Scenic Drives for Every Season

From the ocean to the rainforest, set out one of the scenic drives and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Macleay Valley Coast. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine on a coastal drive during the warmer months or heading to the hinterland when the temperatures cool down, we’ve put together the top three must do scenic drives – Coastal and Monument, Forest and National Park or Hinterland and History.

Coastal and Monument

South West Rocks Scenic Drive | 33km

View the full drive guide here.

Taking in the very best of nature and local heritage listed buildings, the South West Rocks scenic drive offers a touch of history with all the beauty of a coastal drive trail. Your first stop is the historic Boatman’s Cottages, where the South West Rocks Visitor Information Centre is located. Once you’ve picked up some local knowledge from the friendly staff, head to the Trial Bay Gaol and German Monument to soak up the areas rich past. If you’ve packed lunch the nearby Little Bay picnic area is the perfect setting for a bite, then drive the loop and head to the Overshot Dam where you’re sure to spot some local wildlife. Next head to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse for spectacular 360-degree views, pristine beaches and to explore the Arakoon National Park, before heading back to Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park for a well-deserved rest.

Forest and National Park

Yarrahapinni Scenic Drive | 32km

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Discover the Way Way State Forest and the Yarriabini National Park on this nature lovers trail. The ideal base to start is Grassy Head Holiday Park, but make sure to spend time taking in the beauty of the Grassy Head Reserve before hitting the road. Your first stop is The Pines picnic area. Surrounded by towering pines, the area offers free facilities, bushwalking trails and Aboriginal Dreamtime artworks making it great for a relaxing picnic or short stroll. From there continue driving through the forest before reaching the Mount Yarrahapinni lookout. Its breathtaking views span across almost the entire Macleay Valley Coast and take in both hinterland and coastline. As the area is surrounded by lush forest, you can spend additional time exploring or head back to Grassy Head Holiday Park for the night.

Hinterland and History

Taylors Arm Scenic Drive | 150km

View the full drive guide here.

Image source: Macleay Valley Coast

The longest of all the drive trails, cruise through rolling hills, endless farmlands, lush National Park and discover the rich history of iconic Australian musician Slim Dusty on the Taylors Arm Scenic Drive. The journey begins in Kempsey with a visit to the Slim Dusty Centre, a museum and art gallery dedicated to the musician, before heading west to the quaint town of Willawarrin. In town, you will find the hotel where the famous song ‘the pub with no beer’ was written by Gordon Parsons and Slim Dusty, along with a variety of memorabilia. Continue driving to Macksville, set on the banks of the beautiful Nambucca river and stop for a bite at the historic Nambucca Hotel, which opened in 1915. After lunch, drive through the scenic countryside before turning right and heading back to Kempsey.