About the area

TAREE
Taree not only acts as the heart for the Manning valley’s surrounding areas, it is also home to the splendour that is the Manning River. The Manning River rises below Mount Barrington, and flows generally south-east, joined by other tributaries the Pigna Barney, Barnard,Nowendoc,Gloucester,Dawson, and Lansdowne rivers, descending 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) over its 261 kilometres course from the high upper reaches, through the Manning Valley, and out to sea. Taree has grown significantly over the past 30 years and the locals have witnessed many changes and developments cultivate from this town once known as a drive through along the pacific highway.

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.

OLD BAR
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.

In recent years vacant land has been developed into new housing estates that have been highly sort after from home owners 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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.