Time to Roam Magazine Issue 5 - October/November 2013 | Page 40

Land of Legends
History and natural wonders come together
for a legendary Macleay holiday
The wonders of the Macleay
region first caught the attention
of a tourist way back in 1770,
or at least that was the first
documented visit.

Dot Burton Crescent Head circa 1943

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Captain James Cook voyaged up the east
coast and named “Smoakey Cape” writing
in his journal “a point or headland, on which
were fires that caused a great quantity of
smook, which occasioned my giving it the
name of Smooky Cape (sic) “.
Smoky Cape may have been spelt
differently, there was no doubt at all about
the natural attraction of this stunning length
of coast and tourism was already booming
in the area just over a century after that first
distant sighting.
In 1889 it was reported nearby South West
Rocks was dealing with an influx of 300
visitors who’d erected up to 60 tents. They
were mingling with guests from the nearby
Jubilee Guest House, regarded as “one of
the best in the colonies”. Bathing machines
were advertised as early as 1885 with
“competent lady attendants” supervising.
By then, South West Rocks was being
described as “‘The Manly of the North”.
Today the Macleay Coast’s spectacular

beaches and beautiful shoreline are still
drawing visitors in their hundreds. From
gently rolling waves to pounding surf
breaks, the variety and pristine splendour
of the region’s beaches make them some of
Australia’s best. They are so numerous, it’s
never too hard to find a quiet patch if
you want to get away from it all.
One of the best places to get a snapshot
of the Macleay is from the top of Mount
Yarrahappini where on a clear day you can
get a panoramic view and see for yourself
how the rainforest meets the sea. It’s a good
starting point for a leisurely coastal drive,
stopping in at the little villages and beaches
on the way.
The surrounding hinterland region is
probably the true surprise – and delight – of
the Macleay Valley Coast. Within minutes
of leaving Kempsey you can find yourself
in true Australian mountain country with
crystal clear creeks, rocky outcrops,
towering eucalypts and the warmth of good
old fashioned country hospitality.
The Upper Macleay River offers some of
Australia’s best bass fishing, while lovers of
the great outdoors also come here to camp,
bushwalk, explore the restored timber towns
and soak up the natural beauty.