A Guide to the Manning Valley and Forster NSW

Updated January 2026

The Manning Valley and Forster region is one of the most naturally beautiful areas on the NSW Mid North Coast, offering a mix of pristine beaches, river towns, national parks, and relaxed coastal living. From the coastline around Forster and Pacific Palms to the inland charm of towns along the Manning River, this region is ideal for slow travel, weekend getaways, and longer coastal escapes.

This guide brings together key places to explore across the Manning Valley and Forster area, with a focus on nature, local experiences, and easy day trips. If you’re planning time in the region, you’ll also find a more detailed local guide to Forster NSW, including things to do, beaches, and where to stay, linked throughout this po

Towns in and Around the Manning Valley

Nabiac (near the Manning Valley but actually in the Great Lakes)

Nabiac is a small town, it has a very popular pub, a cafe, takeaway, two butchers, gift shops, bakery (known for great pies), supermarket, rural supplies and bric a brac shops. It's a lovely part of NSW with some beautiful walks including one down to the river. The photo below is a one I took early morning and seriously the water was like glass, hence you can see the beautiful reflections. There were plenty of fish jumping around too. The river is known to have Bull Sharks so caution is needed if swimming.

Nabiac Farmer's Market is held on the last Saturday of the month. I've been many times and it is a fantastic place to buy country-grown food and home made crafts. I can't resist the bacon and egg rolls at the market they are very good. There is a lot to explore.

One of the famous destinations of Nabiac is The National Motorcycle Museum of Australia. The museum is owned by the Kelleher family and has around 800 motorcycles on display and a huge range of memorabilia, toys and an extensive gift shop.

Although this post isn't about the businesses in the area I do want to give a shoutout to the Greenhouse Cafe - I've been coming here for years and they make the best hamburger and chips.

Villa d’Esta Vineyard is the local winery and is a trip to add to your things to do in Manning Valley. This scenic winery is made up of 12 acres of grapes in a beautiful location.

Forster - A Popular Holiday Destination

Forster is actually in the Great Lakes Region not Manning Valley. It's a gorgeous little town, where you can buy fish from the co-op and eat at some fantastic restaurants. You will find lots of fabulous boutique shops in the village, which has that 'holiday vibe'. For more 'suburban' shopping there is a centre with larger chain stores such as K-Mart.

On a clear day the water is as blue and aqua as you see on those tropical paradise photos in exotic locations. It's not unusual to spot dolphins showing off in the bay and along the beach. Whale watching tours are also available.

Forster sits between Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean, and is encircled by National and Marine Parks, making it a popular destination for tourists during the summer. Renowned for its oysters, Forster is the leading supplier of Sydney Rock Oysters in Australia. If you're a seafood enthusiast, Forster is the ideal place to visit.

Halliday's Point - Beaches and Views

At the southern end of the Manning Valley is Hallidays Point, consisting of Black Head, Tallwoods, Red Head and Diamond Beach.

Black Head beach which is patrolled during the summer months is stunning and it is my favourite beach in the area. During the week there is hardly a soul to be seen (not so during holiday season) and whilst staying here I've been taking Bundy for a walk on the beach which he loves.

Black Head beach also has an ocean pool, excellent fishing, picnic and BBQ areas under shady Norfolk pines. One of the other reasons I love Black Head beach there is a beautiful rainforest walk alongside so you can enjoy both beach and bush walking on one visit!

The area also has a golf course, bowling club and the Big Buzz Fun Park.

Diamond Beach is even longer than Black Head and it has a little village up the road for take away, beauty salon, and a bottle shop.

Manning Point

Further up from Old Bar is Manning Point. If it is endless beaches you are after then this is your dream come true. I had the beach to myself when I took the photo below. After about 20 minutes I noticed a number of four wheel drive vehicles coming and going along the beach. All vehicles driving on Manning Point Beach need a beach permit issued by either Greater Taree City Council or Great Lakes Council so if you intend to join in that sort of fun you will need to organise this. It's really a spectacular beach to visit spanning over 10km.

Between the beach and the Manning River there is bushland with a nature walk. I walked through the bush and came out alongside the river which was very pretty. I probably shouldn't have been walking in the bush in thongs in February though with snakes about.

Old Bar Beach is the closest surfing beach to Taree and it will take just ten minutes from the Pacific Highway. This location is perfect for fishing, water sports and boating. The Old Bar Beach Festival is also held each October long weekend, attracting thousands of visitors to the region for two action-packed days of festivities.

Historical Town of Wingham

Wingham is a historical little town ten minutes drive west of Taree and was settled in 1853. The town has many National Trust listed Federation buildings. The Historical Museum is open 7 days with significant collection of memorabilia.

There are some lovely boutique stores and cafes to dine at. My favourite, a is Bent on Food which sells beautiful home made produce and the food is great. Dining is inside or outside in the garden.

Wingham Brush A 10 Acres of Subtropical Rainforest

January 06 - unfortunately the boardwalk was severely damaged due to the 2025 floods and part of is is currently closed. I'll update this page when it's reopened.

Wingham Brush is a 10 hectare subtropical floodplain rainforest, it is one of only a few remnants of this rare rainforest type in Australia. I feel so happy when I walk on this boardwalk through this gift of nature. You will notice Giant Moreton Bay figs and a large colony of endangered grey-headed flying foxes which I took a photo of below.

Each weekend Wingham has a market where you can buy fresh, locally grown produce, hand crafted gifts, clothes, candles and more!

In October is the Wingham Akoostik Festival attracts music lovers to the town for three days of live entertainment, workshops and food and market stalls.

Click to zoom in

Picturesque Tinonee

Tinonee is a historic village by the river in NSW's Manning Valley, providing a tranquil retreat with colonial architecture, riverfront parks (such as Horace Dean Park for picnics), picturesque lookouts (Brushy Cutting), local crafts (Artisans On The Hill), and a rich maritime history that can be explored through its museum and self-guided heritage walks, all nestled along the scenic Manning River. 

Brushy Cutting Lookout has panoramic views over the surrounding valley as you can see from my photo below. It's worth stopping to have a look at the sweeping views.

Taree is the Largest Town in Manning Valley

The town is well-equipped with a variety of supermarkets that cater to the everyday needs of the community, ensuring that locals have access to fresh produce and essential goods. In addition to these, Taree features an array of restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences, from casual cafes to more formal dining establishments, allowing for a delightful exploration of flavors.

Taree is home to several charming boutiques that showcase local craftsmanship and unique products, providing a perfect opportunity for shoppers to find distinctive items that reflect the character of the area. The town's vibrant shopping scene is complemented by its rich cultural offerings and community events, which often take place throughout the year.

One of the most striking features of Taree is its picturesque river, which not only enhances the natural beauty of the town but also serves as a focal point for recreational activities. Taree accommodation includes a range of motels, B&Bs and self-contained cottage apartments.

Dining at the Sailo's Club, located right on the riverbank, is particularly popular among both locals and tourists. The club offers great value for money, with a menu that emphasises fresh, quality ingredients, all while providing diners with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscape. The ambiance is enhanced by the gentle sounds of the water and the sight of boats gliding by, creating a serene dining experience.

As the seasons change, Taree transforms into a spectacular display of colour, particularly in the spring when the Jacaranda trees bloom. These magnificent trees, with their vibrant purple flowers, line the streets and parks, creating a stunning visual spectacle that attracts photographers and nature lovers alike.

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