Hallidays Point

Hallidays Point is a serene coastal pocket on the Mid North Coast of NSW, where the Manning River meets the sea. This quiet residential area offers a laid-back escape with uncrowded beaches, riverfront walks, and a palpable sense of local life. It's the kind of place where you can watch pelicans glide over the water at sunset and feel a world away from the tourist trail.

Highlights & What to See

• Black Head Beach: A patrolled swimming beach with dramatic headlands, perfect for a morning stroll or a surf. The rock platforms at low tide reveal tiny rock pools.
• Hallidays Point Lookout: Climb the short track for sweeping views of the coastline from Crowdy Head to Diamond Head. It's a prime whale-watching spot during migration season (June–November).
• Manning River foreshore: Follow the riverbank walking track from the boat ramp – you'll likely spot stingrays, dolphins, and abundant birdlife. Bring a picnic and watch the fishing boats come in.
• Diamond Head Lighthouse: A short drive north, this historic lighthouse (1880) sits on a dramatic headland with coastal walks through heathland and angophora forest.
• Crowdy Head National Park: Just south, this park offers rugged coastal walks, secluded beaches like Harrington Beach, and the striking Crowdy Head Lighthouse.

Suggested Time to Spend

Hallidays Point itself is compact – half a day is enough to explore the main beach, lookout, and riverfront. But to truly unwind and soak up the coastal vibe, plan for a full day or overnight. Combine it with a visit to the nearby national parks or a seafood lunch at the local café. It works well as a relaxed stop on a self-drive itinerary between Port Macquarie (45 minutes north) and Forster (30 minutes south).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: A vibrant coastal city with the Koala Hospital, historic convict sites, and the stunning Coastal Walk.
• Forster–Tuncurry: Twin towns on the Great Lakes, famous for their pristine beaches, dolphin cruises, and the Booti Booti National Park.
• Crowdy Bay National Park: Wild beaches, coastal heath, and the historic Crowdy Head Lighthouse – perfect for a day of hiking and whale watching.
• Manning River: Kayak or cruise the river from Wingham to the coast, exploring mangroves and spotting birdlife.
• Wingham: A historic river town with a charming main street, antique shops, and the Wingham Brush Nature Reserve with flying foxes.

Please check official sources for current details.