Discover Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads brings together river and coastal views, public art, local history and active experiences. The town offers a range of ways to plan your trip: from views of the Nambucca River mouth to exhibitions and a collection of historical photographs.

River mouth, coast and outdoor art

Captain Cook Lookout offers panoramic views of where the Nambucca River meets the Pacific Ocean. The V-Wall is also located at the river mouth. Visitors have painted holiday messages, inspiring words and memories on the rocks there. The river, sea and personal messages give this part of Nambucca Heads its own distinctive character.

The Nambucca Heads Mosaic on Bowra Street offers a different perspective. It depicts a river winding from the mountains of the Great Dividing Range through towns and farmland to the sea. The scene brings the hinterland and coast together in one image and makes the mosaic a distinct art stop, with a different theme from the messages on the rocks.

Local art and history

Stringer Art Gallery features works by local artists and hosts changing themed exhibitions. This gives you the chance to encounter a range of artistic themes in Nambucca Heads, while the town’s history has its own focus at the Nambucca Headland Historical Museum.

The museum has a collection of local artefacts and memorabilia, as well as a historical photographic collection with more than 1,000 prints. It also displays relics and information about the Royal Tar. Those interested in regional history will find photographs, material artefacts and insight into the stories associated with the Royal Tar.

Water, golf and nature

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club is Australia’s first island golf club. Its course has 18 holes and a par of 69—a useful point of reference for anyone planning to include golf in their trip. Stand-up paddleboarding is also practised in the estuary and at the river mouth in Nambucca Heads. Water conditions and access can vary, so check local conditions if you plan this activity.

South Beach is in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park. The national park is another local natural feature to consider when planning, alongside the river mouth and coast.

The wider destination of Nambucca Shire Council

For further orientation within the wider destination of Nambucca Shire Council, a boardwalk links the Visitor Information Centre near Giinagay Way with Bellwood Park and the V-Wall at the river mouth. The Nambucca Valley Visitor Information Centre provides information about local and regional attractions and upcoming events, helps with accommodation searches, and provides maps and brochures.

The Nambucca Valley is on Gumbaynggirr Country. Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park is of great cultural significance to the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal community of the Nambucca Valley. The park contains sites that show the area has been used continuously for thousands of years; it is jointly managed by the Aboriginal people of the Nambucca Valley and NPWS.

Other regional landscapes offer their own highlights: Kosekai Lookout has views across the extensive Nambucca Valley to the coast and offers opportunities for birdwatching. Dunggir National Park is home to at least twelve threatened animal species, 400 native plant species and three rainforest types; bushwalking there is intended for challenging hikes. Kayaking and canoeing are possible on Warrell Creek in Gaagal Wanggaan National Park. There are three access points: Weir Reserve and Gumma Crossing Reserve have boat ramps, and Warrell Creek picnic area offers access and picnic tables. Check local conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Buckra Bendinni

Back to the wider travel overview: Nambucca Shire Council.