Kempsey is a rural area and a popular home base in New South Wales for travelers, and it is a must-visit destination if you’re a fan of Akubra Hats. The town of Kempsey was part of the lands of the Djangadi people and has been occupied by them and their Gumbaynggirr ancestors for at least 4,000 years. If you are planning to stay in town, you will be surrounded by dairy cattle farms. Don’t be surprised if you hear songs by Kempsey native and country music hero, David Gordon Kirkpatrick, better known as Slim Dusty. Slim Dusty Centre is worth visiting even if you’re not a country music fan. Kempsey Visitor Information Centre and Macleay River Historical Society are the best places to learn where your Kempsey adventures can take you. In the meantime, check out the top Airbnb vacation rentals near Kempsey, Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 28, 2024.
1. Sunset at Crescent (from USD 126)
Crescent Head, known among surfers, is about 11.1 mi (18 km) from Kempsey. Book this one-bedroom apartment featuring overlooking views of the ocean and live without a care for a few days. When you feel like cooking, there’s a full kitchen at your disposal.
The apartment has laundry facilities, a sitting room, and Netflix free of charge. Best of all, there’s a balcony for sunset viewing and a barbecue grill if you need to spice up a night with beer or wine. The host even provides a breakfast starter pack for booked guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
fantastic views from all rooms and the balconyimmaculate apartment with wonderful viewsthis place was awesome views from the balcony lounge room and bedroomwe were so comfortable and didn’t want to leave the view and the beautiful sunsets were amazingthe view of crescent head from the balcony was amazing with both evening drinks and breakfast spent out thereCleanliness:
you will be very satisfied with the super cleanliness and christine’s communicationthe apartment was so clean and beautifully decoratedthe property was immaculately clean spacious and very well appointedeverything you need in the sparkling clean modern kitcheneverything was clean and the place was very well equipt with everything neededHost:
she is simply the best and indeed a super hostthe hospitality was friendly and amazing we definitely recommend visitingperfect place for a nice getaway :)very nice host as wellchristine the host was most welcoming and helpfulwonderful hosts i cannot add anything that hasn’t already been saidRead more reviewsLocation:
great location - can easily walk to town and beachthe apartment itself is in an ideal location just a few minutes walk from the towngreat location for the beach and shopswe highly recommend christine's place and will definitely return sometime in the near future againthe location and the place itself was more than we expected such great space
2. Aphid's Retreat (from USD 117)
You can live in a converted and renovated dairy bail from 1856 and enjoy the generosity of Kempsey residents when you book Aphid’s Retreat. Now a two-bedroom cottage, this former dairy bail offers guests the merits of a wood fireplace, laundry facilities, a full kitchen, and a Weber barbecue.
The cozy living spaces are yours for the meantime, along with a roomy and covered deck. The backyard is fenced, so you won’t have to worry about the family pet running off. Guests are also welcome to the surrounding gardens and fields that are fragrant with herbs and laden with fruits and vegetables. Ask the host about the thoughtful breakfast hamper that you can order and pay for it in advance.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable beds bathrobes shortbread and a huge range of teasfrom being meet by jasper the comfy bed the gorgeous view and the peace and quietbe sure to order the breakfast hamper it's very bountiful and deliciousplace was amazing and we adored the breakfast hamperdo order the breakfast hamper and meats from their local speciality butcher such wonderful delicious local produceCleanliness:
the place itself is so well maintained clean and well designedthe cottage is really well kitted out and was sparkling cleanHost:
stewart and nicole are wonderful hosts making sure you feel at home with all the little touchesthe hosts have thought of absolutely everything to make you feel welcome and comfortablethank you for hosting us in your beautiful propertythe friendly cows and very sweet dog make you feel welcomestewart and nicole were very welcoming and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is very close to kempsey close to surrounding beaches and national parks and set within beautiful gardenslovely cottage in a peaceful location back for our second staybeautiful and quiet country get awaywould strongly recommend to anyone looking for peace and quiet in the evenings but close to great scenerybeautiful romantic place that makes you want to come back
3. Lovely farm stay with pool
The coastal town of Hat Head is surrounded by a national park and a half an hour’s drive from Kempsey. You will be staying on a farm, but this guest house is a modern oasis adjacent to the host’s house. This two-bedroom farm stay has a spacious patio and a private outdoor lap pool for guests.
If you’re on your way to Sydney or Brisbane, how about staying a day or two in a furnished space near the Pacific Highway where you can start the day with a generous breakfast? Then, end it by watching birds roosting and animals retiring to their shelters after a pleasant day on the farm.
Kinchela, New South Wales, AustraliaSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
delicious home-made breakfast made by ken and marilynfriendly hosts creekside views breakfast inclusions and roaming turkeys just some of the highlightsCleanliness:
the room was clean and nicely decoratedthe guest house was clean and spaciousthe place was nice and cleanit was very clean and they were great with communicatingrelaxed clean quiet locationHost:
wonderful hosts :) we’ll be backhost is very helpful friendly thoughtfulgreat hosts and nice accommodationsmarilyn and ken were fantastic hosts: easy welcoming and warmthe couple of the owner is very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
a peaceful picturesque locationstunning peaceful location with comfortable spacesa unique bed and breakfast in beautiful relaxing locationthe location was so peaceful and sereneserene peaceful and quietly tucked away in the countryside marilyn and kens was a great place to stay
4. Trendy home with balcony
This property is a trendy space with a terrific layout where three travelers can live comfortably; it’s the ideal place if you are planning to stay for three nights or more. This unique and charming place has amenities for cooking and doing the laundry, as well as upscale entertainment options. It also has a rear balcony where very young children must be supervised.
As it is designed by an architect with modern sensibilities, you’ll find yourself in a contemporary home in a quiet area in New South Wales. The concept is casual chic, so let loose and let the call of the surf dictate your daily schedule here.
Crescent Head, New South Wales, AustraliaAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
well equipped stylish and clean apartment with great locationRead more reviewsLocation:
awesome little place very close to town and the beachgreat location great host can’t wait to get backa brand new and comfortable place to stay in crescent
5. Blue Salt (from USD 100)
Blue Salt is a well-appointed townhouse near local dining spots and a short walk from the beaches of Crescent Head. It’s a split-level townhouse with air-conditioning, an upgraded and well-stocked kitchen, dining furniture and utensils, and two clean bedrooms furnished for restful nights. There is an upstairs lounge with plush furnishing, a Bluetooth soundbar, and Netflix that you can access whenever you want.
You may use a well-lighted study nook for reading or working. However, since you’re on holiday, make the most of the beachside environment. Don’t forget to hang out on the covered deck, which comes with hardwood flooring and a well-oiled gas barbecue geared up for daily use.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment is modern and exceeded expectation would definitely stay again (5 star)small multi-level townhouse but well designed and comfortablethis is a beautiful multi-level townhouse very well supplied with kitchen implementsmy 5 year old loved the media room and slept uninterrupted whole nightCleanliness:
super clean and cosyvery clean and extra little touches were much appreciatedeverything was clean and tidy we had a great staynice quiet spot very cleansuch a wonderful modern place very clean and tidyHost:
michelle is a wonderful host she made us feel very welcomethe host was lovely & the place is well kitted out compared to other abnb's we've stayed inwould highly recommend both michelle as a host and the property to anyone interestedmichelle is friendly and quick with communicationRead more reviewsLocation:
great spot close to everythingconvenient location only a few minutes drive to the beach comfortable placegreat house & great locationmichelle’s place was ideal for our staywalking distance to beach with some lovely cafes & restaurants close by
6. Beach house with ocean views (from USD 96)
You will have access to marvelous views of the ocean, a great location near a golf course, and pleasant scenery of sunsets over the hills when you book this modest yet modern listing. It’s a beach cottage near the breaking surf that you will definitely want to ride. If you are a serious surfer and Crescent Head is on your bucket list, look no further.
This house is a place where you can chill and store your board and bicycle underneath. It’s also equipped for travelers who prefer to cook their food and wash their clothes. Look forward to carefree hours on the deck, but spare time to check out nearby restaurants in between your surfing exhibitions.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great outdoor deck & table with amazing views offering the best sunset photosamazing view & a super comfortable propertymodern bathroom and kitchen & deck with bbq was excellentgreat free wifi netflix and fox & comfortable loungei'll say it again great veranda roomy lounge/kitchen and bathroomCleanliness:
place is clean and modernvery clean and perfect for our family of 4 & dogpeter's place is spotlessly clean close to shops club and pub and has a great viewthe house was clean modern very comfortable and had amazing views of the oceangreat location the place was clean and tidy and the view was amazingHost:
peter had everything prepared and was a great hostgreat spot with an unbelievable host peter was awesome throughout the floods couldn’t recommend highly enoughlove that its pet friendly as well inclusions are great (ice ready on arrival) comfy big loungepeter was very responsive in his communicationRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of peters place was greatlocation was great easy walk to cafes and the beachthe house was in a great location and was only a 5minute walk to the shops and beachpeters place was in the perfect location easy to check in and communicate withit’s in a fantastic spot close to the beach and locals shops
7. Peaceful accommodation with terrace (from USD 4492)
Featuring a grand terrace, this accommodation is an apartment tucked away in a scenic corner of Crescent Head. The kitchen is brand new and equipped for the enjoyment of home cooks. The bedroom is furnished with a king bed-sized and plush pillows and linen. Other home appliances here are state-of-the-art and should serve you well.
Guests have access to a private driveway, which also serves as their entryway to the residence. Plenty of natural light enters the interiors, and if you look outward, you will see the deep blue of the Pacific.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
full kitchen and coffee maker great view and balconyamazing view on the balcony with great kitchen and space to chill out insidestunning views a very well appointed apartmentsuper fast internet and cable tv/foxtel availableviews from the balcony are fantastic the unit is beautifully presented and the kitchen has everything you needCleanliness:
super clean and spaciousvery clean and great communicationthe place was sparkling clean which was so nice to arrive toit is quite spacious and has a mediterranean elegancethe accommodation was well styled great veiw and very cleanHost:
the friendly hosts can easily be connected by phone if there are questionscommunicative and easy going hostseasy dealing with the hostspeaceful and with privacy even though the owners live abovekim and michelle were great hosts and very quick to reply to any messagesRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing flat in an awesome locationperfect location and set up for a quiet getawaygreat place great location great viewuse the stairs along the street for easy access to the villagebit too far & hilly to walk into town but the positive is it was peaceful & quiet
8. Goolawah Retreat (from USD 187)
At Goolawah Retreat, you can book a stunning loft cottage for six guests or book all five cottages for a large party of travelers. You won’t need to drive to the beach from here since this property is within walking distance of the waters. In fact, the ocean is close enough to be heard. This retreat is surrounded by natural bushland, best viewed from a large deck. There is space on the property for children to play on their pushbikes.
Travelers of all ages are welcome to occupy the well-appointed and self-contained holiday home. You may use the cooking and laundry facilities. Inform the hosts when booking if you want to experience lighting a log fire and ask about the provision of towels and sheets.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it has washing facilities good kitchen facilities and great deck with lovely vistathe 2 bedroom cabin was so cozy warm and invitingCleanliness:
the cabins are very comfortable and cleanso private and comfortable and cleanwhat a wonderful place to stay in a piece of pristine bushland and ocean paradiseRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was beautiful first thing in the morninggreat location in the middle of the bush very serene and within easy driving distance to amazing beachesa basic cabin in a nice locationclose to fabulous beaches and national parksa wonderful relaxing place to stay in a superb location
9. The Pool House (from USD 92)
Like Kempsey, Crescent Head is a town blessed with a tranquil atmosphere. You can enjoy laid-back environs in a self-contained, hexagonal vacation home with posh features. After all, you deserve to stay in a beautiful home with views of the ocean. Migrating whales seen from the house will be the highlight of your winter and spring holiday in this part of Australia.
This cozy nest has a kitchenette, one snug bedroom, a well-stocked granite bath, and plenty of room for two people to share with their fur babies. Outdoor furniture is laid out for guests in the barbecue area.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved having a kitchenette and the view from the room overlooking the bushland was absolutely stunningloved looking out onto the bush with the sea behind plus looking into the poolcan’t recommend enough great view and a really good space with good basic cooking facilitiesdon't miss this spot - absolutely amazing view and the best bed in the treesgreat location and top view the room was fantasticHost:
max and anna were amazing hosts very responsive and hospitablemax was a great host and we would happily come back againmax and anna you were very friendly and welcoming at the time arrivalRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to crescent beach:) great location close enough to the town but far enough to be in naturesmooth check in and lovely place to stay great location close to town centre and beachperfect location for visiting and surfing in crescent head and super friendly hostslovely location view and great for a getaway
10. Pet-friendly vacation home near lagoon (from USD 93)
If you prefer a welcoming space with vintage furniture, then you have found one in Crescent Head. Your pets will appreciate the energy of this place, which is a two-bedroom abode with vibrant house plants and modern appliances. Don’t miss the thoughtful decorative touches of the host throughout the property. Additionally, the water’s edge is only 100 m (328 ft) from your hideaway near Kempsey.
The property also has a deck that doubles as an alfresco dining area. Cook in the full kitchen, then enjoy your family favorites while under the shade. You will definitely be delighted by the feel of the breeze from the lagoon. Book this home now and secure a lovely accommodation for four guests.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
easy and clean would highly recommendnice little place tidy and cleanit had everything we needed was very clean and daniel’s communication was great and quickthe fridge needs a thorough cleangorgeous townhouse stylish and cleanHost:
the host is really helpfuldaniel the host was excellent in communicating and answering all my many questionsdaniel is a great host who has a good eye for design and knows how to make guests comfortabledaniel was super hospitable and responsive to our needsdaniel is a great host and was very friendly and welcoming and very easy to communicate withRead more reviewsLocation:
great location great valuegood location and close to lagoon which is an ideal area to walk dogsgreat place close to the beachexcellent location and excellent value for moneycute funky place in a great location less than a 10 minute walk to get to everything
Share laid-back moments in this side of New South Wales
Kempsey is a top pick for city dwellers eager to escape the noise. Head to a tranquil corner of New South Wales, and book any of the top Airbnb vacation rentals near Kempsey for a wonderful retreat.
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