Just a half hour's drive south of Coffs Harbour lies the relaxed seaside town of Nambucca Heads.
Combining natural beauty with a laid-back vibe synonymous with coastal towns, Nambucca Heads is perfect for anyone seeking some breezy R&R.
Once an important port for the shipbuilding and timber industries, Nambucca today is a favoured destination among Central Coast locals and interstate travellers. Recent investment by the local council has even seen the boardwalk upgraded and colourful storyboards erected along the waterfront, turning the historic town into a wholesome holiday location, full of fishing spots, surf beach breaks, water activities, whale watching locations, and brilliant beaches.
With plenty of affordable and family-friendly activities, Nambucca Heads could be your next weekend or holiday escape!
Here are our top five things to do in Nambucca Heads:
Walk Along the V-Wall
A couple enjoying a walk along the V-Wall / Credit: Seen Australia
The Nambucca Heads V-Wall is a living, visual history of the thousands of visitors who have stopped by and made their mark. Filled with everything from inspirational quotes to holiday messages (and the occasional declaration of love), these rocks are an ever-evolving monument to the local artists and people of Nambucca Heads.
As a creative space, the V-Wall makes for a charming attraction and a nice piece of visual storytelling. Walk along the boardwalk from the Visitor Information Centre near Giinagay Way and meander your way along the riverside past Bellwood Park to find the V-Wall at the mouth of the river. The foreshore walk starts towards the end of Wellington Drive.
Captain Cook’s Lookout
Aerial view of Nambucca River, Nambucca Heads / Credit: Destination NSW
Another favourite attraction, Captain Cook's Lookout offers stunning views of the coast over the Nambucca River and toward the beach at Scotts Head. Easy to get to (there are no hills or steps to climb) with ample parking, it's well worth a stop at this great vantage point. Whales and dolphins are also a common sight between May and November each year.
Shelly Beach
Family enjoying a day at Shelly Beach, Nambucca Heads / Credit: Seen Australia
Just below Captain Cook's Lookout is Shelly Beach, a perfect spot for a family-friendly day out. With amenities like picnic tables, shaded areas, and public toilets and showers, Shelly Beach is a great beach to spend a day with the family. The area is protected from strong winds, which makes it an ideal swimming spot and there are shallow rock pools for little ones to enjoy.
Nyambagga Walking Trail
This is a great interpretive walking trail that takes you to the actual head of Nambucca Heads. Respectfully designed to suit its natural surroundings, the Nyambagga Walking Trail provides informative signage along the track that showcases the intrinsic value of the area. Learn about the area's biocultural history and the heritage of the local Baga-Baga Clan (ocean people) of the Southern Gumbaynggir Indigenous language group.
Tee-off at Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
Credit: Tyson Mayr
An errant tee shot here could be the excitement you're looking for! Touted as one of Australia's most unique and scenic golf courses, Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club is on Stuart Island and surrounded on all sides by breathtaking views of the Nambucca River. A challenge for experienced golfers while still enjoyable for beginners, we can't think of another course where you can play 18-holes while watching dolphins swim past you!
Looking for a caravan park to call home in Nambucca Heads? We've got the perfect suggestion for you on the Mid North Coast: The Pelican Holiday Park!
The Pelican Holiday Park has a wide selection of powered sites and cabins, with some primo positions right on the riverfront. The park is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs onto all sites and some cabins. Fishers are well catered for, thanks to a private boat ramp, jetty, and pontoon, plus there’s a riverside camp kitchen which is a great spot to cook up your fresh seafood with a view. You’ll have no trouble cooling off, with the beautiful Nambucca River on your doorstep, gorgeous beaches a short drive away, and an in-park swimming pool with a toddler-friendly wading section.
