Manning Point: Beach, River and Reserve

At Manning Point, the beach and river settings are distinct: Manning Point Beach lies at the mouth of the Manning River, while Manning Point Reserve has a beach-facing side and a river-facing side. You can swim in the river basin or at the beach, and launch a boat for fishing. This combination gives you several concrete starting points for planning your trip: the coastal landscape, swimming, fishing, and time in the reserve appeal to different interests.

Beach layout and access

Manning Point Beach begins on the southern side of the Manning River’s 500-metre-wide sandy mouth. A low, sandy spit first extends 2.5 kilometres to the southwest. The beach then continues as a steep, coarse-grained, narrow stretch of coast as far as the southern river mouth at Farquhar Inlet. The total distance to that point is 10 kilometres. The coastline therefore changes from a low spit to the narrow beach beyond it; the direction of the first section is also relevant for orientation.

Manning Point Beach is the only access route for four-wheel-drive vehicles to the campground in Farquhar Park. Access conditions may vary with the tides and management arrangements. If you plan to use the beach to reach the campground, check current conditions before setting out.

Manning Point Reserve and water activities

On the beach-facing side of Manning Point Reserve, there is a shaded picnic area and a playground. On the river side, the reserve is a stopping point for boaters, oyster lovers, and anglers. The park therefore has both a beachside setting with specific facilities and a riverside connection to boating and fishing. The picnic area and playground may not always be available. If you plan to use either facility, check its current status before your visit.

For swimming, you can choose between the river basin and the beach at Manning Point. Swimming conditions may change, so check them before you go in the water. If you want to fish from a boat, you can launch one at Manning Point. Launching conditions and facility status may also change. Factor these into your plans and check them in advance.

Getting there and local dining

Manning Point is accessible via Manning Point Road. It is 26 kilometres from the Taree exit, and the drive takes about 20 minutes. These route and travel-time figures are approximate and may vary. Both refer to the drive from the Taree exit.

For a meal, The Waterbird is a local option: the restaurant is in Manning Point, housed in a converted boatshed. If you plan to visit, check its current operating information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Tallwoods Village, Harrington, Rainbow Flat, Hallidays Point, Wingham, Taree, Koorainghat.

For the broader travel overview: Greater Taree City Council.