WELCOME TO THE MANNING VALLEY!

The Manning Valley area offers an array of destinations from the mountains to the sea perfectly combined with the laid back country life. The surrounding areas of The Manning Valley encompass their own natural design that separates each one to the rest.

TAREE

Approx 3 and a half hours north of Sydney (approx. 320 KM) is a historic town on the banks of the beautiful Manning River, Taree is the vibrant centre of the Manning Valley and a great base for exploring the national parks and beautiful beaches of the Barrington Coast. As the major service town for the region, Taree has all the facilities, accommodation, restaurants and cafes, farmers markers and activities you need while still within reach of nature’s bounty.

Manning Valley River from Apex lookout photographed by (MVPAL)

Cundletown has a strong connection with the poet Henry Kendall, famous for his poem 'Bellbirds' which generations of Australian schoolchildren learnt off by heart. Kendall lived in Cundletown from 1881-1882 and was employed as the local inspector of forests. He died of consumption in 1882.
Kendall wrote about Taree in one of his poems.

'Tis where the green and gold is,
Secure from the storms and the sea,
Where never of winter's cold is,
The beautiful quiet Taree.

It is not one of his better poems. Kendall's connection with the town is commemorated by a monument in Kendall Reserve.

Manning valley river from the Taree Bicentennial gardens photographed by (MVPAL)

Established here now are the two shopping centres in the heart of the CBD, Taree central and Manning Mall, both with specialty shops offering fashion, jewellery, food, gift shops and many more.  Popular is the local Aquatic Centre that offers fitness and leisure activities which neighbours the Entertainment Centre that many famous and infamous comical, musical & stage personalities have frequented.

Victoria Street is the main street of Taree and has flourished with restaurants and cafe’s for those who love to eat out and enjoy watching the world go by in style.  

The greatest element living in Taree is not only the close proximity to local beaches, popular swimming and fishing areas, the snow once a year at Barrington Tops and local beach festivals it can be found in the overall sense of community that heightens year after year.

Manning Valley River from Apex lookout photographed by (MVPAL)

OLD BAR

The seaside town of Old Bar is located twelve kilometers from the Pacific Highway and 15 minutes east of Taree. Old Bar was once considered a small beach town east of Taree, however, as the years have passed the town of Old Bar has expanded into much more than that.

Old Bar Beach photographed by MVPAL

In recent years vacant land has been developed into new housing estates that have been highly sort after from homeowners and investors alike.
Old Bar still has everything for the family whether on holiday or to take up residence, with its local Primary School, Caravan and skate parks, restaurants, cafe’s, Chemist, Post Office and its very own Coles shopping centre, locals find less reasons to venture far from home.

Old Bar Beach photographed by Kayne Tisdell (MVPAL)

Old Bar Beach is one of those NSW beaches which is completely untouched. It’s a beautiful long beach which tends to get a lot of stones washed up. Old Bar Beach is a well known surfing beach and is a also a fantastic kite boarding spot. Beach fishing is also a favourite pastime for locals and tourists.

Old Bar Beach photographed by Steen Wamsley (MVPAL)

WINGHAM

Wingham is another main town surrounding Taree with the Manning River flowing right through it. Wingham acts as a gateway to the wonders of the encompassing mountains and countryside of the smaller regions.

Wingham Brush board walk photographed by (MVPAL)

Wingham boasts some truly exquisite Historical buildings in which you are able to enjoy whilst touring through the town. You’ll enjoy a taste of the good life at the delightful and successful guesthouses, cafes and shops selling fresh, local produce.

Wingham Brush board walk photographed by (MVPAL)

The main attraction in this historic country town is the Wingham Brush Nature Reserve which is located adjacent to the Manning River.
The Wingham Brush is one of the last surviving areas of subtropical flood-plain rainforest in NSW with a wide variety of native animals, birds and thousand year old Moreton Bay and strangler fig trees which is the home to major colonies of the endangered grey-headed flying fox.

Grey headed flying fox with pup photographed by Andrew Mercer

There are several other picturesque retreats nearby and access to the delights of the Manning Valley such as Ellenborough Falls, and the quaint villages of Elands and Comboyne. 

Ellenborough Falls photographed by East Coast photography

HARRINGTON

Harrington is a small fishing village located at the mouth of the Manning River. The town is formerly growing exponentially due to the construction of the Harrington Waters Golf Course, Shopping Village and Housing estate in the area.

Crowdy beach photographed by (MVPAL)

Harrington Beach stretches from Harrington village to the picturesque fishing village of Crowdy Head and is part of the Harrington Beach State Park.  This quiet beach locality between the two villages is ideal for relaxing strolls and fishing opportunities. Harrington break wall is also a very popular spot for fishing, walking and taking in the views of the ocean.

Harrington break wall walk photographed by (MVPAL)

The Harrington lagoon is located off the beach area; it is a safe swimming spot for families and is very popular during the warmer months.

Harrington break wall looking over the Harrington lagoon photographed by (MVPAL)

The Foreshores of the coastal beaches and estuary provide a tranquil array of year round recreation while the protected tracks of coastal rainforests and other significant native vegetation provide habitat for many species of native fauna and flora.

The Crowdy Bay Road between Crowdy head and Moorland photographed by  (MVPAL)

LANSDOWNE

Lansdowne is a rural village in the Manning River Valley’s northern vicinity. The village lies in the Lansdowne River valley, adjacent to the Coorabakh National Park, as well as Coopernook and the Lansdowne State Forests. Upper Lansdowne is well known for its astounding views.

Looking at Lansdown from Vincents Lookout photographed by (MVPAL)

Looking over Coorabakh National Park from Vincents Lookout photographed by (MVPAL)

From the town you can take in no less than a dozen mountain peaks, many of which are extinct volcanoes, rising dramatically from the fertile red soil below. There's also a local cafe at Upper Lansdowne which is a great vantage point from which to view the nearby escarpment - spectacular at sunset.

Looking west from Mount Coxcomb Rd about 6kms from the Lansdowne hall using a drone by local resident David Palmer

HANNAM VALE

Hannam Vale is a small village located in a forestry and dairy farming area in the Manning Valley. It is roughly 40km North-West of Taree.
The epicentre of Hannam Vale is the junction of Hannam Vale Road and deep Creek Road. The most prominent features of this area are the public school, general store, Salvation Army chapel and community centre.

Hannam Vale Shop photographed by Kerry De Stefano (MVPAL)

Present day farming activities include beef cattle, small scale dairying and macadamia nuts.
Commercial forestry also continues, with the Lansdowne State Forest bordering the village.

Dairy Cattle at Hannam Vale Farm photo taken from Barrington Coast Website

There are several national parks that border the area. In particular, Coorabakh National Park has waterfalls, and panoramic views from lookouts such as Flat Top Rock, Vincent's and Newby's lookouts.

Waitui falls photo taken from Barrington Coast Website

Newbys cave photo taken from Barrington Coast Website

Upstream at Newbys Cave photographed by  (MVPAL)