Nambucca Heads facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nambucca HeadsNew South Wales |
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Nambucca Heads aerial panorama at sunset
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 Nambucca Heads
Location in New South Wales
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| • Density | 227.8/km2 (590/sq mi) |
| Postcode(s) | 2448 |
| Elevation | 26 m (85 ft) |
| Area | 31.39 km2 (12.1 sq mi) |
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| LGA(s) | Nambucca Valley Council |
| County | Raleigh |
| State electorate(s) | Oxley |
| Federal Division(s) | Cowper |
Nambucca Heads is a lovely town located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It's part of the Nambucca Valley. The town sits on a ridge, just north of where the Nambucca River meets the ocean, close to the Pacific Highway.
In 2021, about 6,668 people lived in Nambucca Heads. Many people enjoy visiting or retiring here because it's a popular holiday spot. The town is also on the North Coast railway line, with daily train services.
The name Nambucca comes from an Aboriginal word, Ngambagabaga. This word describes a bend in the river where, in a traditional story, a giant was speared in the leg. Ngamba is a part of the Gumbaynggirr Nation, and Baga Baga means "knee."
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History of Nambucca Heads
Nambucca Heads is the traditional home of the Gumbaynggirr people. Their lands stretch across a large area, from Pillar Valley in the north to Bowraville in the south. The Nambucca River was a natural border between the Gumbaynggirr and the Dunghutti Ngaku people. The name Nambucca comes from an Aboriginal word, ngambugka, which means "winding river" or "entrance to the waters."
Europeans might have first explored this area in 1818. Later, in 1820, a man named John Oxley surveyed the land.
Early European Settlement
By 1842, people had started cutting down Australian red cedar trees in the area. The first house is thought to have been built in 1867. Around this time, about 50 people had settled in the valley, working as cedar cutters or growing corn.
The town's layout was planned in 1874. The first hotel and school both opened in 1884. Nambucca Heads officially became a village in 1885.
Transport and Development
The North Coast railway was extended to South Grafton in 1915. However, the Nambucca Heads station didn't open until 1923.
Nambucca Heads is also known for having one of Australia's oldest surf lifesaving clubs. It's also where the idea of junior surf lifesaving, known as Nippers, first began!
In 1980, a new section of the Pacific Highway opened. This new road, called the Belwood Deviation, helped traffic bypass Nambucca Heads.
Local Information and Services
Nambucca Heads has several local media options and schools for its residents.
Local Media Outlets
You can listen to various Radio Stations in Nambucca Heads, including 2CS-FM (106.3), Star FM (105.5 & 105.1), 2MC-FM (106.7), Triple J (91.5 & 96.3), and 2NVR FM (105.9).
The local community radio station, 2NVR 105.9FM, focuses on news and events for Macksville, Bowraville, Nambucca Heads, and nearby communities.
For Newspapers, you can read the Midcoast Observer, Hibiscus Happynings, Guardian News, and Coffs Coast Advocate.
Television channels available include ABC, SBS, Seven Northern NSW, 10 (WIN), and Nine (NBN).
Schools in Nambucca Heads
The town has several schools for different age groups:
- Nambucca Heads Public School
- Frank Partridge VC Public School
- Nambucca Valley Christian Community School
- Nambucca Heads High School
Getting Around: Transport Options
The Nambucca Heads railway station opened in 1923. It's on the North Coast Line and has three NSW TrainLink trains stopping there each day, going in both directions.
