
If spotting dolphins in crystal-clear waves, wandering through pockets of lush coastal rainforest, and colouring your camera roll with a vibrant local art scene sounds like your kind of getaway, put Nambucca Heads on the agenda.
Perched where the river meets the sea on the Coffs Coast, this laid-back beauty serves up ocean views, a friendly small-town vibe, and more things to do than you can tick off in one trip!


Nambucca Heads sits on the Mid-North Coast of NSW — about 40 minutes south of Coffs Harbour and just over five hours north of Sydney along the Pacific Highway. It’s an easy coastal drive, and you can also get there by train or coach to nearby towns before transferring locally.

Whether you’re after family fun or a chilled-out escape, there’s plenty to fill your days. Stroll the colourful V-Wall breakwater, paddle a kayak up the river, try your luck fishing, or enjoy a lazy picnic in one of the foreshore parks.
When the weather turns, head for a parmy and chips at Nambucca Heads RSL, browse local shops, or take a scenic drive to Bellingen or Dorrigo.

Over the years many visitors have painted their holiday messages, inspirational words, and memories on the rocks at the V-Wall Nambucca Heads.
Stroll or wheel along the break wall at the end of Wellington Drive and see what it's all about. This creative space provides a great read with comments from locals as well as visitors from around Australia and across the globe.
Walk along the boardwalk from the Visitor Information Centre near Giinagay Way meandering along the riverside past Bellwood Park down to the V-Wall at the river mouth.

Hot Myrtle Kitchen boasts Australian native flavours, locally foraged food, slow-smoked meats, seafood and sweet treats.
The venue is surrounded by bushland, and tall trees and offers a beautiful outlook that compliments a unique dining experience.
Hot Myrtle's menu is interesting, creatively Australian, and takes you places all over the world. Surprise your taste buds and savour fine food made and served with love by Chef Hardy and host Margii.

Lush rainforest, clear bubbling creeks, tranquil picnic spots and spectacular coastal views are just a snapshot of what you'll find at Yarriabini National Park. A short scenic drive from Nambucca Heads and Kempsey, it provides an ideal day trip for the whole family.
Don't miss the spectacular views from Yarriabini lookout, where you'll get expansive views over Macleay Valley and Trial Bay. Take the popular car touring route along Way Way Creek Road to The Pines picnic area and enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by vibrant green rainforest. Admire the Aboriginal artwork and learn about the significance of this area to local Aboriginal people.
Pack your mountain bike and cycle through tall forests and across Bangalow palm-lined creeks on Way Way Creek Road. And for those who enjoy birdwatching, you'll find a colourful array of birdlife. Look out for square-tailed kites, rainforest pigeons and glossy black-cockatoos.

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park offers a variety of water activities and other great things to do like kayaking, swimming, boating and fishing.
Some places are so special they demand protection, and such was the case with the stretch of coastal land between Nambucca Heads and Scotts Head, near Macksville. Home to the local Gumbaynggirr People, this area was recognised as a vital spot for state preservation on 23 April, 2010, in a joint management agreement with the Traditional Owners.
Encompassing Warrell Creek, Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park covers an undisturbed coastal dune system, littoral rainforest, shrubland, and estuarine mangroves – covers, in short, a variety of breathtaking natural environments that teem with migratory wildlife and precious endangered species.
Visitors to the park will find a unique marine playground perfect for boating, fishing, and canoeing. Beach tracks lead to short forest hikes, and secluded camping sites accessible by boat or canoe from Warrell Creek make it an ideal spot for an enjoyable camping weekend.

Unkya LALC Cultural Eco Tours are an Aboriginal Tourism company on the Mid North Coast of NSW. They offer two authentic Aboriginal experiences operating out of Scotts Head and Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park sharing and promoting the unique Gumbaynggirr spirituality and culture.
The Gaagal Yuludarla (Ocean Dreaming) Tour is a 1.5 hour leisurely stroll along Little Beach and Scotts Head Headland. Sink your toes in the sand, gaze at the ocean and listen to the guides enchant you with the creation story of the ocean and how the first wave was made. See and learn about the traditional fish trap and hunting methods.
The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park Tour consists of a 3.5 hour pristine bush and beach walk through 11 different eco systems within the National Park.Take a deep breathe and relax, get back to nature while their guides share their dreaming stories and of the cultural landscape surrounding you.
On both tours you can taste and feel the traditional foods, participate in traditional Gumbaynggirr ceremonies, identify native plant species and learn about medicines and their holistic uses, engage in the Gumbaynggirr language.
Nambucca Heads enjoys a warm, temperate climate year-round, with plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures averaging 18.4°C. Rain is a regular visitor here — around 941 mm falls each year — keeping the landscapes lush even in the driest months. Summer kicks off in late December and runs through to March, with December, January, and February among the best months to visit.

Start your morning with a stroll along the Nyambagga Walking Trail, linking the colourful V-Wall outdoor art gallery to Main Beach. Then, stop at Rotary Lookout for sweeping coastal views before heading down for a swim or paddle at the Nambucca River. When your tummy starts rumbling, head to Matilda’s for a strong coffee or a top-tier homemade pizza. Spend the afternoon fishing off the V-Wall or teeing off at the scenic Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club, where dolphins are known to make a cameo. Wrap up the day with a lazy wander along the shoreline before heading back to your base at Reflections Nambucca Heads for a cosy campchair cuppa.









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Yes, a visit to Nambucca Heads is worth it, particularly if you’re into endless coastlines, surfing, hiking and kicking back to relax. With Reflections Nambucca Heads as your base, you can explore the best of the local area, including the wider Coffs Coast. Check out our Itinerary Ideas for inspiration.
The V Wall is a breakwater wall in the shape of a ‘V’ at the meeting point of the Nambucca River and the Pacific Ocean. What makes it so unique is that locals have decorated the rocks with art and colour. We think it’s the perfect backdrop for a walk at sunset, followed by dinner at V Wall Pavilion.
Nambucca Heads weather is mostly mild all year, so you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to planning your visit. To avoid the crowds, steer clear of school holiday times or peak season, like the end of the year and Easter. Our top pick: the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn.
Nambucca Heads is known for its delicious produce grown across the Nambucca Valley. From avocados and honey, to stone fruits and watermelons, there’s no shortage of foods to try. Local cafes and restaurants, like Matilda’s and the Golden Sands Tavern, offer menus that cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
You can surf to your heart’s content at various beaches along the Coffs coast of New South Wales. You can surf in Nambucca Heads at Shelly or Bielbys Beach, or venture out and hit Scotts Head, Urunga or the plentiful options of Coffs Harbour.
Looking for Nambucca Heads accommodation that puts you right by the beach in the heart of it all? At Reflections Nambucca Heads, choose from ocean-view cabins, powered and unpowered campsites, and dog-friendly options. Whether you’re a tent-slinger, a van-lifer, or a cabin-lover, there’s a spot here with your name on it.