Wauchope - NSW

Wauchope has come a long way from its early days as a "timber town". Today, this thriving rural town has stylish homeware shops, cafes and funky fashion wear. Set on the Hastings River and surrounded by lush farmland, Wauchope is just 20 minutes' drive from Port Macquarie. It's also the gateway to the hinterland which has more than 40,000 hectares of national parks and state forests.

The Wauchope Farmers Markets are held at the Showgrounds from 8am to 12 noon on the fourth Saturday of each month and is well worth a visit for lovers of fresh local produce.

If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors on horseback or a mountain bike, check out Bago Bluff National Park and Broken Bago State Forest.

The half-hour drive from Wauchope to Comboyne is simply stunning as you pass open plateaus, lush farmland and rainforest pockets. The road winds towards Boorganna Nature Reserve, one of the oldest reserves in NSW; a walking trail leads to the impressive Rawson Falls.

Other local highlights include the boardwalk leading through Bangalow palms at Wilson River, the largest hedge in NSW at Bago Vineyard and Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park.