Wauchope Suburb Profile
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Along the foothills of Bago Mountain, Wauchope sits on the banks of the Hastings River, an easy 20-minute drive inland from Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of NSW. At first glance, Wauchope seems quiet and unassuming, but scratch at the surface a little, and you’ll discover a town that taps into the region’s finest offerings. The town’s once thriving timber industry has moved aside for farmgate produce and gourmet delights – cheese, wine, fruit and vegetables – all of which can be sampled at the monthly Hastings Farmers Markets. At the same time, the 40,000 hectares of National Parks and State Forests are a sanctuary for native wildlife, including the elusive koalas.
Living in Wauchope offers a peaceful lifestyle with a strong connection to nature, including easy access to walking trails and the stunning foreshore parks along the Hastings River. Then there is the popular heritage theme park, Timbertown, with its colonial-era themed village and steam train – a tribute to Wauchope’s heyday. Along the river, foreshore parks and a walking trail were made for easy breezy picnics by the waterside and the playing fields sprinkled throughout are made for budding athletes that the area is known to produce.
The town itself is well-serviced with a shopping hub, eateries, schools, playgrounds and a train station, but when locals are after more variety, Port Macquarie, with its beaches, waterfront dining and big-name stores, is just down the road.
Living in Wauchope provides the perfect balance of small-town charm and easy access to the nearby coastal city, making it an ideal location for those seeking a relaxed yet convenient lifestyle. With its hassle-free, hinterland lifestyle and easy access to a stunning coastline of pristine beaches, it really is easy to see why Wauchope’s popularity is on the rise.
Area Features
Hastings River
The beating pulse of this riverside town, the Hastings River, is where locals go to paddle, sail or fish, and if you’re lucky, spot a dolphin or two.
Fresh Produce
From hobbyists to generational farmers, the fresh produce is highly celebrated at local markets and much-loved venues, such as Bago Maze & Wines.
A desirable alternative to the neighbouring coastal towns, Wauchope’s hinterland lifestyle attracts a mixed cohort. From growing families to retirees to those seeking solitude on hobby farms, Wauchope has something for everyone. And when the holidays roll around, the local population swells with those looking for greener pastures from their urban day-to-day.