Taree's Out of Town Adventures

Last updated June 6, 2023

Taree is surrounded by endless options for memorable out-of-town adventures, with coastal and hinterland landscapes of breathtaking natural beauty, idyllic, vibrant seaside towns and picturesque villages steeped in history. Step outside the city limits and explore this gorgeous and diverse region - below are just a few ideas to get you started.

Barrington Coast scenic drives

Jump in the car, pump up the radio and tick off these six fabulous drives, the perfect way to get to know the area - see itineraries and maps.

Hinterland & coastal walks

The region has infinite opportunities to explore its wonders on foot, with unique and striking vistas round every corner - below are a number of suggestions guaranteed to be perfect for a casual stroll, meditative bush wander or an invigorating powerwalk.

Bulahdelah Mountain Walk

4.7km, moderate

Bulahdelah Mountain is an Aboriginal Place with cultural, spiritual and historical significance to the Worimi people. It includes walking tracks and lookouts to respectfully explore and enjoy, including traditional tree carvings, a cultural space with seating and fire-pit, and visitor facilities.

Wingham Brush Walk

1.9km, easy

This subtropical rainforest is part of the last remaining 10 hectares of floodplain rainforest in NSW and showcases giant Moreton Bay figs towering over a gently winding boardwalk. Scrub turkeys may share your path, and the forest is filled with the distinct calls of the green catbird and wompoo fruit-dove. It’s also home to one of the largest permanent breeding populations of the endangered grey-headed flying fox in the State.

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area Walk

4.5km, easy

This heritage gold mine precinct holds fascinating remnants of the area’s history, with tunnelled entrances to underground mines and rusting machinery. The walk follows Copeland Creek beneath a canopy of grey myrtle, shatterwood, yellow tulip, giant stinging trees and other dry rainforest species.

Ellenborough Falls Walk

1.5km, challenging

The tallest single drop waterfall in NSW (200m) and amongst the tallest in the southern hemisphere - it’s an iconic experience of the Barrington Coast. Multiple viewing platforms offer a variety of spots to admire this majestic, thundering cascade. The 641 steps descending to the mist-filled ravine below is a real workout but absolutely worth it!

Five Islands and Saltwater Headland Walks

3.1km, easy

These walks follow the Saltwater National Park coastline and are rich in Aboriginal history, with traces of their heritage in the form of scarred trees, middens and fish traps. The Five Islands Track winds through coastal heath and paperbark swamp before crossing Saltwater Gully and feature a diversity of habitats, including rainforest, mangroves, salt flats and undeveloped wetlands. There are great spots for swimming, fishing, surfing, and paddling along the way. Starting from the same point, the Headland Walking Track is just a short stroll to the whale watching platform, with expansive views over Saltwater Beach, Khappinghat Creek and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Booti Booti Hill Walk

7.3km, moderate

A sandy stroll along Seven Mile Beach, a winding walk up the northern side of Booti Hill through twisted eucalypts trees, many a gorgeous ocean view, a dip at Elizabeth Beach and finally a wander along the cabbage palm shores of Wallis Lake. An added treat - between May and October, you’ll spot migrating whales.

Seal Rocks Walk

1.5km, moderate

A not-to-be-missed walk featuring coastal forests, wild beaches, a remote lighthouse and expansive ocean views from the headland - northwards from Sugarloaf Point and southwards across the wild expanse of Lighthouse Beach… a picture-perfect vista!

Diamond Head Walk

4.3km, moderate

This track showcases the splendor of Crowdy Bay National Park, a treasure of the region, at the northern edge of the Barrington Coast. Wander through heath and forests of paperbark and swamp mahogany, take in glorious panoramic views, take a refreshing ocean dip, bake on golden sands or keep an eye out for frolicking dolphins and whales... all with the backdrop of the majestic Three Brothers mountains. If you have an extra hour, take the short Mermaid Lookout track, which passes a series of rocky coves - a perfect hiding place for the sirens of the sea.

Yacaaba Headland Walk

7km, challenging

Lace up your hiking boots and head to the southernmost headland of the Barrington Coast, in the Myall Lakes National Park. The track climbs steeply past stands of smooth barked angophoras, banksias and grass trees, opening out into views that stretch to the distant blue line of Barrington Tops. As the trail gets steeper and rockier towards the forested ridge, you’ll be rewarded with coastal views of Seal Rocks and Tomaree Headland. Look seaward and spot Cabbage Tree Island (known as John Gould Nature Reserve), which protects the only known breeding colony of one of the world’s rarest birds: Gould’s petrel.

Pick your own berries, tomatoes and avocados!

There are many working farms throughout the region who welcome the public to visit, take a tour and pick their own superbly fresh and delicious produce. Listed are a number below, just make sure you check for seasons and opening times before venturing out.

Brackenridge Berries for fresh Australian Blueberries

Comboyne Avocados

Ticoba Blueberries and Avocados

Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries - Port Macquarie's Best Tourist Attraction!

Bucca Valley Blueberries

Cattai Wetlands – 25min drive from Taree

Not far from the village of Harrington is Cattai Wetlands, which features two types of wetlands: a perched freshwater wetland and a brackish tidal wetland. Since its purchase by Council in 2003, the natural beauty and ecological value of these wetlands has been restored and provides sanctuary for over 180 species of birds, kangaroos, wallabies and regular spotted goannas. Visitor facilities include toilets, car parking, boardwalks, viewing platforms, bird hide and interpretive signage. Open weekdays 8am-3pm; weekends 7am-5pm. Spring Hill Road, Coopernook.

Forster and Tuncurry – 40min drive from Taree

Twin towns straddling Wallis Lake, renowned for the mighty Great Lakes waterways and stunning beaches plus fabulous retail and dining options, events calendar and year-long holiday vibes.

Forster’s Main Beach and the Bull Ring (ocean baths) – right in the centre of town offers calm swimming conditions making it a family favorite.
Sand surfing – grab cardboard or bodyboard and slide down the giant sand dunes at One Mile Beach.
Two fabulous walks in Forster which are ideal for pelican spotting, seeing the fishing boats and enjoying a scenic wander are the Pebbly Beach Bicentennial Walk (8km round nature walk starting from Main Beach ocean baths) and the Tuncurry and Forster Breakwalls Walk (700m from Tuncurry Rockpool).
Wallis Lake – an iconic landmark surrounded by two national parks, it comes alive in the summer with boaters, fishers, paddlers and swimmers joining the dolphins, rays and turtles that call the lake home.

Wingham - 10min drive from Taree

Wonderfully historic, dynamic town settled in 1853 on the banks of the Manning River, with many National Trust listed Federation buildings and on the doorstep of beautiful subtropical lowland rainforest - one of only a few remnants of this rare rainforest type in Australia. Check out Bent on Food, (the multi award-winning café, restaurant and live music venue) who pride themselves on celebrating the local produce of this spectacular region.

Hallidays Point – 20min drive from Taree

Relaxed coastal town boasting the iconic Black Head Beach and whale watching platform, Diamond Head and Red Head Beaches and breathtaking panoramic views from Perpendicular Point.

Old Bar and Manning Point – 20min + 30min drive from Taree

Vibrant, picturesque seaside villages where the Manning River meets the Pacific Ocean. Check out FLOW Bar, a family friendly café/live music venue located 100m from the beach - on weekends, diners will be entertained by local and touring musicians.

Harrington and Crowdy Head – 30min drive from Taree

Laidback seaside villages five minutes apart, each with their own unique character and highlights, including;

Harrington Rainforest Walk and the scenic walk along the Harrington break wall.
Harrington Lagoon - a safe swimming spot for families.
Harrington Adventure Hire has mountain bikes, glass-bottom kayaks and surfboards for hire.
The historic Crowdy Head Lighthouse perched high on the headland - glorious, 360-degree views across the Manning Valley and north to the Hastings Valley, plus the perfect site for whale watching.
Popular Crowdy Head Beach, edged by Crowdy Bay National Park.
Nearby Pilot Hill Lookout - expansive views over the river delta.

Nabiac – 30min drive from Taree

A charming, river-side town, Nabiac is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque farmlands, and is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the scenic countryside through hiking trails, fishing or kayaking, or simply relax and soak in the serene ambiance. The township itself boasts a friendly community, with a range of boutiques, great cafes, and markets showcasing the region's produce and handmade crafts. Nabiac also hosts a calender of regular events and festivals, adding to its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

For a paddock to plate regional farm experience (complete with cafe, deli, bar and bakery), drop into The Artisan Farmer, right in the heart of town.

Port Macquarie – 1hr drive from Taree

Boasting 17 gorgeous beaches, fantastic retail and dining experiences, a lush hinterland, a diverse variety of attractions including the Koala Hospital, Billabong Zoo, river cruises, and a busy events calendar, it’s no wonder this is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations!

Pacific Palms beaches – 1hr drive from Taree

For a wonderful weekend adventure, jump in the car and visit the glorious beaches of Pacific Palms, each with their own unique charm and beauty. A short drive south will take you to vibrant Seal Rocks, where you’ll find breathtaking views from Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. At the north end of Pacific Palms, the spectacular Booti Booti National Park covers a scenic 8km peninsula of beautiful headlands, beaches and rainforest.

Bluey’s Beach – gorgeous views across to Seal Rocks and short stroll to cafe (unpatrolled).
Boomerang Beach - famous surfing beach and wonderful for swimming with shape offering protection from winds, rocky headlands provide great rock pool rambles at low tide.

Elizabeth Beach – take the spectacular Booti Hill Lakeside Walking Track which leads to this lovely calm beach, framed by the green hills of the national park and protected from big swells, so perfect for paddling and snorkeling.

Smiths Lake – 1hr drive from Taree

One of the region’s most beautiful coastal lakes, the coastal lagoon and village of the same name are popular with holiday makers and locals alike. Within Smiths Lake there are three islands: Big Island, Little Island and Bull Island. There’s a lot to explore, including the anti-tank concrete bollards dating from the second World War. Lovely place to spend the day under the towering gums, wandering the foreshore and paddling in the shallows.

Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest – 1hr & 15min drive from Taree

The twin towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest lie at the mouth of the Myall River and offer a relaxed, peaceful coastal lifestyle. With beautiful beaches and wild dunes, Hawks Nest is the quintessential Aussie seaside holiday destination, offering water sports galore, great cafés and opportunities for retail therapy. Pop over Myall River via the bridge to Tea Gardens, and sample outstanding local seafood and produce at a riverside restaurant or get your culture fix with galleries celebrating talented local artists inspired by the area’s natural beauty.

Nearby is Broughton Island, which has some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in NSW and is home to a vast array of wildlife including penguins, turtles and seabirds.

Destination venues

Great Lakes Paddocks Cellar Door – 40min drive from Taree

Family friendly, boutique winery sharing their reds, whites and sparkling varieties and local produce. Kick back and relax with a glass of wine accompanied by a delicious cheese platter and admire the rolling hills and their peacefully grazing Angus cattle. Regular live music and special events. 115 Herivels Rd, Wootton

The Farmer's Wife Distillery - 1hr 25min drive from Taree

Award-winning gin - Distillery Door, Tasting Room, Cafe and Bar. 1378 The Bucketts Way, Allworth

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