Kempsey

Kempsey brings together the history of the Macleay Valley, insights into Aboriginal culture, memorial sites and riverside walks. These themes show different sides of the town: the museum focuses on regional history and everyday objects, while galleries, memorial sites and parkland offer other perspectives. Those planning a trip with a range of interests can also take these highlights into account when choosing holiday accommodation in Kempsey.

Discover history and art

The Kempsey Museum tells the story of the Macleay Valley from before European settlement to the present day. Its exhibitions include Aboriginal history, bootmaking and the timber industry. A pioneer cottage furnished with historic objects complements the exhibition. In this way, different aspects of regional history come together in one place, from the lives of people in the region to its industrial history.

The Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery offers works by renowned Aboriginal artists for sale. These artists are represented in significant public and private collections. For visitors interested in Aboriginal art, the gallery is a cultural highlight in its own right in Kempsey.

At Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park, visitors can experience local Aboriginal culture in a natural park setting. They can also learn about traditional foods there. The West Kempsey Walk leads to the park, making this cultural site a destination to include in a walking itinerary.

Memorial sites and local stories

Several places in Kempsey preserve different kinds of remembrance. At East Kempsey Cemetery, the Barrunbatayi (Dreamtime) Memorial was created in 2006 in collaboration with Thunggutti/Dunghutti Elders and local community groups. At Kempsey railway station, a memorial sculpture and plaque commemorate the Stolen Generations. Both places have a clear memorial purpose, but differ in their form and the circumstances in which they were created.

The collaboratively created Corroboree Magic mosaic also tells a story of local cooperation. It was unveiled during Reconciliation Week 2021 at the Westpac Bank building in Kempsey. A local artist, Elders and community organisations took part in its creation. Together with the memorial and the commemorative markers at the station, the mosaic broadens the perspective on history to include community artistic engagement.

The Slim Dusty Centre houses the Slim Dusty Museum exhibition. It features objects and images from the Kirkpatrick family’s own archive, as well as contributions from fans and friends around the world. The centre also offers visitor information and a retail shop. Those interested in Slim Dusty will find both the exhibition and these centre amenities here.

Walks and riverfront

The South to East Kempsey Walk runs along the riverbank, passes through South Kempsey to East Kempsey, and goes through Riverside Park. The West Kempsey Walk begins at a car park on Sydney Street in West Kempsey and leads to Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park. The walks therefore have different stated highlights: one connects South and East Kempsey along the river, while the other leads to the cultural park.

The Kempsey Riverside Markets are held in Riverside Park on the first Saturday of each month. The market is on Eden Street in Kempsey, beside the Macleay River. Along with the walking route that also passes through Riverside Park, the park is one of the described places to visit for a stay focused on the riverfront and local offerings.

When looking for holiday accommodation in Kempsey, you can decide whether exhibitions and regional history, Aboriginal culture and remembrance, or walks best suit your travel plans. These themes offer different starting points, without any one of them needing to define your entire stay.

Discover more destinations

If you’d like to add more places to your travel plans, you’ll also find Tumbi Umbi, Tyalgum, Wisemans Ferry, Collaroy, Kiama, Booroorban, Wellington and Malua Bay.

For the broader travel guide: New South Wales.