Originally a convict colony and one of the oldest towns in the state, Port Macquarie is now one of the largest holiday resorts on the New South Wales coast. It's idyllic setting on both the mouth of the Hastings River and a series of ocean beaches, encourages hoards of travellers and holiday makers in the warmer seasons seeking sun, sand, and surf.

Activities are abundant in the area with water sports being the most popular. There are several good surf breaks as well as good windsurfing, yachting and diving conditions. A river cruise is a good way to spend the afternoon, with many companies offering river cruises up the Hastings and into the Everglades. On dry land, there are a number of wildlife parks in the area which specialise in koalas and other endangered species. There's also an excellent flora and fauna reserve which protects a 30 hectare pocket of coastal rainforest.

Following the Hastings River twenty kilometres inland from Port Macquarie in the old town of Wauchope. A major and accurate re-creation of a late 1800's Australian timber town has put Wauchope (pronounced "war hope") on the tourist map. This working replica aptly named Timbertown, is an interesting display of colonial times complete with shops and art and craft outlets. On a smaller scale, there are other attractions throughout the district which follow in the same historical flavour.

Back on the main highway and further north is Kempsey. Situated in the Macleay Valley, Kempsey is a commercial centre serving the farms and coastal villages in the region. The biggest coastal village is South West Rocks, a pleasant resort town whose great climate and scenic beach setting was only known to the locals until the seventies. Still uncommercialised, the stretches of calm ocean and sand can be enjoyed without a high-rise in sight. Nearby, there are other sheltered beaches and coves, the historical sites of Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse, as well as Hat Head National Park, a coastal park with magnificent sand dunes and unspoiled beaches.