Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads sits on Gumbaynggirr country where the Nambucca River winds through coastal forest and empties into the Pacific. The town climbs a hillside above the river mouth and gives views over the estuary, the breakwall and the open ocean beyond.

The V-Wall is the main drawcard. This rock breakwater was built to stabilise the river entrance, and over the years visitors have painted messages, dedications and artwork onto the boulders in bright colours. It has become an unofficial public art gallery and a rite of passage for Pacific Highway road trippers. Anyone can grab a tin of paint and add their own rock.

The main beach stretches south from the headland and is one of the most consistent and uncrowded surf breaks on the Mid North Coast. Shelley Beach, tucked behind the headland, is calmer and better for families. The Nambucca River itself is popular for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, with a tidal reach that extends several kilometres upstream through mangroves and rainforest.

Nambucca Heads is a low-key alternative to the busier resort towns of Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. It has a handful of good cafes, a bowling club with ocean views, and a relaxed pace that makes it a favourite overnight stop on the Sydney to Brisbane drive.