The Macleay Valley has rolled out picture-perfect weather to greet visitors to the region this Easter break.
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The magnificent conditions have been ideal for tourists enjoying the many historical sites and untouched natural beauty.
Volunteer from the Macleay River Historical Society, Barbara Coughran said there had been a steady stream of tourists packing into the regions popular beach-side caravan parks and motels.
“The weather has been great and people have been loving it,” Ms Coughran said.
“We’ve had consistent numbers stopping by the Tourism Information Centre.
“The people have come from every State and from countries around the world including Scotland, France, Netherlands, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland and the UK.”
Ms Coughran said most had come to enjoy the region’s coastal playgrounds at Crescent Head, Hat Head and South West Rocks, but other historical attractions were also proving popular with visitors.
“Many are interested in Trial Bay Gaol and also the Slim Dusty Centre at South Kempsey,” she said.
“The motels are already booking out for the Slim Dusty festival to be held in October.
“There is also the Aboriginal art gallery here at the centre, as well as our collection of glass negatives by local photographer Angus McNeil, which many people come to see.”
“The people have come from every State and from countries around the world including Scotland, France, Netherlands, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland and the UK.”
- Barbara Coughran, Macleay River Historical Society
Holidaymaker Richard Wegner said his family had been staying on a friend’s farm near Kempsey and making use of the many fabulous waterways on offer.
“We love our water sports and there is plenty of places around here for them,” Mr Wegner said.
“We have had a great time.”
Ms Coughran said the Historical Society runs educational programs that offer students the chance to participate in hands on activities such as a mock archaeological dig and the milking of a fake cow.
“There is also a working model of an old saw mill and a reproduction of a World War I trench, so there is plenty to entertain the kids.”
Operation Tortoise update
Operation Tortoise – the Easter long-weekend traffic operation – began at Thursday and was due to end at 11.59pm Monday April 17 with double-demerits in force throughout the operation.
Among the notable instances nearby was a 20-year-old woman with a P2 provisional licence who was detected allegedly speeding at 135km/h in a 100km/h zone at Nambucca Heads on Sunday. She was stopped and arrested after returning a positive breath test. She was charged with low-range drink-driving and issued an infringement for speeding. She had her licence suspended on the spot.
