New walking trail just the start as project links five headlands on the MNC

The recently opened headland track in Crescent Head is the first phase of the Five Headlands Coastal Experiences connecting four national parks and five headlands on the Mid North Coast.

The new Crescent Head trail links the water tower on Skyline Crescent to the northern end of Goolawah Beach – known locally as Back Beach – and is about a 30-minute round trip.

🥾What is the Five Headlands Coastal Experience?

A joint project between Kempsey Shire Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Five Headlands Coastal Experience will link five headlands in four national parks through walking trails and kayaking routes.

People can walk individual tracks, or the whole trail, with options to camp overnight.

Currently, only stage one has been funded.

This includes the walking section of the track, which runs from Matty’s Flat in South West Rocks to Point Plomer. This leg of the track will be approximately 83 kilometres long.

Kempsey Shire Council is committed to seeking funding to develop the kayaking element into the experience in the future, and extend the track from Matty’s Flat to Grassy Head.

💰🗓️ The cost and timeframe of the project

Council and NSWNPWS secured $3,355,000 from the state government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund to fund the project, and will also contribute $850,000 and $574,500, respectively.

Works first began in February, with stage one of the project expected to be completed by the end of June 2026. Stage two has yet to be funded, and a completion date has not been set.

To find out more visit the council's website.