GLADSTONE NSW Gladstone and Smithtown are joint towns, only separated by the Macleay River. Gladstone is an old historic precinct that goes back over a 100 years. Smithtown by contrast and for the most part, is a post war community, but with strong links to a much earlier era. These towns will be encounted when travelling between South West Rocks and Kempsey. Gladstone is a small town on the banks of the Macleay River. The town of Gladstone lies across on the southern side of the river. The town was named after Robert Smith, a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, when the post office was established in 1877. Smithtown, on the other hand is also a small town on the banks of the Macleay River. The town of Smithtown lies across on the northern side of the river. Smithtown also, was named after Robert Smith, a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. Gladstone is historic. Smithtown is industrial. The Anglican and United Churches in Gladstone are classic. There are no churches in Smithtown. The Gladestone hotel in Gladstone is heritage listed. The Smithtown Riverside Hotel is now a tavern. Was this building its forerunner??? The Gladstone War Memorial is a significant acknowledgement for such a small town. Most heritage and interesting buildings are in Gladstone. These two towns are quite historic; the temptation to linger awhile should not be resisted.