Local Attractions & Activities

Valley of the Mist is a real working Bush Tucker Farm set in 42 hectares of beautiful bushland forest. They grow an amazing variety of native fruits and nuts using low impact sustainable farming methods. Visitors can see and learn how they work with nature and taste a variety of authentic Indigenous foods.

Take a guided Wetland Wildlife Canoe Tour and explore over 52 hectares of pristine wetland and its fabulous native bird, animal & marine life.

Bookings essential: (02) 6568 3268

Close by at Nambucca Heads and Scotts Head are a number of good cliff top lookouts where you can see magnificent Humpback Whales as they pass up and down the coastline from the Antarctic to their calving grounds.

Just a short walk from the Mandarin Motel is the Macksville Memorial Aquatic Centre.

During the summer months you can enjoy the outdoor 50m pool under the sun, which is also heated for cooler weather. Designated for all year round seasons, the indoor pool is heated to 30° and has an entry ramp for easy access.

The local beaches along our coastline are some of the best to be found anywhere in Australia. Park your car for free right next to the ocean and stroll for miles along clean unspoilt beaches.

For your safety please take note: The sea along our coastline is open ocean – at times large waves and powerful surf can create dangerous currents. Ask at reception for a guide to the safe use of our beaches.

There is always something going on in the Nambucca Valley. Many specialty car events are held throughout the year, all culminating in spectacular Show & Shine displays in Nambucca Heads’ Bowra Street.

The Volkswagen Spectacular is held every two years (even years) in early August.

The Hot Rod Show and Shine is on in spring and the Ford Falcons shine early in November.

Rusty Iron Rally is held on the first weekend in September and draws crowds from far and wide to see a fantastic array of old vehicles and machinery.

The Macksville Show is one of the regions largest agricultural shows and is held in April.

Other events include the annual OZ Tag State Cup in February, Kennards Hire Rally Australia in November and Field day in November.

Overlooking beautiful rolling farmland and lush paddocks, this working farm produces a variety of delicious cheeses, gelato, yoghurt and other buffalo meat products.

Visitors can see a spectacular herd of buffalo up close or from the comfort of the all weather under cover deck and learn how they are cared for to produce a unique range of handcrafted gourmet dairy products.

Café Open:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 10am – 3pm
Friday & Saturday 10am – 5pm
Monday & Tuesday Closed

Take a 2 or 3 hour cruise up the Nambucca River on board the Osprey. A variety of catered cruises operate all year round.

Bookings essential: (02) 6569 4055

There are many spectacular National Parks just a short drive from the Mandarin Motel which offer world class bushwalking experiences.

Mt. Yarrahapinni is a 15 minute drive south of Macksville and has breathtaking views of up to 60 kms from its summit. To the north on the famous Waterfall Way (turn off the Pacific Highway) is the Dorrigo National Park which is world heritage listed and as the name suggests has many waterfalls and lush subtropical rainforest tracks to explore.

Once the administrative centre of Nambucca Valley, the historic town of Bowraville has wide streets, initially built for bullock teams. The heritage buildings now house cosy tea rooms, charming galleries and country pubs.

Known as “The Verandah Post Town”, this peaceful hideaway is home to two excellent museums and the art deco Bowraville Theatre. Beautifully restored older buildings and historic Blue Nile Date Palms line the main street.

A free brochure outlining a self guided tour is available from reception.

The perfect way to explore the beauty of the Nambucca River. Circumnavigate an island, keep an eye out for dolphins, watch a sea eagle catch a fish, observe a pelican coming in for a landing…

Step back in time and visit perhaps Australia’s most famous pub which inspired the song “The Pub With No Beer” by Slim Dusty. The pub is living history and is full of local memorabilia.

The Nambucca River at Macksville is a great place to water ski, as the river is wide and has long straight stretches with an excellent boat ramp.

The Nambucca Valley has 4 museums which offer a broad range of historical perspectives.

No visit to the Nambucca Valley is complete without a leisurely walk along Nambucca’s legendary V-Wall to see the public art on this outdoor break-wall gallery. Bring your paints and feel free to leave your own art message here.

Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Nambucca Valley on one of the many tourist drive routes in the area.

Our reception has free maps showing you where to go and what you can see along the way.

If Golf is your game, then spoil yourself with the choice of 3 local courses! Including Australia’s only island golf course at Nambucca Heads.

Enjoy fantastic views across the Nambucca River estuary and beyond.