NSW Top Tourism Town Finalist
Welcome to Bowraville
Tiny Town: population under 1,500 residents
09:00 Weds 13 April - till - 17:00 Weds 27 April.
Members of the public may lodge only one vote for one town in each category. See Terms & Conditions.
Affectionately known as Bowradise... Bowra will do for locals
Nestled in the hinterland of the Nambucca Valley, Gumbaynggirr country on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Bowraville is home to the Traditional Gumbaynggirr people who have called this magical place ‘home’ for a very long time.
Gumbaynggirr country is a biodiversity hotspot, intricately connected to our life support systems with crystal clear headwaters, old growth native forests, lush mountain ranges, flourishing river ecosystems, fertile farmlands and pristine coastlines. We are lucky to share this piece of paradise with the local people and have endless respect for their relationship with place.
Bowraville is the heart of the valley, with classical dirt country roads taking the adventurer on a journey through green sloping hills, dairy farms, local producers, rainforests and lifestyle properties. Bowra offers it all from running, hiking, cycling, horse riding, kayaking, fishing, picnicking or 4WDing - you will be gifted with fresh air and a renewed sense of appreciation for nature and the great outdoors.
Loving Bowraville?
Vote for this amazing Tiny town in the 2022 Top Tourism Town Awards
.
Keen for an adventurous day trip? Take to North Arm to ignite your spirit with serendipitous sloping hills, wind your way past Crooked Top Mountain and onto Horseshoe Road. The Horseshoe will tantalize all of your senses as you meander through the ancient Gondwana Rainforests of Gumbaynggirr National Park, leading all the way to Killekrankie Mountain with stellar views over the New England Wilderness Area and east over the valleys to the coastline.
We are lucky to have magnificent National Parks in our local area such as Dungirr (Koala) National Park. This is accessible from the heart of Bowraville via Kosekai and Hanging Rock Roads. If you are equipped with a 4WD, you are in for a treat as you wind along these scenic dirt roads and forests, home to old growth rainforest and threatened species like koalas, yellow bellied gliders and spotted quoll. Kosekai Lookout is a magnificent spot for a wilderness picnic, overlooking the valleys of Bowraville all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Take a drive deep into the valleys of Missabotti or take the back road and stop in for a wander and picnic at the Bowraville Nature Reserve, a haven of subtropical rainforest. You’ll find some big old trees and incredible views back towards Bowraville, but be prepared for some serious pot holes, as it’s not called the ‘back road’ for nothing!
South Arm has rolling hills and winding roads. This valley was hit hard in the 2019/2020 bushfires and is recovering slowly. If you have a spare night, treat yourself to a luxe night under the stars at the Spirit of the Rainforest.
If you have a green thumb, check in at the Spirit of the Rainforest nursery to stock up on some native rainforest trees to grow on your patch.
Rodeo Drive will lead you back to Nambucca for some seriously delightful swims in the river, seafood, coastal walks, cafes and good times. Pick up some local produce en route at the cute roadside stalls and stop in at Jagun Nature Reserve (just before Nambucca) for some forest connection and hiking opportunities.
Wilson Road is an alternate drive connecting to Macksville and beyond. More free camping spots by the Nambucca River located halfway between Bowraville and Nambucca, make for the perfect peaceful spot to unwind on the river.
BYO fishing rods, kayaks, BBQ, loos and tent and you are away!
Bowraville is blessed to have a strong network of organic farmers/growers who are passionate about feeding and providing our communities and guests with the best food possible.
If you are spending time in the Valley, be sure to support our local growers such as North Arm Farms and Nambucca Valley Aqauponics by grabbing a box of the best veggies on the mid north coast!
We are a town of creatives, artists, environmental protectors, farmers, growers, professionals and lovers of the land who share good times. Keep an eye on the local gig guide for creative art workshops, music events or guided hikes and nature connections. The beauty of Bowra is the people and nature and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with the place!
Grab some coffee at the Phoenix Cafe en route and some pastries from the famous Bowra Bakery and head on down to the state-of-the-art modern skate/play park situated by the river with a big undercover area, perfect for a picnic. If you still have energy to burn after exploring our favourite nature places, take the footy down to the oval (just past the park) and embody your inner Greg Inglis, our Gumbaynggirr homeboy who played for the Bowra Tigers as a young lad!
.
Two days in Bowraville
For the next couple of days open your mind, body and soul and experience everything that the
“Heart of the Nambucca Valley” has to offer.
We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Gumbaynggirr people, who have cared for this land since time immemorial. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
Bowraville is a small town in the heart of the Nambucca Valley, with a population 1122 as of 2016 offering many experiences and attractions to suit any age. In this itinerary we have chosen to put emphasis on the experiences for the outdoor lovers who enjoy a spot of fishing, a peaceful swim in a local waterhole, biking on our scenic roadways, kayaking or paddle boarding on the river and camping.
With more attractions than you can comfortably fit into a weekend, the first thing you need to do is accept you won’t see it all (unless your heart falls in love with Bowraville and you extend your road trip), decide on things that interest you most. Is it biking, fishing on the river or enjoying a lazy day floating down river hitched together on inflatable tyres?
.
Share the love
If you believe this top town deserves a top spot at this year's awards, get your friends and family on the case.
Share this page with your network via the social icons below.