Discover Macksville on the Nambucca River

Macksville combines its location on the Nambucca River with historic sites, murals and paths for a range of activities. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether you’re particularly drawn to local history and art, enjoy getting out on the water, or would like to explore a scenic route by bike, on foot or running. Music and a glimpse into macadamia processing are also among the town’s distinctive features.

History on the walking trail and in the museum

The History Walk takes you to historic hotels and picturesque cafés by the river. Its stops also include the 1919 railway station. Another landmark in the town’s history is the Star Hotel, established in 1885. Macksville Hotel, meanwhile, has been a community hub for more than 100 years. The two hotels represent different historical connections; take care not to confuse their founding and community histories.

If you’d rather take your time exploring a collection, the Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage and Museum has seven exhibition buildings. The displays are spread across several buildings rather than housed in one. You can make the museum visit a focus in its own right or combine it with the History Walk for a historical perspective on Macksville.

Street art and riverside spots

Numerous large, colourful murals line Wallace Lane, between the main street and the Nambucca River. Their size and vivid colours make a striking artistic contribution to the townscape. Macksville War Memorial is located on the riverfront section of River Street. It is another place with its own character: while the murals stand out for their colour and design, the memorial serves as a reminder of the importance of remembrance.

Macksville Bridge is also a special sight at dusk, when it lights up in changing colours reflected in the Nambucca River. This offers a different view of the river from the daytime activities on the water. If you enjoy taking in a variety of sights, you can appreciate the town’s art, riverfront and illuminated bridge as distinct facets of Macksville.

Cycling, walking and water activities

The Macksville–Nambucca Heads Cycleway, also known as The Watt Creek Cycleway, is a shared path for cycling, running and walking. It offers a scenic link between Macksville and Nambucca Heads. The route is not just for cyclists: you can also walk or run along it. Which option suits your holiday depends on how you’d like to experience the route.

Macksville’s sparkling waters attract boaters and anglers. These river activities add another dimension to the town’s cultural and historic character. If you prefer to include movement and water activities when choosing a destination, Macksville offers different options from a stay focused mainly on the museum, History Walk or street art.

Music and macadamia

Macksville Music Muster is a regional country music festival on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. It offers a week-long entertainment program under the festival marquee and on the showground. The event is held at the Macksville Show Society grounds on Rodeo Drive in Macksville. The festival combines country music with a program across two areas of the showground. If music is an important part of your travel interests, you can take this into account when deciding whether to visit Macksville.

Another local highlight is the shop at Nambucca Macnuts, the direct sales outlet for its own macadamia processing plant. For travellers interested in regional produce as well as history, art or activities, this connection to local processing adds another dimension to the town. Overall, Macksville offers several different reasons to visit: the river and Cycleway, local history, street art, music and macadamias. You can decide which of these interests you’d most like to shape your stay.

More destinations

If you’d like to explore other destinations too: Hyams Beach, Darlington, Neurea, Cootamundra, Ebenezer, Yallaroi, East Lynne and Grose Wold.

Back to the main travel overview: New South Wales.