Scotts Head

SCOTTS HEAD – ( pop. 1000) the ‘undiscovered gem’ of the east coast, this seaside village is very popular with visitors and locals alike. In April 1999 a tug carrying Chinese boatpeople landed on the main surf beach. To date this is the most southern landing of the boatpeople.

Main Beach – there could be no more suitable beach for all ages, safe swimming – patrolled during holidays and weekends, miles of beach for walking: shower and toilet blocks; ideal surf conditions, barbecues, picnic facilities and children’s playground also available.

Post Office, Ocean Street. Not just your normal PO – quality and antique art and craft plus gifts.

Way Way State Forest – rainforest, picnic areas and Mt Yarrahapinni Lookout sandwiched between the coast and Pacific Highway.

Headlands provide excellent vantage points to view migrating humpback whales May – October and dolphins throughout the year.

Surfing/board riding: the number of beaches offering different conditions makes this a well known spot in the surfing fraternity. A number of locals have been successful on the professional circuit. Softboards can be hired or lessons can be booked at Scotts Head Surf School.

Scotts Head, situated on the coast at the southern end of the Nambucca Shire, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane is 10 kilometres off the Pacific Highway and about a 15-minute drive from Macksville.

Excellent surfing conditions can be found at the three beaches. Main (Forster) Beach in particular is very suitable for children and those with less experience in the surf. It is patrolled during summer school holidays and weekends from October to Easter. The fine sand builds superb sandcastles, creates a comfortable bed for those who wish to relax, and is so clean it squeaks as you walk along. As this beach stretches for miles northwards, it is very popular with seekers of solitude. Swimming is not recommended at Little or Wakki Beaches where the surf is steeper and more powerful.

The Surf Club Headland and Elephant Head provide good vantage points for whale watching in season (May to November) – it is sometimes even possible to hear the whale songs. Steps lead from the beach carpark to a viewing platform, sealed pathway and lookout constructed on the Surf Club Headland.

Rocky promontories make it an ideal rock and beach fishing area. Boat ramps are located at the southern end of main beach and at Weir Reserve, Warrell Creek. The creek runs parallel to the coast from Nambucca Heads before turning west around the foothills of Mt Yarrahapinni, provides 30km of accessible river for boating, canoeing and kayaking. Fish, birdlife and native animals are in abundance.

Mt Yarrahapinni, Yarriabini National Park and Way Way State Forest are only minutes from Scotts Head and provide a cool retreat on summer days. The gravel road to the summit is accessible in most weather conditions and the superb 360-degree views make the journey worthwhile. The tranquil rainforests with marked walking trails, pebbled creeks, clear waterholes and BBQ/picnic facilities come complete with soaring timbers, ferns, palms wildflowers and interesting wildlife – don’t leave your lunch unattended or the resident goannas will move in!

Scotts Head Recreation Reserve & Caravan Park provides excellent facilities for both holiday visitors as well as day-trippers. Gas BBQ’s, picnic tables and food preparation areas are under cover and next door to a playground that will satisfy even the fussiest child. Sporting fields; the Bowling & Recreation Club; tennis, basketball and netball courts are available for the energetic and the beach is ideal for a game of beach cricket or volleyball.

You don’t need to bring provisions or a picnic lunch – the bakery, butcher, supermarket, takeaway, coffee shop, club bistro and even a local ‘fisho’ will ensure you don’t starve. Other retail facilities include a Post Office & Craft Shop, Newsagent, Video Hire, Liquor Supply and Hairdresser.

When you decide to stay accommodation is no problem – caravan park with cabins, powered & unpowered sites; dormitory style youth centre; motel, B&B’s; units, apartments, holiday houses and luxury villas are all available.

Every Year on the 31st of December Scotts Head celebrates an early welcome to the new year by the ocean from 4 PM - 10 PM. This is an Alcohol Free Family Event - carnival rides, live music, jumping castle, glo-rope stall, food vans etc.
Spectacular fireworks off Elephant Head at 9.30 pm.