Kendall

Back to nature 

Located on the mid-North Coast of NSW, Kendall makes a quiet base to explore some of the state’s most spectacular national parks, coastal lakes and the beaches. Within easy reach is the fertile Comboyne Plateau, all green pastures and forests and fresh mountain air. This pocket of the state is planted with avocados, macadamias, blueberries and other fruits. If in season, you can hop between farmgates and sample the wares.  

Kendall is also the gateway to Coorabakh National Park to the west, this vast preserve the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago. Today, trails take you through a stunning and varied world of low shrubs and lofty eucalypt trees, cool subtropical rainforests and sheltered gullies teeming with wildlife.  

 Middle Brother National Park to the south should also be on your radar. This preserve was created to protect two of the largest (by volume) coastal blackbutt trees in NSW: Bird Tree and Benaroon. Bird Tree is a staggering 69m high, with a girth of 11m. Scientists estimate it's an astonishing 300 years old. 

Middle Brother National Park, Port Macquarie Area - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Stroll the town 

Explore the town on the pleasant self-guided Heritage Walk, passing 16 places of interest including the statue of Henry Kendall that was erected in 2007 on the corner of Comboyne and Orara streets – Henry was a famous Australian author and bush poet, and the town’s namesake thanks to his residence here from 1875-1881. You can also glimpse The Leaves of Kendall, a large sculpture of three eucalyptus leaves at the entrance to the town. Look out for quotes from Henry Kendall poems on power poles around the town. 

The Kendall Showground Markets are held the first Sunday of each month, with local produce and handicrafts on sale; while the annual Camden Haven Show featuring equestrian events, woodchopping, community exhibits and carnival rides, is held in October. Outside of these times, you can also get a taste for local creativity at the Kendall Craft Cooperative. 

Henry Kendall Statue, Kendall  - Credit: PMHC

Getting there & where to stay

Kendall is four hours’ drive north of Sydney, six hours' south of Brisbane and just 30 minutes from the town of Port Macquarie. Trains stop at Kendall Station and the journey from Sydney takes around six hours. Or, you can fly into Port Macquarie Airport and hire a car for the drive. QantasLink operates direct flights from both Sydney and Brisbane to Port Macquarie, and Rex operates direct flights from Sydney.  Places to stay include charming B&Bs, country retreats and the pretty Swans Crossing campground in the Kerewong State Forest. 

Kerewong State Forest, Upsalls Creek - Credit: Rob Cleary of SEEN Australia