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New South Wales location profile

Smithtown NSW 2440

Smithtown is a small riverside village on the Macleay River in the Kempsey Shire, known for the long-running Nestlé factory that produces Milo. It offers a quiet, close-knit community feel with easy access to beaches at South West Rocks and services in nearby Kempsey.

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Why families consider Smithtown

A laid-back rural-riverside community with a mix of families, long-term locals, trades and shift workers tied to local industry and farming. Lifestyle centres on the river, nearby beaches, and convenient access to Kempsey for shopping, healthcare and schools.

Amenities & services

  • Local general store and takeaway
  • Supermarkets and retail at Kempsey Central and West Kempsey Shopping Village (nearby)
  • Kempsey District Hospital and medical clinics (nearby)
  • Cafes, galleries and eateries in nearby Gladstone
  • Pubs, restaurants and broader services in South West Rocks (nearby)
  • Kempsey Shire Library, Kempsey
  • South West Rocks Library, South West Rocks

Transport & connectivity

  • Kempsey railway station (NSW TrainLink XPT) for intercity services
  • Busways services linking Smithtown/Gladstone with Kempsey and South West Rocks
  • Macleay Valley Way with access to the Pacific Highway (A1) via Frederickton

Lifestyle & recreation

  • Boating, fishing and kayaking on the Macleay River
  • Local sports fields and community hall activities
  • Beaches, surfing and diving at South West Rocks and Arakoon
  • Heritage markets and arts in nearby Gladstone
  • Macleay River foreshore reserves
  • Hat Head National Park
  • Arakoon National Park

Education context

Limited within the village; childcare and preschools available in Gladstone, Frederickton and Kempsey.

  • Charles Sturt University – Port Macquarie Campus (approx. 60km south)
  • Southern Cross University – Coffs Harbour Campus (approx. 115km north)