Sunset in Old Bar Beach
Twilight at Old Bar Beach
Lighthouse in Crowdy Head
Jetty at Manning Point
Sunset Manning Point
Pelican at Harrington
Catch for the Day at Harrington
Elands Falls
Manning Valley is a 3 hour- drive north of Sydney. It’s close enough and yet a world away from the stress of daily life. Manning Valley is blessed with beautiful coastal towns with lagoons, lakes and rivers, quaint and quiet inland villages nestled in stunning mountain country. So, drive away from the fast lane, switch off your thinking brains and take a break. Head towards North and discover the secrets of the stunning nature of this region. We did!
We stayed at Old Bar Beach. Literally! The breathtaking vivid colours of sunrise and sunset were truly enjoyable to watch whilst walking along the beach. The downside, it’s not a patrolled swimming beach.
Our first sightseeing destination was Harrington. The locals suggested that we go there. Harrington is an attractive small fishing village located at the mouth of the Manning River. There’s a long breakwater which is a perfect spot for some good photography and off course, fishing. Walking leisurely along the breakwater sticky-beaking at the catch of the leisure fishermen was a fun activity in itself.
If you drive seven kilometres beyond Harrington, you’ll discover the charming fishing village of Crowdy Head. On top of the hill stands a white Lighthouse which is stunning against a vivid blue sky. From there, you would be rewarded with a spectacular view of the ocean and if it’s the right time of the year, you might be able to spot some Humpback whales and dolphins. The seafood co-op at Crowdy Head is a seafood lover’s delight with the fresh catch of the day ready for you to buy!
For a more inland sightseeing, we went to Elands which is home to the spectacular Ellenborough Falls. It is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. There is timbered walkway to the bottom of the falls with rest spots on the way for perfect portrait photography.
TIP: Have some fresh seafood lunch at the Harrington Hotel which overlooks the Manning River. Beautiful view and the delicious food is good value for money.
