Experience
50 essential things to do in the
Manning Valley
Naturally
welcoming
The Manning Valley has it all and our doors are open to you. Just three and a half hours north of Sydney, you will experience a world where spectacular coastline and pristine beaches meet rustic countryside and adventurous mountain trails – a destination where you really can have the best of both worlds. Known for our natural assets, the Manning Valley offers 9 stunning National Parks, 45 kilometres of pristine coastline and the only double delta river system in Australia, with two entrances to the ocean. This rugged, natural environment is perfectly placed for day-trippers to explore by car, boat, bike or foot. If you love a bit of retail therapy, there are also 26 seaside and hinterland towns and villages to explore, each with their own unique vibe and offerings.
This is the Manning Valley ...naturally and we know you’ll enjoy your stay with us.
1
Visit Ellenborough Falls
At 200 metres, Ellenborough Falls is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere and the Manning Valley’s biggest natural attraction. Admire the natural beauty from the viewing platform at the top, or take the 641 timber steps to the bottom of the valley where you’ll get so close you’ll feel the spray and hear the roar of the falls. Allow 10 minutes or one hour.
3
Get sky-high
The Manning Valley has its very own Skydiving NSW Drop Zone, which allows the more adventurous travellers to tandem dive from 12,000 feet and experience the bird’s eye view of the Valley. Not only will this give you the ultimate adrenalin rush, but you’ll have uninterrupted views of the river, coast, towns and forests. Call Mark on 0418 730 741 to book.
4
Trek the loop track
The Diamond Head Loop Track offers scenic coastal views across Crowdy Bay National Park. Starting at the Diamond Head Camping Ground and continuing to Indian Head, the well-formed track will guide you through hills and forests with breathtaking lookouts. At the southern end of the walk you will get views of the captivating eroding cliff arches. Allow 2 hours for this 4.8km trek.
2
4WD the beach
For those who like to get off the beaten track, many of our beaches have 4WD access. Picking up a permit from our Visitor Information Centre, Council or local tackle shops will give you the freedom to start making tracks. With 45km of coastline to explore, you might just find that you’re the only humans in sight!
5
9
Peruse an art exhibition
Off and racing
For a touch of culture during your stay, visit the Manning Regional Art Gallery located at 12 Macquarie Street, Taree. The Gallery is committed to curating more than 12 exhibitions each year and is responsible for bringing world class shows to the region, including the much-loved Archibald Prize. The Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm.
6
Sun, surf and sand
There’s nothing quite like a country race meet and the Taree-Wingham Race Club always put on a great event.
10
There are plenty of race days that happen throughout the year and they’re always a great opportunity for you to frock up in your finest, socialise with friends, enjoy a delicious meal, back a winner and enjoy the first class facilities that are on offer.
See a show
With 45km of unspoiled coastline, it’s not surprising that the Manning Valley has some of the best surfing and swimming beaches on the coast. From Crowdy Head in the north to Black Head in the south, our uncrowded white sandy beaches are perfect for a bit of sun, surf and sand. Whether you like hitting up the surf, relaxing amongst the dunes, trying your luck with a fishing rod or a good old-fashioned game of beach cricket, we’re sure you will discover a beach that ticks all the boxes.
Treat yourself to a night out at the Manning Entertainment Centre which holds a great variety of shows throughout the year. This 505 seat theatre in Taree attracts touring celebrities, local talent and fabulous theatre productions. Past shows include the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow, Guy Sebastian, funny man Carl Barron, the Royal Sydney Ballet Company and crowd-pleaser, the Wiggles.
11
7
Big Buzz Fun Park
See a movie
Just a short drive south of Taree along The Lakes Way, the Big Buzz Fun Park is a favourite with the kids, offering 25 acres of adventure and fun. The park features a toboggan run, three open water slides, toddler slide, kamikaze slide, BMX and mountain biking, speed karts, tricycles, half tennis court, swimming pool, beach volleyball, trampolines, swings, putt putt golf and more!
Whether you’re a movie buff or just wanting to catch the latest release on a rainy day, Fay’s Twin Cinema in Taree offers city movies at country prices. With two large cinemas, a fully stocked candy bar, comfy seats and the latest releases, be prepared to sit back, relax, tuck into a bucket of popcorn and enjoy the film.
8
Lucky strike
Let’s face it, tenpin bowling is always fun, whether you’re a gutter ball beginner or can bowl the perfect strike, it’s always an entertaining family outing. Taree Tenpin Bowling offers great birthday parties, food, drinks and glow bowling on Friday and Saturday nights. Phone 02 6552 4733 to book your lane now!
12
Round of golf
A round of golf has so many benefits – it’s social, good for your fitness, allows you to enjoy the outdoors and a bit of friendly competition never hurt anyone. Here in the Manning Valley we’ve got a variety of unique golf courses to choose from including Harrington Waters, Tallwoods, Club Taree, Wingham and Krambach. The 19th hole at these venues is also a must!
13
Visit Cattai Wetlands
Just off the Pacific Highway at Spring Hill Road lives the awardwinning Cattai Wetlands, a beautiful coastal wetland and hidden gem of the Manning Valley. Cattai Wetlands provide a sanctuary for over 180 species of birds as well as kangaroos, wallabies and regularly spotted goannas. Make your way along one of the many walking tracks, go bird watching, take a picnic or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
14
Enjoy a drop of wine
When you take a drive through our scenic countryside, we have hidden pockets of land with unique awardwinning wineries to discover. All boasting picturesque country views, we encourage you to walk to cellar doors, taste our local wines, meet the people who craft them and enjoy a bite to eat. If you’re up for a winery trail, a few to visit are Bago Vineyards, Ghinni Wines, Wallambah Vale Wines, Villa d’Esta Vineyard and Great Lakes Paddocks.
The wetlands are open to the public from Friday to Monday from 8am-3pm and everyday during the school holidays.
15
Fishing
The Manning Valley is a fisherman’s paradise, with a place to drop a line or experience adventure fishing around every corner. Fish our numerous freshwater streams for Australian Bass or our estuaries for quality flathead, bream and whiting. Or those who prefer to pursue the big blue water species such as snapper, jewfish or marlin, we have numerous boat launching facilities throughout the region. Pick up a fishing licence at the Manning Valley Visitor Information Centre or selected local outlets.
16
Rock the mountain!
Get up close and personal with nature as you bike the coast or discover 40 kilometres of challenging mountain bike loop tracks, hidden deep within our forests. What was once our local’s best kept secret, Kiwarrak State Forest is now known as having some of the best mountain bike trails in Australia, criss-crossing thousands of acres of untouched woodlands.
17
Enjoy a fishing charter
Crowdy Bay Charters operates off shore fishing charters from the Crowdy Head Boat Harbour, which is located next door to the very popular Crowdy Head Beach. Available charters include reef and bottom fishing, game fishing, coastal tours or whale watching. All bait and tackle is included in the price and you can book by calling 02 6556 1508.
18
Wingham Brush
For a nature reserve with a difference, head to Wingham Brush, located in the historical river town of Wingham. This subtropical rainforest remnant is part of the last remaining 10 hectares of floodplain rainforest in NSW. It showcases giant Moreton Bay figs towering over a gently winding boardwalk, and is one of the largest permanent breeding populations of the endangered greyheaded flying fox. There are also BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities as well as boat ramp access to the Manning River near Wingham Brush.
23
19
Op shop hop
River fun
Lovers of retro and vintage wares are invited to discover a treasure, delight in a bargain and connect with our community in our local op shops.
With more than 150km of navigable waterways, the Manning River provides the perfect environment for boating, fishing, water sports and tranquil picnic spots. You’ll see all sorts of activity happening on the river including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, water skiing and more. For a bit of trivia, the Manning River is the only double delta river system in Australia with two entrances to the ocean.
20
If you, like us, love views and vistas, pack your camera and prepare to get snap-happy when you visit the below lookouts: Flat Rock Lookout Newbys Lookout Rowley’s Rock Lookout Ellenborough Falls Apex Lookout
• • • • •
24
Water skiing
We love a lookout
• • • • •
It’s safe to say there are plenty to choose from - Harrington Anglican Op Shop, Wingham Anglican Op Shop, Wingham Vinnies, Old Bar Vinnies, Nabiac 2nd Chance Op Shop, Taree Anglican Blue Cross, Taree Lifeline Shop, Taree Vinnies, Taree Red Shield Family Store and Taree Valley Vintage.
Blue Knob Lookout Big Nellie Volcanic Plug Vincent’s Lookout Brushy Cutting Lookout Pilot Hill Lookout
It’s no secret that Australians love to water-ski, with more than 1.3 million of us enjoying the sport! The Manning River’s 150 kilometres of navigable waterways and array of boat launching facilities are perfect for punters to launch their boats and hit the water. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, there is plenty of room to enjoy waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and more!
25
21
Meander a market
Kitesurfing
For the bargain hunters, spend your weekends trawling through the array of bustling markets in our seaside and rural villages where you’re sure to discover a hidden gem. We’ve highlighted a few of our faves below:
For thrill-seeking travellers, kitesurfing is a popular and exciting activity to do in the Manning Valley. One of the best kite surfers in the business, Ben Wilson, rated Mud Bishops as one of the best spots in the world. With 4WD access to many of our beaches, you will find yourself with plenty of room to move along the water and backloop, backroll, front roll and nose slide – or practice some new tricks!
22
Experience our towns
Would you believe we’ve got 26 seaside and hinterland towns and villages to discover? From quaint riverside towns to laid back surfing villages and urban centres, each one is unique with their own unique vibe and offerings. To name a few, you can step back in time in the historical town of Wingham, drop a line in when you visit the fishing villages of Harrington and Crowdy Head, go shopping in Taree or relax in the seaside villages of Old Bar and Manning Point.
• • • • •
26
Wingham Farmers Market 1st Saturday of the month Black Head Bazaar 1st Sunday of the month Taree Hub Markets 3rd Saturday of the month Nabiac Farmers Market Last Saturday of the month Rudy’s Farmers Market every Thursday
Camping
If being amongst nature is your thing, the Manning Valley is the perfect place to be, not to mention a camping haven for our visitors. With nine National Parks and reserves on offer, we have well-appointed camping grounds scattered throughout the region. A few of our faves include Crowdy Gap, Kylie’s Beach, Coopernook State Forest, Farquhar Inlet and Diamond Head. .
27
Get back to nature
The nine stunning National Parks and Reserves within the Manning Valley are perfectly placed for day-trippers to explore by car, bike or foot. You’ll discover waterfalls, lookouts, walking tracks and the perfect picnic spot! Our top picks include Crowdy Bay National Park (for camping, scenery and wildlife), Coorabakh National Park (for Newbys Cave, Waitui Falls and Flat Rock Lookout) and Saltwater National Park (for swimming in the lagoon, picnic spots and walking tracks).
28
Shop ‘til you drop
Enjoy some retail therapy at our colourful markets, boutique stores and larger shopping centres. Check out Taree’s two larger shopping centres or stroll through Wingham where you’ll discover gorgeous boutiques, offering home wares and fashions. Nabiac is the place to go for the coolest vintage shops in the Manning Valley. For the bargain hunters, spend your weekends trawling through the array of bustling markets in our seaside and rural villages.
31
32
33
34
Calling all history buffs
The Manning Valley has a rich pioneering, agricultural and maritime history, so why not take a step back in time during your stay by paying a visit to one of our local museums. At the Tinonee museum, you’ll find the town’s original ‘lock up’ on display along with other local historical artefacts. The Manning Valley Historical Society Museum in Wingham dates back to 1880 and is another must see!
Waterfalls
29
Dodge those paintballs
For those who don’t mind getting their, well, everything dirty, we’ve got our own Tactical Paintball Games located in the sleepy village of Moorland. This privately owned and operated attraction was designed by Skirmish players and has a number of unique themed playing fields for you to enjoy. Phone 0487 232 780 to book now!
30
Crowdy Head Lighthouse whale watching
A must-do when you visit the Manning Valley is a visit to the iconic Crowdy Head Lighthouse. This picturesque lighthouse is perched high on the headland and provides 360-degree views of the coast. Between May and August, keep your eye out for the regularly spotted humpback whales – and don’t forget to pack your camera!
Yes, Ellenborough Falls is the main attraction when it comes to waterfalls in the Manning Valley, but we’ve got some other hidden gems up our sleeve. Waitui Falls is located in Coorabakh National Park and is a beautiful forestry waterfall with an evercool swimming hole and picnic facilities. Another one to tick off the list is Potoroo Falls in Tapin Tops National Park, just up the creek from the picnic area.
Scenic drives
What better way to discover the hidden gems of the Manning Valley than by jumping in the car and taking a scenic road trip along our tourist drives. You’ll be able to explore at your own pace, stopping off at quaint rural and seaside villages as well as visiting National Parks, waterfalls, lookouts and more. Our top picks are Tourist Drives 2, 6 and 8.
A foodie’s delight
Produce straight from local farms has inspired chefs in the region to create unique and tantalising menus and there are dining options to please all tastes (and budgets) - from elegant gourmet restaurants to funky casual eateries. Our coastal and country pubs capture a laid back vibe while offering quality restaurant or bistro dining. Al fresco beachside and riverside cafes have delicious meals and even more enjoyable views, while busy restaurants in town provide a variety of cuisines.
35
Café and culture
39
Events
The Manning Valley features a wide variety of arts and cultural attractions to experience, many of which double as cute cafés so you can grab a cuppa and cake while you browse. From quaint tea houses featuring local handicrafts, to galleries showcasing award-winning artists, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. A couple of local favourites include Artisans on the Hill and the Other Side Art Café.
40
36
Fresh and local
Live music
Originally founded on agriculture, the Manning Valley is renowned for fresh local produce. The Wingham Farmer’s Markets are on the first and the Nabiac Farmer’s Markets are on the last Saturday of the month. You can also visit our local Fisherman’s Co-op in Taree or Stone’s Oysters in Harrington for top quality seafood or Mentges Master Meats for delicious German sausages and other small goods.
Here in the Manning Valley we’ve got some great live music venues as well as the popular Wingham Akoostik Festival. For those that enjoy sweet background sounds while you dine, Bent on Food in Wingham or Flow Bar in Old Bar often has live music. Or if you prefer it a little louder and like hitting the dancefloor, the Harrington Hotel has great bands playing on a Saturday night.
41
37
Surfing
National Motorbike Museum
38
The Manning Valley plays host to a diverse range of festivals and events throughout the year - from rodeos and powerboats to music and cultural festivals, there is something for everyone. Two of our most popular events take place in October each year and include the Wingham Akoostik Festival and the Old Bar Beach Festival.
With 45 kilometres of unspoiled coastline, it’s not surprising that the Manning Valley has some of the best surfing on the coast. A few of our top picks include Crowdy south-side for those chasing the big waves, Crowdy north-side for those learning to surf, Mud Bishops at Old Bar is a well known kite surfing spot, the ‘perfect wave’ can be found at Saltwater and Wallabi Point has a great left hand reef break in larger swells.
The National Motorcycle Museum of Australia is a must see - and not only for motorbike enthusiasts! The museum is located in the quaint township of Nabiac and is owned by the Kelleher family. The museum plays host to over 700 motorcycles and a huge range of memorabilia, toys as well as an extensive gift shop.
Say ‘I do’
We understand that weddings can be so expensive these days which is why we offer beautiful venues at prices that aren’t going to break the bank. The perfect venue might be a step back in time in one of our heritage buildings, a fairy-tale in a beautiful garden, saying I do with a view on a headland overlooking the ocean, a romantic ceremony in a quaint village church or a charming country style wedding.
42
Enjoy a drink with the locals
The Manning Valley has plenty of country and coastal pubs for you to relax, unwind, take in the views and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. Our local pubs are not only good for food, but are a hive of activity. From bingo and bowls to golf and raffles, there’s always something going on and the locals are happy for you to join the fun.
43
Pack a picnic
The natural beauty of the Manning Valley means there are perfect little picnic spots around every corner. For a picnic amongst nature, Potoroo picnic area located on Little Run Creek in Tapin Tops National Park is a must-do. If you’d like a picnic with a view, Ellenborough Falls has some great picnic areas, whether it’s at the top of the falls or 641 steps down to the bottom. Waitui Falls and Saltwater National Park also have great picnic amenities.
47
Barefoot bowls
Bowls is a popular pastime in the Manning Valley and we’ve got a bowling club in almost every town you visit. The locals love having a ‘roll up’ and always welcome newcomers to try their luck at a game of barefoot bowls. It’s always great fun for the whole family and let’s face it, a bit of friendly competition never hurt anyone.
48
44
Walk the breakwall
Skate parks
The Harrington breakwall was built in 1894 to protect the entry channel for shipping and it now serves as a beautiful scenic walk and great fishing spot. With the river on your right and ocean on your left, this walk allows you to take in the water views and greet the friendly pelicans that perch themselves near the fish cleaning tables. The best views of the breakwall and lagoon are from Pilot Hill lookout in Harrington.
If your kids (or you) are keen skateboarders, we have skate parks in Taree, Harrington, Old Bar and Wingham for you to practice your ollie, backside, fakie and grind. Even if you’re not up to speed on the skateboarding lingo or tricks, these parks are still a great place to take the kids on their scooters or to watch the bigger kids in action.
45
Shhhh!
Silence is no longer golden in the modern library and our Manning Valley Libraries are no different, in fact, they are a hive of activity. Pop in and enjoy a multitude of free services including computer access, Wi-Fi and unlimited access to Zinio, an App for your smartphone or tablet featuring every magazine you can think of, and then some. If you need something to keep the kids entertained, our libraries offer a range of free programs including Pre-School Storytime and popular school holiday programs.
46
Make a splash
The YMCA Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre is a great spot to take the kids as it features a 50m outdoor pool, 25m indoor heated pool, children’s wading pool and a fun waterslide. If you’d like to keep fit during your stay, there are full gym facilities and great group classes – not to mention a crèche to look after the little ones while you workout.
49
Spot a kangaroo on the beach
This might seem like a rare sight, but here in the Manning Valley, this is an everyday occurrence. The best spot to see these kangaroos bouncing on the beach is if you pay a visit to Crowdy Bay National Park and go to Diamond Head Beach near the camping ground. The best time to see them is at sunrise and sunset, so make sure you pack the camera!
50
Get pampered
Treat yourself while you’re on holidays with a massage, facial, wax or haircut at one of our many beauty salons or local hairdressers. Located in beautiful seaside and hinterland settings, each salon has their own vibe and offerings, but rest assured, you’ll be treated like a queen! We promise you’ll walk out feeling relaxed and refreshed.
visitmanningvalley.com.au Mid North Coast New South Wales
Visitor information Further information on the Manning Valley is available at: visitmanningvalley.com.au tourism@visitmanningvalley.com.au facebook.com/manningvalley.info Visitor Information Centre 21 Manning River Dr, Taree North Ph: 6592 5444 or 1800 182 733 • local maps • information on events • accommodation • activities • gifts • attractions • local produce • souvenirs