Coopernook State Forest is a beautiful corner of the Manning Valley. There is the Forest Park Camping and Picnic area within the Coopernook State Forest, which is a quiet open grass area, surrounded by tall gums, perfect for camping or spending the night. This spot is a free stopover and rest area for those seeking respite from highway travel, halfway between Taree and Kew and just off the Pacific Highway.

The forest is accessible by 2WD in good weather and the site is FREE and pet friendly. A good spot to pop out the tent or trailer and relax or explore the surrounding forest.… continue reading.

Just 6km from Comboyne along Innes View Road lies Boorganna Nature Reserve. A real treasure trove, this rainforest remnant lies on volcanic soils surrounded by the cleared farmland of the Comboyne Plateau.

The Reserve is only an hour’s drive from Taree. Take your lunch and enjoy the restful mood of this unique place. Stroll down the 2.7k walking track from the picnic area and descend through the tranquil rainforest to Rawson Falls.… continue reading.

Brimbin Nature Reserve is located approximately 12km North West of Taree and an easy 20 minutes drive from town.

Brimbin Nature Reserve has important historic connections with Taree and Port Macquarie’s early settlement being situated on the original main road between the two centres in the days of horse-drawn transport. This area is also significant to the local Biripi people. The name “Brimbin” is an Aboriginal word derived from “Borembit” or stringybark, a tree species common in the reserve.

Brimbin is home to an endangered species of eucalypt, the narrow leaved redgum, Eucalyptus seeana, which occurs at its southern limit in the Taree area.… continue reading.

Just off the Pacific Highway at Spring Hill Road lives the award-winning Cattai Wetlands, a beautiful coastal wetland and hidden gem of the Manning Valley.

Cattai Wetlands provide a sanctuary for over 180 species of birds, 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.

Cattai Wetlands is open to the public 7 days a week between 8 am and 3 pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Guided tours are also available by appointment – call MidCoast Council on 02 6592 5399.… continue reading.

Coocumbac Island is a small island next to the Martin Bridge in the Manning River at Taree is the site of a major rainforest regeneration program.

It is an ideal place to see one of the few remaining areas of lowland subtropical rainforest that once covered extensive areas of the North Coast. The island is only accessible by water, so if you’re out in your boat, be sure to swing by and check it out.… continue reading.

Around 25 kilometres north of Taree take a drive through Coorabakh National Park.

Wander amongst giant Blackbutt forest over the shaded boardwalks of the Starrs Creek sub tropical rainforest. Amble down along a fresh creek to Newbys cave and if the day is warm you simply have to take yourself for a dip in the ever cool Waitui Falls. Some of the most amazing views over the Manning Valley and out to the coastline can be enjoyed here from Newbys, Flat Rock and Vincent’s lookouts.

Be sure to check out Big Nellie, Flat Nellie and Little Nellie,… continue reading.

Crowdy Bay National Park (9,519 hectares) has long been admired for its rugged coastline cliffs, rockpools, beaches and forests, which are a haven for wildlife. At low tide, you can explore the rock formations and pools along the cliff-base walk.

There is great fishing, plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing and water activities and it is a particularly fruitful area for bird watching.

The park’s main topographical feature and highest point is Diamond Head, which rises abruptly to 113 metres. It takes its name from the quartz crystals that are found in the area.

There are a number of great,… continue reading.

From Wingham follow the Tourist Drive 8 signs to the legendary Ellenborough Falls at Elands.

At 200 metres, Ellenborough Falls is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the Manning Valley’s biggest natural attractions. If you’re coming to the area, visiting this natural beauty is a must-do!

Admire the natural beauty from the viewing platform at the top, or for the more adventurous, 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.… continue reading.

Located at the southern entrance to the Manning River, Farquhar Inlet offers far more than just a top fishing spot. There is plenty of calm water to enjoy all types of boating and watercraft activities.

Farquhar Inlet is also a camping ground which consists of 25 campsites set amongst shady trees with BBQ facilities and toilets available. Access to the park is by 4WD along the Manning Point beach (only on low tide) or by boat. Access via Old Bar is only possible when the entrance is closed.

All vehicles require a beach permit issued from Greater Taree City Council,… continue reading.

Harrington Beach State Park is a 431-hectare site that stretches from Harrington to the picturesque fishing village of Crowdy Head. It features a privately run Caravan Park, lighthouse and boat harbour.

A must do for all is a visit to the iconic Crowdy Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse perched high on the headland provides 360-degree views of the coast. Between May and August, keep your eye out for passing humpback whales. Make sure you pack the camera as there are great photo opportunities from this vantage point.

Harrington Beach State Park is a fisherman’s paradise with plenty of opportunities to pull in a great catch of the day at the protected boat harbour,… continue reading.

If you love views and vistas, the Manning Valley has many inspiring lookouts that are great photo opportunities during your visit.

So make sure you pack you camera and get snap-happy when you visit the below lookouts:

• Flat Rock Lookout
• Newbys Lookout
• Rowley’s Rock Lookout
• Ellenborough Falls
• Apex Lookout
• Blue knob Lookout
• Big Nellie Volcanic Plug
• Vincent’s Lookout
• Brushy Cutting
• Pilot Hill Lookout
… continue reading.

Saltwater National Park adjoining Saltwater beach has special significance for the local Aboriginal community (Biripi). This National Park contains Aboriginal sites, which relate to Dreamtime beliefs and a section of the park has been declared an Aboriginal Place.

There is swimming and surfing at the ocean beach and canoeing in the tranquil waters of Khappinghat Creek. The lagoon nestled against the Reserve provides safe swimming for families.

The picnic area has gas BBQ’s, picnic tables, amenities and cold showers. Take a walk through the rainforest on the headland or explore the Five Islands walking track, which follows Khappinghat Creek in the Nature Reserve.… continue reading.

Tapin Tops National Park (10,828 hectares) is located on Knodingbul Road, approximately 30kms north-west of Wingham.

The Tapin Tops Rest Area is a well developed picnic area, with amenities, gas BBQs, picnic shelters and some gorgeous shady camp spots. The park was once a forestry work camp and features an array of European deciduous trees that do well in this mountain environment. Most noticeable is the row of impressive Californian redwoods which were planted in the rich volcanic soil in the early 1960’s.

Two walks are available off the picnic area, an easy 15 minute rainforest walk featuring a variety of rainforest species like Red Cedar,… continue reading.

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 grey-headed flying fox.

If you get to the Brush on sunset, the sight of thousands of flying foxes heading out for the evening meal is just amazing.

There is also overnight camping available for self-contained vehicles at the entrance to the brush on Wingham Reserve.… continue reading.