Public Toilets in Kempsey, NSW
5 public toilets mapped across Kempsey on the Macleay River — the Mid North Coast's classic highway service town. Whether you're breaking the Sydney–Brisbane drive or heading east to South West Rocks, here's every dunny in town.
Interactive Toilet Map
5 facilities available in Kempsey
📍 Street View
Select a Location
Click on a toilet marker to see the street view
The Highway Pit Stop
The Pacific Motorway (M1) now bypasses Kempsey. Exit at the Kempsey interchange and you're 5 minutes from town. The fast food strip on Smith Street is the quickest option if you just need a loo and fuel.
Quick stop off the motorway
Smith Street fast food strip
McDonald's, KFC, Subway all have customer toilets.
Exit at the Kempsey interchange, head east on Lachlan Street, turn right on Smith Street. All major chains are clustered here.
Stretching your legs
Riverside Park
Public toilet near the river with walking paths and picnic spots.
On Belgrave Street by the Macleay River. Lou's Cafe and Rossco's Cafe are next door if you want a proper coffee.
Heading to South West Rocks
Visitor Information Centre
Last proper stop before the 35-minute drive to the coast.
Lachlan Street, south end of town. Grab a map and use the facilities before heading to Trial Bay Gaol and Hat Head.
Visiting the Slim Dusty Centre
Slim Dusty Centre
Museum facilities available during opening hours.
3 Akubra Drive, South Kempsey. The legendary country artist was born and raised in the Macleay Valley.
South West Rocks & Trial Bay
No public toilets en route
Use Kempsey facilities before the 45km coastal drive.
South West Rocks has its own facilities at the beach and Trial Bay Gaol, but nothing between Kempsey and the coast.
Long haul: Sydney–Brisbane
Multiple options in town
Kempsey is roughly the halfway point of the coastal drive.
Next major stops: Port Macquarie (45 min south) or Nambucca Heads (30 min north). Both have multiple public toilets.
Eat & Drink in Kempsey
More than just Maccas. Kempsey has a solid local food scene if you've got 20 minutes to spare.
Cafes
- Lou's Cafe Restaurant (Belgrave St)
- Rossco's Cafe (Belgrave St)
- Sirens Cafe & Espresso Bar (Elbow St)
Pubs & Restaurants
- West Kempsey Hotel
- Great Northern Hotel
- Railway Hotel
- Bucket Brewery (Prince St)
- Freshwater Grill
Fast Food (Smith St)
- McDonald's (drive-through)
- KFC
- Subway
- Domino's
- Zannies Pizzas (Elbow St)
Things to Do Around Kempsey
Kempsey is the gateway to the Macleay Valley coast. Here's what's worth stopping for.
South West Rocks
35 min east. Trial Bay Gaol, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, pristine beaches. One of NSW's most underrated coastal towns.
Slim Dusty Centre
Museum honouring Australia's greatest country music artist, born in the Macleay Valley. Akubra Drive.
Macleay River Walk
Riverside walking path through town. Flat, shaded, with river views. Start at Riverside Park.
Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park
Dunghutti cultural site. Walking trails, art, and interpretation of the traditional owners' history.
Hat Head National Park
45 min east. Rugged headland walking, pristine beaches, camping.
Rudder Park Lookout
River views over the Macleay. Quick stop for a photo. In the CBD.
Euroka Lookout
Panoramic views over the Macleay Valley. 10 min drive north of town.
Bucket Brewery
Local craft brewery on Prince Street. Taproom with local beers and food.
Distance from Kempsey
Planning your next stop? Here's how far to nearby towns.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South West Rocks | 45 km | 35 min | Beach, Trial Bay Gaol, camping |
| Port Macquarie (south) | 80 km | 50 min | Multiple toilet options |
| Nambucca Heads (north) | 45 km | 30 min | Beach toilets at main break |
| Coffs Harbour | 100 km | 1 hr | Major regional centre |
| Sydney | 430 km | 5 hr | Via Pacific Motorway (M1) |
Drinking Water & Shower Facilities in Kempsey
Drinking Water
| Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Park | Tap | Near the BBQ area on the Macleay River |
No verified free public showers in Kempsey. Caravan parks and holiday parks typically have shower facilities for guests.
Camping & Caravan Parks in Kempsey
Kempsey is on the Pacific Highway between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Convenient overnight stop with river camping options.
| Park | Toilets | Showers | Dump Station | Water | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kempsey Tourist Park | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crescent Head Holiday Park | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | Yes |
- Kempsey Tourist Park: On the Macleay River. Powered and unpowered sites. Close to town centre.
- Crescent Head Holiday Park: 20 minutes east at the famous surf break. Beachside sites with ocean views.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public toilets are in Kempsey?
5 mapped locations in the Kempsey township area — including Riverside Park, the Visitor Information Centre, and West Kempsey. Two additional customer-access facilities with showers exist at North Kempsey (likely caravan park).
Is there a toilet at Riverside Park Kempsey?
Yes. Riverside Park on Belgrave Street has a public toilet near the river. The park is in the CBD adjacent to cafes and the Macleay River walkway.
Where is the Slim Dusty Centre?
The Slim Dusty Centre is at 3 Akubra Drive, South Kempsey. It's a museum honouring the country music legend who was born in the area. Public facilities available during opening hours.
How far is South West Rocks from Kempsey?
South West Rocks is 35 minutes east of Kempsey (about 45km). Kempsey is the last major town with multiple toilet options and fuel before you reach the coast.
Are there toilets on the Pacific Motorway near Kempsey?
The Pacific Motorway (M1) bypass runs west of Kempsey. Exit at the Kempsey interchange and drive 5 minutes into town for public facilities. Fast food chains (McDonald's, KFC, Subway) with customer toilets are on Smith Street near the highway exit.
Is Kempsey halfway between Sydney and Brisbane?
Approximately — Kempsey is 430km north of Sydney and 650km south of Brisbane. It's been a natural rest stop on the coastal drive for generations.
Nearby Areas
Kempsey is in the Kempsey Shire LGA. Population ~10,000 (town) / ~29,000 (shire). Postcode 2440. Traditional lands of the Dunghutti people.