Local Attractions
The Camden Haven district - valley of villages, forests, mountains, lakes, rivers and beaches.
The Camden Haven district, on the NSW Mid North Coast of Australia, is located thirty minutes south of Port Macquarie and forty minutes north of Taree. This ‘Valley of Villages’ hugs the Camden Haven River as it makes its way from the lush Comboyne Plateau to the blue Pacific Ocean. As the river meanders through this magnificent valley it passes through the villages of Lorne, Kendall, Kew, Laurieton, Dunbogan, entering the sea between North Haven and Camden Head. Bonny Hills lies to the north overlooking Grants & Rainbow beaches. Just a further five minutes north is Lake Cathie (pronounced Cat-eye) with its beautiful lake, lagoon and beaches. Further afield is Port Macquarie, the regions ‘capital’, with its great beaches, history, shopping and attractions.
A vast array of activities for all to enjoy
Take in the view from North Brother Mountain, picnic with kangaroos at Diamond Head, check out the largest Blackbutt trees in NSW in Middle Brother National Park, catch a wave at one of the many varied breaks or simply ‘wet a line’ and relax along the extensive waterways. The district is famous for its oysters and seafood which today can be accompanied by locally produced wine and cheeses.
North Brother Mountain
At 490 metres North Brother offers some of the best coastal views in NSW. Lookout platforms provide stunning panoramas, with views extending to Crowdy Head in the south and as far as Mount Yarrahappini in the north. The mountain is a mecca for paragliders, with their colourful sails regularly adorn the sky.
Wet a line
The Camden Haven is a fisher’s paradise. The break walls at North Haven and Dunbogan offer accessible spots for all to enjoy. Beach and rock fishers should try the beautiful Diamond Head, Perpendicular Point, Bonny Hills and the Lake Cathie inlet. Henry Kendall Reserve at Laurieton offers protected conditions in a scenic setting. The Camden Haven still holds the record for the biggest bream caught – 4.1 kgs.
Take a hike
The Camden Haven offers a wide range of diverse walks for all levels of fitness and mobility. A walk along the Wall at North Haven is a must; dolphins, turtles, seabirds, fish and the occasional shark can be observed. The Queens Lake and Grants’ Beach Coastal walks are both relatively easy one-way walks. The Diamond Head Loop Walk in Crowdy Bay National Park is one of the best short coastal walks in the state and offers a diverse range of vegetation types as well some great coastal views. For the fitter, more adventurous walkers, the Laurieton Track awaits; eight hundred and eighty steps climbing 400 metres over 2.7 kilometres to the summit of North Brother Mountain.
Visit Kendall, the ‘Poets Village’
Named after one time resident and poet, Henry Kendall, this quaint village is situated on the banks of the Camden Haven River. The village is home to an active, vibrant arts community and hosts the annual Kendall National Violin Competition, a truly unique event showcasing emerging violinists from around Australia. Kendall’s unique past is on display via the Heritage and Poets Walks.
