Fast facts
- Major Mid North Coast city, ringed by superb beaches
- Situated on the Manning River and set against rolling hills
- 317 km north of Sydney, population 43,000
Why go there
Taree’s varied accommodation options make this a fine base for exploring the many attractions of the Manning River Valley. These include natural attractions of the coast and hinterland national parks and state forests, as well as several surrounding villages of considerable charm. Among them are Cundletown, Tinonee, Hannam Vale, Wingham, Harrington, Crowdy Head, Old Bar, Manning Point and Halliday's Point.
History
European settlement in the area followed the familiar local pattern of pioneering cedar cutters followed by pastoralists. A number of public buildings, hotels and churches were built in the second half of the 19th century, but it was not until the completion of the railway in 1913 that Taree began to flourish as the centre of a prosperous rural district.
Things to do
- Scenic drives around Taree - including through the Coorabakh National Park, from Wingham to Elands, with Ellenborough Falls a highlight, and through Tapin Tops National Park.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in national parks in the area or by the Manning River in Taree.
- Boating, fishing, swimming and surfing at pretty towns along the coast from Wallabi Point to Crowdy Head.
- Bushwalking in national parks in the area, including the coastal rainforest walk at Hallidays Point.
Events
- Craftathon in January is a showcase for the talented art and crafts community of the Manning Valley, attracting more than 100 exhibitors.
Don’t miss
- The fabulous views from Coorabakh National Park .
- The fishing and surfing at Old Bar and Old Wallabi Point, 15 km south-east of Taree.
- The beautiful beach at Saltwater, just west of Old Bar.
- Sub-tropical rainforest at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve.
- Crowdy Head Lighthouse for ocean panoramas and whale-watching (in season).
