from the nearest sign of civilisation. Whether you're looking for a place to settle down for a lazy lunch, a glimpse of ancient geology mixed with recent history, or a clear view to find your bearings in a vast landscape, Coorabakh is a great choice for the slower-paced traveller.

Hannam Vale NSW

6.7 km away

Meet the adorable Highland Cows at Koolah Creek Highlands — Image credit: LySar Photography (used with permission)

Agritourism

Koolah Creek Highlands

Koolah Creek Highlands is a boutique Highland Cattle stud where you can get up close and personal with gorgeous Highland cows! The Koolah Creek Highland Cattle Experience is designed to offer a truly unique and immersive farm experience. During the Experience, you'll have the opportunity to pat, brush and cuddle with friendly Highland cows, hand-feed them treats, learn about their care, and meet the adorable baby calves. The Experience is offered as a private session only to ensure it is personal and intimate, tailored to your own interests. As your hosts guide you through the picturesque farm, you’ll witness their special connection with each of the animals. Koolah Creek also offers professional photography sessions with the Highlands. More than simply a photoshoot - these are a unique and unforgettable opportunity to meet, pat, brush, cuddle and connect with Highland Cattle, with every special moment captured by talented professional photographers. Bookings are essential for all visits, as Koolah Creek is a working farm. Koolah Creek is located in Langley Vale, on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Just 10 minutes drive off the Pacific Highway between Taree and Port Macquarie, it is only two hours from Newcastle, three hours from Sydney, and conveniently located near popular holiday destinations.

Langley Vale NSW

6.9 km away

Big Nellie lookout and picnic area

Natural Attractions

Big Nellie lookout and picnic area

Big Nellie is one of the main attractions of Coorabakh National Park. It's an imposing rock plug that soars more than 500m above sea level, reminding visitors of an earlier time when the Australian landscape was still being created by volcanoes and earthquakes. The best place to see scenic Big Nellie is right near its base, where a handy platform has been built to give clear views over the rocky hump. Take the opportunity of a great backdrop to do some family photography, or if you're keen on birdwatching, this is a great place to spot some of the local birdlife. Right near the lookout are several tables, making this a good choice as a place to picnic as well. Take advantage of the lookout and then settle down to a leisurely lunch, or consider Starrs Creek picnic area for a shadier alternative in the lush rainforest.

Lansdowne Forest NSW

7.0 km away

Newbys lookout

Natural Attractions

Newbys lookout

One of several great lookouts in Coorabakh National Park, Newbys lookout is perched on the edge of the sandstone Landsdowne escarpment, with stellar views over the flat expanse of Manning Valley. A wooden ramp leads up to the lookout, making it accessible to everyone. In the distance are blue hills and scattered settlements; closer at hand are beautiful forests of blackbutt eucalyptus trees, forming a dense canopy teeming with birdlife. Indeed, birdwatching is superb here: at Flat Rock lookout, wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons nest nearby, often coasting on the wind currents above the viewing area. Also, like the other lookouts around Coorabakh, there are a number of tables available, offering a great picnicking opportunity before heading to the park's other attractions and vantage points over the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, try Starrs Creek picnic area set beneath the lush rainforest.

Lansdowne Forest NSW

7.6 km away

Pick your own flower nouquet — Image credit: Bloomsandcoos

Agritourism

Blooms and Coos - Flower farm tours and pick your own events

Blooms & Coos is a family-run, boutique flower farm in the Port Macquarie hinterland. They offer seasonal, pick-your-own flower events and farm tours where you can gather farm fresh floral bouquets from the field. Their flowers are field-grown, free of chemicals and with a focus on sustainable, natural inputs to build soil health. The farm is also home to a gorgeous herd of miniature Galloway cattle (the coos).

Lorne NSW

7.6 km away

Starrs Creek picnic area

Natural Attractions

Starrs Creek picnic area

Starrs Creek picnic area is a terrific spot to settle down and enjoy the natural splendour of the rainforest, with light filtering through the canopy into a cool clearing. Bring a packed lunch and find a place to picnic right near the crystal clear perfection of the creek; picnic tables make this a convenient spot for families, though everybody will appreciate the quiet solitude of pristine nature. It's easy to while away an entire day relaxing in the shade here, reading a book or using binoculars for birdwatching (lyrebirds are common in the area). But Starrs Creek picnic area is also the access point to a beautiful elevated boardwalk, perfect for walking with children and fully wheelchair-accessible. This easy 400m stroll threads through unusual palms and other subtropical species popular with the local animals, some of them threatened. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for spotted-tailed quoll, for example. For a scenic view of the area be sure to visit nearby Flat Rock lookout.

Lansdowne Forest NSW

7.9 km away

Waitui Falls — Image credit: Destination Barrington Coast

Natural Attractions

Waitui Falls

Waitui Falls is a local landmark, a hidden waterfall in Comboyne State Forest in the Barrington Coast. The short loop walking trail is great for a quick bushwalk with the family followed by a swim at the falls as reward. The lightly coloured water is the effect of fallen leaves 'brewing' like tea in the still water.

Waitui NSW

8.3 km away

Coopernook HQ picnic shelter — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

Coopernook Forest HQ, Coopernook State Forest

A favourite amongst caravan and campervan travellers, the Coopernook Forest Rest Area within Coopernook State Forest offers a free stopover and rest area for those seeking respite from highway travel. Halfway between Taree and Kew and just off the Pacific highway, picnic facilities, a playground and toilet amenities are available within a peaceful eucalypt forest environment. Coopernook Forest Rest Area features flat, grassy fields perfect for an overnight stay. Free electric barbecues are available in the nearby picnic shelter area, while a nature-based playground allows for forest-inspired play. Make sure you do the Tall Trees looped walking track, which offers the opportunity to view local birds and wildlife. Please note this area, as for all NSW State Forests, has a maximum four-week stay.

Moorland NSW

8.6 km away

Bird Tree picnic area

Natural Attractions

Bird Tree picnic area

Middle Brother National Park may look small from the outside, but inside are two big surprises. Surviving years of local logging, Bird Tree and Benaroon are two of the largest blackbutts in the entire state. Bird Tree picnic area is the ideal place to visit these imposing giants, with a short loop through old growth forest perfect for walking with children and requiring only moderate fitness. But the trees aren’t the only attraction here. Remember to look up as you walk along the trail as koalas can be spotted sleeping in the eucalypts during the day. Also, a host of different birds like glossy black cockatoos, king parrots, and wedge-tailed eagles live in the area. If birdwatching is of interest to you, there’s much to turn your head here. A night walk is equally rewarding, with owls and ring-tailed possums on the prowl. After your stroll, find a place to picnic at one of the convenient tables, soaking up the atmosphere. It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon here, enjoying the forest sounds and sense of seclusion.

Middle Brother NSW

8.8 km away

Middle Brother National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Middle Brother National Park

Tall, stately, magnificent forest, with glimpses of the coast to the east, and native birds circling overhead; this is Middle Brother National Park. It's heavily wooded with old growth and subtropical rainforest that sometimes floods with mist in early mornings. North Brother Mountain rises in the distance, while creeks and waterfalls scattered through the valleys lend the area a tranquil harmony. Come here to escape the jungle of Port Macquarie, with a packed lunch, and leave your stresses and concerns behind. Middle Brother was created to protect two of the largest (by volume) coastal blackbutt trees in NSW Bird Tree and Benaroon. Bird Tree, for example, is 69m high, with a girth of 11m. Scientists estimate it's an astonishing 300 years old, meaning it predates the arrival of Captain Cook to Australia. Visitors will find an easy stroll to the trees, perfect for walking with children, and tables for picnicking afterwards to while away a quiet afternoon. There's excellent wildlife viewing both day and night, and intrepid hikers will want to pack the boots and GPS for some wild backcountry bushwalking. Climb the mountain for a scenic lookout over the Hannam Vale valley and South Brother...

Middle Brother NSW

9.5 km away

Signage at the entrance to Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk North Branch State Forest

Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk is nearby the popular campground Swans Crossing, Kerewong State Forest. This easy, one way walk follows a former timber haulage tramline through beautiful native forest and takes you back to the early days of logging in the area. See where logs were felled to be hauled by bullocks to the tramline. The logs were then drawn by horses over 15km to the nearby township of Kendall. An initial 90m section of this walk was restored by the Kendall Heritage Society in 1999. A fire trail continues for the full 2.1km length of this one way walking track, which ends at the cool, quiet waters of Upsalls Creek. The walk is gentle and suitable for all levels of fitness. Find this walk in North Branch State Forest on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Upsalls Creek NSW

9.9 km away

Rocky platform along Cascade Walking Track — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

Cascade Walking Track, Kerewong State Forest

Starting near the Swans Crossing campground in Kerewong State Forest, Cascade Walking Track is a gentle track that takes visitors along Upsalls Creek river bank. This walking track is one-way and suitable for children. The track ends at a wide, natural rock area on Upsalls Creek and is lovely for laying in the sun (water level dependent).

Upsalls Creek NSW

12 km away

Upsalls Creek view from The Gorge Walking Track — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

The Gorge Walking Track, Kerewong State Forest

Step into the shade of Kerewong State Forest on the stunning Gorge Walk, a 1.2km one-way or 2.4 km return walking track. Starting near the swimming hole at Swans Crossing campground, this walking track heads in a west to north westerly direction along Upsalls Creek and up onto the ridge via a 55m elevation from start to finish (80m through to 130m in elevation). A peaceful walk, The Gorge track weaves through native forest and past quiet waterholes, with some steps and steep drop-off sections adding a challenge along the way. It's the perfect way to slow down and soak up a wild little pocket of the Mid North Coast. Pack plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes and leave only footprints. The Gorge Walking Track commences near Swans Crossing campground in Kerewong State Forest. This track is recommended for those of moderate fitness.

Upsalls Creek NSW

12 km away

Natire playground at Swans Crossing — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

Swans Crossing - Kerewong State Forest

Swans Crossing visitor area. About a 20 minute drive from Kew, and roughly an hour from Taree or Kempsey, is the beautiful Swans Crossing visitor area. Popular with locals and visitors alike, this campground and picnic area in Kerewong State Forest is set on former farmland. The Swan family ran a dairy and beef property on the site for many years, including clearing the forest and establishing grasses for the stock. This continued until 1964 when the area became State forest and was regenerated as native forest, including hardwood plantation areas. Swans Crossing is located alongside the shallows of Upsalls Creek, a great place to cool off on a hot day. The campground and picnic area is wide, predominantly flat, open and grassed. A children's nature playground is also on site for families, as are picnic tables and toilets. Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk is located a short drive away, with other walking tracks leading off from the site including Cascade Walking Track. Caravans and campervans are welcome at Swans Crossing. Camping is free.

Upsalls Creek NSW

12 km away

Kendall Craft Co Operative

Shopping and Markets

Kendall Craft Co Operative

Kendall Craft co-op is located in Kendall's village, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. It is situated within the railway building which is also a heritage-listed attraction for the train buffs. Put the shop on your must-visit list when in the area, five minutes off the Pacific Highway at Kew exit makes a leisurely stop on a busy day also. You will find an amazing array of quality home-created items, nothing is mass-produced and everything is home-created by the friendly local members who also staff the shop. Artwork, gift cards, pottery, condiments, jewellery, knitted, crocheted and stitched pieces, toys, something for almost everyone. Arrive in your car, off the train or via the bus, and they are easy to find.

Kendall NSW

14 km away

Nancy Bird Walton Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Nancy Bird Walton Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Nancy Bird Walton was a pioneering Australian aviator and founder of the Australian Women Pilots' Association. Nancy forever changed how women were seen, both on the ground and in the skies.

Kew NSW

15 km away

Crowdy Bay National Park — Image credit: DPIE

National Parks and Reserves

Crowdy Bay National Park

Protecting a pristine sweep of coastline near Port Macquarie and Taree, Crowdy Bay National Park is one of the most glorious coastal parks of NSW. It offers jaw-dropping ocean and mountain views, an abundance of wildlife and, despite its name, crowd-free beaches. The best part? That's for you to decide, but if you dream of camping on ocean shores, strolling barefoot in the dunes, roving a rainforest, seeing a whale blow or even discovering a hidden writer's retreat, then this is the place for you. Aboriginal people have known its bountiful wonders for over 6000 years, Captain Cook glimpsed its glittering beauty in 1770 and it is all still here for you to enjoy. Go for a day or plan to stay, but be aware that this is a place so enthralling that time slips away.

Crowdy Bay National Park NSW

16 km away

Abbey Creek picnic area — Image credit: OEH

Natural Attractions

Abbey Creek picnic area

If you're looking for a picturesque spot for a day at the beach, pack the picnic hamper and head to Abbey Creek picnic area just north of Crowdy Gap campground. A short drive from Harrington or Taree, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch with unspoilt coastal views in the more remote southern precinct of Crowdy Bay National Park. Only a short stroll to Crowdy Beach, why not grab your towel and head down for a refreshing swim in the clear blue waves? The area is popular for fishing, surfing, and even parasailing. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the surf, as well as osprey and sea-eagles patrolling the beaches for tasty treats. When you've worked up an appetite, unpack a spread in the shade of the sheltered picnic tables and tuck in. If you feel like stretching your legs, try the easy Crowdy Gap walking track. Take a virtual tour of Abbey Creek picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Crowdy Bay National Park NSW

17 km away

Stones Oysters and Shed Takeaway

Agritourism

Stones Oysters and Shed Takeaway

Stones Oysters located along Harrington Road is renowned for having some of the freshest seafood and tastiest oysters on the coast. Their retail seafood outlet offers a great variety of produce cleaned and prepared for sale. Sydney Rock Oysters are their specialty, and they open oysters daily to ensure freshness. Stones recently added their shed takeaway to the business, and it's been a massive hit with both tourists and locals. This now allows you to buy not just fresh seafood but hot cooked seafood as well. To find out more about the wide range of products they offer, don't hesitate to contact the friendly seafood professionals at Stones Oysters today. They won't be beaten when it comes to freshness.

Coopernook NSW

17 km away

Dooragan National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Dooragan National Park

Dooragan National Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind, while enjoying the view over a casual picnic and watching the passing parade of wildlife. Located west of Laurieton - a pretty coastal village - the views from Dooragan Summit picnic area are exceptional, stretching far over Queens Lake and North Haven. Easy accessibility makes it a fantastic destination to bring guests and visitors to the region. Several of the park's walks, including Laurieton track, take you through spectacular blackbutt forests which mingle with enormous old stumps, reflecting the old days of timber harvesting in the park. The trails are buzzing with the sounds of the park's wildlife residents and, in summer, the echo of cicadas can almost be overpowering. Dooragan National Park is so diverse, it's not unusual to see colourful hang-gliders launching from the popular North Brother summit, or even wedding parties posing for photos on their big day.

North Brother NSW

18 km away

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

Natural Attractions

Crowdy Gap Walking Track

This beautiful short walk through coastal rainforest links Crowdy Gap campground to Crowdy Beach, just north of Taree. Located in the southern area of Crowdy Bay National Park, Crowdy Gap walking track is an ideal nature trail for the kids, with great opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife-spotting. Passing through rare coastal rainforest of turpentine and scentless rosewood, you might glimpse a regent bowerbird or a swift parrot. Remember to keep looking up in the branches of nearby gums, as you might just be lucky enough to see a koala. There are sweeping views along the coast, with Diamond Head to the north. Don’t forget your swimmers as the clear blue waves will be very enticing on a hot summer’s day. While taking the hamper and heading up the beach to Abbey Creek picnic area, don’t forget to scan the horizon for signs of dolphins.

Crowdy Bay National Park NSW

19 km away

Geebung picnic area

Natural Attractions

Geebung picnic area

Nestled into the dunes, Geebung picnic area is a perfect beachside spot just north of popular Diamond Head campground, in Crowdy Bay National Park. Only a short stroll to the white crescent sands of Dunbogan Beach, spend the day swimming, surfing and fishing on the beautiful Mid-North coast. After you've worked up an appetite, stroll back and tuck into a picnic feast in the shade under the trees. The surrounding heath erupts in colour during spring with wildflowers and delicate ground orchids. The area is famous for Christmas bells in the summer months. If you're after a walk, head south along the beach to Diamond Head loop walk. Keep an eye out for whales during their annual migration as humpbacks, and occasionally, the much rarer southern right whale, can be spotted. Take a virtual tour of Geebung picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Diamond Head NSW

19 km away

Ms Kellys Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Ms Kellys Walking Track

Isabella Mary Kelly, New South Wales’ only independent female colonial settler, was a wealthy Irish woman who sailed into Sydney Harbour in 1834 looking for a tree change. She bought up Crown Land and ran her own station. Isabella was apparently disliked by her neighbours for doing ‘men’s work’, her house burnt down in her absence and she was, for a time, unjustly imprisoned after subletting to a conman. History has painted her character in various extremes, from a gun-slinging tyrant to a brave pioneering hero. Beginning at Tommy Owens Crossing, the track passes through a dense area of swamp oak then, from Ms Kellys Crossing, follows part of Old Port Macquarie Road. From the late 1820s, this historic route allowed bullock-drawn vehicles to cross Dawson River and continue on to Port Macquarie. It’s a great trail for walking with children. See how many different birds they can spot along the way.

Brimbin NSW

19 km away

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