Taree


A substantial administrative, service and tourist centre on the Manning River, Taree is one of the largest towns on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Where is it?: Taree is 310 km north of Sydney; 670 km south of Brisbane. Taree is 16 km from the sea coast.

Manning River

Taree has grown to a population of around 20,000 people and is the centre of a significant agricultural district. Taree can be reached by train via the North Coast Railway, and by the Pacific Highway.

A local tourist attraction is The Big Oyster. The Oyster is an artifact based on local produce; the Manning River produces some 3 and a half million oysters a year. The Big Oyster was an unsuccessful business venture, known to the locals as a 'Big Mistake', and is now home to a motor dealership.

Cundletown (6km north): these days a suburb of Taree, located on the Dawson River, ts main claim to historical fame is based on its connection with the poet Henry Kendall, famous for his poem 'Bellbirds' which generations of Australian schoolchildren learnt off by heart. Kendall lived in Cundletown from 1881-1882 and was employed as the local inspector of forests.

Old Bar

Old Bar (15 km south east): a settlement at the southern entrance to the Manning River. It boasts an excellent surfing beach, good fishing in the estuary and the surf, and attractive picnic locations beside the beach.



Saltwater (17 km south east): a tiny holiday village which is notable for its beautiful 6 km beach. It is known as the best and most popular surfing destination near Taree and it also boasts a safe lagoon for toddlers.

Manning Point: a delightful seaside resort town situated on the principal estuary of the Manning River. This is a great place for surfing and swimming as well as a popular haunt for anglers. It is also known for its excellent oysters.

Coopernook Forest

Coopernook Forest Drive: a well signposted drive that is suitable for 2WD vehicles. The drive commences from the Forest Headquarters just north of Coopernook (22 km north of Taree) and takes in Coopernook Forest Park, Vincents Lookout, Newbys Creek Walk, Newbys Lookout, Starrs Creek Picnic Area, Big Nellie Mountain (a 560-metre volcanic plug), Flat Rock Lookout (atop a 500-metre drop to the valley floor) and Waitui Falls. Ph: (02) 6551 0249.

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