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 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.

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.

The beautiful seaside village of Crowdy Head has both a north and a south beach.

On the northern side is a family friendly beach which is patrolled in summer months with a Surf Life Saving Club and kiosk. There are also some great picnic spots nearby and it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins playing in the waves.

Crowdy Head South Beach is a beautiful natural beach which is very popular with surfers chasing the ‘big’ waves. There are also picnic tables overlooking the ocean, so make sure you pack your lunch before you go!

Both beaches have 4WD access available,… continue reading.

Diamond Head and Kylie’s Beaches are located in Crowdy Bay National Park and are only a short walk from the many camping grounds located in the area.

These beaches boast great fishing, BBQ and picnic areas nearby and for the more adventurous, some great walking tracks. There is also 4WD access available at Kylies Beach, which is just south of Diamond Head.

If you’re on the look out for that perfect Kodak moment, the local kangaroo community can often be found on the sand in the early hours of the morning or right on sunset.… continue reading.

Part of the Harrington Beach State Park, Harrington Beach has a family friendly swimming lagoon off the beach area with BBQ facilities and picnic tables.

This is a fabulous spot to take the little ones and the Harrington break wall is also close by for walking, fishing and taking in views of the ocean. Along the break wall you’ll also see the fish-cleaning tables, where the local pelicans like to hang out and fight for the leftovers from the fishermen’s catch of the day.

Pick up a permit from the local bait shop in Harrington as there is 4WD access available along this beach.… 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.

The Marine Rescue Markets at Harrington are held in John Oxley Reserve and are very popular with both visitors and the locals alike. The market has a wide variety of stalls selling crafts, produce, clothing, plants, and much more. All proceeds from the Markets go towards financing our Marine Rescue Boats and operations.

Come and enjoy our excellent food, prepared by our friendly Marine Rescue Members, and enjoy a day out in Harrington!

The markets are held 4 times a year – New Years Day, Easter Monday, in July and Monday of the October long weekend.… continue reading.

Johns River Community Market is held on the 2nd Saturday of each month with additional markets held on a Monday of the long weekends at Easter, June and October & January.

A very popular market that has been in operation for in excess of 25 years and has a large range of stalls, old wares and homemade items. Excellent food is available for sale, including our legendary Devonshire Tea/Coffee, which is provided by the Trustees of the Johns River Community Hall. All proceeds from the sale of food items and stall holder rental is invested back into the Hall and Recreation reserve.… 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.

The Harrington Bowling Club was established in the late 1950s and is situated on the banks of the Manning River with spectacular views out to the Harrington Breakwall and the Pacific Ocean. The club offers Social events like Bingo, Trivia, Raffles, Members Badge Draws and Fundraising for Community as well as live music on most Friday and Saturday nights. Our family friendly restaurant, Steve’s River Reflections, serves modern Australian cuisine for lunch & dinner 7 days a week. Check out the menu and specials for great food at a great price. A La Carte menus & Platters for functions & parties are also available as well as a kids menu.

Bago Vineyards produces chardonnay, verdelho, fortified wines, merlot and ports. Established 20+yrs. Our vineyard cultivates a food and wine experience, stocking local cheeses and condiments – a cheese plate with a glass of wine under the pergola is essential when visiting the cellar door. Enjoy Bago’s remarkable hedge maze, the largest in NSW. Open 9:30 am daily, Cellar closes 5:00 pm Maze entry closes 4:00 pm

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 on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Available charters include reef and bottom fishing, game fishing, coastal tours or whale watching. They are available to groups or individuals (maximum six per charter) and included all tackle and bait.

Ghinni Wines produces quality fruit and vegetable liqueurs using fresh orchard fruit primarily from the farm orchard and also other local growers including organic specialists. Ghinni Wines also produce fruit and honey mead: blueberry, orange, plum and lemon. Our Vinyard cultivates king mulberries in the orchard which imbue more fructose to the fruit driven liqueur flavours. Enjoy a mataro red made from Barossa fruit, hand picked form 50+ year vines. The…

This park was created to protect two of the largest coastal Blackbutt trees in NSW – Bird Tree and Benaroon. Bird Tree is 69 metres high, with a girth of 11 metres. Its age has been estimated at around 300 years old, meaning it predates the arrival of Captain Cook to Australia.

Rosies Cafe and Gallery is in the heart of Johns River in the Manning Valley. Be surprised by the perfect coffee and delicious food. Relax with a glass of wine in the leafy courtyard or sample a crisp local Pilsner and Tapas in the bar and don’t forget to visit the gallery and gift shop.

Stones Oysters are specialists in oyster growing and processing in the Manning River and Wallis Lake. Our retail shop sells oysters, prawns and fish. We are wholesalers of oysters to Sydney and Queensland.

Tactical Paintball Games is located in Moorland, in the Three Brothers. This privately owned and operated attraction is on an all grassed area, built by Skirmish players and has a number of different playing fields. Each field was created with a theme in mind, so you can enjoy different scenarios and style of play. Groups, social days and individuals catered for. Players must be over 16 to play.

The Other Side Art Café on Moto Rd Ghinni Ghinni offers art, atmosphere and delicious food. Set on the banks of Ghinni Ghinni River this pet friendly cafe and working art studio is the perfect place to enjoy organic coffee and speciality teas with mouth watering cakes and delicious meals. The resident artists will discuss your next commission piece or you can just watch them at their work. We are open Thursday 10am-2pm,…