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.

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.