With its pristine beaches and untouched natural surrounds often taking centre stage the Macleay Valley Coast has even more to offer than what meets the eye. Home to a thriving art and culture scene, the stretch of coast provides an abundance of galleries and studios, showcasing everything from emerging local artists, master craftsmen and internationally renowned painters.
Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery
With an everchanging list of exhibitions, and found only moments from Hat Head, Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery is an art lover’s haven. Discover the colourful world of watercolours, delicate and detailed ceramic works, unique pieces of jewellery, spirited sketches and much more. The volunteer-run gallery is free of charge to enter with an exhibition program available online. Located at 5 Kichela Street Gladstone, NSW, and open Thursday to Sunday from 10.30am – 4pm, the gallery is a must stop location for those looking for some artistic inspiration.
Image source: Macleay Community Art Gallery Facebook
Yarrahapinni Studio Gallery
Nestled in the rainforest near Stuarts Point, the Yarrahapinni Studio Gallery is a quaint studio known for its beautifully hand-crafted timber furniture, hand embroidered textiles and works by local artists. Created from Australian timbers and natural materials, showcased artists Dave and Pamela Jones are passionate about creating one-off pieces with the aim to inspire. All pieces are created on site with the gallery open to the public most days.
Banyandah Studios
15 minutes from Crescent Head lies the Banyandah Studios. Set to the stunning backdrop of 50 acres of coastal property, the studios are not only home to unique art pieces but a working alpaca and fruit and vegetable farm. If you’re able to drop by on a Saturday, workshops teaching encaustic art, an ancient form of beeswax art, as well as live demonstrations are available. The studios are also a working film studio, specialising in surf art.
Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery
Housed in the visitor centre in South Kempsey, the Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery also known as DNAAG, features local Indigenous artists works. From traditional painting and weaving, photography and sculptures to textile displays, the gallery aims to promote both established and emerging Aboriginal artists. Designed by internationally renowned architect Glenn Murcutt, the gallery is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm and offers rotating exhibitions with a full schedule available online, the art gallery offers a unique insight into Aboriginal arts and culture.
Image source: Sculpture in the Gaol
Sculpture in The Gaol
If you’re visiting during August, you won’t be able to miss the iconic art festival, Sculpture in the Gaol. This annual event transforms the quiet town of South West Rocks into a dramatic artistic landscape with small and large sculptures displayed throughout the historic Trial Bay Gaol. With works from both amateur and experienced artists as well as community festivities, the month-long event also includes the popular Escapee Trail. The trail allows local businesses throughout South West Rocks, including Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park, the opportunity to host artist created sculptures, artworks or photographs, meaning no matter where you head in town you will be a part of the action.
Feeling the artsy atmosphere?
Our beachfront holiday parks are the perfect base for you to explore the Macleay Valley Coast and offer a range of accommodation including sites and cabins.
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