Only a 20-minute drive east of Maclean is the beachside village of Brooms Head.

As you head through Townsend, Gulmarrad and Taloumbi, it is not unusual to see the odd large kangaroo or two, as well as emus which frequent the roadside. So please drive safely.

During the Shark Creek fire last year, the villages of Gulmarrad, Taloumbi and Brooms Head came under threat, with the fire jumping the road at Taloumbi and burning through the Yuraygir National Park north to the villages of Wooloweyah and Angourie, which were also miraculously saved.

Turning left a few kilometres short of Brooms Head you can drive into Lake Arragan and Red Cliff (which form part of the Yuraygir National Park). The regeneration of the charred landscape has encouraged birds and other wildlife to return to the area.

Several camping sites provide the perfect spot to pitch a tent or park your recreational vehicle. Due to COVID-19, campers are currently requested to contact National Parks and book a site first.

Lake Arragan provides the perfect spot to paddle a canoe and the adjacent (unpatrolled) beaches are popular with surfers.

The Brooms Head Holiday Park has long been a favourite camping spot for many Maclean residents, especially over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

The Brooms Head general store has now closed for supplies, however the new Snack Shack fast food restaurant down by the beach is open (just give them a call to check their opening hours).

Take a drive up to the headland and enjoy the panoramic view of the coastline where you can do a bit of whale watching, so don’t forget to pack the binoculars!

Brooms Head is a top fishing spot for both beach and rock fisherman and the beautiful beaches provide a great place to take a long stroll or quick dip.

The picturesque Sandon River is located around 12-kilometres south of Brooms Head, along an unsealed road. Sandon is also a popular spot for estuary, boat, rock and beach fishing, with 4WD access to the beach. Sandon is also a popular camping and surfing spot.

The Brooms Head Bowling Club which is open from 11am is a great place to pop in for lunch or a quick cold one at the end of the day, before heading off home.