Photo: Kim Gallery / CC BY-SA 4.0
Perched on a lush plateau in the Mid North Coast hinterland, Comboyne is a serene escape into dairy-farming country and subtropical rainforest. The quiet village and its surrounding valleys offer a slice of authentic rural life, with misty mornings, green hills, and a pace that invites you to slow down and breathe deep.
Highlights & What to See
- Boorganna Nature Reserve – Australia’s second-oldest nature reserve, protecting ancient rainforest with towering brush box trees and a short walk to the serene Rawson Falls.
- Comboyne Plateau Lookout – Sweeping views over the Manning Valley and out to the coast; especially magical at sunrise or after rain.
- Comboyne Dairy & Farm Gate – Sample local cheeses and fresh milk from the region’s working dairies, or just chat with farmers at the weekly markets.
- Wingham Brush Nature Reserve – A remnant of lowland rainforest just 20 minutes away, famous for its flying foxes and boardwalk loop.
- Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfalls, a short drive west into the escarpment; combine with a picnic at the lookout.
Suggested Time to Spend
Comboyne itself can be enjoyed in a half-day: wander the village, visit the lookout, and explore Boorganna. For a fuller experience, spend a full day combining it with Ellenborough Falls and Wingham Brush. Overnight stays are worthwhile if you want to soak up the rural atmosphere and do some farm-stay or self-drive exploring over a weekend.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Wingham – Historic riverside town with antique shops, the Manning River, and the superb Wingham Brush.
- Taree – The regional hub, offering the Manning Entertainment Centre, river cruises, and the Taree Railway Museum.
- Crowdy Bay National Park – Coastal national park with dramatic headlands, beaches, and the Diamond Head walking track.
- Ellenborough Falls – A must-see waterfall circuit, easily paired with Comboyne for a day trip.
- Port Macquarie – About 45 minutes north, with its koala hospital, coastal walks, and vibrant café scene.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Wingham — Blarneytherinosaur / CC BY 3.0
- Taree — JaredMcKenzie / CC0
- Crowdy Bay National Park — Grahamec / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ellenborough Falls — Nick Connolly / Public domain
- Port Macquarie — Inas / CC0
- Boorganna Nature Reserve — Poyt448 Peter Woodard / Public domain