The Mid North Coast

Living on the Mid North Coast

Because of its climate and natural landscape the Mid North Coast is a very attractive place to live, a significant domestic tourism destination and highly valued by retirees and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

Climate and topography

The Mid North Coast covers 15,140 square kilometres from just north of Coffs Harbour down to Myall Lakes. It is a relatively narrow strip of sub tropical, rich coastal plain running from the Great Dividing Range down to the Pacific Ocean.

The region is located about half way between Sydney and Brisbane and encompasses the local government areas of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Greater Taree and Great Lakes.

The region lays claim to the most temperate climate in Australia.

Population and demographics

The Mid North Coast had a population of 280,480 in 2006 and is among the fastest growing regions in Australia. It encompasses the traditional lands of the Gumbainggir, Dunghutti, Biripi and Worimi nations.

Coffs Harbour is the most intensively populated local government area with 68,021 people within its 1,175 square kilometres. Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA (Local Government Area) has a slightly higher population at 71,407 but is just over three times the size of Coffs Harbour LGA.

The network of navigable rivers in the region facilitated early trade and commerce and with the exception of Coffs Harbour, all other population centres are located on rivers. Coastal attributes have more recently stimulated growth and Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour have now become the largest centres. The slower development of the inland towns and villages has helped to retain their history and natural charm.

Population, land area

Local Government Area	Population*	Land Area
Great Lakes	33,982	3,375 sq km
Greater Taree	46,979	3,732
Port Macquarie Hastings	71,407	3,686
Kempsey	28,474	3,379
Nambucca	18,633	1,493
Bellingen	12,985	1,602
Coffs Harbour	68,021	1,175
Total	280,481	18,442

(*ABS 2006.)

Natural Attractions/Resources

The region has numerous beautiful beaches and rivers and picturesque hills and valleys. About 20% of the region consists of conservation reservations such as national parks, world heritage areas and state forests and there are sizeable marine parks in the south off Myall Lakes and north of Coffs Harbour. The more than 40 reservations help to preserve the scenic rivers, rainforests and tablelands, lake systems and long stretches of clean beaches.

Major rivers running from the Great Dividing Range to the sea include the Manning, Camden Haven, Hastings, Macleay, Nambucca and Bellinger, and they and their tributaries feature spectacular waterfalls after rain. Inland from Coffs Harbour are the Orara and Nymboida Rivers, neither of which reach the sea.

The rivers, floodplains and wetlands contain a variety of aquatic habitat of immense environmental value. The rivers are also popular for recreational activities as well as being major contributors to the State’s commercial fishing industry. The majority of fish, shellfish and crustaceans harvested in NSW are either caught or spend part of their life in estuaries and rivers.

Next - Doing business on the Mid North Coast