Discover Nambucca Shire Council

River scenery, the V-Wall and Gumbaynggirr culture

The Nambucca Valley follows the winding Nambucca River from the hinterland to the coast. A boardwalk connects the Visitor Information Centre near Giinagay Way with Bellwood Park and the V-Wall at the river mouth. Over the years, visitors have painted holiday messages, inspiring words and memories on the rocks at the V-Wall.

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 provide evidence of continuous use of the area for thousands of years. It is jointly managed by the Aboriginal people of the Nambucca Valley and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

River activities and practical information

Kayaking and canoeing are possible on Warrell Creek in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park. There are three access points in the park; Weir Reserve and Gumma Crossing Reserve have boat ramps, and the Warrell Creek picnic area provides access and picnic tables. Check local conditions before setting out. Kayaking is also possible on the Nambucca River in the Nambucca Valley.

In the Nambucca Shire Council area, there are passive launch sites for canoes and kayaks near the RSL Club Boat Ramp and in Gordon Park. They must not be used as launching ramps for motorised watercraft. This restriction is relevant to your planning if you want to launch a motorised boat.

The Nambucca Valley Visitor Information Centre provides information about local and regional attractions and upcoming events, helps with finding accommodation, and supplies maps and brochures. It can be a good starting point for organising your travel interests and getting further information.

Lookouts, wildlife and trails

From Kosekai lookout, the view stretches across the expansive Nambucca Valley to the coast; there are also opportunities for birdwatching. Dunggir National Park is home to at least twelve threatened animal species, 400 native plant species and three types of rainforest. The park offers bushwalking for those seeking challenging hikes.

Yarriabini National Park offers a scenic drive. Birds found there include wedge-tailed eagles, rainforest pigeons and red-tailed black cockatoos. For a trip that combines nature and activity, the mountain bike trails at Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park in the Nambucca Valley are another option.

Art, history and regional experiences

The cultural attractions offer a range of experiences. The Frank Partridge VC Military Museum displays a large collection of Navy, Army and Air Force artefacts. The Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage and Museum has seven exhibition buildings filled with memorabilia. Nambucca Valley Phoenix presents locally made artworks, ceramics and handmade gifts; the Stringer Art Gallery in Nambucca Heads showcases works by local artists.

Markets in the Nambucca Valley bring together food, creativity and community. Alongside the museums and art attractions, they offer a different travel experience from a day by the river or in nature. If you want to combine several interests, you can include these options in your plans rather than focusing your stay on just one type of experience.

Find the right accommodation for your trip

When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what matters most to you: river activities, lookouts and nature, challenging hikes, or art and history.

Discover more places

For further inspiration, you can also explore Nambucca Heads and Buckra Bendinni.

Discover more destinations: Cowra Shire Council, Snowy River Shire Council, Gundagai Shire Council, Berrigan Shire Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.