The Kempsey region in New South Wales boasts several stunning national parks and reserves that cater to nature lovers and adventure seekers. Among the notable parks in the area are Hat Head National Park, Willi Willi National Park, and Carrai National Park.
Hat Head National Park, near South West Rocks, offers a natural paradise featuring beaches, sand dunes, rainforest, and wetlands. Visitors can engage in activities such as bushwalking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and whale watching. The park provides various camping options, including beachside campsites and the Smoky Cape lighthouse keepers' cottage with breathtaking coastal views.
Willi Willi National Park, located west of Kempsey, spans across both Kempsey and Hastings Shires. The main visitor area at Wilson River offers amenities like a picnic area, barbecues, and three walking tracks. The park also provides opportunities for exploring unsealed roads and four-wheel drive areas.
Carrai National Park, situated inland from Kempsey, safeguards extensive eucalypt groves and subtropical rainforest on the Carrai plateau. Home to over 125 animal species, including endangered ones like the Hastings Rivers mouse, quolls, and dingoes, the park is ideal for adventure seekers equipped with a 4WD vehicle and camping gear.
These parks collectively showcase the diverse landscapes and natural beauty of the Kempsey region, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in various outdoor activities and connect with the region's rich natural environment.