Telegraph Point

Telegraph Point is a tiny, tranquil hamlet on the Wilson River, just a short detour off the Pacific Highway between Port Macquarie and Kempsey. This peaceful spot is all about the river – think lazy canoeing, fishing for bream and flathead, and picnicking under the shade of paperbarks. With no shops or fuel, it’s a quiet escape that rewards travellers who slow down and savour a slice of old-fashioned river life.

Highlights & What to See

• Wilson River canoeing & kayaking – Paddle the calm, tea-coloured waters; you can launch from the public ramp near the bridge. It’s the perfect way to spot waterbirds and feel the bush silence.
• Fishing off the bridge or banks – A favourite local spot for bream, flathead and the occasional mulloway. Pack a rod and try your luck as the tide turns.
• Telegraph Point picnic area – A grassy reserve with tables, a toilet and a boat ramp. Ideal for a riverside lunch with the sound of cicadas and lapping water.
• Walking the old timber bridges – The historic wooden bridge over the Wilson River is a charming photo stop, especially in the soft afternoon light.
• Birdwatching in the surrounding bush – Look out for azure kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles and rainbow lorikeets among the eucalypts and casuarinas.

Suggested Time to Spend

Telegraph Point is a quick stop rather than a destination. Allow 30–60 minutes for a picnic and a stretch of the legs, or up to half a day if you bring a canoe or fishing gear. Most travellers pull in for a short break en route between Coffs Harbour and Sydney – it’s a refreshing pause that feels worlds away from the highway.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – 20 minutes south, with superb coastal walks, the Koala Hospital and a lively waterfront dining scene.
• Kempsey – 15 minutes north, a historic town on the Macleay River with a good museum and the Dunghutti Aboriginal art centre.
• Crescent Head – 30 minutes east, a laid-back surf village with a long, uncrowded beach and a legendary point break.
• Hat Head National Park – 40 minutes north-east, offering dramatic coastal cliffs, heathland walks and secluded beaches perfect for a swim.
• Macleay River – Explore the river by kayak or houseboat from nearby Smithtown or Frederickton for a deeper immersion in the region’s waterways.

Please check official sources for current details.