New South Wales location profile
Kempsey NSW 2440
Kempsey is a historic riverside town on the Mid North Coast, serving as the commercial and civic hub of the Macleay Valley. It offers an affordable, relaxed lifestyle with access to beaches, hinterland, and strong community and cultural ties.
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Why families consider Kempsey
Regional service centre with a mix of families, retirees, and a significant Aboriginal (Dunghutti) community; employment spans health, education, retail, agriculture/timber, logistics, and public services. Lifestyle is laid-back and outdoorsy, with riverfront living, nearby surf breaks, and country-town amenities.
Amenities & services
- Kempsey Central Shopping Centre
- Macleay Valley Plaza
- Kempsey District Hospital
- GP and specialist clinics
- Majestic Cinemas Kempsey
- Kempsey Macleay RSL Club
- Cafes, pubs and local restaurants on Smith St and Belgrave St
- Kempsey Library (main branch, Kempsey CBD)
- South West Rocks Library (nearby branch serving the shire)
Transport & connectivity
- Kempsey railway station (NSW TrainLink XPT Sydney–Brisbane services)
- Local Busways routes around town and to Crescent Head, South West Rocks and Port Macquarie
- Pacific Highway (A1) Kempsey Bypass
- Macleay Valley Way
- Armidale Road (B51)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Riverside Park and Macleay River foreshore walk
- Kempsey Golf Club
- Kempsey Showground
- Slim Dusty Centre & Museum
- Majestic Cinemas Kempsey
- Verge Street sporting fields and ovals
- Riverside Park (Macleay River foreshore)
- Kempsey Riverside Walk
- Hat Head National Park (nearby)
- Limeburners Creek National Park (nearby)
- Goolawah National Park (nearby, around Crescent Head)
Education context
Multiple long day care, preschool and family day care options in town and nearby villages; infant places can have waitlists, with better availability for over-2s.
- Charles Sturt University – Port Macquarie Campus (~45km SE)
- Southern Cross University – Coffs Harbour Campus (~145km N)
- University of New England – Armidale Campus (~210km W)