Day 5 - Wednesday 21 March -Rest day in Wingham

On Rest Day you are free to relax in Wingham, ride into Taree (13km away) or further a field if you choose! If you have driven to Taree, you might even like to collect your car and have a day driving around the area.

There are several ideas for ways to spend your day on the following websites, such as visiting the beautiful Ellenborough Falls or spending the day at the delightful Harrington Beach.

• Manning Valley Visitor Information Centre website
  • Wingham page
  • Taree page

Wingham Clubs and pubs
Wingham Hotel, 33 Isabella Street
Australian Hotel Bistro, 24 Bent Street
Parkview Restaurant at Wingham Services Club, Bent Street
Wingham Bowling Club, Combined Street
Caddie's Restaurant at Wingham Golf Club, Country Club Drive

Places of interest in and around Wingham:

The Manning Valley is a river and rainforest coast located on the NSW Mid North Coast just over a three-hour drive north of Sydney. The Manning Valley offers a breathtaking combination of rivers, mountains, forests and beaches, taking in more than 26 seaside and hinterland towns and villages that are a haven for nature and adventure activities. Major towns include Taree, Wingham, Old Bar Beach, Manning Point, Harrington and Hallidays Point. Four national parks, rare subtropical floodplain rainforests, 150km of river, rare species of flora and fauna, one of the largest single drop waterfalls in the southern hemisphere and some fantastic and unspoilt stretches of coastline makes the Manning Valley a great wind down after leaving the city areas and heading north. Great places to visit include Wingham Brush, 10 minutes west of Taree, which has some of the largest trees you will ever see and Ellenborough Falls, a 200-metre waterfall and a further 30-minute drive from Wingham on Tourist Drive Eight.

Harrington/Crowdy Head:

Hot Spots: Crowdy Head Lighthouse and lookout provides fabulous views up and down the nearby coastline. There are also some great beaches for swimming at Crowdy Head, just a 5-minute drive from Harrington. Best swimming beach is Crowdy Bay beach on the northern side where there's a surf life saving club and is patrolled throughout the summer months. A great surfing and body-boarding beach is Crowdy South beach.

Halliday’s Point

Hot Spots: Black Head Beach is regarded as among one of the best swimming beaches in the Manning Valley. Black Head Beach is the current title holder of "Australia’s Friendliest Beach" as part of the Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge. At the back beach at Black Head there are also superb rock pools to be explored. Tallwoods Village is home to a world class 18 hole championship golf course that has been acclaimed by golfing experts. The headland walks of the area are a must for nature lovers and offer some excellent vantage points for photography. Both Redhead and Blackhead are classed as Littoral Rainforest and are examples of what the Eastern Australian coastline looked like prior to European settlement. Various community groups have constructed and maintained walking tracks that are of an easy grade and pose no problems for those interested in a short stroll. There are many flora and fauna species, some quite rare and care should be taken by staying on the designated walkways.

Taree/Cundletown

Hot Spots: The Manning River is well worth exploring. The Manning River has been declared a recreational fishing haven. Ask at the Visitors Centre for details of boat hire and bait shops. The Manning Regional Art Gallery is centrally located in town (12 Macquarie Street) and hosts an ever changing array of collections.

Old Bar/Wallabi Point

Hot Spots: Saltwater beach and reserve is a five minute drive from Old Bar Beach. Saltwater is great for swimming with its saltwater lagoon and nearby Wallabi Point is popular with surfers. Saltwater Reserve offers barbeque/ picnic areas and contains aboriginal sites that relate to dreamtime beliefs.

WINGHAM

Hot Spots: Don't miss a visit to Wingham Brush to experience the tranquillity of this rare rainforest and the huge Moreton Bay Fig trees that are believed to be thousands of years old. Also, don't forget to look up into the trees to experience the sites and sounds of the grey headed flying foxes - it's one of the largest permanent maternity sites for these animals in the State. Experience the rich history of the area by visiting the Manning Valley Historical Museum.

Manning Point and it’s surrounding islands Manning Point and its nearby islands, known as such because they are surrounded by river, are located 26km (30 mins) east of Taree at the mouth of the Manning River. Manning Point is famed for its oyster growing and there are a number of outlets located on the road as you approach Manning Point where you can sample the local oysters. Swimming, surfing, body boarding, water-skiing, jet skiing and canoeing, boating and fishing are all enjoyed at Manning Point. Attractions include a café and gallery located opposite the marina and offering water views over the river and an orchid nursery at nearby Mitchell’s Island open on weekends and on weekdays by appointment.

National Parks of the Manning Valley

Crowdy Bay National Park. Crowdy Bay National Park is a great spot for bushwalking, surfing and camping. Access to the Park at the southern end is gained by turning off the Pacific Highway at Moorland or alternatively off Crowdy Road just before entering the village of Crowdy Head. Camping areas include Kylies Beach and Diamond Head. Australian author Kylie Tennant's hut is located within Crowdy Bay National Park which is located during a short and delightful loop walk starting at Kylie's beach Camping Area. It passes through forested glades of black wattle oak, scentless rosewood and cheesetree.

Wingham Brush Nature Reserve. 10 minutes drive west of Taree. Rare sub-tropical floodplain rainforest reserve regenerated over past 20 years to become an internationally acclaimed 7 hectare site of interest to land care groups, environmentalists, holidaymakers and day visitors who derive enjoyment from the huge canopy of trees and the large population of grey headed flying foxes. This Nature Reserve includes boardwalks and interpretive signposting detailing the history of regenerating this rainforest area. There is a nearby riverside aquatic area featuring picnic facilities and toilets.

Coorabakh National Park Located 30 minutes north of Taree off the Pacific Highway between Taree and Port Macquarie this Park features a number of lookouts and short walks including Flat Rock Lookout, Starrs Creek Rainforest Walk, Newby's Lookout and caves. Flat Rock Lookout is perched on top of a breathtaking 500 metre drop. The lookout has beautiful views of Coxcombe, Goonook and Killabakh Nature reserves. These spectacular formations are all that remain of a volcano that dominated the Comboyne Plateau to the west. You can enjoy the picnic facilities at the base of Big Nellie Volcanic plug and viewing platform is available. Newby’s Creek Walk and Caves offers a five minute walk up the creek from Newby’s Creek Road where you can explore the fascinating Newby’s Cave. The cave has a large overhanging rock formation, making a natural shelter in the creek bed. The walk continues further upstream amongst lush ferns and sparkling creek waters. Newby’s Lookout is on the edge of the geological fault known as the Lansdowne escarpment. This is a wheelchair friendly lookout offering magnificent views over the Manning Valley. It’s also a great place to picnic and observe wedge tailed eagles and other birds such as Peregrine falcons. At Starrs Creek Rainforest area you will find crystal clear water and cool moist rainforest. This area offers a boardwalk and picnic area. Coorabakh national Park is an ideal loop drive departing the highway at Moorland and rejoining it at Hannam Vale.

Tapin Tops National Park Located 45 minutes drive north west of Taree at the intersection of Dingo Tops and Knodingbul Road the features of this park include Rowley's Rock Lookout providing panoramic views to Taree and the ocean beyond and Dingo Tops Rest Area which includes picnic areas, toilets and a nature walk off the picnic area.

Brimbin Nature Reserve Just 10 minutes from Taree accessed off the Wingham Road this Nature Reserve is located adjacent to the Dawson River and includes nature walks, picnic tables, shelters, gas barbecues and toilets.

Saltwater National Park This National Park is located off Old Bar Road through the small coastal village of Wallabi Point. This Park offers visitors barbecue and picnic facilities under shady trees, a lagoon area ideal for families and a long white sandy beach that connects to the seaside village of Diamond Beach. Saltwater National Park also offers visitors walking tracks that take in Aboriginal sites relating to Dreamtime beliefs.

Ideas on how to spend your rest day in and around Wingham

Wingham Brush Nature Reserve. This reserve represents part of the last remnants of sub-tropical floodplain rainforest in NSW. Located at the end Farquhar Street, Wingham Brush is a short stroll from the Wingham town green and is adjacent to the Manning River. The Brush includes ancient Moreton Bay figs that are many hundreds of years old and the rainforest canopy provides a home for a large population of grey headed flying foxes. The Brush includes walking trails with interpretive signposting, barbecue and picnic area, boat launching and swimming in the river.

Ellenborough Falls is located on is located on the Bulga Plateau at Elands, a 50 minute drive west of Wingham on the scenic tourist drive 8. Ellenborough Falls are a spectacular site and at 200 metres it is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in the southern hemisphere. A timbered walkway to the bottom of the Falls with rest spots on the way provides a comfortable walk. There are also viewing platforms, barbecues, picnic tables and walking trails. Please note there is approximately 10km of unsealed road on the drive from Wingham to Ellenborough Falls and parts of the road are narrow and winding.

A visit to the NSW 2006 Tourism Award winning Café and Produce Shop- Bent on Food located in Bent Street, opposite located in Bent Street, opposite the Town Green on the historical Skinner Butchers corner complex is a must. Bent on Food is a gourmet food store that also doubles as a cafe and dedicates itself to regional produce. The lunch menu includes gourmet baguettes and foccacias incorporating tasty, locally smoked meats. Many of the lunch options are made using items available off the shelf and included in the produce range are local cheeses including goat cheese, biodynamic yoghurt, smoked tuna and an exclusive selection of Asian products. At Bent on Food you will also find speciality homewares and organic foods. Bent on Food will be open 9am-5pm on the stop-over day at Wingham. Other days open: Tuesdays to Fridays 9am-5pm and Saturday and Sundays 9am- 3pm Phone 6557 0727.

Duck Under the Table Cheesemaking and Cookery School Right next door to Bent on Food you will find Duck under the Table Cheesemaking and Cookery School, owned and operated by Annette Greenhaulgh who is an accomplished cook who has previously operated a Sydney-based gourmet foods and corporate catering company. On the rest day Annette will be holding an Italian Flavours pasta making cookery class from 10am to 1pm at a cost of $55 per person. This hands-on class (as seen on Channel 7’s popular travel show Sydney Weekender) will teach you how to make delicious pasta with accompanying sauces. Why not organise a group of friends to come along to this fun, hands on class and Annette will pass on the skills that she has learnt from her Italian heritage. Full recipe notes, matched wine and an espresso coffee are included. Class size limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Phone 6553 4057.

The Bank Guesthouse & Tellers Restaurant For a dining and accommodation experience in the ambiance of this tastefully restored and refurbished historic bank building then a visit to the Tellers Restaurant in the Bank Guesthouse is a must do whilst visiting during the ride. The Bank Guesthouse and Tellers Restaurant is located at 48 Bent Street Wingham. For accommodation during the ride for those seeking a little luxury away from the camping ground then a 15% discount is available but hurry because rooms are limited so book soon. The Tellers is also happy to open for dinner in their a fully licensed private dining room on the rest day Wednesday evening of the Ride- offering a Big Bike Dinner Menu for group bookings of ten or more. Phone for bookings on 6553 5068

Manning Valley Historical Museum located in Farquhar Street located in Farquhar Street opposite the Town Green will provide you with a taste of heritage of the Manning Valley region. This museum will be open from 10am to 4pm on the rest day where you will be able to find one of the most extensive collections of historical memorabilia on the NSW Mid North Coast. Phone 6553 5823.

Red Tail Wines at Marlee is just Red Tail Wines at Marlee is just 13kms from Wingham on the scenic tourist drive 8 to Ellenborough Falls. This winery features Merlot, Semillon, Verdelho and Colombard grown to produce high standard wines. Red Tail Wines will be open on the rest day between 11am and 4pm. Just follow the tourist drive 8 signs for 13kms from Wingham along the Bulga Road, then turn left 200 metres past St Mark's historic church. Phone 6550 5084.

Retail Therapy: Wingham has a great selection of shops with a great range of products and served with country style hospitality. It’s no wonder Wingham is also known as "the friendly town". There a great variety of shops including the latest ladies fashions at Ashlea Road and browse the range of other delightful shops located along Isabella and Bent Streets. For a top up of supplies Bi Lo is located at the corner of Isabella/Primrose and Combined streets.

Nearby Tinonee: Located just a 10 minute drive from Wingham on the Tinonee Road, this picturesque riverside village offers an indigenous art gallery (Peverill Street), Tinonee Museum (Manchester Street) which houses the town's original slab gaol and Tinonee Memories Cafe and Gift Shop (Manchester Street) overlooking the tranquil Manning River. Phone 6553 1143.

Other Great Ideas

The Big Buzz Fun Park Located on the Lakes Way between Taree and Forster this Funpark is ideal for cooling off and having a great time in the water. The park features three open waterslides, speed carts, swimming pools and the newest activity, electric quad bikes. The Big Buzz is open weekends, public holidays and every day during school holidays. Phone 6553 6000.

Manning River Aero Club Manning River Aero Club To really appreciate the beauty and scenic highlights of the Manning Valley you can’t do any better than a scenic flight with the Manning River Aero Club. You can see the region from a pelican’s eye view and soar above the most beautiful coastline on the NSW Mid North Coast. Joy flights can be booked through the club which is based at Taree Airport. Phone 6553 9301.

Taree Tenpin Bowl Taree Tenpin Bowling is located at 55 Muldoon Street Taree and offers superb ten pin bowling facilities and some great bowling deals. Phone 6552 4733 to reserve your lane.

Skydiving in Taree Tandem Skydive Taree operates a drop zone at the Taree Airport. You can jump from 8000 to 12,000 feet and freefall for up to 50 seconds with highly experienced instructors to guide you through the most thrilling sport known to man. You can take up the option of video and/or pictures. Contact Taree Tandem Skydiving on 0418 730 741 for a booking.

Manning Valley Tackle If you love your fishing then you may want to throw a line whilst on the Big Bike Ride then you will find Manning Valley Tackle an ideal spot for supplies during your visit. Located centrally in Taree’s main shopping centre in Manning Street, Manning Valley Tackle has the largest range of plastic lures on the Mid North Coast and has some very handy tide charts available. Phone 6552 4161.

Manning Valley River Cruises During your visit to the manning Valley you should not miss an opportunity to cruise the Manning River and experience the uniqueness of the Manning River’s Delta system by exploring it with Manning Valley River Cruises on the Island Explorer. Ideal for group bookings up to 50 this river cruise offers a variety of themed and catered cruises departing form Croki or Taree. Phone 6553 2683 for bookings.

Crowdy Bay Charters If you fancy a spot of deep sea fishing or would like to pursue some whale watching opportunities then Crowdy Bay Charters can organise either a half or full day charter. Crowdy Bay Charters caters for up to 6 passengers and offer morning and afternoon charters, half or full day fishing, coastal tours and whale watching. Fishing tackle and bait is supplied. For Booking enquiries contact Roger Edwards on 6552 2022 or 0428 655701.

Little Darlings Doll Museum and Coffee Shop This delightful coffee shop and doll museum is located between Taree and Forster at the corner of Failford Road and The Lakes Way. It’s open Wednesday through to Sunday 10am-4pm. There are over 5000 dolls on display and dolls, bears and craft are for sale. Phone 6554 3131

Come Scrap with Us If you’re into scrap booking then you’re going to be delighted with the Taree’s specialty scrap booking store "Come Scrap with Us" located at 2 Albert Lane in Taree. There’s a large and ever-changing variety of scrap booking supplies and the best range of card stock in the Taree area. Come Scrap with Us also have exquisite wedding, engagement and other invitation supplies. Phone 6551 4682.

Manning Regional Art Gallery The Manning Regional Art Gallery is located in Macquarie Street Taree and is a cottage sty gallery hosting a constantly changing array of visiting and regional exhibitions. The Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm. Phone 6592 5445.