Taree is the business and cultural centre of the Manning Valley, located on the banks of the Manning River in North Coast NSW. It is a charming town that offers a variety of attractions and activities for travellers of all ages and interests.
Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, food, or adventure, you will find something to suit your taste in Taree and the surrounding areas. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Taree and the Manning Valley on your next trip.
Taree's History and Culture
Taree has a rich and diverse history, dating back to its origins as a cedar-cutting settlement in the 1830s. It grew into a major regional town, serving as a hub for agriculture, timber, dairy, and tourism. You can learn more about Taree's heritage and diversity at some of the cultural attractions and events that showcase the town's past and present. For example, you can visit the Manning Regional Art Gallery, which features exhibitions of local and national artists, as well as workshops, talks, and performances. You can also catch a show at the Manning Entertainment Centre, which hosts a variety of entertainment, from musicals and comedy to drama and dance. If you are interested in history, you can explore the Manning Valley Historical Museum, which displays artefacts and stories from the region's Aboriginal, colonial, and industrial eras. And if you want to experience the local flavour, you can shop at the Secret Farmers Market, which sells fresh produce, homemade goods, and crafts from the Manning Valley every Saturday.
Taree's Natural Beauty and Adventure
Taree is surrounded by natural beauty and scenic spots, from the Manning River and its unique double delta system, to the national parks and reserves that protect the diverse flora and fauna of the region, to the surf beaches and seaside towns that dot the coastline. You can enjoy the outdoors and experience the nature and adventure that Taree and the Manning Valley have to offer in many ways. For example, you can take a riverside stroll along the Taree Foreshore, which has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a skate park. You can also hop on a boat and explore the Manning River, which has two entrances to the sea and forms a network of islands, channels, and wetlands. You can visit Coocumbac Island, which is a nature reserve and a habitat for koalas, or Brimbin Nature Reserve, which has walking trails and Aboriginal sites. You can also admire the Ellenborough Falls, which are one of the highest single drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. If you are looking for more adventure, you can hit the beach and enjoy the surf, swim, or fish at some of the popular spots, such as Old Bar Beach, Crowdy Head Beach, or Diamond Beach. You can also visit the Crowdy Head Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the coast and the hinterland. And if you want to see the region from a different perspective, you can take a scenic flight with the Manning River Aero Club, which will give you a bird's eye view of the stunning landscape.
Taree's Food and Wine
Taree and the Manning Valley are famous for their local produce and cuisine, which reflect the region's bounty and diversity. You can taste some of the fresh and delicious food and wine that the area has to offer, from oysters and seafood, to wine and cheese, to honey and more. You can visit some of the local farms and producers, such as the Manning River Oysters, which grow and harvest their own oysters in the pristine waters of the river, or the Bent on Food, which is a cafe and cookery school that sources its ingredients from local growers and suppliers. You can also sample some of the award-winning wines at the Villa d'Esta Vineyard, which produces a range of wines from grapes grown in the Manning Valley. And if you are looking for a place to eat and drink, you will find plenty of options in Taree, from alfresco dining and riverside cafes, to fine restaurants and wineries. Some of the popular places to try are the Bean Bar Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch, and coffee with a view of the river, the Sailo's Restaurant and Function Centre, which offers seafood, steak, and pizza in a relaxed setting, and the Manning River Hotel, which has a bistro, a bar, and live entertainment.
Taree's Accommodation and Transport
Taree has a range of accommodation options to suit your budget and preference, from hotels and motels, to bed and breakfasts and holiday parks. You can choose from some of the well-known chains, such as the Comfort Inn Country Plaza Taree, which has modern rooms and facilities, or the Best Western Taree Motor Inn, which has spacious rooms and a pool. You can also opt for some of the local and boutique options, such as the McGowans B&B, which is a historic homestead with cosy rooms and a garden, or the Lanis on the Beach, which is a holiday park with cabins, villas, and camping sites on the beachfront. And if you want to explore the surrounding areas, you can find some of the accommodation options in the nearby towns and villages, such as the Clarendon Forest Retreat, which is a luxury resort with cottages and a spa in the forest, or the Harrington River Lodge, which is a stylish hotel with a golf course and a restaurant on the river. Getting to and around Taree is easy and convenient, as the town is well-connected by road, coach, train, and flight. You can drive to Taree from Sydney or Brisbane, which are about 3.5 hours and 6 hours away respectively, or from Newcastle or Port Macquarie, which are about 2 hours and 1 hour away respectively. You can also take a coach or a train from these cities, which will stop at the Taree Railway Station or the Taree Bus Interchange. And if you prefer to fly, you can catch a flight from Sydney or Brisbane to the Taree Airport, which is about 10 minutes away from the town centre. Once you are in Taree, you can get around by car, bus, taxi, or bike, or you can join a tour or a cruise that will take you to the attractions and activities in the region.
Conclusion
Taree is a charming town on the Manning River that has something for everyone. It is a great destination for travellers who want to experience the history, culture, nature, food, and adventure of the Manning Valley and the North Coast NSW. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a fun-filled adventure, you will find it in Taree and the surrounding areas.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Taree today and discover the attractions, activities, and experiences that await you. And if you need more information or assistance, you can contact the Taree Visitor Information Centre, which will help you plan your trip and make the most of your stay.
