Nambucca Valley Wineries, a short drive inland from the Coffs Coast, offers a relaxed wine-tasting experience in a lush, green landscape. This cool-climate region is known for its boutique vineyards, friendly cellar doors, and a growing reputation for semillon, verdelho, and shiraz. The valley's gentle hills and meandering Nambucca River create a scenic backdrop for a leisurely day of sipping and exploring.
Highlights & What to See
- Cellar door hopping – Visit family-run wineries like Nambucca Valley Wines and No. 2 Wines, where you can taste small-batch varietals and chat with the winemakers.
- Nambucca River walk – Stretch your legs along the riverbank after a tasting, with picnic spots and birdlife.
- Local produce – Many wineries stock local cheeses, olives, and preserves – perfect for a DIY cheese-and-wine platter.
- Macksville markets – If you're here on a Saturday morning, the Macksville Community Markets (held monthly) are a great spot for artisan breads and fresh fruit.
- Scenic drive – The loop from Macksville through Bowraville and back via the Pacific Highway offers rolling hills and river views.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow a half-day to fully enjoy the wine trail – start around 11am and you'll have time for three or four cellar doors, a leisurely lunch, and a riverside stroll. If you're combining with Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour, dedicate a full afternoon; the valley is compact enough to explore without rushing. Most wineries are open from 10am to 5pm, so plan to arrive by 2pm at the latest to avoid feeling rushed.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Macquarie – 45 minutes south, with its beautiful beaches, coastal walk, and the Koala Hospital.
- Coffs Harbour – 40 minutes north, home to the Big Banana and excellent surf breaks.
- Bellingen – 30 minutes west, a creative town with artisan galleries, the Bellingen River, and the stunning Dorrigo National Park.
- Nambucca Heads – 15 minutes east, with the iconic V-Wall painted rocks and a great surf beach.
- Bowraville – 10 minutes north, a heritage village with antique shops and the Bowraville Theatre.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Coffs Harbour — Paul Lakin / CC BY 3.0
- Bellingen — Wikistellar01 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Nambucca Heads — Bob T / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Bowraville — BowraBoy / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Dorrigo National Park — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0