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New South Wales (Northern NSW) |
| Taree | |
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Situated on the banks of the Manning River, Taree is at the centre of the
rich dairy and timer areas of the Manning Valley. Although the Pacific
Highway now bypasses the town Taree is still a convenient stopover on a
journey up or down the coast and has many motels and caravan parks, Queen
Elizabeth Park on the banks of the river being a great place for a picnic
lunch.
Located on the Pacific Highway north of Forster-Tuncurry, Taree is a quiet riverside town and the main centre of the fertile, scenic Manning Valley. Served by trains and buses from Sydney and Brisbane, it’s a pleasant alternative to the touristy hustle and bustle of Port Macquarie, the next stop north, and especially good as a base for some gentle exploration of the hills, forests and deserted beaches. |
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very helpful tourist office, on the old Pacific Highway in Taree
North (daily 9am–5pm; tel 02/6552 1900), has detailed leaflets
describing forest drives, most of which lead to the high plateau where
waterfalls abound. River cruises, Taree’s main attraction, are
organized by Manning River Marina and Boat Hire (tel 02/6553 2683; 3hr;
$15).
There’s the usual abundance of motels along the highway, such as the Pacific Motel, 500m north of town, with air-conditioned rooms and a swimming pool. If you want to stay aboard a houseboat contact Manning River Holidays Afloat (tel 02/6552 6271) who have moored and moving boats available for rent. Along the route from Taree to Port Macquarie, there are a number of worthwhile detours. One of the most impressive waterfalls on the whole coast is the 160-metre-high Ellenborough Falls, about an hour’s drive northwest of Taree beyond Wingham on the Bulga Forest Drive – unsealed much of the way. From the main Pacific Highway at Moorland, a road turns off to the small Crowdy Bay National Park, situated between Crowdy Head and the lofty Diamond Head, whose landscape includes heathlands, swamp, lagoons, woodlands, forests and sand dunes, all enlivened by prolific birdlife. Back on the Pacific Highway, there is a convenient gateway tourist office fuelling drivers with free tea and coffee at Kew, between Taree and Port Macquarie; turn right at the Kew Hotel for the more interesting route that hugs the coast. Harrington |
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Harrington is located south-east of Taree on the northern arm of the
entrance to Manning River. The town, which grew around a pilot station for
vessels entering the river, became a port for cedar, maize and farm
produce from further up river.
A breakwater which was built in 1894 provides excellent fishing for the
enthusiast and safer boating.
Safe lagoon swimming is provided on sandy beaches inside the rivermouth, adjoining BBQ and picnic areas. Facilities include the local hotel and bowling club, restaurants, shopping centre. 4km from Harrington, the town of Crowdy Head sits on the edge of a protected fishing harbour. This area provides beautiful beaches with safe swiming, excellent fishing and surfing. From the headland are spectacular views north over Crowdy Bay National Park and Diamond Head and to the south over the coastline through to Manning Point and Old Bar. Events |
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