Major city · Australia
Kempsey
One night as a rail or highway break between Sydney and Coffs Harbour; skip it as a base unless you want Hat Head beaches and river country.
Kempsey is a service town on the Macleay River, about 400 km north of Sydney on the Pacific Highway and a stop on the Sydney–Brisbane rail line. The town itself is small: a museum, an Aboriginal art gallery, a handful of pubs and bakeries. Its real value is as a cheap overnight break on the drive north, with Hat Head National Park and its beaches 30 minutes east.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Sep–Nov, Mar–May
- avoid Dec–Feb (hot, humid, school holidays), Jan peak
- Airports
- PQQ · KPS
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kempsey000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kempsey, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA small country town and generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles · 132 500 NSW SES (floods and storms)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPQQ Port Macquarie Airport (About 45 min drive south; regular flights to Sydney and car hire.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car or a lift for anything beyond the two main streets.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Beerschooner in a pubA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryA$5–10 (≈ US$4–7) (check)
- Budget bedHostel or pub room, shared bathroom, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$160 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$260 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PQQ Port Macquarie Airport (About 45 min drive south; regular flights to Sydney and car hire.) · KPS Kempsey Airport (Charter and general aviation only; no scheduled passenger service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Mar (14 rain days), driest Aug (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kempsey: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
14 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
12 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car or a lift for anything beyond the two main streets. West Kempsey and South Kempsey are about 2 km apart, a 25-min walk or a short drive. Trains stop at Kempsey station; buses on the Pacific Highway stop in town. Hat Head and the beaches are 30 min east by road.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Hat Head National Park
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive east from Kempsey on Hat Head Road, about 30 min
Beaches, bushwalking and camping; no shops, bring supplies and water.
Port Macquarie
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive south on the Pacific Highway, about 45 min
Bigger town with beaches, koala hospital and airport; good wet-day fallback.
South West Rocks
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Drive east via Gladstone and Jerseyville, about 40 min
Beach town with the Trial Bay Gaol ruins; a half-day.
Coffs Harbour
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 40 min
Drive north on the Pacific Highway, about 1 h 30 min
Too far for a comfortable return day with sightseeing; sleep there instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
West Kempsey (Elbow St)
Pubs, bakeries and the Great Northern Hotel; walkable strip, closest to the river.
South Kempsey (Lachlan St)
Museum and art gallery end; motels with parking, easy highway access.
Hat Head
Beach village 30 min east; camping and holiday rentals, no town services.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–220 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$160 | A$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × A$70 · check | A$70 |
| Fuel, 100 km1 × A$15 · check | A$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$59 |
| Trip total≈ A$322 per person per day, bed included | A$644≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and long-distance transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Bakery pie or sausage roll | A$5–8 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub counter meal | A$20–32 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pizza, takeaway | A$18–28 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Beer, schooner in a pub | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Museum entry | A$5–10 (≈ US$4–7) (check) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat and humidity: 30°C (86°F)+ days with high UV; carry water.Summer heat and humidity: 86°F (30°C)+ days with high UV; carry water.
- Flooding on the Macleay River closes roads in wet years: check Live Traffic NSW before driving.
- Country pubs and clubs can be rowdy late on weekends; keep to the main strips.
- Mobile coverage is patchy on the back roads toward Hat Head and the hinterland.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- NSW SES (floods and storms)
- 132 500
Pocket card
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KempseyKempsey
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
Can you take me to this address, thanks?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- NSW SES132 500
Embassy
No embassies in Kempsey; the nearest consulates and embassies are in Sydney. US citizens: US Consulate General, Sydney (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Kempsey → Sydney: about 7–8 h, three services a day (check)
- Train Kempsey → Coffs Harbour: about 2 h (check)
- Drive Kempsey → Port Macquarie: about 45 min on the Pacific Highway
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- How much? — How much is it?
- Is it far? — Is it far?
- No worries — No worries
Country town: most places close by 8–9 pm, and Sunday trading is limited.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kempsey. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Nov, Mar–May · avoid Dec–Feb (hot, humid, school holidays), Jan peak · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PQQ: drive time, car hire desks, taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters for West and South Kempsey with rescue anchors (pub, bakery, museum).
- Place pages with verified hours for the museum and art gallery, and eat pages with last orders.
- Flood and heat fixtures so the page can flag road closures and UV days.