Manning River

Flowing through lush dairy country and coastal wetlands before meeting the sea at Old Bar, the Manning River is a serene waterway that defines the Mid North Coast region. Its wide, slow-moving channels are perfect for kayaking, fishing, and lazy riverside picnics, while the historic river towns of Taree and Wingham offer a glimpse into the area's timber and farming heritage. Whether you're paddling past paperbark forests or casting a line for flathead, the Manning feels a world away from the busy coastal resorts.

Highlights & What to See

• Kayak or canoe the Manning River – Paddle the calm main channel or explore the narrow, tree-lined tributaries like the Lansdowne River; hire a kayak in Taree or launch your own at Wingham Park.
• Wingham Brush Nature Reserve – One of the last remaining lowland subtropical rainforests in NSW, with a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk through giant figs and flying foxes roosting overhead.
• Historic Wingham – Stroll the main street lined with 19th-century timber shopfronts, then grab a coffee at the Wingham Riverside Reserve with views across the river.
• Fishing and crabbing – The river is famed for mud crabs, flathead, and bream; try your luck from the Taree wharves or book a charter.
• Old Bar Beach & Manning River entrance – Where the river meets the sea, this patrolled beach offers great swimming and a chance to see pelicans and sea eagles.

Suggested Time to Spend

Spend half a day to a full day exploring the Manning River. A morning kayak trip from Wingham to Taree takes about 2–3 hours, leaving the afternoon for a walk in Wingham Brush or a riverside lunch. If you're fishing or crabbing, plan for a full day, especially with a charter. The river is easily combined with a visit to the nearby coastal towns of Old Bar or Forster.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hallidays Point & Black Head Beach – Quiet surf beaches and coastal walks 15 minutes south of the river mouth.
• Forster & Tuncurry – 40 minutes north, with the stunning Wallis Lake, dolphin cruises, and the Booti Booti National Park walking track.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – 30 minutes south, featuring dramatic sea cliffs, the historic Diamond Head, and a coastal campground.
• Port Macquarie – 45 minutes north, with its famous koala hospital, lighthouse walk, and vibrant waterfront dining.

Please check official sources for current details.