CAMDEN HAVEN:

Camden Haven is the name given to the communities that gather around the Camden Haven River, from its origins in the foothills of the Great Divide to its escape into the Pacific Ocean.

At the mouth lie the holiday towns of Laurieton, North Haven and Dunbogan. Dominating these three settlements is the North Brother Mountain, one of the three named as the "three brothers" by Captain James Cook during his 1770 voyage.

The Camden Haven Valley is intersected by the Pacific Highway at Kew, while a little further west, is the "craft capital" of the area, Kendall. Midway between Camden Haven and its busy neighbour, Port Macquarie, lies the growing coastal surfing township of Bonny Hills and further on is the picturesque Lake Cathie, with its sheltered, grassy picnic areas and shallow child proof swimming holes. Perfect for the family days on the beach.

Whatever the weather, the Camden Haven area has plenty to offer: family attractions, national parks, clean waterways, unspoilt coastlines and hidden vast lakes, all allowing access to sailing, fishing, walking, surfing and scenic drives. There's also some of the best hang gliding vantage points you'll find anywhere in Australia or in fact world wide.

If not so adventurous, simply watching these craft take off from the top of North Brother Mountain is an experience in itself. Since the day John Oxley discovered and named the Camden Haven after Lord Camden on 15 October 1818, the colourful history of the area and its people had delighted historians firstly through its thriving timber supply origins and its prosperous fishing industry through to the tourist orientated towns and villages of today.

LAURIETON:

The heart of the Camden Haven area, Laurieton offers all the services and amenities expected of a thriving holiday town. It is located 430 km by road north of Sydney and 40 km south of Port Macquarie.

Nestled beneath North Brother Mountain, Laurieton is surrounded by two lakes, Queens Lake and Watson's Taylor Lake, linked by attractive waterways - the Camden Haven River and Stingray Creek.

The river and lakes hold a wealth of oysters, crabs, prawns and fish. A sealed road leads to the look-out at the summit, where visitors can enjoy views of Bonny Hills, Camden Haven Valley, Dunbogan, Lake Cathie, south to Taree, west to Comboyne Plateau and north to Port Macquarie. A visit to the summit of North Brother is a must.

NORTH HAVEN:

Fishing facilities are abundant in the North Haven area, with a long sea wall, boat ramps, fish cleaning tables and facilities for tourists and residents. One of the safest river entrances on the north coast allows easy access to the Camden Haven River and mooring facilities.

The recently completed footpath/cycleway system following the riverbank along the breakwall from the river entrance several kilometres west linking up with Laurieton has proven extremely popular with local residents. The patrolled beach offers excellent surfing and fishing and extends approximately 3 km north to Grants Head. North Haven has a magnificent bowling club and deep sea fishing charters.

DUNBOGAN:

This tranquil riverside location extends east to the ocean and two beautiful natural viewing points, Point Perpendicular and Camden Head.

Walking trails through the Kattang Nature Reserve featuring magnificent wildflowers and bushland connects the two headlands. 'Point Perp' features views along South Beach to Diamond Head in the Crowdy Bay National Park, while a trail down to the sea allows you to discover deep water rock pools with a variety of sea life, excellent rock fishing, surfing and sun-baking.

Below are two beaches, Pilot Beach nestled next to the river breakwall with safe 'bay' swimming for the littlies, and Wash House Beach separated by the dummy breakwall with open beach surfing, rock fishing and exploring.

BONNY HILLS:

Seven Kilometres north of Laurieton is the delightful seaside village of Bonny Hills. Originally planned for fishing enthusiasts among the tough North Coast timber getters and dairy farmers from nearby Wauchope and hinterland.

The undulating terrain, coupled with warm offshore currents, ocean breezes and a sub-tropical setting creates a magical mixture of elements ensuring remarkable small temperature ranges averaging 18 to 25 degrees in summer and 7 to 17 degrees in winter.

Rainbow Beach is a long sun bleached belt of white sand stretching 30 kilometres to the Tacking Point Lighthouse near Port Macquarie.

KENDALL:

The Kew Visitors Information Centre located on the Pacific Highway at Kew, 9 km west of Laurieton, is the gateway to the Camden Haven area, and has available all matter of literature to ensure visitors a comprehensive guide to local accommodation, national parks, attractions, sporting activities, markets and craft outlets.

Kendall, situated 2 km west of Kew, is the craft capital of the Camden Haven. Antiques, art, crafts markets attract buyers from all over the North Coast.

It is named in honour of the poet Henry Kendall who was a former resident. It was originally the town of Camden Haven but dropped its identity to adopt his name after his death in 1882.