Wingham Brush

Wingham Brush is a pocket of pristine lowland subtropical rainforest on the banks of the Manning River, just a short walk from the historic town of Wingham. This 30-hectare reserve is a living museum of ancient trees, giant figs, and towering palms, crisscrossed by elevated boardwalks that keep your feet dry while you peer into the lush undergrowth. The air hums with bird calls and the rustle of flying foxes, which roost here in spectacular numbers. It’s a serene, immersive nature experience that feels a world away from the coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Boardwalk Loop: A 1.2 km elevated walkway winds through the rainforest, offering close-up views of strangler figs, cabbage tree palms, and a dense ferny understorey. Interpretive signs explain the ecology and history.
• Flying Fox Colony: At dusk, thousands of grey-headed flying foxes take to the sky in a dramatic exodus. It’s one of the largest colonies in NSW and a mesmerising wildlife spectacle.
• Manning River Views: The boardwalk opens onto a tranquil stretch of the Manning River, where you can watch for waterbirds or simply enjoy the dappled light filtering through the canopy.
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for wonga pigeons, green catbirds, and the elusive noisy pitta. The brush is a birding hotspot, especially in the early morning.
• Historic Wingham: Combine your visit with a stroll through Wingham’s heritage-listed main street, where 19th-century shopfronts house cafes, antique stores, and the Manning Valley Historical Museum.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–2 hours to complete the boardwalk loop at a leisurely pace, stopping to read signs and watch for wildlife. If you’re keen on seeing the flying fox departure, time your visit for the hour before sunset – the spectacle lasts about 30 minutes. Many visitors combine the brush with a morning coffee in Wingham and a riverside picnic.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wingham Town: Just a 5-minute walk away, explore the historic main street, grab a bite at the Wingham Bakery, or visit the Manning Valley Regional Art Gallery.
• Bootawa Dam: A 15-minute drive south, this reservoir offers swimming, fishing, and a walking track along the dam wall.
• Gloucester: About 40 minutes north, the town of Gloucester is a gateway to Barrington Tops National Park, with its ancient forests and alpine wilderness.
• Port Stephens: 50 minutes east, the coastal playground of Port Stephens offers dolphin cruises, sand dunes at Stockton Bight, and the seaside villages of Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.
• Forster-Tuncurry: An hour south, these twin towns boast beautiful beaches, the Great Lakes Marine Park, and the Booti Booti National Park.

Please check official sources for current details.