News

There's a version of winter that involves a wood fire, a heated spa, a glass of something good, and absolutely nowhere you need to be. That's winter at Kiwarrak. The Manning Valley is genuinely beautiful in the cooler months. The crowds that drift up the Mid North Coast in summer thin right out, the bush takes on a quieter quality, and the property (already secluded) feels like your own private world. The gums are still tall, the dams still mirror the sky, and the birds...

Looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend getaway in the beautiful Mid-North Coast of New South Wales? Look no further than Kiwarrak Country Retreat, a comfortable and stylish accommodation located just a short drive from Taree. Here are some ideas for a memorable weekend away: Discover the Manning Valley Region: Take a scenic drive to Tinonee, a charming village with historic buildings, cafe, and an artisan gallery. Visit Wingham Farmers Market, held every Saturday, for fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal food. Sample local...

Are you a birdwatching enthusiast looking for the best birdwatching spots in the beautiful Manning Valley region of New South Wales? Look no further than Kiwarrak Country Retreat, a comfortable and stylish accommodation surrounded by forest located just a short drive from some of the region’s most stunning birdwatching spots. Here are some top recommendations for birdwatching in Manning Valley: Cattai Wetlands: The wetlands are a birdwatching paradise and home to several bird species, including the White-bellied Sea Eagle, the Black-necked Stork, Jabiru and the...

Are you planning a trip to the beautiful Mid North Coast of New South Wales? If so, why not make it a sustainable travel experience? Here are some tips to help you reduce your environmental impact and support the local community during your visit: Choose eco-friendly accommodation: Look for hotels, motels, or vacation rentals that prioritise sustainability. Kiwarrak Country Retreat is a perfect example, as we offer eco-friendly cottages with natural cleaning products and rainwater tanks. Reduce your plastic waste: Bring your own reusable water...

Are you a wine connoisseur looking to explore the beautiful Mid North Coast of New South Wales? Check out these boutique wineries, where you can enjoy the region’s top wines while taking in the stunning natural surroundings. Here are our recommendations of the boutique wineries you should include in a self-guided Mid North Coast wine tour: Bago Vineyards: This family-owned winery is located just outside of Port Macquarie and offers a variety of award-winning wines, including Chardonnay, Verdelho, and Shiraz. Take a guided tour of...

It’s not often our coastal village of Old Bar is featured in a national publication, but the renowned Australian Geographic  did just that yesterday. The Alaskan tern made a rare visit to the area over the summer months in 2017/18, attracting the attention of hundreds of excited birdwatchers. At Kiwarrak, we hosted several avid birdwatchers over this period, which was how the unusual event came to our attention. Our guests took the opportunity to photograph not only the tern, but the abundant birdlife on the property...

The Arbour and Bower cottages at Kiwarrak Country Retreat have had a much needed face lift with new exterior paint! Woodland Grey and crisp White have transformed the cottages to  a modern, contemporary and fresh look. We’re always looking for new ways to update, improve and add appeal to our cottages while also maintaining our mantra of upstyling and repurposing. There is now a cohesive colour scheme across the property. We love it, and we hope you will too! The Arbour has charming and cute...

Create your own beeswax wraps, the perfect replacement for cling wrap for lunches and fridge coverings. Learn how to make your own using anti bacterial raw beeswax on the lovely grounds of Kiwarrak Country Retreat. All proceeds will be donated to charity, and you go home with three beautiful and useful wraps. Afternoon tea and a glass of bubbly are also included. We will provide some material, however if you have a special garment or some leftover cotton/mix material you would like to use, please...

Birdwatching on the mid-north coast is a popular pastime. With 10 acres of bushlands and gardens, we are fortunate at Kiwarrak Country Retreat to see birds every day. We all recognise the Kookaburra, the Magpie and the beautiful Satin Bowerbird, who makes his superb bower in various gardens that surround the cottages. In fact, the resident bowerbirds inspired our romantic cottage of the same name. We have been lucky enough to have several bird watchers stay in the guest cottages. They have compiled a list...

There’s no need to travel to the Hunter Valley with so many boutique wineries in the local Manning Valley area. Make a day of it and visit a few, taking in the beautiful green countryside along the way. Ghinni Ghinni Wines in Ghinni Ghinni is a popular choice, and with the beautiful Other Side Art Cafe by the river, you can make a day of it! The picturesque Great Lakes Winery at Wootton has regular live music events, perfect for a family day out. Bring a...