Old Bar

Old Bar is a laid-back coastal village on the Mid North Coast of NSW, where the Manning River meets the sea. It’s the kind of place where you kick off your shoes and forget the time – a classic Aussie beach escape with a strong surf culture, family-friendly swimming, and a landscape of dramatic headlands and endless sand. The village itself is small and unpretentious, with a handful of cafes and a general store, but the real draw is the raw, beautiful coastline and the easy, unhurried pace of life.

Highlights & What to See

• Old Bar Beach: The main patrolled beach is perfect for swimming and surfing, with consistent waves that suit beginners and intermediates. The southern end near the headland is popular with experienced surfers.
• Wallabi Point Headland: A short drive or coastal walk south leads to this rocky headland with a historic lighthouse. The views back over Old Bar Beach and the Manning Valley are stunning, especially at sunrise.
• Old Bar Coastal Reserve: This protected area of coastal scrub and dunes offers walking trails, picnic spots, and a chance to spot native birds and wildlife. It’s a peaceful contrast to the beach buzz.
• Manning River: The river mouth at Old Bar is a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing. You can also take a scenic cruise from nearby Harrington or Taree to explore the waterways.
• Surfing & Fishing: Old Bar is a magnet for surfers and anglers. The beach has consistent breaks, and the river and offshore reefs provide excellent fishing for bream, flathead, and tailor.

Suggested Time to Spend

Old Bar is best enjoyed as a relaxed stop of one to two days. Spend a morning surfing or swimming, followed by a coastal walk to Wallabi Point and a fish-and-chips lunch at the beach. If you’re combining it with a self-drive itinerary along the Mid North Coast, a single overnight stay gives you enough time to soak up the atmosphere. For a deeper dive, add an extra day to explore the Manning River by kayak or take a day trip to the nearby Booti Booti National Park.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster & Tuncurry: A 30-minute drive north, these twin towns offer beautiful beaches, the Great Lakes Marine Park, and excellent dolphin-watching cruises.
• Booti Booti National Park: Just north of Forster, this park protects stunning coastal scenery, including the iconic Cape Hawke lookout and pristine beaches like Shelly Beach.
• Hallidays Point: A string of quiet beachside villages (Red Head, Black Head, Diamond Beach) with uncrowded surf breaks and coastal walks – ideal for a quieter day out.
• Taree: The regional hub, 20 minutes inland, with historic buildings, the Manning Entertainment Centre, and the Taree River Walk along the Manning River.
• Myall Lakes National Park: About an hour south, this vast system of lakes and forests offers canoeing, birdwatching, and camping in a pristine wilderness setting.

Please check official sources for current details.