Kempsey

This stretch of coast has quietly held onto its original character, Crescent Head drawing longboarders for generations without ever feeling like it noticed its own fame. North, Hat Head National Park hides huge dune systems and beaches you'll likely have entirely to yourself, running up to Smoky Cape's lighthouse, where whales pass each winter. At South West Rocks, the sandstone ruins of Trial Bay Gaol sit right on the sand. Inland, Kempsey anchors it all with heritage streets along the slow-moving Macleay River.