Grass Trees Escape

<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" text="#000000"> <br><a href = "GrassTreesEscape.html" title="Grass Trees Escape">Home</a><br> <a href = "Accommodation.html" title="Accommodation">Accommodation</a><br> <a href = "Surroundings.html" title="Surroundings">Surroundings</a><br> <a href = "Location.html" title="Location">Location</a><br> <a href = "Contact.html" title="Contact">Contact</a><br> <a href = "Highlights.html" title="Highlights">Highlights</a><br> <a href = "Bookings.html" title="Bookings">Bookings</a><br> <a href = "GrassTreesHouse.html" title="Grass Trees House">Grass Trees House</a><br> <a href = "TermsConditions.html" title="Terms and Conditions">Terms & Conditions</a><br> <a href = "Attractions.html" title="Attractions">Attractions</a><br> <a href = "Facilities.html" title="Facilities">Facilities</a><br> <a href = "History.html" title="History">History</a><br> <a href = "EatingOut.html" title="Eating Out">Eating Out</a><br> <a href = "Events.html" title="Events">Events</a><br> <a href = "Links.html" title="Links">Links</a><br> <a href = "Privacy.html" title="Privacy">Privacy</a><br> <a href = "TallowWoodPavilion.html" title="Tallow Wood Pavilion">Tallow Wood Pavilion</a><br> <a href = "TheJavaCollection.html" title="The Java Collection">The Java Collection</a><br> <a href = "Products.html" title="Products">Products</a><br> <a href = "AboutOldJava.html" title="About Us">About Us</a><br> <a href = "Showroom.html" title="Showroom">Showroom</a><br> <a href = "Ordering.html" title="Ordering">Ordering</a><br> <br><P><STRONG>Akubra Hats<BR></STRONG>Akubra, the name synonymous with quality fur felt hats, moved to Kempsey in 1972. The first hats were made in the newly completed factory in October 1974. The felt that Akubra uses to make their famous hats differs from every other fabric in that it is made of a myriad of short, single animals fibres, which are interlocked by their natural tendency to "crawl" and twist when kneaded and manipulated in hot water and steam.</P> <P>Akubras are proudly worn by ambassadors of our country at Olympic Games and other events where the Australian image needs to be portrayed. The factory does not open to the public for hat sales or tours - however hats may be purchased from retail outlets in Kempsey and a video of the hat making process is available at the Kempsey Visitor Information Centre.<BR><BR><B>Arts, Crafts and Antiques<BR></B>There are numerous arts, crafts, antique and old wares shops in the Macleay Valley. Several artists and craftspeople have studios which are open to the public. A list is available at the Kempsey Visitor Information Centre. (02) 6563 1555.</P> <P><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Frederickton<BR></B>The village of Frederickton, just north of Kempsey is definitely worth a visit. With sweeping views over the Macleay Valley, and a beautiful Golf Course Fredo is famous for pies. Fredo's Famous Pies is a busy little unassuming building located beside the highway. Visitors from all over the world come to taste their 148 varieties of pies.</P> <P><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Gladstone<BR></B>Gladstone is situated off the highway on the road to South West Rocks. An historic town it has won numerous Tidy Towns Awards. The old Gladstone Post Office is just one of the heritage buildings. It contains a huge range of antiques and collectables.</P> <P>Sunday lunch is an excellent time to visit Gladstone and enjoy the peaceful riverside location for a while.<BR></P> <P><STRONG>Jerseyville<BR></STRONG>On the way from Kempsey, on a delightful bend in the river, is the tiny hamlet of Jerseyville. It was named after a Governor of New South Wales who also happened to be the Earl of Jersey. Today it is nothing more than a few houses, but there is a particularly beautiful old house on the far side of the river. <BR><BR><STRONG>Macleay River Historical Society’s Museum & Settlers Cottage<BR></STRONG>Award winning museum of applied local history.Pacific Highway, South Kempsey. (02) 6562 7572.<BR><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><BR>Mesopotamia</B><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> Lodge Deer Stud<BR></B>Farm walk, hand feeding and talk on deer. Venison barbecues available.192 Spooners Avenue, Kempsey. (02) 6563 1056.</P> <P><STRONG>Osprey River Cruises<BR></STRONG>Scenic river cruises of the Macleay River, barbecue lunch or sunset cruises. New Entrance, South West Rocks. (02) 6566 6612 or (02) 6566 6649.<BR><BR><STRONG>Rainbow Reach Oysters<BR></STRONG>Rainbow Reach Road, Via South West Rocks. (02) 65 670050 View how an oyster farm works and taste fresh oysters.</P> <P><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Sherwood Estate Winery<BR></B>1187 Gowings Hill Road, Sherwood. (02) 6566 9414.<BR><BR><STRONG>Smithtown<BR></STRONG>Smithtown, located on the way back out to the Pacific Highway, is a small riverside town boasting a great pub, perfect for that Sunday lunch, or just an afternoon lazing around.<BR><BR><STRONG>Wigay Cultural Centre<BR></STRONG>Landscaped park dotted with plants that provided local aborigines with traditional food. Sea Street, Kempsey. Adjacent to Kempsey TAFE. (02) 6562 7255.</P> </body>