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The heatmap for this area, accumulated over five years of regular running, is essentially a solid red blot. About 20,000 kilometres of routes fanning out from Koorainghat through forest, along fire trails, down to the beach, up to the river and back. There's a lot to run here. That's not an accident of geography. The mid-north coast around Old Bar and Kiwarrak sits in a particular sweet spot: state forest and national park immediately to hand, beach ten minutes east, river flats to the north,...

Kiwarrak Mountain Bike Park has about 80 kilometres of singletrack threading through the state forest. It runs everything from gentle, flat beginner loops to steep, technical gravity trails with wall rides and jumps built to international race standards. Most people driving up from Sydney or across from Newcastle already know about it. What fewer people know is that there's a second section — on our side of the highway. The main park The bulk of the trail network sits within Kiwarrak State Forest, west of...

Koorainghat isn't on the way to anywhere. You have to mean to come here. That's not a complaint — it's the point. This small rural locality tucked between Kiwarrak State Forest and the back roads of the mid-north coast is where the retreat sits, and it's exactly the kind of place that rewards people who find it. The name Like most of the place names around here, Koorainghat comes from Gathang — the language of the Biripi people, who have been the custodians of this...

Ask a local what Kiwarrak means and you'll probably get a shrug. It's just the name of the state forest, the mountain bike trails, the retreat up the road. But the word itself is older than any of that — and the meaning is worth knowing. In Gathang, the traditional language of the Biripi people of the Manning River and Taree region, kiwarrak means the straight-crested kookaburra. That's it. Not a spirit. Not a direction. A bird. The most Australian bird there is, racketing out...

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...