Hastings Valley

Rolling green hills, meandering rivers and a laid-back rural charm define Hastings Valley, a lush hinterland region just inland from Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of NSW. This is a place where you can slow down and explore working farms, tiny historic villages and pristine waterways that invite swimming, kayaking and fishing. The valley follows the Hastings River, with its banks lined by towering eucalypts and subtropical vegetation. For travellers who want to combine coast and country, Hastings Valley offers a peaceful counterpoint to the beach scene.

Highlights & What to See

• Wauchope – The main town of the valley, with a heritage main street, the Timbertown heritage theme park (featuring steam trains and a working sawmill), and a lively Sunday market.
• Bago Vineyards & Maze – A family-friendly winery just north of Wauchope, offering tastings, a giant maize maze in summer, and a lovely café with valley views.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere, plunging 160 m into a fern-filled gorge. A short walk leads to the viewing platform.
• Hastings River – Perfect for a lazy afternoon canoe or kayak trip; hire from Wauchope and paddle past farmland and forest. Swimming spots like the popular Batar Creek Reserve are great for a dip.
• Local produce – Stop at roadside stalls for avocados, macadamias and seasonal fruit; the region is also known for its artisan cheeses and boutique wineries.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors base themselves in Port Macquarie and spend a day exploring the valley – enough to visit Wauchope, a winery and a waterfall. If you’re keen on hiking or more relaxed paddling, allow two days to stay overnight in a farmstay or riverside cabin. The valley is compact and easy to navigate by car, so you can pace your day with a long lunch and a swim.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub is just 20 minutes east, with its beaches, coastal walk, and the Koala Hospital.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – Dramatic coastal scenery, including the iconic Diamond Head, about 40 minutes south.
• Camden Haven – A network of rivers, lakes and beaches (Laurieton, North Haven) an hour south, great for water sports and quiet coastal villages.
• Kendall – A charming historic village on the Camden Haven River, known for its music festival and antique shops, about 30 minutes south.
• Comboyne Plateau – A fertile highland area with rainforest walks and stunning views over the valley, about 40 minutes west of Wauchope.

Please check official sources for current details.