Centrally located in the Mid North Coast region, Kempsey is a major regional centre, serving passing travellers and a string of popular coastal retreat towns.

Where is it?: Kempsey is 428 km north east of Sydney on the Macleay River and Pacific Highway.

Lookouts: the Apex Historical Lookout is located on the hill overlooking the Macleay River. It is on the southern side of the river and is signposted on your left as you travel north. It offers excellent views of the town and is the site where Enoch Rudder, the founder of Kempsey, built his original homestead.

Kempsey is a popular stopping point for people making the journey north along the Pacific Highway. Its location - approximately halfway between Sydney and the Queensland border and on a pleasant river - ensures that weary travellers use it for a necessary break.

Growing industries include wineries and nut production. Kempsey is a service centre for the nearby coastal resorts of South West Rocks, Arakoon, Hat Head, and Crescent Head, which are popular places for retirement and holiday-makers alike.


Gladstone (15 km north east):recognised as an historic village and its attractions include The Old Lodge Pottery, Darkwater House which sells handicrafts and morning and afternoon teas and the Gladstone Hotel which claims to have the best beer on the Macleay River. The Gladstone Court House (1885) and Police Station (1898) are heritage listed.