The Macleay Valley Coast's commercial origins in
timber-getting and dairy farming can still be seen
in it's historic landscape. Abandoned farm houses
and sheds tell stories of the pioneering past.
A visit to the national trust village of Bellbrook
is just like taking a step back in time.

Trial Bay Gaol, in Arakoon State Recreation Area,
is a must-see. Don’t miss the view of Trial Bay from
the guard turret at the western end of the complex.

Bellbrook was named in 1882 by Caroline
McMaugh after the local bellbirds and the
adjacent river. It is a significant example
of a turn-of-the-century hamlet.  

Travel the 'Slim Dusty Way' from the Pacific Highway at Kempsey to explore the childhood tramping ground of Slim Dusty around Bellbrook, Nulla Nulla and the Upper Macleay Hinterland.
Gowers Store in Bellbrook was used
in the filming of Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith.

The gaol, first occupied in 1886, is mostly
built from pink granite quarried nearby.
Walk around it and you’ll see the wreck of
one of three vessels which were stranded there
in the early 1970s or stroll up the path to the
base of Smoky Cape Lighthouse, opened in 1891,
and enjoy a fabulous view from that
vantage point.

Kempsey Visitor Information Centre

PO Box 78, West Kempsey. NSW. Australia. 2440.
Phone Toll Free 1800 642 480
Phone 02 65 631555 International 61 2 65 631555
Fax 02 65 631537 International 61 2 65 631537
Email