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The Manning Valley offers something for everyone. Explore the beautiful local beaches of Old Bar, Wallabi Point and Saltwater or venture further afield to Black Head, Diamond Head or north to Harrington. Hire a kayak and paddle down the expansive Manning River or for a more laid back option, take a River Cruise. Manning Point is well known as an excellent fishing spot, and Old Bar is renowned for kite boarding. The natural ecosystem is home to a variety of bird species, perfect for bird...

As temperatures soared last weekend on the mid north coast, we took the opportunity to head to Old Bar Beach for a few hours. Luckily for us, the conditions were perfect for kite boarding so between dips in the ocean and building sand castles, we were provided with front row seats to some top entertainment as the boarders hit the waves… and took to the sky! If you haven’t seen kite boarding first hand, check out our photos below. It is an adrenaline pumping sport, a combination...

The inaugural Ocean Rhythms Music Festival is being held in our beach side town of Old Bar on March 12th! Come along for a wonderful family day of great music by the sea, with headlining acts Kim Churchill and Christine Anu, supported by great local talent such as Alyce Gray and Harry’s Lookout. Tickets are just $20 for adults and children under 16 years are free. At time of writing, Kiwarrak Country Retreat still has accommodation available, so why not make the weekend of it and explore more of what the beautiful...

When we have a day off, it is always a pleasure to explore our beautiful area, the Manning Valley. Our most recent discovery has been the Bird Tree in Middle Brother National Park (entry is free). It is located just to the west of the highway and John’s River. The Bird Tree is the largest blackbutt tree in NSW and is spectacular to see. We enjoyed some of the leisurely bushwalks around the area and didn’t see another person. This goes to show just how much potential...

With the recent much needed wet weather we’ve experienced, the birds and wildlife have been seen in abundance here at Kiwarrak Country Retreat. White Necked Herons and gorgeous little crakes have been dipping in and out of the dams, which are full of blooming blue water lilies. I spied an Azure Kingfisher perched on a branch and lots of parrots in the trees. The Red Necked Wallabies are happy to see the green grass and so are the Hares and the Swamp Hens. For wetlands...

Recently I was looking for romantic accommodation within an hour from Old Bar on the mid north coast of NSW. Something similar to our romantic cottage The Bower; cosy feel, outdoor spa a definite bonus to add that feel of luxury, dinner and breakfast options perhaps, and within easy distance to a village or town with decent restaurants for my husband and I to celebrate our anniversary. It was really hard to find! In fact, I didn’t find what I was looking for. Which made me think, how would locals find...