Lifestyle Barrington Coast

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Welcome

Acknowledgement OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live, the Gathang-speaking people and pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now reside in the MidCoast Council area. We extend our respect to elders past and present, and to all future cultural-knowledge holders.

DestinationEco

The Barrington Coast region is renowned for nature-based experiences, so MidCoast Council was thrilled to achieve a sustainability milestone in February 2025 with Eco Destination certification for the region. This positions the region as a world-class destination, backed by a commitment to ongoing sustainable practices and providing high-quality nature-based experiences.

With travellers becoming more environmentally conscious and looking to minimise their impact on

the environment, this certification highlights our commitment to sustainability and the authentic experiences our region has to offer. This extends to the growing number of our tourism operators who are eco-business accredited or well underway toward achieving this. Our region has joined a growing network of certified destinations in Australia and worldwide.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Claire Pontin Mayor, MidCoast

Council

Barrington Coast is the destination brand of MidCoast Council

The Aboriginal name for the Bucketts Mountains is the Buccan Buccans and they are intrinsically linked to Gloucester and its surrounding valleys. Trudy Shultz

NSW NATIONAL PARKS & Wildlife Service

Welcome to Lifestyle Barringon Coast

“Come and explore the stunning National Parks of the ECO destination certiﬁed Barrington Coast. Whether it’s beach strolls at Booti Booti, paddling through the Myall Lakes, uncovering gold rush tales at Copeland Tops or soaking up the magic of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops, out here, nature’s got the best stories to tell!”

- Drew Coxon, Acting Team Leader Visitor Experience, Hunter Central Coast Branch.

As the State Member for Myall Lakes, it brings me great joy, to welcome you to the 2025–2026 edition of Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine. This publication beautifully captures the uniqueness of our region.

From our hinterland villages to our stunning coastline, the Barrington Coast is rich in history and natural beauty. I’ve proudly called this beautiful holiday destination home for over 28 years, and I continue to be inspired by the people and places within it.

I’m proud to share that the Mid North Coast Community College Youth Space in Taree will be

transformed, thanks to $250,000 in NSW Government funding. This revitalised space will oﬀer lifechanging opportunities for our young people, especially those needing a fresh start.

This is just one example of the many ways the NSW Government is investing in our region’s future.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a while, welcomeand remember, life’s better in the Barrington. We hope to see you again soon.

Warm regards,

Tanya Thompson MP Member for Myall Lakes

MichaelThurston

Destination North Coast is thrilled to welcome the Barrington Coast on the lower Mid North Coast to the growing network of eco-certified destinations across Australia. Having recently achieved ECO Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia, Barrington Coast is now the 5th certified destination in NSW and the 13th in Australia to receive this prestigious recognition.

The ECO Destination Certiﬁcation process involves a comprehensive assessment of the entire visitor economy, from local government initiatives to individual tourism operators. This collaborative approach fosters strong stakeholder engagement and encourages operators to enhance their sustainability practices.

Rather than being the final goal, certification serves as a significant milestone in an ongoing journey toward greater sustainability.

As consumer expectations shi towards responsible travel, achieving ECO Destination

Certiﬁcation sends a powerful message about a destination’s values. This recognition enhances appeal among ecoconscious travellers who actively seek destinations with strong sustainability credentials — making Barrington Coast an even more attractive choice for visitors.

Many thanks,

Michael Thurston, General Manager

NSW Parks Guide

Thompson Tanya

LETTER FROM THE

Publisher

Welcome to Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine — a celebration of connection, community and the incredible people and places that make our region shine.

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We give heartfelt thanks for the passage, from being contracted to produce the previous editions known as Explore Barrington Coast to now continuing this journey independently, with the same passion and purpose.

Now in its eighth edition, Lifestyle Barrington Coast proudly continues as the region’s flagship annual publication — your free go-to guide to EAT, STAY, PLAY, CONNECT and enjoy naturebased adventures across the lower Mid North Coast, NSW.

This edition is brimming with heart and inspiration. It’s designed to connect and uplift, to celebrate kindness and community. You’re invited to Explore – Look Up – Smile – Connect Dive into stories crafted to connect with the people who call the region home and to warmly welcome new residents, neighbours, visitors, family and friends with authentic experiences and inspiring backyard trips, local adventures. Discover our rich natural environment in SNAPSHOT, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainability as an internationally recognised ECO Destination. Meet talented local artists, immerse yourself in their vibrant work, and don’t miss Teddy’s Story — a powerful journey of resilience, community support and future hope. Plus, A Film Is Born — an indie cinematic piece capturing beauty from

silent glances to the aching weight of longing. We shine a light on our exceptional business operators and local changemakers in Empowering Pathways, featuring youth and the leaders lighting the way forward. Across this edition, we champion the achievements and contributions shaping our community, economy, education and environment. We’re proud to showcase Green Petina Home, our winner from the Max FM 107.3 and Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine prize collaboration. In this edition, we also support and invite expressions of interest (EOIs) to be part of the Tuncurry Village Hub — a new space that celebrates local business and community connection. We’re also seeking EOIs and collaborators for Ziggy the Seahorse, an animation project that highlights the importance of preserving fragile habitats and the threats facing marine species.

This publication is made possible thanks to the valued partnerships and relationships we’ve built over eight editions with our incredible local business operators, local government and the wider business community who go above and beyond across our vast region. Without your support, we could not deliver this magazine FREE to our readers. Thank you for being a vital part of sharing these powerful stories and strengthening our region.

Indulge in our pieces like Treat Yourselves, I Do With A View, where love meets landscape, and Top Spots for Proposals, for those unforgettable moments. We also reimagine senior living with Redefining Your Senior Moment, and feature paw-some escapes in our round-up of dog-

friendly stays. For the nature lovers, Barrington Beaks gives a sneak peek into exceptional birdwatching locations from ancient forests to pristine wetlands.

Our CONVOS – Stories That Connect podcast tunes you in with inspiring individuals who share their personal journeys, challenges and passions.

Here for business? Check out BIZ CONNECT — connecting small businesses, local entrepreneurs and organisations with practical support, events, awards and opportunities to collaborate.

Don’t miss our Adventure Collection — your invitation to chase waterfalls, wander through ancient forests or find your perfect basecamp. With 25+ curated trip planners and itineraries, you’ll discover the magic of the Barrington Coast from the mountains to the sea.

Whether you’re planning your next adventure, dreaming of your forever home or simply indulging your curiosity, this issue invites you to explore, connect and engage with the unique spirit of our region.

Enjoy the journey, El Rattray FIND US

lifestylebarringtoncoast

@lifestylebarringtoncoast.com.au

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Lifestyle Barrington Coast – More Than A Magazine.

Print | Digital | Social | Podcast

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

El Rattray

team Our

Our Contributors

Ali Haigh - Artist

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TWOMINDS CREATIVE

Dylan has brought all eight annual editions — now rebranded as Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine — to life with his signature style. A passionate designer and trusted collaborator, Dylan brings over two decades of experience in delivering visuals that are on-brand and on-trend. Through his creativity, creative insight and powerful visual storytelling, Dylan ensures each page reﬂects the heart of the region.

SIMON GOULD

DIRECTOR ORBIT MARKETING, PODCAST HOST

Simon is the Steerer of the Ship at Orbit Marketing, connecting brands with the people who need them. His legendary team keeps our magazine prooﬁng process shipshape and on course. A proud local and serial charity supporter, Simon also hosts Convos – Stories That Connect, the oﬃcial podcast of Lifestyle Barrington Coast, guiding listeners through inspiring, down-to-earth conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, adventurers and everyday locals shaping the region’s creative and cultural landscape.

MEGAN LEWIS DYLAN GAUL

DIRECTOR THE RESOLUTION NETWORK, PODCAST HOST

Megan is the co-owner of The Resolution Network, a business dedicated to helping people grow, connect and navigate change. With a career built around tough conversations and thoughtful communication, Megan brings heart and insight to everything she does. As co-host of Convos – Stories That Connect, Lifestyle Barrington Coast podcast, Megan is our queen of real talk — igniting conversations with changemakers, creatives and community builders across the region.

Ali Haigh is a contemporary Australian printmaker and designer who draws inspiration from the natural world. Her vibrant tea towel collection features the intricate form of specimens like the boxﬁsh and the banksia, while her destination poster series captures the Barrington Coast region’s unique charm.

From her studio in Old Bar, Ali combines traditional printmaking and illustration techniques with digital design, infusing each artwork with a sense of story, place and purpose. Inspired by the pristine beaches, vibrant coastal hubs and the rolling hinterland of the Barrington Coast, her posters pay homage to iconic locations we all love with a fresh, modern twist.

Follow Ali’s journey through nature and creativity – alihaigh.com

Purchase Ali Haigh’s art from your local Visitor Information Centre at 4 Lakes St, Forster.

John Dean - Aerial Photographer

John is a photographer and content creator with a passion for visual storytelling from above, John’s breathtaking drone shots beautifully capture the natural wonders of the Barrington Coast.

Kirk Owers

Kirk Owers is an award-winning photographer and writer based in Boomerang Beach. Kirk has been photographing weddings in the palms and freelancing for surf and travel magazines for over 20 years. Kirk supplied words and photos for our destination wedding story, I do With a View on page 37.

Shelley May Kurtz

Known as Creative Shell, Shelley is a local graphic designer, artist, photographer and author with over 15 years’ experience. Inspired by Australia’s vibrant birdlife, she’s passionate about connecting people to nature through her art. See Barrington Beaks on page 62.

Thomas Davey

Mini schnauzer parent enjoying dog-friendly escapes on the Mid North Coast since 2011.

PUBLISHER + EDITOR -IN-CHIEF El Rattray

GRAPHIC DESIGN Dylan Gaul - TwoMinds Creative

CONTRIBUTOR Thomas Davey

Our special thanks to Thomas Davey, MidCoast Council Destination Marketing Officer, for his extensive research and contribution to our Adventure Collection series, Indulge Yourselves, Top Spots for Proposals, Pet-friendly escape features and all things For the curious from the fabulous Barrington Coast team showcased in Lifestyle Barrington Coast ISSUE 08.

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

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Published by Lifestyle Barrington Coast

ABN 30408349018

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#LifestyleBarringtonCoast | More Than A Magazine

Print | Digital | Social | Podcast

Reproduction in whole or part of content within this feature without written permission, including editorial, photography and design of advertisements by Lifestyle Barrington Coast, is strictly prohibited. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders.

DISCLAIMER. The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher and Lifestyle Barrington Coast. Information provided by contributors, advertisers, interviewees and all source material is understood to be

Art by Catherine Garrod cgarrodart.com.au

Garrod that celebrates natural beauty from an aerial perspective. Drawing inspiration from drone imagery, Catherine captures the coastline’s intricate patterns, textures and vivid colours — translating them into immersive artworks that forge a seamless connection between art and landscape.

For more of Catherine’s work cgarrodart.com.au.

and catalogue printing Paul: 0411 944 176

Connect

10. Discover our rich natural environment in SNAPSHOT.

12. On the Cover – Meet our talented local artist and immerse yourself in her vibrant work.

14. Connecting Community Through Storytelling – Discover Teddy’s journey of resilience, the making of indie film MisGivings, podcast conversations in CONVOS, and explore MidCoast Stories — a trail of people, places and moments that shaped our region.

24. Treat Yourselves — Indulge in local experiences, flavours and finds.

35. Top Spots for Proposals — Ideas for unforgettable moments in breathtaking locations.

37. I Do with a View — Where love meets landscape. Dream weddings in the Barrington Coast.

45. Paw-some Escapes — Dog-friendly stays for quality time with your fur kids.

47. Exceptional business operators — Accommodation, lifestyle properties and interior design excellence.

55. Redefining Your Senior Moment — Reimagine over-55s living.

62. Barrington Beaks — Birdwatching spots from ancient forests to pristine wetlands.

64. Empowering Pathways — Meet the local changemakers: inspiring youth and leaders lighting the way forward.

68. A showcase of youth, industry and award-winning Australian beef

71. Biz Connect — Celebrate local success! Explore business groups, expressions of interests, uncover networking gems, and find ways to connect, grow or get involved in your own backyard.

83. Adventure Collection – Uncover the charm of our unique towns and villages with 25+ inspiring trip planners. From nature-based backyard adventures and local eats to art, history and wellbeing. Find your perfect basecamp — whether it’s an eco camp, luxe stay or hidden gem. You’re invited to indulge your curiosity— Explore · Look Up · Smile · Connect!

114. Blueys Beach Dream Weekender & Escape Awaits — Your coastal getaway!

142. Go Chasing Waterfalls –Reconnect with nature. We’ve got ten just waiting to be ticked off your list!

162. Good To Know – What’s on and where to go, from live shows and galleries to scenic lookouts and markets. Connect with the live calendar of weekly, monthly and annual events. Stay in the loop with local radio and community updates.

164. REGIONAL MAP — There’s a road for every kind of wanderer. Discover the scenic drives of the Barrington Coast — from Lakes to Lookouts, Myalls to Beaches and the Historical Hinterland. Embark on the Barrington Explorer Route, journey Valley to Falls or venture Sea to Summit. Each route offers a new way to explore, unwind and connect with the region’s beauty.

COASTAL LAKES & LAGOONS

ABORIGINAL Places

THE ONLY DOUBLE DELTA RIVER IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE THE 261KM MANNING RIVER

NATIONAL PARKS NATURE RESERVES & CONSERVATION AREAS

ELLENBOROUGH FALLS The tallest single drop waterfall in NSW

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AREAS

192km

980KM² GREAT LAKES MARINE PARK EXTENDS FROM CAPE HAWKE NEAR FORSTER TO THE NORTHERN END OF STOCKTON BEACH, NEWCASTLE

Did You Know...? In 1999, the Myall Lakes were designated as a Wetland of International Importance under The Ramsar Convention, the first modern treaty between nations aimed at conserving natural resources.

SNAPSHOT

lifestyle

Our whale and dolphin watching opportunities are wonderful! Along our coastline, observing the migration of these beautiful marine mammals, and their playful exhibitions, is an unforgettable experience – from prime viewing spots like Wallabi Point, Crowdy Head Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks.

Prized around the world for their delicious and unique, texture and ﬂavour, the Sydney Rock Oyster has been cultivated in these parts for over 100 years! The clean, clear waters of Wallis Lake and its estuary covers an area that is 1.5 times greater in size than Sydney Harbour, yielding around 12% of the total Sydney Rock Oysters. Generations of our local oyster farmers have contributed to an industry that sees over 8 million of these “gourmet’s delights” sold annually.

Communities worldwide are reimagining a future that reduces waste and protects the environment. The MidCoast Council (MCC) Waste Management Strategy 2030 emphasises“Reduce, reuse, recycle... re-imagine waste.” This vision aligns with global concerns about plastic waste in oceans and waterways. The MidCoast 2030 Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility document states: “Our natural environment is protected and enhanced while we maintain our growing urban centres and manage our resources wisely.” This is achieved by “sustainably managing our waste through reduction, reuse, recycling, and repurposing” and “proactively managing our resource consumption.”

Compost your food and scraps and watch your garden grow! compostrevolution.com.au

Download the free Recycle Mate app and be part of the recycling solution.

Our green-conscious community is growing the trend in the region for electric vehicles. The Barrington Coast is constantly adding to its extensive list of EV Charging stations to ensure that all holidaymakers and day-trippers can easily get around our beautiful region. Find your nearest EV Charging Station. barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/ where-to-ﬁnd-ev-charging-points-in-the-barrington-coast

scapes Colour

Catherine Garrod’s vibrant work, rooted in local landscapes and aerial perspectives, perfectly embodies the essence of our region. In our chat with Cath, we explore the joy and creativity behind our cover and the deeper themes of regeneration and transformation in her Seed series.

Hi Catherine, On The COVER of Lifestyle

Barrington Coast –Issue 08. How do you see your art aligning with this vision?

My ColourScapes piece on the cover celebrates the region’s natural beauty from an aerial perspective, creating a seamless connection between art and landscape— making the cover both visually stunning and deeply tied to place!

Your ColourScapes series beautifully captures the essence of the Barrington Coast from an aerial perspective. What

inspired this collection, and how does aerial photography influence your artistic process? My ColourScapes series is inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of our coastline, particularly the unique perspectives captured through aerial photography. I use drone imagery to observe the coastline’s natural patterns, colours and textures, translating them into artworks that reflect the beauty and energy of our region. This approach allows me to create immersive pieces that celebrate nature from a bird’s-eye view.

You recently donated a painting for Teddy’s Fundraiser, which was

incredibly well received. How did that experience shape your perspective on community engagement and art? The piece I donated was a more representational style, which I felt would resonate with the local audience, and it certainly did — it created a lot of interest which resulted in a nice contribution to the fundraiser. Seeing the community rally behind the fundraiser reaffirmed the power of art in bringing people together. It was also a great insight into how landscapes of this local region resonate with and hold deep appeal with the community.

Continues...

Catherine shares,“Each brushstroke is a gestural expression — carrying colour, movement and energy.”

Your ability to work across different artistic styles is impressive. How do you balance your semirealistic aerial seascapes with your evolving abstract work? With my multidisciplinary approach to my art, it’s always a challenge to navigate my styles, but I’ve found that different markets appreciate different aspects of my work. My aerial seascapes resonate strongly with locals and collectors looking for a personal connection to the region, while my more abstract works, like those in my new Seed series, explore deeper themes of regeneration and transformation. By directing each style to its ideal audience, I can maintain creative freedom while also meeting demand.

Tell us about your latest series, Seed. What is its focus, and how does it contrast with your previous works? Seed is an exploration of plant regeneration and germination. It’s a shift from my large florals to a more macro perspective zooming in on the intricate details of seeds and pods as they prepare for new life. This work reflects my fascination with nature’s cycles and how small beginnings can lead to magnificent growth. Many of your collectors love the idea of commissioning a custom piece. Can you walk us through your commissioning process? Absolutely! The process begins with a conversation about the client’s vision, whether it’s an aerial seascape of a

“I use drone imagery to observe the coastline’s natural patterns, colours and textures, translating them into artworks that reﬂect the beauty and energy of our region.”

favourite location or something more abstract. If it’s an aerial landscape piece, I use drone photography to capture the essence of the place, ensuring the artwork feels personal. Once the imagery is refined, I create sketches and colour studies before moving on to the final piece. Each commission is a collaboration, resulting in a unique artwork that carries personal meaning. Your work is featured in GATHER + PLACE, Taree, WATERSHED GALLERY in Pokolbin, NSW and on online art platforms like ARTBID. How have these outlets influenced your artistic reach? These platforms have been invaluable in connecting me with collectors beyond my local audience. However, my first port of call is my website, where you can buy from me directly. ARTBID offers an exciting auction-style approach, while WATERSHED has a stunning and curated gallery space. These avenues have allowed me to showcase different aspects of my work, from large-scale statement pieces to more intimate studies.

Stay tuned for more on Catherine Garrod’s latest artistic explorations and how you can commission a one-of-a-kind artwork that captures your connection to the Barrington Coast.

For more of Catherine’s work, visit cgarrodart.com.au

CATHERINE GARROD

John Dean

When Brydie first heard of Teddy’s diagnosis, she knew she had to act. As Clinical Coordinator at Beaches Dental, a longtime colleague of Teddy’s father, Dr. Robbie — a dedicated dentist — and close friend of his mother, Beth, she had watched the family grow over the years.

Teddy’s Story

A Journey of Resilience, Community Support & Future Hope

The idea for the fundraiser came one night as I reflected on the financial and emotional challenges Robbie and Beth would face,” Brydie recalls. “I’ve worked with Robbie for nearly ten years and have always had a special bond with Teddy. I wanted to support their family in any way I could.”

Believing in the power of community, Brydie was confident people would rally behind Team Teddy, but the level of support still left her speechless.

“The generosity from people who knew them, strangers who heard their story, and our patients reinforced what we’ve always believed — we have the best community.”

— emailing, posting, planning, researching. It was exhausting but incredibly rewarding.”

On the day of the event, the community turned out in full force.

“The willingness to support a family during their toughest time showed just how lucky we are to live here.”

“The generosity from people who knew them, strangers who heard their story, and our patients reinforced what we’ve always believed— we have the best community.”

The fundraiser at Pacific Palms Recreation Club (affectionately known as “The Recky”) became a labour of love.

“For three weeks, I lived and breathed Team Teddy

Brydie expressed deep gratitude to all who supported the day:

“I’m so thankful to my Beaches Dental colleagues who gave up their weekend, to Mads from The Recky, and to our incredible local real estate legend, auctioneer, and MC, Mark ‘Lawso’ Lawson. A huge thanks also to all the local businesses that contributed. It was a true team effort.”

The funds raised helped ease some of the immense stress for Robbie and Beth.

“Knowing we could reduce even a fraction of their anxiety made it all worthwhile.”

Continues over...

Ted’s Home, Boomerang Beach John Dean

Heart of the

Community

The support the Marchmonts received was life-changing.

“People showed up through fundraisers, messages and countless acts of kindness,” Robbie shares.

Neighbours, family and friends went above and beyond to care for Ted’s younger brothers during the separation, while Beth and Robbie undertook the emotional, arduous journey to America with Ted for proton therapy. From dropping oﬀ meals and mowing lawns to walking the dog and sending love, the outpouring of community and family support was constant.

“It was a true village eﬀort,” Beth says. “We felt the whole community li ing Teddy through this storm.” Teddy, too, drew strength from the love around him.

“Regaining the use of his hands so he can keep creating art — that, and everyone’s support, has kept him going.”

The Toughest

Moments

The road has been unimaginably hard.

“Hearing it was a type 3 or 4 medulloblastoma — worse than we had hoped — was excruciating,” Beth says.

Teddy’s surgery day is etched in memory.

“Seeing our boy unable to move or speak was heartbreaking. The moment the specialist said, ‘Can we talk in another room?’ ﬁlled us with dread.”

In just over two months, Teddy endured 36 general anaesthetics — including six major surgeries — and underwent 30 days of proton therapy, which is currently only available overseas.

The gruelling eight-hour neurosurgery was the hardest wait of all. The journey to America was equally painful — far from home, separated from little brothers Bobby (2) and Hank (3), and facing Teddy’s treatment from afar.

“That separation was among the most painful challenges,” Beth shares. “But through it all, Teddy’s strength and determination kept us going.”

The Recky

Teddy’s Journey

& Resilience

Teddy’s strength is nothing short of remarkable.

“The same surgery would leave an adult unable to walk, yet Teddy managed to walk again a er just one month, relearn to talk, and he’s back wrestling with his little brothers. His determination gives us immense hope for the future.”

Despite the trauma his brain endured — from tumour, stroke, surgery and radiation — Teddy is walking, talking, running and nearly back to riding his bike. “He’s doing well, although fatigue is a common side eﬀect of proton therapy,” Robbie says.

A er months based near John Hunter Hospital for four rounds of highdose chemotherapy, the Marchmont family returned to their beloved home at Boomerang Beach.

“To any family facing a similar challenge — you are not alone,” Beth says. “Lean on your community, hold onto hope, and know that so many people are willing to help.”

“Charities like Ronald McDonald House and RedKite have been lifelines,” Robbie adds. “They’re part of our strength.”

A Voice for Change

Dr Robert Marchmont — known to many as Dr Robbie — graduated from Griﬃth University with a Bachelor of Oral Health and a Graduate Diploma of Dental Science. He is a respected dentist, passionate about outstanding patient care, a loving, fun, dedicated father, husband, family- and community-minded person, and now an advocate with purpose and resolve. Speaking from both lived experience and professional insight, he shares:

“From what my wife Beth and I have learned navigating a broken system — the disgraceful gap between policy and the standard of care — we had to stand up and say, ‘It’s not good enough, Australia.”

“It drives us to not just help Ted, but to pay it forward by helping future families in their darkest times.”

By raising their voices, showing unwavering tenacity and strength, the Marchmont family has shone a powerful spotlight on systemic failures with far-reaching implications.

Teddy’s journey has captured the attention of the private medical sector, national advocates, including journalist Terry Plane and A Current Aﬀair, amplifying the urgent call for reform.

“If sharing Teddy’s story puts pressure on decision-makers, perhaps no other family will have to face this same ﬁght,” Dr Robbie says.

Robbie and Beth have laced up their runners, hitting the pavement for charity fun runs and mini marathons to raise awareness to help other children and families on their journey. Every step is a stride toward hope, advocacy and lasting change.

Dr Robbie

Awareness &Advocacy

This journey has lit a ﬁre in Robbie and Beth to advocate for systemic change. No family should be forced overseas to access life-saving care.

“We’ve

contacted politicians, the Department of Health, specialists from Australia and overseas to ask: Why doesn’t Australia have a proton therapy machine?”

Looking Ahead & Hope for the Future

Teddy’s story continues to raise national awareness. He was recently named a “Brain Star” by the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation and featured at the prestigious Melbourne Cancer Ball, supporting brain cancer research.

At the time of going to print, the Marchmont family received the incredible news that Teddy’s original tumour site and spine are CANCER FREE — a powerful testament to his strength, the love and support that surrounds him and the unwavering tenacity of his parents, Robbie and Beth.

Teddy’s journey continues — powered by courage, love and an extraordinary community.

With a special desk secured through a ‘Teddy for Ted’ and ongoing support from his schoolmates, teacher and principal at Paciﬁc Palms Primary (both online and in person), the Marchmont family moves forward with deep gratitude, a pay-it-forward spirit and hope for brighter days ahead.

How You Can Help

Donate blood – Every donation can be life-changing for children and families navigating serious illness.

Raise your voice – Stand with Robbie and Beth in calling for a proton therapy machine to be made available in Australia.

Support Teddy – Scan the QR code to donate via GoFundMe and help the Marchmonts and their mission to upli others as they turn their gratitude into action and advocacy.

GoFundMe

Teddy Marchmont – Tribute image featured at the Brainy Ball 2025 cass_creative_

Beth and Robbie Marchmont

THE BAR

With 20 beers on tap, an extensive wine list and a huge selection of spirits that make up our incredible cocktail list, our bar is guaranteed to quench your thirst.

THE BISTRO

Savour delicious food with a view! Sunset Bistro offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of fresh, flavourful dishes served daily. Stop by and treat yourselfsunset tastes better here, with something for everyone to enjoy.

LIVE MUSIC

Iconically known for hosting big names in music currently and over the years, The Recky is the place to be for all the live music, acoustic sets and ticketed events performing right here at our venue.

The iconic club located on the shores of Wallis Lake, home to the best sunset and live music on the Barrington Coast.

HAVE YOU HEARD? A FILM IS BORN

Misgivings

Cinematographer: Rishi Le Hunte

(PRODUCER/DIRECTOR)

MISGIVINGS EXTRAS - LOCAL COMMUNITY: JACK KEMP & LEWIS YOUNG

It’s not about spectacle—it’s about substance. Every moment is crafted to connect, from silent glances to the aching weight of longing.

When creativity, courage and community align, extraordinary stories are born. That’s exactly what happened on the Barrington Coast with Misgivings — an independent Australian feature film that blends the timeless beauty of classic cinema with a fresh, authentic voice.

Written, directed and produced by artist and filmmaker Duncan James, Misgivings is no average film. It’s a deeply personal project that stands apart from the noise of algorithm-driven storytelling. Duncan’s belief in the power of originality fuels his bold artistic vision, capturing something raw, soulful and emotionally resonant. Filmed entirely in the picturesque Pacific Palms region, including Blueys Beach, the film celebrates the richness of regional Australia’s landscapes and people. With a diverse cast led by Joanne Connor, Mace Murray and Jeffery Richards, Misgivings tells the story of ordinary lives swept up in extraordinary emotional undercurrents.

“The budget was small, but the passion

was huge,” Duncan reflects. “This was a collaboration between artists, technicians and the local community. I’m proud to have captured something truly human — something that doesn’t follow trends but instead creates space for connection.”

With a measured pace, a haunting soundtrack and stunning cinematography by Rishi Le Hunte, Misgivings invites viewers to pause, reflect and feel. It’s not about spectacle — it’s about substance. Every moment is crafted to connect, from silent glances to the aching weight of longing.

with a mysterious figure on a secluded beach. What begins as a search for peace becomes an unraveling of truth, longing and betrayal.

Misgivings is poetic, personal and deeply human — a film that lingers long after the credits fade. Now entering the international festival circuit, it stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. It reminds us that great stories don’t need big budgets; they need big hearts.

“I’m proud to have captured something truly human — something that doesn’t follow trends but instead creates space for connection.”

At its heart is Suze, a married, childless woman in her 40s, quietly yearning for rediscovery. When her husband, Michael, announces another extended work trip, Suze embarks on a solo road trip to a coastal village. There, she finds solace in nature and the local community — until she unexpectedly sees her husband

For those seeking something beyond formulaic cinema, Misgivings is a beautifully crafted antidote to mainstream storytelling. Thoughtful, poetic and profoundly human, it redefines what indie film can be.

Follow the Journey: Get a glimpse behind the scenes and follow Misgivings

@misgivings_film

FEATURE FILM ‘MISGIVINGS’

DUNCAN JAME S

Connecting Community Through Storytelling

Welcome to Convos – Stories That Connect, the Lifestyle Barrington Coast podcast where we dive into the heart of what makes this region so special. Through candid and inspiring conversations, we explore what draws people to this breathtaking part of the Mid North Coast and what keeps them coming back. Our guests share their personal journeys, challenges and passions, offering a glimpse into the vibrant lifestyles that shape the Barrington Coast.

Proudly researched and written by the award-winning MidCoast Stories team (recipients of two National Trust Awards), this series of self-guided heritage trails reveals the fascinating people, places and events that shaped the region.

Tune in for engaging stories that celebrate community, creativity, resilience and fun! Whether you’re a local, a visitor or simply curious about the region, this podcast offers authentic insights from the people who make this place extraordinary. From entrepreneurs and artists to adventurers and changemakers, each episode uncovers the spirit of the Barrington Coast — one conversation at a time.

Meet Our Podcast Hosts, Simon Gould & Megan Lewis Steerer of the ship Simon Gould from Orbit Marketing and Queen Megan Lewis from The Resolution Network dive into what brought them to the Barrington Coast and what keeps them here. Simon and Megan are changemakers, serial contributors and ultimate convo connectors, sparking great discussions. Tune in for a podcast that’s as engaging as it is entertaining.

Behind the Brew Coastal Brewing Company Leaving corporate life for a true seachange is a dream for so many of us, but for Helen and David of Coastal Brewing Company, it’s their reality. With passion, determination and business acumen, they moved to the stunning Mid North Coast and turned David’s hobby into a thriving local business. Find out more about their journey.

LISTEN HERE

Designing Coastal Elegance

with Sarah Baker

Leaving a lasting impression in interior design takes creativity, skill and a keen eye for detail are qualities Sarah Baker of Coast by Design has mastered. Based in Forster, she shares trends, styling tips and the coastal inspirations that shape her signature interiors.

Behind the Scenes

with Nadine McCristalCavenagh

Best known as Nadine the Cake Queen — a fully qualified pastry chef with over 40 years of experience and a master of balancing the sweet arts — Nadine’s story is filled with flavour, flair and community connection.

Pink is the Colour of Community – with Tracy Bevan

Head Pinky Simon Gould chats with McGrath Foundation’s Tracy Bevan about how pink became a symbol of care. From national campaigns to local fundraisers, they explore how this vibrant colour unites communities to support Breast Care Nurses and residents across the Barrington Coast.

Episode: A Chat with

Adrian Panuccio “Calm, honest, gritty.” Get to know the General Manager of MidCoast Council. Adrian shares his love of the region, classic cars, motorbikes and how he approaches leadership with heart and authenticity.

From Creativity to Community –Donna Ballard, The Maker!

Podcast host Megan Lewis sits down with Donna Ballard — a powerhouse who doesn’t wait for opportunities; she creates and makes them happen! From her ﬁrst job to current community leadership, Donna’s journey highlights the power of saying ‘yes’ and backing your region.

Whether she’s supporting students at Taree Universities Campus or helping bring the Wingham Music Festival to life, Donna’s story shines with energy, optimism and love for the Barrington Coast.

Stories That Connect Us

As we continue to ﬁnd our footing and podcast voice, we want to acknowledge and thank the changemakers, contributors, volunteers who step up and the people who show up!

Tune into these stories and more as we strive to share the extraordinary spirit of our region: the challenges faced, the resilience shown, and the road to recovery following the May 2025 ﬂoods. These are the Convos, meaningful discussions, that matter!

We’re not shying away from the uncomfortable. We’re leaning into the courageous. And we’re committed to the constructive — going deeper, stepping up to keep the connection strong! Thank you for your support and thank you for listening to CONVOS.

If you’d like to get in touch or share your story, please contact us at hello@lifestylebarringtoncoast.com.au

MidCoast Stories is not just a collection of historical anecdotes; it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the people and places that have shaped MidCoast, NSW Barrington Coast. It’s a celebration of community, culture and heritage, preserving the essence of this unique region for generations to come.

LISTEN HERE

yourselves

Our suggestions for lavishing some attention on your closest circle: spa treatments, cocktails, retail therapy and more. Because, as the advert says, you’re worth it. So gather the girls and go!

Big-zero birthday? Pre-wedding? Post-divorce? There are many reasons why you and your closest besties may need some time out together. And who cares if your Significant Other must find their own socks and undies while you’re away? They probably have the pizza home delivery number memorised already. But there’s no need to trudge all the way to the flashy Gold Coast to cut loose from your routines. We have all the makings for a fabulous getaway for you and your gang right here. One important point: the night life here doesn’t include pumping nightclubs. But you’ll find plenty of live music at venues across the region, with regular live shows from local musicians and visiting bands. And you know there’s always a space big enough to dance on and have fun with your girls, even if just for that one OMG-fave song.

The seafood we sell daily is the seafood we catch daily — direct from our boats, straight to the shop.

LIVE MUSIC

Palm Room Tuncurry - South Pacific Palms Motel

Spa treatments Cocktails and wine tasting

Let’s start with the princess- (or queen) - for- a -day options: day spas, treatments, therapies, skin and body rejuvenation, and non-toxic products… you can unwrap and unravel yourself at Aaqua Marine Day Spa, Lorellin Day Spa, Queen of Hearts Beauty Therapy, or Blueys Beach Natural Health Centre. For skin and body rejuvenation, visit Coastal Aesthetics & Wellbeing (in both Taree and Forster), Rejuv Skin Clinic, or stock up on Skinb’s all-natural DIY skincare kits. Want a fresh look? Forster Perfect Nails will get your hands glam-ready, while Clinink Cosmetic Tattooing specialises in brows, lips, eyeliner and areola tattooing. For tanning, waxing and beauty essentials, there’s Earth, Body and Soul, and Lyredale with its handcra ed soaps, balms and scrubs. You’ll ﬁnd everything you need for a glow-up with your crew.

You’ll need a designated driver for some of these… Whose turn to draw the short straw?

Award-winning gin tastings await at The Farmers Wife Distillery and Forster’s Wharf Street Distillery. Wine tastings are scattered like pearls across our region — from Faulls Ridge Winery, with its intimate tastings and rolling hill views near Gloucester, to Mograni Creek Estate, nestled beneath the majestic Mograni mountains. Discover boutique ﬂavours at Old Inn Road Vineyard near Bulahdelah, fresh verdelho at Gap Hill Wines and panoramic beauty at Gloucester River Winery, with views of Buccan Buccan.

Great Lakes Paddocks in Wootton is a scenic vineyard gem oﬀering tastings, picnics and live music under the trees.

A er something a little stronger? Sip expertly cra ed cocktails at Si Señorita with its stunning Wallis Lake views, or soak up the coastal vibes at Thirty Three Degrees in Tuncurry. Flow Bar in Old Bar does the trifecta — cocktails, cuisine and tunes — and you can stay the night upstairs at Boogie Woogie Beach House Also worth a cheers: Paciﬁc Palms Bowling Club, known for its relaxed cocktail bar and live music, and for sunsets over Wallis Lake Paciﬁc Palms Recreation Club [The Recky] signature drinks are inspired by local icons. Whether you’re wine swirling, gin sipping or cocktail clinking, the Barrington Coast serves up a delicious reason to toast.

The Farmer’s Wife Barrington Coast

Rejuv Skin Clinic, Forster Barrington Coast

Stay

Accommodation options

First, check out our accommodation suggestions for girlsonly getaways — you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Unwind in a lakeside barrel sauna, take a refreshing dip from your private jetty, then rinse oﬀ and lounge on the sun deck. As the day winds down, savour a glass of wine while watching the sunset paint the lake in golden hues — all from the comfort of The Moorings Lakehouse, your private retreat!

Enjoy a secluded Oyster Farm Stay on Mitchells Island — where Brighton Oysters oﬀers luxury accommodation. Farm stay near Gloucester at Highlanders Retreat in Tugrabakh or a charming country cottage like The Rise Longford Farmhouse, a stunning renovated property full of character and over 100 years of history.

Getaway to the scenic, World Heritagelisted wilderness of Barrington Tops. Head to AccommodationManagementGloucester. com.au — your go-to for a collection of comfortable, convenient and aﬀordable boutique properties. If you’re a er majestic views and all the comforts of your own private apartments, treat yourself to a stay at The Great Escape Lo s, right in the heart of Gloucester.

For idyllic escapes in the heart of Forster and Tuncurry, head to forsteraccom.com.au — from cosy and indulgentto tiny surf shacks, there’s a spectacular range of holiday rentals

ready for you to relax and explore the beautiful Barrington Coast.

In Paciﬁc Palms, discover Insta-worthy — even ﬁlm shoot-worthy — beachside holiday homes with The Beach Butler. This handpicked collection features stunning stays, each chosen for its prime coastal location and irresistible charm. Whether you’re dreaming of a quick weekend escape or a longer oceanside retreat, these unique accommodation beauties are perfect for any occasion.

Prefer nature? Discover campgrounds with luxe facilities — try Myall River Camp in

Myall River Camp

The Great Escape Lo s, Gloucester

The Moorings Lakehouse

You’ll also find iconic stays like the famous Blueys Motel, where the feature film Misgivings was captured. Just 150 metres from the beach, this relaxed coastalchic gem offers a swimming pool, open airy rooms, and easy access to cafés overlooking the heart of Blueys village.

Base yourself in paradise at South Paciﬁc Palms Motel, Tuncurry — a true oasis just minutes from the beach and local attractions. Surrounded by lush gardens, this coastal haven features a sparkling 12-metre saltwater pool, spacious daybeds, resort umbrellas and picnic tables. From here, explore pristine beaches, wander scenic National Parks, or savour a meal of world-famous Wallis Lake Oysters.

Love a sunset walk?

Make Harrington your next escape. Harrington River Lodge oﬀers extremely spacious,

Riverside Retreat

• Exclusive access to the stunning Gloucester River, just under 3 hours from Sydney.

• Perfect for couples, families, and girls’ getaways—sleeps 8.

clean and comfy rooms — with a bath made for soaking the day away. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, indoor pool and spa, plus a golf course next door (golf carts included!). For bookings, email: reservations@ harringtonriverlodge.com.au.

For something completely diﬀerent, there’s even a genuine American tipi and rustic barn waiting for you at Kings Creek Retreat — perfect for a countrywestern Shania Twain moment you’ll laugh about for years to come.

• Ideal base for exploring Barrington Tops National Park.

• Outdoor wood- re spa & outdoor re pit. Pets welcome!

FIND YOU R PERFECT STAY

Oyster Farm Stay, Brighton Oysters

Blueys Motel, Blueys Beach

of the Barrington Coast Taste

Pack a seafood picnic from Wallis Lake Fisherman’s Co-Op, Tuncurry: Fresh prawns, crabs, lobsters and oysters. Open daily for your perfect seaside feast!

Boomerang Beach Sips at Moby’s – A modern international menu cra ed with in-season produce, served up fresh from the heart of Paciﬁc Palms.

Billy Tea Café in Stroud is a charming country classic, perfect for a slow morning and a hearty brunch.

In Forster, the beachfront buzz of Beach Bums Café is always a crowd-pleaser, while just across the bridge in Tuncurry, Thirty Three Degrees serves up cocktails and oysters with stunning water views.

The renovated Pool House inside the Bellevue Hotel Tuncurry adds a splash of sophistication to your bistro-style dining, with a deliciously curated menu to match.

In Tea Gardens, the iconic Tea Gardens Boat Shed Restaurant

oﬀers fresh, breezy dining right by the water — pelican spotting optional but encouraged.

Shoreline Tavern in Harrington delivers the full package: the vibe, the view and the ﬂavour of the Manning.

And for a laid-back local feed with cold drinks and live music, Hallidays Sports Club in Hallidays Point is always a winner.

From coastal cool to hinterland gems, your tastebuds are in for a treat across the Barrington Coast.

Dining out

Some simple advice: eat well, be happy. And who cares if you eat three dozen oysters at lunch? Treat yourselves to something special!

How about Asian tapas, modern Mexican, Korean barbecue or Asian fusion? Hate ﬁshing but love seafood? Leaning towards vegetarian or vegan for your principles? The best schnitzel you’ve ever tasted? How about an award-winning pie or a competitive French vanilla slice judging?

YOU CAN TASTE IT ALL HERE

Thirty Three Degrees Barrington Coast

Retail

From the coastline to hinterland towns, the Barrington Coast is dotted with retail treasures waiting to be discovered. For lovers of luxe, The Shed Luxe in Taree delivers sophistication with its curated collection of fashion, homewares and body products.

In Forster, Green Patina Home is a must-visit for anyone with an eye for interiors. Owner Sarah brings together eclectic vintage ﬁnds and new pieces with creative ﬂair, sharing her vision to inspire uniquely styled homes that everyone can enjoy.

If you’re shopping for little ones, Forest of Play in Gloucester redeﬁnes the toy store experience. Here, quality and longevity come ﬁrst, with beautifully made toys designed to be cherished and passed down through generations.

Art lovers will be drawn to the Deep Water Shark Gallery, home to authentic Aboriginal works by Russell Saunders and family — each piece telling stories deeply rooted in culture and country.

Embrace your inner bohemian at Bohemian Spirit in Tea Gardens, where you’ll find flowing dresses, unique jewellery and soulful style. In Diamond Beach, Diamond Boho offers an eclectic mix of upcycled furniture, candles, crystals, clothing and locally made gi s — all wrapped up in that breezy, coastal boho charm. Gloucester Creatives is a heartwarming cooperative showcasing the talents of local artists, writers and makers — step inside and explore handmade treasures with heart. For timeless

fashion in a country setting, Shellie’s Country Wear in Nabiac is a family-friendly boutique oﬀering something for everyone.

Heidi’s Attic Wares is an appointment-only treasure trove. Hidden away but well worth the visit, it’s filled with French-inspired homewares and irresistible flea market finds.

LOVE SHOES? No retail roundup would be complete without a nod to Manning Shoes — a true Barrington Coast icon since 1954. With stores in Taree, Forster and Port Macquarie, plus free shipping from their online store, they deliver a winning mix of timeless classics and on-trend new arrivals for men, women and kids. Over at Yarads Menswear, gentlemen can discover leading brands, classic cuts and an extensive

Maybe you’ve spent your money on cocktails and canapes, but you can still get some awesome retail therapy - and also help save the planet - at op shops around our region. For locations and handy tips, we have you covered.

Green Patina Home

Gi ideas from The Shed Lux

Healthy Stuﬀ Too

Say goodbye to the past and clear your head for a whole new beginning. No matter your age or life stage, connection with yourself is what matters most — and it’s even better with your own (small) barmy army along for the ride.

Ready to Refresh?

Turn to our Adventure Collection on page 82, where our curated trip planners include tips for Wellbeing & You to help you nourish and nurture. Reconnect with nature, ﬁnd your rhythm or go chasing waterfalls — we’ve got ten just waiting to be ticked oﬀ your list!

Trail Running Festival

Barrington Coast

Barrington Tops views Barrington Coast

Perfect Proposal SPO T S F OR A

It seems a little old-fashioned (or just plain old Hollywood) to pop the question ready with a ring in a box in your pocket. A lot of engagement ring wearers want to choose their own ring, thanks very much, so best not to spoil that much-anticipated retail purchase with a ring that might be the wrong size, stone or colour.

Now that the ring selection process is

parked for another time, you can simply concentrate on finding the right spot to pop the big question.

Somewhere romantic and memorable, yes?

But first, decide what ‘romantic’ means to the two of you. Sunsets and flowers? Or sharing a swim with a grey nurse shark?

Some of these spots are so good you may wish to go back there for the actual ceremony.

Where to pop the question… that is the question.

Shakespeare said that, didn’t he? If not, he probably meant to. Here are our suggestions for locations so good they’ll help you win the heart of your beloved with one simple question: Will you marry me?

Question popping locations

The Green Cathedral, Tiona in Pacific Palms: This much-loved open-air venue overlooking Wallis Lake provides natural grandeur with a love-you-for-life vibe that’s hard to explain. It’s so beautiful here that you may want to come back for the actual wedding. Hundreds of couples have pledged at this spot.

Romance for beginners #1: Lookouts at sunset –Sunset Park at Pacific Palms (at sunset, of course); Cape Hawke Lookout; and a whole lot more that you can simply drive up to –easy!

Romance for beginners #2: Beaches at dawn – Black Head whale watching platform; Number One Beach (“will you be my number one please”); One Mile Beach sand dune; any of the wild beaches at Crowdy Bay National Park (if you have a wild-at-heart partner). Out of bed early but still easy!

Nowhere near a beach?

• Overlooking a misty Gloucester valley at dawn, from Mograni Lookout or at the base of the Buccan Buccans.

• Or how about anywhere in Barrington Tops during a snowfall event? That little touch of snowflake magic will surely be pixie dust throughout your marriage.

Broughton Island John Dean

If taking the (rather) easy route of asking while at your holiday accommodation, just make sure you take some time to dress it up for that special moment. (Flowers, candles and fairy lights, just for starters.) We have plenty of cozy cottages, beach shacks, luxury apartments — anything with a deluxe feel is always a winner.

Or choose accommodation with very romantic inclusions: ask that question in a bath with a view — we have lots of great suggestions for that; or a private pool with a view, or a private spa with a view.

Want less fuss and more privacy? Then our secluded campgrounds might suit your mood. Try Myall River Camp, The Steps Barrington, or Crowdy Bay Eco Resort.

Even more privacy? How about a deserted island inhabited only by seabirds (but BYO boat): Broughton Island.

Stay APERFRC T PLACETO

Something

Different

Why not propose to your loved one while doing something different:

• In the barrel sauna at The Moorings Lake House

• Flying high with Manning Valley Scenic Flights

• Dressed country-western style in a tipi at Kings Creek Retreat

• During a podcast from Forster Library Podcast Suite

• E-foiling on Myall Lake with GlideTime

• Atop the steps of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks

• While cuddling a Tassie devil joey at Aussie Ark

• Underwater – snorkelling (hide a fake ring they can discover); diving with sharks (don’t forget your pre-drawn waterproof sign, unless you both know Auslan.)

Good luck with your plans! We hope to see you at a wedding here sometime soon.

Dungannon Eco Retreat Barrington Coast

Laurina Estate, Bath Pavilion Barrington Coast

I Dowith a View

Where Love Meets Landscape: Dream Weddings in the Barrington Coast

FEATURE AND WEDDING PHOTOS BY KIRK OWERS

Wild nature and bespoke venues make the Barrington Coast an ideal setting for an unforgettable wedding

Wedding photography has taken me to many stunning locations all over NSW, but few destinations compare to my magic little beach town. Paciﬁc Palms, on the NSW mid-north coast, is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Surrounded by rainforest peaks, sparkling lakes and a necklace of beautiful surf beaches, it is among the most scenic wedges of coastline in all of NSW. Of course, I’m biased, but it doesn’t surprise me that couples from across the country choose the Barrington region to stage one of their lives’ biggest celebrations.

Barrington’s Natural Splendour

Paciﬁc Palms is a small coastal village that enfolds a trifecta of stunning ‘burbs and beaches’ - Elizabeth, Boomerang and Blueys - and is surrounded by lush rainforest, sparkling Wallis Lake and the iconic lakeside chapel, The Green Cathedral. The Palms, as the locals call it, is a wonderful spot for weddings but far from the only great location in the area.

The surrounding Barrington Coast region is massively underutilised. Its far-flung borders run from the peaks of Barrington Tops (where it snows in winter) to the marine park off Seal Rocks. Away from the ocean, there’s world heritage wilderness, rolling green farmland, and quaint country towns. This wide diversity ensures a range of stunning backdrops for outdoor weddings and plenty of activities for guests to enjoy post-celebration - surfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, golfing or late lunching.

Couples can exchange vows under ancient gum trees, on secluded beaches or beside tranquil lakes, making each ceremony personal and memorable. Many couples have a heart connection to the region from time spent holidaying here or a recent engagement (see: where to pop the question Page 35).

PHOTOGRAPHER I PACIFIC PALMS

Enchanting Venues

Tea Gardens Boatshed Restaurant

Nestled on the banks of the Myall River, the Tea Gardens Boatshed Restaurant oﬀers a charming and intimate setting for weddings. The venue’s recent refurbishments have enhanced its appeal, providing a modern yet cosy atmosphere. With a seating capacity of 100 guests, it’s perfect for a more intimate celebration, with delectable cuisine and attentive service.

teagardensboatshed.com

The Palms Pavilion – Tiona

Situated just metres from the edge of Lake Wallis, the architect-designed pavilion is a premium reception venue that can hold 140 seated guests. Close to the magniﬁcent Green Cathedral and adjacent to Tiona Holiday Park, this is a stunning modern venue with ample room and breathtaking sunsets. palmspavilion.com.au

Tiona

The Recky

Thirty Three Degrees – Tuncurry

Thirty Three Degrees combines modern elegance with natural beauty. Floor-to-ceiling windows oﬀer panoramic lake views and a chilled ambience. Renowned for its culinary excellence, especially the oysters, the venue oﬀers comprehensive wedding packages, including grazing stations and a variety of excellent menu options. thirtythreedegrees.sydney

Shoreline Tavern – Harrington

Overlooking the Manning River, Shoreline Tavern provides a versatile setting for weddings of various sizes. With indoor and outdoor spaces accommodating up to 120 and 70 guests respectively, couples can design their celebration to suit their vision. The adjacent Harrington River Lodge oﬀers convenient accommodation.

shorelinetavernharrington.com.au

Longview Farm – Caﬀreys Flat

Longview Farm combines natural beauty with thoughtful design and room to move. Set on an 80-acre property with one kilometre of river frontage, the venue features a bridal suite, deluxe glamping options and a spacious open-sided reception barn. Weddings can unfold over three days, with planning support and on-site staﬀ to ensure a seamless country-themed wedding.

longviewfarm.com.au

The Barrington Celebrant

A deep respect for nature, a connection to community and a sense of history and belonging. Mark Seeto creates soulful ceremonies guided by warmth, humour and experience. From weddings to naming days and everything in between, Mark blends his global adventures with the simple beauty of Stroud and the Barrington Coast — crafting ceremonies that honour your story, values and life’s most meaningful moments.

thebarringtoncelebrant seeto.mark@gmail.com

Thirty Three Degrees, Tuncurry

The Moorings Lakehouse – Coomba Park

Situated on a private peninsula overlooking Wallis Lake, The Moorings Lakehouse oﬀers bespoke weddings with overnight accommodation for up to 22 guests. The venue’s expansive lawns and lakefront marquee provide versatile spaces for ceremonies and receptions, all set against the backdrop of shimmering water and lush greenery. themooringslakehouse.com

Coomba Aquatic Club – Coomba Park

Located on the western shores of Wallis Lake, this venue allows guests to arrive by boat, adding a touch of nautical charm to the festivities. As a BYO venue, couples have the ﬂexibility to tailor every aspect of their celebration, ensuring a personalised and memorable event. coombaaquatic.club

Nadine brings over 40 years of pastry expertise to the Barrington Coast, cra ing stunning specialty cakes and desserts for weddings and celebrations. A fully qualiﬁed pastry chef, her creations are decadent, delicious, and visually spectacular. Enjoy edible art and a cake that will be treasured and remembered for years.

Hear the full story – CONVOS – Stories That Connect, the Lifestyle Barrington Coast Podcast on page 23!

NadineTheCakeQueen

thecakequeen.com.au

The Great Lakes Food Trail connecting producers with community

Spectacular Views, Unforgettable Events

Looking for an aﬀordable venue with full amenities and a view to remember? Nestled on the shores of Wallis Lake, Coomba Aquatic Club is the perfect setting.

• Indoor seating for up to 120 guests

• A spacious balcony + covered gazebo

• A commercial kitchen and professional chef

• Special menu packages including canapés on arrival, a three-course alternate-drop menu, and tea or co ee with petit fours

Make your next event truly special.

The Palm Room – Tuncurry

A new intimate coastal luxe venue, stylishly tucked within the South Pacific Palms Motel in Tuncurry. The Palm Room offers an elegant and versatile space for boutique weddings and celebrations, with a stylish modern fit-out, easy access to local amenities and that laid-back beachside charm. palmroomtuncurry.com.au

Local Vendor Magic

The wedding industry relies on the warmth and dedication of local vendors and artisans who strive to make every celebration memorable and unique. Nadine the Cake Queen creates visually stunning, mouth-watering wedding cakes and desserts. thecakequeen.com.au

Mark Seeto – The Barrington Celebrant –creates warm, soulful ceremonies guided by his appreciation of the Barrington region to honour your story and values. thebarringtoncelebrant.com.au

Want more wedding advice? Ask a local. Kirk Owers is a local writer and wedding photographer based in Boomerang Beach. kirkowersphotography.com.au

Weddings I Functions I Events

Nadine The Cake Queen

The Green Cathederal

Thomas Davey, mini schnauzer parent enjoying dog-friendly escapes on the Mid North Coast since 2011.

Ok, I admit it: my two mini schnauzers are spoilt. They have run of the house and the backyard, love walks on the beach and sleep indoors. So it’s no surprise I look for dog-friendly destinations when considering my local holidays.

Yes, there are rules, but these are for the benefit of all: your dog, other dogs, other people, other animals, plants, waterways, beaches and parks.

So play by the rules and you’ll find Barrington Coast is a pretty good place for people and their dogs.

Here’s how to enjoy time with your own fur kids on the Barrington Coast.

Parks and beaches Cafes

Nestled between the Manning Valley and Forster in the Talawahl Nature Reserve, just 20 minutes’ drive from the region’s best beaches.

Tucked away in a serene, secluded valley, Clarendon Forest Retreat spans 40 private hectares and oﬀers peace, privacy, and natural beauty. The property features a swimming pool and tennis court, along with six architecturally designed, pet-friendly houses — each boasting a fireplace and spa for year-round comfort and relaxation. Luxury meets aﬀordability in this tranquil bushland escape.

Escape to Nature at Clarendon Forest Retreat

Camping

Across the Barrington Coast, there are plenty of options where your dog can join you in your tent or caravan.

Hot tip:

Don’t forget to pack your dog’s favourite treats, bed, towels, toys and all-weather gear so they can relax into their holiday as fast as you will.

Accommodation

In the Barrington Coast, we’re lucky to have accommodation providers who also love their dogs, so there’s a good selection of pet-friendly accommodation. Check the booking conditions, be a good guest and ensure no one ruins the furniture.

Hot tips:

Book ahead and always advise property owners/managers that you are bringing your dog and confirm they’re welcome to stay.

Check booking conditions as ‘petfriendly’ can vary widely: some only allow small dogs, or a maximum number, or only if your dog is the ‘sleep outside’ kind.

Leave it as you’d like to find it… Do a final poo patrol of the yard before check-out and remove all traces of your dog’s visit.

With acres of open space to explore, Clarendon Forest Retreat offers charming cottages that are both cat and dog friendly — so your special companion can enjoy the adventure right alongside you.

Unwind, explore, and make memories together.

Book A Getaway cfr.com.au. (02) 6554 3162 150 Coates Rd, Possum Brush, NSW 2430

Jo Lyons

to Luxe Stays

Forster Accommodation Has Something for Everyone

Imagine waking to the sound of waves rolling in, the scent of salty air drifting through the window of a cosy surf shack. Or sipping champagne on the deck of a grand coastal home as the sun melts into the lake. These are the moments Forster Accommodation helps create – effortlessly, thoughtfully and always with a touch of local magic. Tucked firmly between the turquoise coastline and lush hinterland of the Mid North Coast, Forster is a place where holidays take on a deeper meaning. But it’s not just the scenery that draws people back year after year;

it’s the way their experience is shaped. With the passionate and personable Penny Crossley at the helm, Forster Accommodation is redefining what it means to manage properties. Their stay not only reconnects people with nature but with family and themselves. Wondering what makes this area stand out? Think boutique beach houses, peaceful rural retreats and stunning lakeside getaways. Each one has been handpicked to offer more than just a place to crash but rather a holiday that feels like it was made just for you.

Continued over...

Blue Beach House

Comfort meets Coastline WHERE

When Penny le her successful career in luxury hotels, she wasn’t walking away from hospitality; she decided to move closer to the heart of it. “I was starting to lose the ‘why’,” she reﬂects. “I missed creating those amazing guest experiences.”

In 2022, she took a leap of faith and launched Forster Accommodation with the goal of blending ﬁve-star hospitality with the unique charm of the Mid North Coast.

The result? A highly considered portfolio of properties, from beachside pads in Forster and Tuncurry to peaceful escapes in Green Point, Palms and Failford. But Penny is quick to point out that it’s not just about the views or the location. “It’s about how the guest is going to experience the space. What kind of holiday will they have? Can they cook a BBQ at sunset? Can the kids run free? That’s how we choose.”

The team doesn’t just consider what a property oﬀers; they think about how it ﬁts into a broader holiday story. Properties are chosen to complement each other and are ideal for big family groups booking multiple homes or friends wanting space to spread out but stay close.

A Smarter

warmer way to Stay

Forster Accommodation strives to be more than your average property manager. In fact, they’re redeﬁning the role altogether. The old model— where you picked up keys and were le to ﬁgure it out—no longer works in a world where guests expect connection, authenticity, guidance and local know-how.

“We’re basically a concierge for the region,” says Penny.

Penny and her team are known for thoughtful communication that’s never too pushy, from pre-arrival itineraries to rainy day suggestions. “We qualify our guests. We ask what they like, what restaurants they go to in Sydney, what sort of holidays they’ve loved before. That way, we can match them with the right property, the right cafes, the right hidden gems.”

It’s this deep, personal approach that has new guests falling in love with the region and returning again and again.

Local Know-HowGrounded in

Few people know the Mid North Coast quite like Penny. For years, she holidayed in the region before calling it home, and now she brings that perspective to every guest interaction. Whether it’s paddleboarding at the Sailing Club in the late a ernoon, ﬁnding the best gluten-free bakery in town or recommending the exact cocktail to try at Dragon’s Den, she and her team are always in the know.

Their popular Facebook and Instagram page, ‘I Love Forster Tuncurry’, is a living, breathing love letter to the area, featuring businesses, nature spots and things to do that don’t show up on typical tourism sites. It’s just one more way the team brings guests and locals together.

Looking Ahead

A New Era in Hosting

Forster Accommodation’s new and exciting chapter begins, launching The STR Agency. It’s a new venture focused on the booming shortterm rental (STR) market and will oﬀer boutique management, consulting and, for the ﬁrst time, sales of STR-ready properties.

“It’s a natural progression,” Penny explains. “We know what works as a holiday rental and we know what doesn’t. We can advise investors before they buy, help them style and set up their property, and then manage it as part of our curated portfolio.”

With her background in both hotel operations and real estate, Penny is uniquely positioned to guide buyers through the full journey, including investment and guest-ready experiences.

Slowing Down, Reconnecting and Staying Present

If there’s one message Penny wants guests to hear before arriving, it’s this: Bring your best self and leave the stress behind. “Come to Forster to reconnect with your family, your surroundings, yourself. You won’t find flashy nightclubs or perfect Wi-Fi here. You’ll find something better.”

She sums it up perfectly: “Walk on the sand, grab a cocktail and watch the sunset, eat oysters fresh from the lake. Just enjoy how special this place is because there really is nowhere else like it.”

Ready to foster deeper connections with loved ones and the world around you?

forsteraccom.com.au

02 5528 5894

info@forsteraccom.com.au

Blue Beach House

Vuyatela

Across regional NSW, Lifestyle Group is setting a new benchmark in real estate — combining experience, innovation, and deep community connections. With 25 offices and a growing presence in key regional markets, the team is focused on delivering real results through tailored strategies and genuine local insight. Recently rebranded from Elders Lifestyle Group to simply Lifestyle., the move signals a new era — one defined by flexibility, innovation and a clientfirst mindset. While the name may have changed, the core values remain: trusted service, tailored solutions and a commitment to doing real estate differently — and better.

In Forster–Tuncurry, the Lifestyle. team has become one of the most capable and respected in the area. Backed by decades of combined experience, these licensed agents are more than property professionals; they’re longtime locals, community champions and passionate advocates for the Barrington Coast lifestyle. Whether selling family homes, managing coastal investments or guiding ﬁrst-time buyers, their market knowledge and care set them apart.

This local expertise is essential in a region as dynamic as Forster–Tuncurry, where the allure of lakeside and oceanside living continues to draw sea-changers and long-time residents alike. With steady growth, diverse demographics, and an enviable lifestyle, the region presents exciting opportunities — and Lifestyle. is here to help clients navigate them with conﬁdence.

Beyond the rebrand, the group has invested in new digital tools, upgraded marketing and an enhanced client experience, ensuring every stage of the property journey is seamless and informed. What truly sets Lifestyle. apart is its people — passionate professionals who care deeply about both the outcome and the community. Whether it’s a ﬁrst home or a tenth sale, the Forster–Tuncurry team brings the capability and care to help clients make conﬁdent decisions , ready to guide, support and deliver results.

Ready to talk property?

Visit lifestylegroup.com.au, call (02) 6555 2188, or drop by the Forster oﬃce 48 Wharf Street, Forster, where conversations start with real coﬀee and real advice.

lifestylegroup.com.au/oﬃces/forster

INTERIOR DESIGNER FORSTER

• Custom Interior Design

• Property Staging

• Interior Styling

• Renovation Design

• Furnishings Selection

• Colour Consultations

• Space Planning

hello@coastbydesign.com.au

coastbydesign.com.au

0421 504 444

coastbydesign

Who says your best years can’t be filled with grey hair, grand adventures and a glass of red with your afternoon cheese plate?

Just ask Jane Fonda — award-winning actress, activist and all-round force of nature. At 87, she’s dancing through life with more joy and purpose than ever before. “As I started getting older,” she said, “I realised, ‘I’m so happy!’ I didn’t expect this!”

Just a Moment — A Movement!

The woman who once dazzled on Hollywood’s red carpets didn’t find true happiness until later in life. Now, she’s redefining the “senior moment” — hint: it’s not about forgetting your car keys, but maybe booking a last-minute art class, joining a pickleball game, or hitting the road for a spontaneous sunset drive.

Here on the beautiful Barrington Coast, this joy-filled, purpose-driven approach to later life is echoed in vibrant communities reinventing what it means to retire.

Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes, Belleiar Country Club Outdoor Pool and Spa

Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes, Carrabelle Home Design Kitchen

Milon Gym - Palm Lake Resort

Move RedefineYou

Whether you’re strolling, rolling, pedalling, paddling, swimming, running, dancing, bouncing or stretching, just keep moving! The Barrington Coast is your ultimate playground for active living.

From beachside bliss and ocean pool dips to hinterland picnics and sunset sips, there’s a rhythm here to suit every pace. Explore lush rainforests, white-sand beaches, shimmering waterways, coastal lakes and lagoons that beckon you outdoors. Let your days dri into long lunches and roll into a lazy a ernoons, happy hour and cocktails.

Venture into National Parks, nature reserves and conservation areas — 58 to discover — for tranquil bushwalks. Cruise through forest trails on a mountain bike or enjoy a leisurely stroll along scenic tracks with stunning Paciﬁc Ocean views. Spot whales and dolphins from the Booti Hill walking track at Paciﬁc Palms, the Black Head viewing platform or Cape Hawke Lookout in Forster, or take in the vistas from the iconic Crowdy Head Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks.

Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes

Whether it’s sighting a rare bird or soaking in a sea breeze, every moment is an invitation to feel alive, connected and joyfully in motion — whatever the pace!

At Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes, “resort-style living” isn’t just a tagline — it’s your new reality. Set by the sparkling waters of Wallis Lake, this over-50s lifestyle resort redefines retirement with architecturally designed, Florida Keysinspired homes. Light-filled spaces, luxury finishes and even elevators in some doublestorey designs prove that style and comfort can coexist. (Your knees will thank you.)

And the amenities? They’re luxury. Enjoy a movie theatre, virtual golf, salt and sauna rooms, an art studio, undercover bowling green, tenpin bowling alley and the Belleair Country Club. From laps in the pool to sessions at the Milon Gym, your days can be as active or relaxing as you like. As Jane would say, it’s a “supercharged senior moment.” Because ageing isn’t a limit — it’s your launchpad.

Pool aerobics at Halliday Shores

Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes

Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo, Blueys Beach

For over-55s and downsizers, Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo is calling.

Located at Blueys Beach, this vibrant, resort-style community blends relaxed coastal charm with luxury living.

As Michael Rabey, Executive GM of Acquisitions and Development at Ingenia Communities, says: “It’s the kind of place where retirement feels like a forever holiday.”

Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo is surrounded by 60 hectares of conservation area.

Ingenia Communities donated this land to MidCoast Council, protecting the local beauty — including replanting native Cabbage Palm Trees, aiming for a prestigious 5-Star Green Star – Communities sustainability rating, along with thoughtfully designed

visitor parking for family and friends and pathways to connect residents to the local village.

Residents will enjoy:

• A state-of-the-art clubhouse precinct with lounge and dining rooms

• An outdoor resort-style pool and spa

• A pickleball court and BBQ dining area

• A games room, indoor golf simulator, gym and sauna

And yes — every single activity here counts as movement. Just ask Jane Fonda.

Jane Fonda is one of the most celebrated ﬁtness icons of the ’80s. Her key tip for ageing well? Keep moving—no matter how slowly. It’s all about staying active, connected and energised.

Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo Clubhouse - Artist’s impression

Halliday Shores Retirement Village, Hallidays Point

Sea, sips & shady pines—this is a senior moment worth repeating.

Just minutes from the golden sands of awardwinning Black Head Beach, Halliday Shores blends nature and community in perfect harmony. From morning walks and ocean swims to shady a ernoons under Norfolk Island pines, this is coastal living at its ﬁnest.

Enjoy the picturesque Black Head Lagoon, complete with a charming timber bridge, all nestled in a peaceful setting.

Maintenance-free designer villas, manicured gardens and proximity to shops, healthcare and amenities make Halliday Shores Retirement Village more than a sea change — it’s a community where neighbours feel like family, and ﬁve-star living is simply everyday life.

No matter your postcode, this new movement

is grounded in joy, purpose and connection. Sure, you might forget where you le your sunnies (tip: check the kitchen or the car), but you’ll remember what really matters:friendship, fun and fresh starts.

Maybe it’s time to reclaim the phrase “senior moment.”

Because in the wise words of Jane Fonda: “It’s never too late to start living your best life.”

What better place to spend the rest of your life than in a dedicated beachside retirement community on the beautiful Barrington Coast? And to make the decision even easier, we’re offering you, absolutely free, two nights in one of our huge luxury villas, including a delicious food hamper, a very nice bottle of wine and free use of all our famous 5-star amenities. What have you got to lose? Come and experience for yourself the location and luxury lifestyle that has made Halliday Shores the most sought-after, beachside retirement village in NSW.

CALL 0439 485 940 TO BOOK OR VISIT 90 HIGH STREET, HALLIDAYS POINT

.com.au

What if retirement wasn’t just a moment in time but a movement toward something more inspired, connected and fulfilling?

Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo is turning that idea into a reality at Blueys Beach with a brand new over 55s resort style community.

Thoughtfully Designed for Active, Independent Retirees

Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo arrives at the perfect time for the growing trend of active, independent retirees. With over 35%* of the MidCoast population aged over 55, it’s ideal for those ready for a fresh, contemporary take on retirement living — where leisure meets style and lifestyle, and serenity meets sustainability.

Set across a carefully planned boutique community, Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo has been designed to support a fulfilling, low-maintenance lifestyle — from green spaces to resort-style amenities that encourage connection and wellbeing.

*Source: MidCoast Ageing Strategy 2022–2026, MidCoast Council.

Live DOWNSIZING,

SIMPLIFYING OR STARTING FRESH

Ingenia

Artist's Impression

Resort-Style LIVING EVERY DAY

Make every day feel like a holiday!

Residents will enjoy a suite of beautiful facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, pickleball court, gym, golf simulator and extensive green spaces for relaxation or group activities.

Beyond recreation, wellness is a cornerstone of the Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo experience. Blueys Beach, a picturesque destination with much to oﬀer, from gorgeous hinterland hikes to surﬁng and swimming on white sand beaches, fosters an active lifestyle within its community. Residents are invited to stay and encouraged to fully explore the beautiful natural environment that surrounds them. The future clubhouse includes consultation rooms for potential visiting health professionals, and residents will have access to Ingenia Connect — a free service that helps navigate governmentfunded care options, from clinical and mobility support to respite care. The support you need for the best life and lifestyle!

FREEDOM TO FREE UP AND LIVE LIFE Your

Way

At the core of Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo is a land lease model. Residents own their homes and lease the land, meaning no stamp duty, no exit fees and owners retain 100% of any capital gains. It’s a model that has the potential to free up capital for travel, hobbies or simply enjoying life’s next chapter with fewer ﬁnancial worries. More freedom, less stress!

Community

WITH HEART

With a dedicated community bus and on-site team, residents can maintain strong links with trusted local healthcare providers and participate in the wider MidCoast lifestyle. This isn’t just a place to live; it’s a community built on connection, care and contribution.

From visiting local cafés and markets to joining arts and sporting clubs, new residents have the potential to bring fresh energy and engagement to the region, helping sustain local businesses and foster a dynamic, inclusive community.

With the arrival of new residents in Blueys Beach, Ingenia’s commitment extends to infrastructure upgrades, including improved roads and new pedestrian pathways for safer, more accessible neighbourhood connections. The homes themselves are future-focused, with a 7-star NatHERS energy rating, native landscaping and sustainable design features. It’s an invitation to belong deeply, embrace a new way forward and rediscover connection, purpose and joy.

Sales Manager

Jason Hellyer

Artist's Impression

Barrington

Beaks

Barrington Coast, on the lower Mid North Coast, oﬀers exceptional birdwatching across diverse landscapes, from lush forests to pristine wetlands and coastal reserves.

Cattai Wetlands, 20 minutes north of Taree, is a standout sanctuary, with around 180 recorded bird species. Here, birdwatchers may spot the endangered Black-necked Stork, Forest Kingﬁsher and soaring birds of prey. A walk through the wetlands can reveal 40-50 species on any given day.

Wingham Brush Nature Reserve, a subtropical rainforest along the Manning River, is home to Australian Brush-turkeys, Grey-headed Flying Foxes and the elusive Russet-tailed Thrush.

In the Manning Valley, near Tinonee, birdwatchers may encounter King Parrots, Spangled Drongos, Brown Quails and the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle.

Nearby Saltwater National Park shelters Regent Bowerbirds and Blackfronted Dotterels.

O’Sullivans Gap, within towering eucalyptus forests, attracts the Rufous Fantail, Sacred Kingﬁsher and Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

Myall Lakes National Park, a Ramsar-listed wetland, supports over 280 bird species, including Blacknecked Storks, Comb-crested Jacanas and Whitebellied Sea-Eagles.

For high-altitude birdwatching, Gloucester Tops, part of the Barrington Tops Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA), is a prime location. This IBA is home to the Rufous Scrub-bird, Flame Robin, Paradise Riﬂebird and the vibrant Regent Bowerbird. Its varied habitats range from eucalyptus forests to ancient Antarctic Beech forest.

For those looking to identify Barrington Beaks in the region, visit BirdLife

Empowering

COMMUNITY Pathways

AND CELEBRATING

At the heart of the Barrington Coast’s education and innovation efforts, Taree Universities Campus (TUC) continues to lead with a clear vision—connecting people to opportunity, right here at home.

With a year-round program of events, student support and industry partnerships, TUC offers more than just study options—it’s a vibrant hub for learning, connection and community growth.

One of the year’s highlights has been Taste & Tales at Tastefest, a soulful showcase of cultural diversity. “It is more than just sharing recipes—the annual event is a heartfelt celebration of identity and belonging,” says Donna Ballard, CEO of Taree Universities Campus. “The tent fills with

stories, laughter, and the kind of connection that reminds us why we do what we do.”

From cultural storytelling to youth empowerment, TUC champions creativity and self-expression. Youth-focused initiatives, like the Youth Arts Festival, offer hands-on creative and physical workshops designed to boost confidence and foster connection. “We want young people to feel seen, heard and supported—this is their space to shine,” Donna adds.

Education remains central to TUC’s mission,

with practical sessions like the LANTITE Study Workshops helping students prepare for critical literacy and numeracy assessments. “It’s about reducing barriers,” Donna explains. “Whether you’re preparing for exams or just thinking about your next steps, we’re here to walk with you.”

And the support doesn’t stop at students.

“Drop in, have a cuppa, and see where your journey can begin,” says Donna with a smile. “At Taree Universities Campus, the doors are always open.”

CareerQuip, the region’s standout careers expo, is expanding with the support of long-standing and new partners, including the University of New England.

With over 50 exhibitors engaging with local schools, the event inspires the next generation of thinkers, makers and doers.

“It’s one of the most exciting days on our calendar,” says Donna. “It opens eyes to what’s possibleand shows students that their future doesn’t have to be far from home.”

With on-campus mentoring, student scholarships (like the $5,000 agriculture scholarship with Hunter Local Land Services) and innovative projects such as EduVenture, TUC is paving new pathways for regional learners.

Donna Ballard - CEO at Taree Universities Campus

Janine Roberts with Corrie O’Brien

Susie Ploder

At ALESCO Coast Campus, we believe that learning happens not just in classrooms but in the real world. This belief recently came to life when our Year 9 and 10 students visited Evermore Retirement Living to interview residents as part of an English assignment focused on storytelling and biography writing.

With the support of Evermore’s team, led by Coyne Graham, students were paired with residents to uncover personal histories and turn them into written narratives. What started as a school task quickly became a meaningful exchange of life experiences and perspectives.

“I was really anxious the night before,” reflected Jayla, “but when I saw all the older people smiling at us, my confidence came back. I quickly became excited to meet the couple we were interviewing, Ronald and Georgina. They were so kind and made the interview comfortable.”

The stories shared were powerful and often deeply personal.

“I interviewed a lady named Del,” shared Amelia “She reminded me so much of my grandmother. She was so open and kind. It felt really special to hear her stories.”

Students were struck by the residents’ resilience and life experiences

“The resident we spoke to had lived through several wars,” noted Liv and Bella “She explained how life was harder without the technology we have now. It really made us appreciate how much the world has changed.”

For many, the visit changed how they viewed community

“It wasn’t just about the place,” explained Neave “It was the sense of belonging, the way everyone took care of each other. It felt like home.”

Jahz added thoughtfully, “It made me realise how important community and belonging are.”

Some even discovered unexpected interests.

“The conversation really sparked my interest in working in aged care,” revealed Faye Thanks to the warm welcome from Evermore and its residents’ generosity, students not only developed their writing and communication skills but also gained insight into the power of shared stories. These intergenerational connections reminded us that some of the most valuable lessons in life come from listening — with empathy and curiosity — to those who’ve lived it.

ALESCO COAST CAMPUS

Student Wellbeing – Focussed Education atwea.edu.au/tuncurry

Enquires: Chris Garraway 1300 670 906 sales@evermoreliving.com.au

Challenging today’s generations to become

leaders of tomorrow!

Taree Chatham High School students returned from the last Luminosity Youth Summit—affectionately known as Lumo—with bright eyes and big ambitions, inspired by a lineup of powerful speakers and hands-on experiences that left a lasting impact.

Year 11 student Luke Shevill described the event as “lifechanging,” explaining how deeply he connected with the stories shared by presenters.

“Last year was my ﬁrst time attending Luminosity, and without a doubt, I’m going again,” said Luke. “The speakers had unique stories that reﬂected on me in ways I didn’t think they could.”

Luke was particularly moved by the way each speaker tackled adversity with honesty and resilience. “Matt Purcell’s comedic take on social anxiety, Jess Davidson’s passion for travel and coﬀee, and Ben Pettengill’s journey

HELP A LEADER OF TOMORROW

growing up blind—they all had something powerful to oﬀer,” he said. “I’ve never been a social person, but their words helped me become more outgoing. Luminosity helped me believe that with hard work, anything is possible.”

Fellow student Jorja Wallace echoed Luke’s enthusiasm, calling the summit “an amazing experience” that allowed her to meet new people and try new things. One of her highlights was a hands-on workshop titled Born A Dancer, run by entertainer Sid Mathur.

“Sid encouraged us to say yes and step out of our comfort zones,” said Jorja. “The

Masterclass was all about creativity, expression and being open—not just with others, but with ourselves.”

The Luminosity Youth Summit, held annually is designed to empower young people with confidence, leadership skills and a stronger sense of purpose. Chatham High School Community Liaison Officer Jodie Bird—who coordinates the opportunity each year—praised the students’ reflections and growth. “Luminosity really is a transformative experience for our young people,” she said. “It’s so inspiring to watch them come back with new energy, new ideas and a belief in themselves.”

If you’d like to support a young person to attend Lumo, contact Jodie Bird, Community Liaison Oﬃcer at Chatham High School jodie.a.bird@det.nsw.edu.au, and for Great Lakes College Forster, contact Jo glcforster-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Beef Week Wingham

Where the Joy of Eating Begins — Cultivating Community, Youth & Agricultural Excellence

Behind the showcase of locally raised beef, youth talent and wholesome cooking demonstrations lies a legacy of excellence. Wingham Beef Exports, acquired by NH Foods Australia in 1994, embodies The Joy of Eating — a passion brought to life through a portfolio of premium beef brands and a deep-rooted commitment to community and quality. NH Foods proudly connects people to exceptional eating experiences — from paddock to plate, Chef to crowd. And nowhere is that connection more powerfully celebrated than at Wingham Beef Week.

A Showcase of Youth, Industry & World-Class Beef

Set against the rolling hills of the Manning Valley on the Barrington Coast, Wingham Beef Week is more than an event — it’s a platform where education meets innovation and the next generation of agricultural leaders step into the spotlight.

What began as a local celebration in 1987 has grown into a flagship week of competitions, workshops and community engagement that champions the region’s vital role in Australia’s beef industry, with NH Foods proudly supporting the historic celebration, now in its 38th year.

Youth Competitions: Knowledge, Discipline & Pride

From the adrenaline of Hoof and Hook events to the precision of Junior and Open cattle judging, students participate in experiences that leave lasting impressions. Events like the Herdsperson Competition, Led Purebred and Commercial Heifer Classes, Beef Appreciation (ICMJ) and Best Presented Parader not only test skill but also cultivate conﬁdence, collaboration and passion for agriculture.

Manning Valley Naturally:

Australia’s Most Awarded Grassfed Beef

Producers of Australia’s Premium Beef Range, Manning Valley Naturally, is NH Foods’ premium grassfed oﬀering and proudly recognised as Australia’s Most Awarded Grassfed Beef brand.

It’s amassed 27 national awards since its launch, including Grand Champion titles and the honour of being the ﬁrst beef brand named as a President’s Medal ﬁnalist at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards. In 2024, it was the only beef brand showcased to the King and Queen during the Royal Tour.

Produced exclusively at NH Foods’ Wingham plant on the Barrington Coast, this exceptional product is a true expression of provenance — where spectacular coastline and rolling countryside converge in a region of sea air, great lakes, inland waterways and lush green pastures. Cattle graze freely on this pristine landscape, nourished by nature with no antibiotics, no hormones and no grain.

Across Australia’s East Coast, NH Foods also produces Wagyu, Grainfed and Organic beef at three state-of-the-art facilities.

Hands-On Education for the Next Generation

“This event gives students and future industry leaders a chance to get hands-on experience while also showcasing their talents,” says NH Foods-Wingham General Manager Chris Black. “It’s about connecting education with real-world application.”

With a strong emphasis on youth engagement, the week’s standout feature is a series of immersive competitions and educational events that develop skills, foster pride and build pathways into agricultural ﬁelds of work. It’s where education, careers and cuisine converge — all in the name of the Joy of Eating

Le to right – Wingham Beef Week President Joshua Gilbert with Champion Dominique Wyse, awarded by NH Foods – Wingham General Manager Chris Black.

From Paddock to Plate - And Chef to Crowd

A longtime champion of food and community, NH Foods brand partner and celebrity chef Jason Roberts brings his signature enthusiasm and culinary ﬂair to Wingham Beef Week. Known globally for promoting wholesome eating and child nutrition, Jason adds both ﬂavour and heart to the event.

His support reﬂects NH Foods’ broader mission: to create memorable eating experiences using Australia’s ﬁnest beef.

Regional Careers with Global Impact

NH Foods offers meaningful careers that support local talent and strengthen regional communities. With high demand for skilled trades — electricians, plumbers, fitters, welders, and refrigeration specialists — the company also offers career pathways in Quality Assurance, Logistics, Production, IT, HR and Finance. Explore More Careers with NH Foods Australia – Discover opportunities and grow with a company rooted in regional pride nh-foods.com.au/people/opportunities

Wingham Beef Week – A week-long celebration of youth, education and Australian beef winghambeefweek.com.au

Curious to learn more about the producers of Australia’s Premium Beef Range? Scan the QR code or visit nh-foods.com.au

BIZ

Business?

GOOD TO KNOW

Practical Ways to Get Involved in Your Own Backyard – Connect in the Barrington Coast

Award-Winning Momentum!

Over the past 12 months, Barrington Coast has added three more prestigious tourism awards to its name: a silver at the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards and two silvers at the NSW Tourism Awards.

This brings their remarkable tally to eight tourism awards — three golds and five silvers — earned across regional, state and national stages! Another major milestone was achieving certified Eco Destination status — one of only five in NSW and 14 across Australia. This internationally recognised accreditation was further validated with another silver award in the global Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards.

Barrington Coast

Deputy Mayor Jeremy Miller and MidCoast Council General Manager Adrian Panuccio.

MidCoast Economy at a Glance – Local Business Pulse Check

Tap into a range of local business networking groups and Chambers of Commerce, including the NSW Business Chamber – the state’s peak business organisation – and the local chambers, such as Gloucester, Wingham, Old Bar Manning Point, Forster Tuncurry, Harrington Crowdy Head, Team Taree, Bulahdelah and Myall Coast. These groups are a great way to CONNECT!

Scan the QR code to explore local chambers and discover how you can get involved.

Get to know the economic engine powering the Barrington Coast. The lower Mid North Coast region continues to evolve as a dynamic hub for business and lifestyle.

The graphic below, supplied by MidCoast Council, oﬀers a snapshot of our local economy in 2023, showcasing key statistics like Gross Regional Product, Industry Value Added, employment trends, visitor impact and our region’s top-performing sectors. From high-growth industries to job creation and rising productivity, these ﬁgures highlight both the strength and the potential of our diverse economy.

palmsartisanbakery

COASTLINE BANK MIDCOAST BUSINESS AWARDS

Each year, the Coastline Bank MidCoast Business Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding businesses and individuals who help shape the vibrant economic landscape of the Barrington Coast region. More than just accolades, the Awards offer a unique platform for businesses to reflect, grow and celebrate their achievements alongside fellow industry leaders.

With categories spanning professional services, trades, retail, tourism, hospitality, innovation and community impact, the Awards highlight excellence in leadership, sustainability, diversity and customer service. From seasoned enterprises to emerging ventures, each entrant plays a vital role in the region’s success story.

“These awards are about more than recognition,” says Jess Gray, President of the Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber and MidCoast Awards. “They’re a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the passionate people who keep our communities thriving.”

The Awards are guided by a passionate volunteer committee, including Tayla Jones, Angela Coffey, Faye Murray, Jessica Gray, Maxine Calladine and Kelly Gamblin, who bring dedication and a wealth of local

knowledge to the process.

Entering the Awards is a meaningful way for businesses to thank loyal clients, appreciate staff and build pride in their contribution to the local economy. It’s also an opportunity to connect with peers and raise your profile across the region.

Follow MidCoast Business Awards for the latest news and updates:

midcoastbusinessawards.com

midcoastbusinessawards

Midcoast Awards 2024 - Tuncurry Bowling Club

Ed Cachia — President, Festival Coordinator, long-standing volunteer, dedicated local musician and youth music educator — says:

“Lakeside Festival is a boutique community music event in a breathtaking location. It’s a vibrant mix of genres, featuring everything from local talent to well-known artists. Take your pick, chill with friends or dance into the sunset. Add to that a great selection of local vendors and food outlets showcasing

FestivalLakeside & Lakeside Laughs

Where music meets comedy on the Barrington Coast

At the end of October and beginning of November each year, the shores of Wallis Lake come alive with a full weekend of fun, food, and fabulous music at Lakeside Festival — an annual celebration of unmissable events stretching across from Friday night through Sunday. From big laughs to sunset grooves, Lakeside Festival and Lakeside Laughs showcase the very best of live entertainment in Forster–Tuncurry.

local arts, crafts, food, craft beer and wine, children’s activities and roaming acts; there’s something for everyone.”

This year, the weekend kicks off with Lakeside Laughs at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, where top-tier comedians light up the stage.

“It’s an intimate night of laughs with some of the best comedians in the country — a perfect lead-in to a highenergy weekend,” Ed adds.

With pop-up bars, local food stalls, family-friendly activities and 100% volunteer not-for- profit event, Lakeside Festival is a true celebration of community.

“The magic comes from the people — our volunteers, our audience and the local businesses that back us year after year. The community comes together to make it happen, from setting up stages to welcoming guests. If you want to be part of something special, volunteering is a great way to connect and contribute!”

Where to Stay?

From beachfront camping to family motels and luxury apartments, Forster–Tuncurry offers accommodation for every style and budget — all just minutes from the festivities.

SCAN ME to secure your tickets and accommodation

Be part of the music, the laughter and the magic.

PINK is the Colour OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT

If there’s one thing that defines the incredible Barrington Coast community, it’s the way people show up for one another. Whether it’s catching up with friends over dinner or coffee, lending a listening ear to someone who needs it, exchanging ideas at a local networking function, or rallying behind a charity event, community support is second nature here. But there are times when just being there isn’t enough. Times when someone special, with extraordinary compassion and expertise, is needed to help us face the most difficult moments. That’s when the remarkable McGrath Cancer Care Nurses step in — walking beside patients and families through their most challenging journeys, with care, knowledge and kindness.

Every October, this community spirit becomes visible in a bold and beautiful way. The lush greens of the hinterland, the ocean blues and the turquoise hues of our coast are joined by a wave of pink — as individuals, businesses and organisations across the region take part in Pink Up Forster-Tuncurry.

Pink Up

Forster-Tuncurry

Pink Up Forster-Tuncurry supports the McGrath Foundation’s mission to ensure that no one goes through cancer without the support of a cancer care nurse. From hosting and attending pink-themed events to creative fundraising and heartfelt moments of connection, the community proudly comes together under one bright colour of care.

Simon Gould, Head Pinky and longtime advocate, captures the spirit of the movement:

Get Involved Today

“Pink is more than just a colour. It’s a symbol of unity, compassion and the strength we find in each other. Every ribbon, every event, every conversation — it all helps fund vital support for families in our region.”

So, if you find yourself in the Barrington Coast this October and notice the streets, shops and skies a little pinker than usual, it’s not the summer sun fading; it’s our community spirit glowing and our message of support shining through.

Celebrating Success

COMMUNITY, CULTURE, SUSTAINABILITY AND KINDNESS IN ACTION

Keeping Families Close. For over 30 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities has been Keeping Families Close. The annual event, generous sponsors, attendees and raffle supporters unite to create moments of rest, joy and connection for families with seriously ill children at the Family Retreat Forster. forsterinfo.nnsw@rmhc.org.au

Did you know Taree has its own Variety Bash car? Team Taree hits the road to raise funds for Variety – the Children’s Charity, while proudly showcasing the spirit of our region. Let’s rally behind them with community, kindness and heart! fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/ fundraisers/Car2430TeamTaree

Love & Cake! Award-winning creations by Nadine The Cake Queen added the sweetest touch to these unforgettable weddings. Jess & Jade’s magical day, beautifully captured by Seed + Salt Photography, and Merinda & Ben’s stunning celebration through the lens of Sera Luna

Anneke Hill

Celebrating Shuck and Shell, Barrington Coast Sustainable Seafood Festival - A fun-ﬁlled foodie journey from paddock to lake to plate! Summer cocktails and sunset tunes at this lakeside long table lunch. Feast on local ﬂavours, sip summer cocktails and soak up the sunset tunes at the The Moorings Lakehouse themooringslakehouse.com

A huge congratulations to Sarah from Green Patina Home, Forster — winner of the MAX 107.3 + Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine advertising giveaway! Her beautiful store is brimming with vintage treasures, sustainable homewares and timeless charm. Visit Shop 3/21 Boundary St, Forster or follow online for vintage inspiration!

The MidCoast Stories Project. The MidCoast Stories project is a true testament to the enduring legacy of the people and places that have shaped the MidCoast, NSW Barrington Coast. It’s a heartfelt celebration of community, culture and heritage — preserving the essence of this unique region for generations to come. Explore the stories at midcoaststories.com

MidCoast Stories volunteers installing the trail posts with QR codes.

Local

Tune into the Unleashed Business Podcast, hosted by curious, business owners Jake Dawson and Trent Chapman. These passionate business community locals launched Unleashed from Taree to spark real conversations about the ups and downs of running a business. With a mission to share hard-earned lessons and celebrate wins, they invite fellow business owners to learn, grow and

Australia’s

AGRICULTURAL IDENTITY

Joshua Gilbert, a proud Worimi man with ancestral ties to the Gloucester, Buccan Buccans mountains, is putting culture back in agriculture. A recognised strategist and changemaker, Josh is undertaking a PhD on Indigenous modernity in agriculture and was named in the 50 Next: People Shaping the Future of Gastronomy

“A personal account... harmonising Aboriginal skills with Western technology so that land care and productivity move forward wakulda – side by side. A fresh and creative look at Australian agriculture.” – Bill Gammage

thrive together. In each episode, Jake and Trent dive into stories from across the Barrington Coast — like Episode 028, featuring Kate Dunn, the dynamic Community Connector helping new residents settle and succeed. Whether you’re starting out, scaling up or simply seeking inspiration, this podcast is packed with insights, laughs and local wisdom.

Stream now on Spotify search Unleashed Business Podcast

An Aboriginal Yarn by Joshua Gilbert

With prime location frontage on Manning Street and a layout designed to encourage frequent and extended visits, Tuncurry Village Hub offers unmatched convenience for locals and visitors alike.

Shops for lease - Located in the heart of Tuncurry on Manning Street, Tuncurry Village Hub is the perfect location ideal for a wide range of tenancies. 0461 456 762 I 27-29 Manning Street, Tuncurry leasing@tuncurryvillagehub.com.au I

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Lifestyle Barrington Coast Publishing invites expressions of interest to animate Ziggy the Seahorse - a children’s story full of imagination and heart.

Based on the original book by Peter Rattray, © Copyright 2008 Vanessa & Seigfreid The Magic Seahorse. The project aims to create one animated episode in the first instance. The story follows Ziggy — a spirited young seahorse with magical powers — as he embarks on underwater adventures with his land- and sea-friends, inspiring kindness, curiosity and care for marine life. With themes of play, discovery and environmental awareness, the show highlights Ziggy’s exploration of the ocean and the endangered White’s Seahorse (Hippocampus whitei). Through Ziggy’s boundless curiosity and love for marine life, young audiences will learn about ocean ecology, the importance of preserving fragile habitats, and the threats facing local marine species. “We need to become more conscious of the fragile White’s Seahorse and the marine life that lives alongside us.” — Peter Rattray

DID YOU KNOW?

White’s Seahorse is endemic to the east coast of Australia and is listed as Endangered in NSW.

They live in shallow estuaries and coastal habitats, favouring seagrass meadows, sponges and so corals.

Habitat loss from human activity is the primary threat to their survival.

They mate for life, with males giving birth to 100–250 babies per cycle.

If snorkelling, swimming or diving near a White’s Seahorse, do not touch or disturb them or their habitat.

Report sightings: dpi.nsw.gov.au/ﬁshing/species-protection

Scan the QR Code to learn more about White’s Seahorse

Peter Rattray is an active and seasoned sailor, photographer, and great-grandfather celebrating 62 years of marriage with his wife Christine. His ocean adventures across seven remarkable decades have shaped his deep love and knowledge of the sea and its marine life. Novel & Illustrations: © Peter S. Rattray

Want to bring Ziggy the Seahorse to life? We’re calling on animators, producers and creative collaborators to help develop this magical, meaningful children’s animation, inspiring the next generation to protect our oceans! Express your interest: Email us at hello@lifestylebarringtoncoast.com.au

Nomel Meet

Your Travel-Planning Companion with Character

At Lifestyle Barrington Coast, we believe the best journeys begin with curiosity — and that’s exactly where Nomel steps in. Born from the well-worn pages of our trip planners, maps and guides over the years — and stitched together by two passionate adventurers, Thomas & Eleanor — Nomel isn’t just a character. They’re your clever companion, a spark of inspiration and your friendly guide to the wonders of the Barrington Coast and beyond.

With a blend of wisdom, old-school charm and modern savvy, Nomel helps you plan with purpose. Think of them as a well-travelled friend who always knows where to go, what to do and how to make every moment count, whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring lookouts, hiking national parks and mountain trails, stretching out on pristine beaches, or discovering hinterland and coastal cafés.

Nomel is here to support your trip plans, helping you uncover hidden gems and connect with the stories that make this region so unique.

So when you see “Nomel recommends” in our Adventure Collection Series, scattered through the magazine or popping up on your screen, you’ll know you’re in good hands.

Let them know Nomel sent you. Welcome to the journey.

Whoota Whoota Lookout - Wallingat National Park John Dean

Adventure Barrington Coast COLLECTION

Trip Planner

QLD NSW

WEST

SOUTH

Drive

It’s an easy 2.5 hours’ drive north from Sydney on the M1 to Tea Gardens, at the southernmost tip of the Barrington Coast, and 3.5 hours’ drive to reach Paciﬁc Palms, via the scenic Lakes Way, or Forster Tuncurry via the M1/Paciﬁc Highway route.

Rail

NSW Trainlink services run between Sydney and Newcastle, with connecting coaches from Newcastle to Tuncurry. The XPT Train service from Sydney stops at Taree and Gloucester. transportnsw.info/regional 13 22 32

Bus

Busways provides daily services from Newcastle to several Barrington Coast towns. The 150 Bus Service runs between Taree and Newcastle (both directions) via Forster, Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens, with stops including Boomerang Drive Blueys Beach, Tiona Holiday Park at Paciﬁc Palms and The Lakes Way, Smiths Lake. busways.com.au

The 310 Bus Service runs between Taree and Forster (both directions). egginscomfortcoaches.com.au

Whoota Whoota Lookout - Wallingat National Park John Dean

DUNGOG

TAREE FORSTER TUNCURRY

HARRINGTON CROWDY HEAD

TEA GARDENS HAWKS NEST

NEWCASTLE

PORT MACQUARIE

Lifestyle Barrington Coast 85

Adventure Barrington Coast

Immerse yourself in the most beautiful destination on the Mid North Coast, from the mountains to the sea. Our 25+ Trip Planners make exploring the Barrington Coast easy... for a day, a week or more. From our stunning landscapes and breathtaking nature to a wide selection of fun-filled activities, here you’ll find the ultimate guide to the perfect stay.

Barrington Coast is an eco-destination certified by Ecotourism Australia, a prestigious recognition shared by only five destinations in NSW and 13 in Australia. As a destination already famous for its natural assets, being eco-destination certified helps demonstrate the region’s commitment to sustainability at an international best practice standard.

Whether you’re seeking scenic drives, nature walks, beaches and lakes, waterfalls or hidden gems, this guide offers everything from activities and eateries to top travel tips. Indulge your curiosity and uncover your next great adventure!

Nomel recommends 25+ unforgettable trip plans across the Barrington Coast — from the southern gateway of Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest to the northern reaches of Harrington & Crowdy Head — exploring all the towns, villages, and adventures in between.

Enjoy!

86. Trip Planner Map

110. Pacific Palms

145. Hallidays Point

102. Bulahdelah & Wootton

130. Gloucester

156. Hannam Vale, Coopernook & Moorland

91. The Ultimate Basecamp

117. Forster & Tuncurry

149. Taree & Wingham

104. Seal Rocks & Myall Lakes

134. Barrington Tops

158. Harrington & Crowdy Head

96. Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest

128. Nabiac

152. Old Bar & Manning Point

106. Smiths Lake

139. Stroud

162. Good To Know

108. Coomba Park

142. Walks & Waterfalls

164. Regional Map & Scenic Drives

SPOTLIGHT ON REFLECTIONS HOLIDAYS

Surfing Seal Rocks John Dean

THE ULTIMATE BASECAMP FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Let’s take a moment to reﬂect: in the midst of our busy, fast-paced lives, we often crave some peace and quiet – a space where we can pause and disconnect from the noise.

The Barrington Coast of New South Wales is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers and those who simply want to take a break from everyday life. With idyllic beaches, lush national parks and an endless supply of breathtaking views, it encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with the land, your loved ones and yourself.

Reﬂections Holidays provides the ideal place for you to stay during your nature-inspired journey. Recently rebranded with a new vision and a deeper commitment to sustainability, community and connection, Reﬂections isn’t just about providing a place to rest your head; it’s about complimenting your entire experience in this serene region.

THE HEART OF IT ALL

Barrington Coast is an Eco Destination certified by Ecotourism Australia, a prestigious recognition shared by only five destinations in NSW and 13 in Australia. As a destination already famous for its natural assets, being Eco Destination certified helps demonstrate the region’s commitment to sustainability at an international best practice standard. Whether you’re chasing the perfect wave along the extensive coastline, kayaking the serene waters of beautiful rivers and coastal lakes, or hiking the high-altitude trails of Barrington Tops, the region delivers adventure at every single turn. That’s where Reflections Holidays enters the chat. Their unique nature-based stays are designed to fully immerse you in the environment, offering incredible beachfront, riverside and lakeside locations that put you right in the heart of nature.

From eco-cabins and tiny homes to spacious campsites and glamping spots, each location allows you to wake up to the chirping of birds, fall asleep under a canopy of stars, and experience nature in its purest form.

A New Era of Sustainable Stays

Reﬂections Holidays’ recent rebrand isn’t just a new logo, colour scheme and name change; it’s a statement of intent. With a mission to preserve and protect the landscapes in which they operate, Reﬂections is setting a fresh standard for sustainable travel.

They reinvest proﬁts into park upgrades, ensuring the land remains protected and accessible for future generations. They actively promote responsible

tourism, encourage minimal impact stays, and respect the region’s deep cultural roots and heritage, particularly the stories and traditions of the First Nations peoples who have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years. This means you can explore and enjoy the Barrington Coast while knowing your stay supports conservation eﬀorts, local communities and a more sustainable future for tourism.

“Nature is everything that we’re about. Why people come and spend time with us, why they come and work with us? Ultimately it’s because they want to come and spend time in nature.”

- Pete Chapman - Chief Marketing Oﬃcer

relaxation -MEETS-ADVE N TURE

Barrington Coast oﬀers a unique balance of adventure and relaxation. With 191km of pristine coastline, 58 national parks, nature reserves and conservation areas, 63 state forests, 8 designated Aboriginal Places and 38 rivers, the region caters to every kind of traveller seeking the best of nature-based experiences.

Spend your days surfing, fishing, boating or hiking, then unwind with a beachside barbecue, a campfire under the stars, or a lazy a ernoon at a cosy cafe.

The Barrington Coast boasts diverse natural attractions, including the World Heritage-protected Gondwana Rainforest Wilderness (Barrington Tops) with regular snowfall, making it the only place in the state where you can build a snowman and a sandcastle on the same day.

It also features the state’s largest coastal lake system (Myall Lakes National Park), protected by the Ramsar Convention, the state’s tallest single-drop waterfall (Ellenborough Falls), and the only double delta system in Australia (Manning River).

Reﬂections Holidays values balance and oﬀers stays that cater to solo explorers, couples seeking romantic getaways, and families looking to create lasting memories by the ocean.

The

Best of the Barrington Coast

With multiple stunning destinations spanning the Barrington Coast, Reﬂections makes it easy to ﬁnd your perfect nature escape. Here are just a few stellar locations:

Seal Rocks: Nestled between lush rainforest and the stunning Number One Beach, Reﬂections Seal Rocks Holiday & Caravan Park provides an idyllic coastal retreat perfect for relaxation and family getaways.

Hawks Nest: With fantastic poolside amenities, this is the perfect getaway for you and your four-legged friends! Dogfriendly camping, cabin and villa options are available. Nearby attractions include dolphin sightings, beautiful walking trails, a championship golf course and a variety of delicious restaurants.

Jimmys Beach: Choose your adventure! Caravan, camp, glamp, or indulge in a luxurious stay nestled

behind the dunes, where beautiful bushland meets the crystal-clear waters of Jimmys Beach.

Forster Beach: Discover the charm of this coastal town, where a laidback atmosphere prevails. Enjoy activities such as cycling, scenic walks, dolphin spotting, boating and ﬁshing, complemented by a variety of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Tuncurry: Located on the beautiful, leash-free shores of Nine Mile Beach, it’s the perfect destination for dog lovers and their furry companions. Enjoy the pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters and explore the park using their detailed site map.

MORETHANJUST A

Stay

Reﬂections is a commitment to community and nature. As Australia’s only certiﬁed social enterprise holiday park group, we believe in doing business for good.

We partner with like-minded organisations to support local communities, recognising that our success is intertwined with their prosperity. We value the unique character of each community and strive to build strong relationships with local businesses, councils, government and residents. At Reﬂections, holidays are about more than a place to sleep – they’re an experience.

We encourage you to connect with nature, your roots and the simple joy of the present moment. By choosing Reﬂections for your next Barrington Coast getaway, you’re embracing the landscape, respecting the environment and experiencing the best of what nature oﬀers. Whether you seek adventure, a peaceful retreat, or unforgettable memories.

“For our business to do well, we’ve got to do good.”

- Nick Baker, Chief Executive Oﬃcer

Are you ready to reflect?

Smile

Nicole Macpherson Photography | Mark Seeto | The Barrington Celebrant | The Nourishment Co

Tea Gardens

& Hawks Nest Trip Planner

River paddler: Pick up picnic supplies at Two Fat Bakers Bakery, then hire a kayak from Lazy Paddles to explore the Myall River. You’ll see shipwrecks, dolphins and abundant bird life before returning for lunch at Mumms On The Myall. Hire a SUP from Ezy Kayaks for an afternoon of upright water adventures, then reward yourself with ice cream from Tea Gardens Ice Cream Shack or a beer garden beverage at Tea Gardens Hotel.

History Art &

Hawks Nest beach challenge: Bay beaches, ocean beaches, lake beaches: here you can explore them all. Start your walk along Jimmys Beach, then onto Bennetts Beach to join the track up Yacaaba Headland. There you’ll be rewarded with extraordinary coastal views to Seal Rocks, Tomaree Headland across the bay and on a clear day all the way to Barrington Tops. If you’re really up for a challenge, try the Mungo Walking Track (21km one way, 10-12 hours) that links Mungo Brush Campground with Hawks Nest.

These twin holiday towns sit at the mouth of the Myall River on turquoise Port Stephens, famous for glorious white-andgold beaches, national park beauty, plus a singing bridge. Relaxed places with a sense of tranquillity, these towns mark the southern boundary of the Barrington Coast.

Parks: Anzac Park; Booner Street Reserve; Elouera Park; Moira Parade Reserve; Providence Bay Park; Winda Woppa Reserve; Myall Lakes National Park

Walks: Jimmys Beach; Bennetts Beach; Yacaaba Headland

Cycling: Marine Drive Foreshore Reserve

Picnics: Anzac Park; Jimmys Beach Day Area; Marine Drive Foreshore Reserve; Winda Woppa Reserve; Pipers Creek Picnic Area

Dog-friendly: Bennetts Beach; Yacaaba Headland

Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest Mackenzie Hayes

MYALL RIVER CAMP

Glide into nature at the multi-award-winning Myall River Camp at Hawks Nest.

Holiday sustainably in an eco-certiﬁed Glamping Tent, recycled Tiny House, or on an unpowered Campsite.

Located on the riverfront, enjoy days exploring the Myall, and the nearby glistening beaches and national park. Spend nights around a ﬁre pit under a blanket of stars.

Myall River Camp is under 10 mins drive from the coastal hamlets of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, but feels a world away.

• Year-round ﬁre pits

• River frontage with direct access and boat ramp

• River dolphin and wildlife spotting

• Sandy river beach • Fishing and crabbing

• Sunsets and star gazing

• Less than 10 minutes drive to Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest

• Close to stunning beaches and forests of the Myall Lakes National Park

DrinkEat&

Events

Mumms On The Myall – Sparkling food to match the sparkling views! Delicious fresh seafood is front and centre, but do try their Indo Brekkie for a touch of Bali for breakfast, or their signature duck spring rolls any time of day. HOT TIP: the prawn and cardamom curry.

Tea Gardens Boatshed – This overwater eatery never disappoints for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and they’re passionate about their food. Their soft shell crab burger, truffled mushroom arancinis or Belgian waffles with berry compote are all Insta-worthy items to enjoy with the river views.

Tillermans – A stylish Tea Gardens institution and for good reasons, with unbeatable options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try the breakfast trifle, twice-baked goat’s cheese soufflé, or Middle Eastern spiced lamb mince with poached eggs, harissa yoghurt, pistachios & pomegranate. Benchmark on Booner – This bar doubles as a cafe, serving plenty of café favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But you’ll be very happy if you love meat: try the fillet mignon, USA pork ribs, crispy skin pork belly, the smoked meat board, or the 14hour smoked brisket.

Beauty I Jane’s Hair & Beauty

Myall Massage Clinic I Silk Hairdressing Warrunee Thai Massage

Visit MOA Providores – open Saturdays for fresh, local goodness!

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

The bridge across the Myall River is renowned for its ‘singing’ as the bridge railings play mournful sounds during strong winds, acting as a wind harp. During north easterly winds, try Jimmys Beach as an alternative to Bennetts Beach; 4WDs are allowed on Mungo Beach and Little Gibber Beach at Dark Point with a permit.

For evening entertainment, check out the gig guides for Benchmark On Booner, Tea Gardens Hotel and Tea Gardens Country Club for live music and jackpot trivia nights.

Camping: Myall River Camp; Mungo Brush Campground

Glamping: Myall River glamping tents

House: Bennetts By The Beach; Ocean Side; Serenity In Pindimar; Idlewatch

Motel/apartment: Hawks Nest Motel; Tea Gardens Motel; Tea Gardens Country Club

Holiday park: Reﬂections Jimmys Beach; Reﬂections Hawks Nest Resort/retreat: Boathouse Resort; Bombah Point Eco Cottages

Something diﬀerent: Myall River Camp tiny houses

WELCOME ABOARD

Step aboard The Original Tea Gardens Ferry and experience the charm of heritage timber vessels, lovingly restored to their former glory. For over 30 years, we’ve connected Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens, o ering daily return journeys through the breathtaking Port Stephens Marine Park. Cruise in comfort with our friendly crew who will provide insightful commentary, enjoy panoramic views, and spot local wildlife—including dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. It’s more than a ferry ride—it’s an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Blue Water Wonderland. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, this iconic experience is not to be missed!

theoriginalteagardensferry.com.au 0412 682 117 info@theoriginalteagardensferry.com.au

40 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 93 Marine Drive, Tea Gardens NSW 2324

Reﬂections Jimmys Beach

& Wootton Nature B ULAH DELA H Trip Planner

Famous for tall trees and mountains, Bulahdelah is home to The Grandis, a 400 year-old Flooded Gum, the tallest tree in NSW at 76m, and Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place, significant to the Worimi people for culture, history and country. Bulahdelah is the gateway to the lakeside and beachside attractions of Myall Lakes National Park.

Bulahdelah rambler: Big trees and big mountains… no visit to this charming country town is complete without seeing The Grandis (tallest tree in NSW). Then, take some time to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place with walks, lookouts and tree carvings. Back in town, enjoy a tasty lunch at Myalla Magic Café in a restored heritage house. Afterwards, spend some time at the Court House Museum, especially the cells out the back. Finish your day with the short scenic drive to nearby Wootton for an easy forest ramble along the Historical Railway Walk deep in Wang Wauk State Forest.

Walks: Bulahdelah Mountain; The Grandis; Wootton Historical Railway Walk

Picnics: Riverside Park; Lions Park; Wade Park; Bulahdelah Mountain Park

Dog-friendly: Lions Park; Wang Wauk State Forest

Parks: Bulahdelah Showground; Lions Park; Bulahdelah Mountain Park; Riverside Park; Wade Park; Bulahdelah SCA; Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park; Wang Wauk State Forest

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

The Courthouse Museum has limited hours, so check beforehand. Visit The Grandis on a sunny morning or a ernoon to enjoy the sunlit atmosphere through the forest. The best way to experience Myall River (plus Bombah Broadwater, Boolambayte Lake and Myall Lake) is from a houseboat – hire one from Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboats in Bulahdelah (note that pets aren’t allowed in national parks). Great Lakes Paddocks has the best live music in the area, but for evening entertainment, check out Bulahdelah Bowling Club or drive to nearby Stroud Country Club for live music and trivia nights.

Events

Bulahdelah Bass Bash

Great Lakes Food Trail

Warung Peri – Authentic Indonesian food in Bulahdelah is just one of our region’s many happy foodie surprises. Whether you’re craving a mouthwatering rendang or want to dive into a bowl of steaming mie goreng, here you can be whisked away to the tropical paradise of Indonesia, one bite at a time. Try the duck spring rolls, gado gado or gulai udang.

Myalla Magic Café – Café favourites for breakfast and lunch in a heritage cottage. Try the veggie burger, samosas or Thai lamb wrap, but always leave room for something sweet from the cake cabinet, such as the lime cheesecake slice.

Hot tip: the lumberjack cake!

Detours Café – Famous for their homemade gourmet pies (chunky beef, lamb shank, pepper steak, beef and Guinness), Thai curry chicken and more. Leave room for some of Gran’s apple cake.

Great Lakes Paddocks – Enjoy a wine and cheesetasting ﬂight at this Wootton winery, or come for a special event day with live music and pop-up kitchens from local eateries. Great music and great food alfresco.

Andy’s Cherry Pie Café – This much-loved highway café at Coolongolook does sell other delicious food (chicken kebabs, falafel wraps, burgers, even spinach and feta gozleme), but it’s the cherry pies that bring the customers. Eat a slice for dessert, plus get a whole pie to go.

Stay

Camping: Big4 River Myall; Bulahdelah Showgrounds; Sunnyside Campground; Korsmans Landing Campground; Rivermouth Campground

Glamping: Big4 River Myall; Challenge Chaser Retreat

House: Riversedge Too; Bombah Point Eco Cottages

Motel: Bulahdelah Motor Lodge; Myall Motel; Mount View Motel

Holiday park: Big4 River Myall; NRMA Myall Shores

B&B/Farm stay: Buster’s Run, Shinglers Cottage

Something diﬀerent: Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboats

History Art& Wellbeing

Bulahdelah Massage & Health

Modest Beauté

Razor’s Edge Hair & Beauty

Rustic Hair & Co

Bulahdelah Court House Museum

Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place

& MYALL LAKES Seal Rocks

Trip Planner

Lighthouse meander: After breakfast, head into Seal Rocks, stopping at the (only) store for a coffee at Single Fin. Leave your car at the Kinka Road carpark for your walk to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. The views just keep getting better, so keep some energy for the steep path up to the clifftop and the lighthouse itself. You can even climb the steps for views once reserved only for the lighthouse keeper himself: 360-degrees across coastal wilderness. Then, head down the cliff track onto Lighthouse Beach, kicking off your shoes to enjoy the sand and saltwater of this wildly remote beach.

Seal Rocks beach challenge: With names like Number One Beach and Treachery Beach, you’ll soon find out why the sandy strips of Seal Rocks offer something different for each visit.

Number One Beach is the first beach you’ll see as you drive into Seal Rocks and it’s true to its name: facing north with protected swimming, great surfing and snorkelling, plus sweeping views north to Pacific Palms. Boat Beach is deeper and great for divers and snorkellers. Lighthouse Beach offers 4WD access if you don’t like walking. Treachery Beach, Yagon Beach and Submarine Beach are all wild and remote and give you a good idea of what all Australian beaches looked like to the First Australians and to all those who came here by boat. Take extreme care if you swim at any of these three wild beaches.

Seal Rocks is a quintessential coastal village surrounded by the greens of Myall Lakes National Park and blues of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also famous for Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, one of only two lighthouses in Australia with an external stairway. Myall Lakes National Park is remarkable and renowned for internationally protected wetlands in three coastal lakes.

Eat&Drink

Come prepared with your own supplies for an awesome picnic spread on the grass or the sand.

History Art &

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Seal Rocks Lighthouse Keepers Cottages

Dark Point Aboriginal Place - located along the coast between Hawks Nest and Seal Rocks

Day Bed, Fish Cakes, Seal Rocks

LAKES

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is closed to the public at sunset; the best time for photographs is about one hour before sunset. Seal Rocks village is really busy during peak summer holiday times with limited parking, so plan to visit in non-peak times. There is no free camping at Seal Rocks and illegal campers (i.e. vans on the streets) will be ﬁned. If renting a holiday home in Seal Rocks, select one with enough oﬀ-street parking for your whole group. During north easterly winds or red weed, try Lighthouse Beach as an alternative for Number One Beach, or head to Neranie on Myall Lake. Try the lighthouse headland for whale watching May-Oct. 4WDs are allowed on Lighthouse Beach (with a permit).

Camping: Treachery Camp; Yagon Campground; Neranie Campground; Violet Hill Campground; Mungo Brush Campground

Glamping: Reﬂections Seal Rocks

Stay Nature

House/tiny house: Fishcakes; Davies Cottage; Bush Boudoir

Holiday park: Reﬂections Seal Rocks; NRMA Myall Shores

Retreat: Bombah Point Eco Cottages

B&B/Farm stay: Busters Run; The Mainstay; Wandha Myall Lakes

Something special: Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages, in restored historic cottages on the headland. Prefer something a little wilder? Fishcakes at Seal Rocks delivers a secluded escape in nature’s embrace. Book ahead with Reﬂections Holidays and unlock an adventure wonderland at Seal Rocks — right on your doorstep!

Parks: Number One Beach Reserve; Myall Lakes National Park

Walks: Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Walk; Treachery Headland Track; Submarine Beach Walking Track; Mungo Walking Track; Dark Point Walking Track; Neranie Headland Walking Track

Picnics: Tamboi Picnic Area; Sandy Point Picnic Area; Korsmans Landing Picnic Area

Book an e-foiling session with Glide Time on Myall Lake at Neranie; it’s easy to master the electric hydrofoil boards. The boards are silent, wake-free and zero emissions, so you can experience Myall Lake’s pristine waters in an eco-friendly way.

If you love the untamed Australian bush and wild coastline, then you’ve come to the right place.

Smiths Lake is famous for the saline coastal lagoon that’s intermittently open to the sea. Surrounded by national parks, it’s part of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and its waterways and remote beaches of Cellito and Sandbar make it a popular holiday destination. Here, the tall forest grows right down to the water, even in the residential area, and life revolves languidly around the beach and lake.

Smiths

Trip Planner Lake

Lakeside rambler: After breakfast at Frothy Coffee Boatshed overlooking the lake, drive to Cellito Beach for a walk along the rainforest boardwalk to check the surf break from the observation deck. Climb the headland for great views or take your dog for a walk along Cellito Beach up to where Smiths Lake enters the sea at Sandbar Beach. Return to Smiths Lake for a hearty lunch at The Good Food Store and take home some award-winning sweet delights from Nadine The Cake Queen. Finish your day ordering your favourite bistro treat for dinner at the Pacific Palms Bowling Club.

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

You can walk your dog on Cellito Beach but keep it on leash while on the rainforest boardwalk and be wary of 4WDs on Sandbar Beach. 4WDs are allowed on Sandbar Beach (with a permit). For evening entertainment, check out the gig guide for Pacific Palms Bowling Club for live music, or take the short drive to Pacific Palms Recreation Club for more live music, trivia nights and movies presented by The Recky Film Society.

Frothy Coffee Boatshed – The views across Smiths Lake are unbeatable, so take a breakfast bacon and egg roll out onto the sandy shores or sit at a table on the deck for waffles with strawberries, ice cream and maple syrup. For lunch, try the haloumi salad or panko prawns with chips.

The Good Food Store – Coffee and café favourites for breakfast and lunch, showcasing the talents of Nadine The Cake Queen with baked goodies—sweet and savoury. Enjoy meals on buns or meals in bowls, but leave room for a sweet treat like the caramel mud cupcake. HOT TIP: the vegan lime blueberry cake with elderberry glaze!

Pacific Palms Bowling Club – The locals go to where the locals know, and that’s here for all their pub favourites: burgers, pizzas, pasta, grilled fish, schnitzels and roasts. Surprise them and order the eggplant parmigiana as you join a game of barefoot bowls.

Paddle around the lake at dawn or dusk to be inspired by the sights and sounds of marine park nature, or book a session with Daniella Ruru, an Intuitive Healer.

Nature

Parks: John Debert Reserve; Brambles Reserve; Smiths Lake Nature Reserve; Myall Lakes National Park, Wallingat National Park

Walks: Cellito Rainforest Boardwalk; Sugar Creek Trail

Picnics: Hearts Point Picnic Area; Neranie Picnic Area; Coomba Park

Dog-friendly: Tarbuck Bay; Cellito Beach; Sandbar Beach

Talk to local artist Catherine in her creative natural habitat at C.Garrod Art Studio, or try to ﬁnd the anti-tank tetrahedrons laid on the lake shores during World War Two. (Hint: They’re between Tarbuck Bay and Bungwahl.)

Camping: Simple Pleasures Camping Co; Sandbar and Bushlands Holiday Parks

House: Serendipity On Smiths Lake; The Lodge; Brae Villa; Pelican; Shoreline

Holiday park: Sandbar and Bushlands Holiday Parks

Resort: Sandpiper On Smiths Lake

B&B/Farm stay: Wandha Myall Lakes, The Mainstay

Something special: Utopia; Bush Boudoir tiny house

Shuck & Shell Sustainable Seafood Festival

Coomba Park

Coomba Park is caressed by the waters of Wallis Lake and snug against Wallingat National Park. Located on the lake’s western shores with views across to Green Point and Tiona, you’ll understand why water-based activities reign supreme here: paddling, SUPing, sailing, boating, fishing and lakeside strolls.

Trip Planner

Pack a picnic of goodies from the Smiths Lake or Blueys Beach village shops and head on out to Coomba Park Foreshore Reserve for swims and swings.

On the Lake Bistro is only open Saturdays for lunch and dinner – BYO, while the Sunday Brunch Café is only open - you guessed it - Sundays. A much-loved community tradition since 2007, it’s a volunteer-run gem serving up hearty meals and warm welcomes.

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

BYO water sports equipment – this is a great day trip destination if you’re tired of the surf at Pacific Palms. Take a dip in the enclosed tidal pool at the Foreshore Reserve.

Are you ready to

Stay Wellbeing

Pearl And Stone By Jen: creative workshops, Reiki, retreats and wellbeing.

Camping: Wallingat River Campground; Ferny Creek Campground

House/tiny house: Wallis Pavilions; Lakeside Boathouse

Retreat: Dyrham Park; Sea Eagle Point; Sutherland Downs Retreat

Farm stay: Coomba Little Farm; Byadbo Sunset Ridge

Something Special: The Moorings Lakehouse – The Lakeview Barn and Lakefront Villas feature luxurious outdoor baths overlooking the lake and sunset. Pure bliss.

Events

Shuck & Shell: Sustainable Seafood Festival – a fun-ﬁlled foodie’s journey from the paddock to the lake to the plate with summer cocktails and sunset tunes, lake front peninsula at The Moorings Lakehouse.

Aquatic Days at Coomba Park Aquatic Club: Set sail on Wallis Lake! Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your skills, this is a great way to get on the water and connect with the local sailing community.

Create Your Own Event: Overlooking Wallis Lake at the Coomba Aquatic Club – a unique lakeside venue for hire. coombaaquatic.club

Nature

Parks: Wallingat National Park; Coomba Park Foreshore Reserve

Walks: Coomba Park Lakeside Walk; Sugar Creek Trail

Picnics: Coomba Park Foreshore Reserve; Whoota Whoota Lookout

Dog-friendly: Coomba Park Foreshore Reserve

The Moorings Lakehouse

Sugar Creek Trail

The beaches, bays and forests of Pacific Palms make this place famous for scenic beauty. Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach, Elizabeth Beach and Tiona are renowned for swimming, surfing, rainforest walks, lookouts, secluded sandy coves and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The native cabbage tree palms give their name to this locality and are also known as fan palms… you’ll soon be a big fan yourself of Pacific Palms.

Pacific Palms beach challenge: Take a sunrise walk on Blueys Beach, followed by breakfast at Drift Cafe, then a mid-morning walk on Elizabeth Beach with a Balineseinspired lunch afterwards at Kembali Cafe. Keep enough energy for an afternoon walk on Boomerang Beach, awarded in 2023 as the Best Beach in NSW by Tourism Australia. End your day with some well-earned rewards: poolside evening cocktails and a delicious bistro dinner at Sips at Mobys. Lake and headland discovery: Pick up fresh food supplies in the village at Blueys Beach Supamart. Spend the morning walking the Booti Hill Track with views across the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake, sandy beaches and forest trails. Enjoy lunch with a view at Palms Recreation Club; afterwards, drive to Sugar Creek Trail in Wallingat National Park for walks, bird watching and mountain biking. Finish your day back at Blueys Beach with gourmet pizza or pasta for dinner at Hueys at Blueys Pizzeria & Bar.

Events

NSW Surfmasters State Titles

Pacific Palms Market

Surfing NSW Great Lakes Pro

Trip Planner Stay PALMS Pacific Nature

Parks: Pacific Palms Community Reserve; Wallis Lake Foreshore Reserve; Williams Park; Booti Booti National Park; Wallingat National Park

Walks: Booti Hill Walking Track; Sugar Creek Trail

Picnics: Coomba Park Foreshore Reserve; Sunset Park; Sailing Club Picnic Area; Santa Barbara Park

Dog-friendly: Boomerang Beach; Blueys Beach; Coomba Park Foreshore Reserve

Camping: Tiona Holiday Park; The Ruins Campground; Pacific Palms Caravan Park; Wallingat River Campground

Glamping: Tiona Holiday Park

House: Umi; Zenergy; Annies; Jest; Gidget; Clifton Beach House; Oceanview; Walu House

Holiday park: Tiona Holiday Park

Resort: Blueys Retreat; Mobys Beachside Retreat; Blueys Motel

B&B/Farm stay: Coomba Little Farm

Something special: Feel like a millionaire at 88 Nord or 88 South. The Beach Butler offers curated stays— from the stylish Amanzi and Breathe at Boomerang Beach to the breezy charm of Blueys South and Ocean at Blueys Beach.

Great Lakes Sailing Club, Pacific Palms, Wallis Lake, Booti Booti National Park

Shelly Beach

TOP TIPS

Best place for sunset watching is Sunset Picnic Area. Excellent views across Wallis Lake are from Whoota Whoota Lookout in Wallingat National Park, accessed via steep, unsealed road (4WD preferable, 2WD only in dry conditions). During north easterly winds, try the protective headlands at Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach. Try whale watching May-Oct from Boomerang Beach observation deck. For evening entertainment, check out the gig guide for Paciﬁc Palms Recreation Club for live music, trivia nights and movies presented by The Recky Film Society.

Sips at Mobys – Poolside brilliance is served here! Classics include the Booti Booti veggie burger and ﬁsh tacos, but also try the chef’s tasty specials, such as Japanese corn fritters or crispy prawn dumplings paired with their signature whisky sour.

Kembali Café – The tempting tastes of Indonesia here will have you thinking about your next Bali trip, especially the Indo brekkie bowl, gado gado salad or nasi goreng. Close your eyes and you’re back in Ubud.

Dri Café – A busy café for breakfast classics and burger lovers. Try the Firebird or Dirty Bird, both with southern fried chicken, or the zucchini and corn fritter taco. HOT TIP: the baja ﬁsh taco laced with jalapenos and chipotle aioli!

Blueys Italian – Famous for pizzas named a er Australian beaches, you’ll be tempted by their many gourmet options with fresh and tasty toppings. The Cellito is a best-seller, but leave room for the Nutella pizza topped with strawberries and cream for dessert.

Pre-order lunch picnic baskets with panini, salads and drinks, or pre-order a charcuterie board to go with an a ernoon sunset.

Paciﬁc Palms Recreation Club – The Recky is famous for great views, cold beers and great food – you can get all your bistro favourites to enjoy with your Wallis Lake views. Themed dinners each night will keep you coming back… especially Tuesday’s giant schnitty topper night.

Practice with Yoga Cove for Vinyasa, Mindful Flow and Yin classes in Boomerang Beach.

In the heart of Blueys Beach, you’ll ﬁnd Palms Pilates, which oﬀers a boutique reformer pilates studio experience. Blueys Beach Natural Health

Centre for facials, massage, naturopathic Chinese medicine, spa, infrared sauna and retreats for healing and wellness.

Pearl And Stone By Jen, with creative workshops, Reiki, retreats and wellbeing at Coomba Park.

History Art&

Paciﬁc Palms Art Festival

Trisha’s On Blueys Studio

Raw Edge Photography

BLUEYS BEACH NEWSAGENCY & SUPA MART

Lake View Gallery

One Square Gallery

Blueys Beach

Art by Ali Haigh alihaigh.com

The

Dream Weekender

Your Home by the Sea

Finding space to reconnect, season after season, at Blueys Beach

For Sydney-based Scott McLintock, owning a coastal home was always about more than property; it was about building a place for family to come together. “I grew up visiting Byron Bay before it was overdeveloped,” he says. “And that’s what I envisage for our family — building nice memories up the coast on beach holidays. Being able to get up there and escape the rat race of Sydney.”

That dream led him to Blueys Beach on the Barrington Coast, and for the McLintock family, just three hours north of Sydney, Blueys offered the perfect blend of nature, calm and connection. “We discovered Blueys and stopped our search,” he says. “We’d found what felt like ‘the place’. We fell in love and wanted to forge ahead pretty quickly.”

For families like the McLintocks, Blueys is the chance to create the ultimate weekender

— one that brings the family together, season after season, year after year. It’s a rare opportunity to invest in something timeless: a coastal retreat where surf, bushwalks and barefoot barbeques become the rhythm of life.

Nestled between rolling bushland and the surf breaks of Boomerang, Elizabeth and Seal Rocks, Blueys is an unspoiled gem of the Mid North Coast. “Regardless of which way the wind blows, you’ve got a beach facing different angles so you can always find a protected spot,” says McLintock.

“We’d found what felt like ‘the place’. We fell in love and wanted to forge ahead pretty quickly.”

protected for green space and ecological preservation, Blueys is designed for both low-impact living and a high-quality lifestyle. Addenbrooke has also partnered with trusted builders like GJ Gardner, McDonald Jones and Modscape to streamline the building process, whether you’re designing your dream home from scratch or choosing from a suite of curated designs purposed for the Blueys environment. For McLintock, the decision was clear: “It’s something we took time to consider and something we can see staying in the family for generations. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The final land release by Addenbrooke offers 64 blocks ranging from 564m² to 1022m², just 250 metres from the beach. Set on a gentle slope, most lots enjoy ocean or national park views. With 85% of the site

The final release of land at Blueys Beach is now on the market.

Visit blueys.com.au or contact Lawson Property Agency on 0409 247 050

Your own Beach Butler

Getaway STARTS

Step into your next holiday knowing everything has been taken care of. “What sets us apart is the personal touch,” says Julie. “We’re here to help with everything from tour bookings to uncovering hidden gems, such as the best local produce, visits with local artists and introducing you to our pristine beaches, national parks and lakes.”

Beachside stays handpicked for you

Choose from our range of beachfront and beachside properties, comfortably accommodating groups of 6 to 13 guests.

YOUR NEXT

HERE

If you want the best bespoke beach holiday experience, you have just found it! We’re dedicated to crafting seamless travel experiences, so you can relax and make the most of your downtime.

AMANZI - BOOMERANG BEACH

OCEAN - BLUEYS BEACH

BLUEYS SOUTH - BLUEYS BEACH

& TUNCURRY

Forster Trip Planner

Forster beach challenge: Start the day with a swim at Main Beach, followed by breakfast at Beach Bums or Wingman. Then, stroll the Bicentennial Walk along the clifftop to Pebbly Beach and The Tanks for another swim. Continue to Bennetts Head lookout, then to One Mile Beach for another swim before lunch at Bostin Brew Café. If you still have energy, continue to Burgess Beach for a float in the tidal pools. End your day with a sunset dinner cruise on Wallis Lake with Free Spirit Cruises or Asian tapas at the Dragon’s Den.

These twin holiday towns have been firm favourites for generations of holidaymakers. They sit astride glittering Wallis Lake and are famous for turquoise waters, golden beaches, expansive national parks and the best Sydney rock oysters in Australia.

Lake navigator: Wallis Lake is our crown jewel, so hire some equipment for a day on the lake: houseboats, barbecue boats, fishing tinnies and runabouts or even a cruiser. Self-powered options include see-through kayaks, aqua bikes and SUPs. Take a picnic with you or park your boat at one of the waterfront eateries for lunch or takeaway. Finish your day at Wharf Street Distillery for tastings of their award-winning gin and dinner.

Forster Tuncurry Bridge John Dean

Art by Ali Haigh alihaigh.com

Eat&Drink

Spice Monkey: Asian fusion overlooking Wallis Lake with sashimi, nori rolls, nigari, multi-national baos, house-made dumplings and much more. The bitter chocolate tart is a delicious piece of edible art.

The Dragon’s Den: Asian-inspired street foods in yum cha style – this is Asian tapas at its best. Order several small plates to share: banh mi, gyozas, crispy prawn pancakes, Korean bulgogi, Filipino adobo… you’ll want to try them all!

The Coastal Brewing Company: Enjoy a delicious pizza while savouring their ﬁnest brews, including the popular Hearts Point New England Pale Ale. Experience the perfect pairing of beer and pizza at The Coastal Brewing Company, where great taste and quality come together in every bite and sip

Si Señorita: Stunning views across Wallis Lake with a modern take on traditional Mexican food using authentic and aromatic ingredients to match their cocktails of every colour. Gourmet tacos, tequila and sunsets? Not Cancun, but Forster!

Wharf Street: This is what we’ve been waiting for: gin distillery, restaurant and bar for lunch, dinner and cocktails. The seasonal menus oﬀer modern Australian cuisine with star players from all your favourite parts of the globe.

Thirty Three Degrees: Easily the most sophisticated of our eateries, with seafood taking centre stage, it’s the ideal spot to taste the best oysters in the world: Sydney rock oysters grown just a few splashes away.

Pool House Restaurant – The Bellevue Hotel Tuncurry: Experience a fresh take on poolside dining at the newly renovated Pool House Restaurant! Dive into fresh local oysters, gluten-free seafood risotto, Moroccan black pepper beef, or the best brisket-loaded nachos in town. From crowd-pleasing pastas and pizzas to passionfruit cheesecake perfection— there’s a tasty treat for every craving.

Barrington Coast Barrington

Thirty Three Degrees

Si Señorita

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

The Sydney rock oysters of Wallis Lake are in season between August and March. For whale watching in May-Oct, try Bennett’s Head lookout and Cape Hawke lookout. During north easterly winds, try One Mile Beach or swim in the Wallis Lake Baths on Little Street. Miles Island is only accessible by water, so hire a boat, kayak, aqua bike or SUP from the wharfside businesses. Wet weather activities include galleries, museums, clubs, the cinema and more. Drop into Wharf Street, Forster for some village-style shopping at Coasting Home and the long-standing Yarads Menswear, operating since 1933, as well as the famous Manning Shoe stores in the region, established back in 1954. For evening entertainment, check out the gig guides for Club Forster, Lakes & Ocean Hotel and Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club for live music and trivia nights.

Stay

Glamping: NRMA Forster Tuncurry House: Bask At Green Point; 114 Becker Road

Apartment: Sails; Sevan; Beaches; Sunrise Motel: Forster Palms; Forstay; Hotel Forster; South Paciﬁc Palms; Bali Hi; B&B: Laurina Estate B&B; Palmyra B&B; Palmyra Maple Cabin

Resort: Tuncurry Lakes Resort

Something diﬀerent: Cruising Wallis Lake with Forster Houseboat Hire

Holiday park: Reﬂections Forster Beach; NRMA Forster Tuncurry; Lanis Holiday Island; Lakeside Forster; Reﬂections

Tuncurry Beach; Discovery Parks Forster; Smugglers Cove; Twin Dolphins; Forster Holiday Village

Wallis Lake - Forster

Miles Island, Breckenridge Channel, Forster

Collection Forster & Tuncurry

Nature

Events

Forster Town Park Market

Lakeside Festival

RunFest Forster

Triathlon NSW Club Championships

Tuncurry Market

For idyllic escapes in the heart of Forster and Tuncurry, head to forsteraccom.com.au — from romantic and indulgent to tiny surf shacks, there’s a spectacular range of holiday rentals ready for you to relax and explore the beautiful Barrington Coast.

Parks: Town Park; Pebbly Beach Park; Pilot Hill Reserve; Burgess Beach Reserve; Gregory Reserve Pelican Boardwalk; John Wright Park; Booti Booti National Park

Walks: Pebbly Beach Bicentennial Walk; Breakwall to Breakwall; John Holland Park; Burgess Road to McBrides Beach in Booti Booti National Park

Picnics: Tuncurry Rock Pool Reserve; Elizabeth Reserve; Darawank War Memorial Park; Miles Island Reserve

Dog-friendly: Bickford Park; Pipers Bay Foreshore Reserve; Cape Hawke Reserve; Beach Street Reserve; One Mile Beach; Tuncurry Beach; Nine Mile Beach (also horse friendly)

Visit the Taproom at The Coastal Brewing Company in Forster and taste their award-winning beers, enjoy delicious pizza and learn about the brewing process. The Coastal Brewing Company has been crafting beers since 2017. You’ll find their ale in bottleshops, bars and restaurants across the region, as well as nationally through select online retailers and the brewery’s own online store.

The brewery operates on the concept of enjoying ‘L.I.F.E’ – Local, Independent, Fresh, Every Time. This philosophy is reflected in their beer names, which are inspired by the

Barrington Coast region and include: Town Lager, Palms Pale, Whoota RIPA, Stony Point IPA and Green Point Dry Irish Stout.

At the Taproom, you can pick up a wide range of brewery merch, cans and cartons, as well as take-home beers in ‘growlers’ and ‘squealers’. The brewery also brews a range of non-alcoholic beers under the ‘Dalman Street’ brand.

3 Dalman Street, Forster 02 6554 7886

Follow them on social media: coastalbrewingco coastalbrewing thecoastalbrewingcompany.com

Twine Yoga Studio Tuncurry

Enjoy The Movement Forster Yoga Studio

Thrive Wellness Hub Tuncurry Tuncurry Natural Health Clinic

Enjoy local seafood, signature burgers, pizzas, pastas - and a tempting sweets menu. Relax in our newly renovated bistro and experience a delicious new take on poolside dining. Perfect for group outings – coaches welcome!

Nabiac is famous for being a small country town happily caught in a comfy time warp: it’s warm and friendly and runs at a slower pace than its busy neighbours. It’s also home to the National Motorcycle Museum of Australia, with a dazzling array of vintage motorcycles.

Trip Planner Stay

Hidden Nabiac: History, eating, shopping… Nabiac is a quaint country town where history buffs can explore on foot with the Nabiac Heritage Walk. If you prefer motorsports, then head straight to the National Motorcycle Museum with its remarkable collection of vintage motorcycles. Enjoy lunch at the Greenhouse Café before browsing the heritage shops: Muse Gallery for locally made art and gifts, Vintage Magnolia for vintage clothing, Circle of Friends for fashion and Shellie’s for country wear. Before leaving Nabiac, drop into the Artisan Farmer for a selection of local produce from their deli, bakery and kitchen—they’re newly famous for it!

Camping/Glamping: Kings Creek Retreat; Riverside Farm Escape

House: Riverside Park Cottage; Dungannon Eco Retreat

Retreat: Clarendon Forest Retreat

B&B/Farm stay: Minimbah Cottages; Minimbah Fishing Lodge

Something special: Genuine American tipis at Kings Creek Retreat for a unique group farm stay or escape to the hills at Amaroo One in Minimbah, a hilltop tiny house retreat nature experience with 365-degree views.

Events History Art&

Arts & Crafts;

Treat yourself to a treatment at Ambince Wellness Centre at Maggies Farm Sanctuary;

Muse

National Motorcycle Museum; Nabiac Heritage Walk.

Belinda’s Beauty Salon; Nabiac Hair & Beauty

Nabiac Farmers Market Wallamba District Show

The Artisan Farmer

Dungannon Eco Retreat

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

Browse the gallery and motorcycle museum on a rainy day to discover what fills a motorcycle enthusiast with joy. The Artisan Farmer eatery is easily accessed off the Pacific Highway, but take care turning in front of oncoming traffic; this eatery is card-only. Launch your boat into Wallamba River at Bullocky Wharf Reserve. For evening entertainment, check out the gig guides for Nabiac Hotel and Krambach Hotel for live music and competitive trivia nights.

Nature

Surrounded by reserves, it’s no surprise this riverside village has clubs for birdwatching, ﬁshing and garden lovers.

Parks: Memorial Reserve; Aub Ferris Sports Complex (Nabiac Showground); Bullocky Wharf Recreation Reserve; Talawahl Nature Reserve; Wallamba Nature Reserve

Walks: Walking tracks with Talawahl and Wallamba Nature Reserves Picnics: Within any of the nature reserves

Eat&Drink

The Artisan Farmer – This extraordinary eatery redeﬁnes highway dining: it’s a paddock to plate regional farm experience complete with cafe, deli and bakery. Stop for delicious breakfast or lunch, top up the pantry or ﬁll your picnic basket. Did someone say crispy pork bahn mi or carrot and brie tart? Yes, please, and a loaf of your housemade sourdough bread to take with me.

Greenhouse Café – The long-time star of Nabiac café life, serving local farm-fresh produce and great coﬀee from a heritage building. The Full Greenhouse Breakfast will easily take you past lunchtime hunger, but the blueberry pancake stack is suitable for any time of day.

Nabiac Hotel – A country pub that serves crowd-pleasers of locallysourced seasonal food, it’s hard to choose between the grilled honey mustard lamb cutlets or the roast pork belly. Or maybe visit on schnitzel night and add the Nabiac topper (creamy white wine sauce with cheese and bacon) or Reef topper (creamy garlic sauce with prawns and squid).

Nabiac Bakery – An old-school bakery with a solid claim to fame for their tasty pies, you’ll love the selection of classic sweet and savoury treats. This is what country bakeries across Australia used to look like before they got a bit fancy: simple yet satisfying.

Krambach Hotel – A country pub serving everything you need for that road trip meal (including nine diﬀerent types of burgers) to enjoy as you admire the expensive motorcycles lined up out the front on the Bucketts Way. Try the porterhouse steak with Texas sauce.

DISCOVER AMAROO FARMSTAY

Perched on a hilltop with breathtaking 360° views, Amaroo One, Tiny House retreat is your perfect eco-conscious farmstay escape. Rest, relax, or bring your own horse! Amaroo is a working cattle farm and home to Balanced Dressage, offering educational equine training in a peaceful, inspiring setting.

Contact: Anke 0408 882 730 Paul 0404 096 788

Dungannon Eco Retreat

The Artisan Farmer

Nestled at the foot of the Buccan Buccans mountains at the junction of three rivers, Gloucester is the basecamp for nearby Barrington Tops, Copeland Tops and Gloucester Tops. It’s famous for dramatic mountain ranges, picturesque farming valleys and platypus-filled rivers.

Gloucester Trip Planner

Valley wanderer: After breakfast, drive to Mograni Lookout to view the Buccan Buccans in their morning glory; drive back into Gloucester to the Bucketts Scenic Walk to view the valley from a more intimate perspective. Enjoy lunch at The Common café before heading to the ex-gold rush village of Copeland with several forest walks deep in Copeland Tops SCA (book a guided tour or choose one of the walking tracks). Afterwards, settle into the beer garden at Gloucester’s Roundabout Inn for a refreshing beverage and stay for a tasty bistro meal from The Kitchen.

River tracker: Pick up picnic supplies at Batter & Dough and take the scenic drive to Rocky Crossing on the Barrington River for a swim or paddle. Continue to the next valley and cross the Gloucester River onto Faulkland Road with more picnic spots at the next two river fords. Return to Gloucester for a café lunch and continue into Gloucester District Park to finish your exploration alongside the Gloucester River.

Nature

Parks: Billabong Park; Memorial Park; Gloucester District Park; King George V Park

Walks: Bucketts Scenic Walk; Gloucester Heritage Walk; Gloucester District Park; Copeland Tops SCA

Cycling: Paths in Gloucester District Park; road loop on Boundary, Philip & Church Streets; road loop on Jacks Road & Waukivory Road; gravel grinding on back roads around Gloucester and Barrington Tops; mountain biking at Barrington Bike Park

Picnics: Billabong Park, Memorial Park, Gloucester District Park; Barrington Reserve; Rocky Crossing Reserve; Mograni Lookout Dog-friendly: Gloucester District Park, Captain Cook Park

Art by Ali Haigh alihaigh.com

Copeland Tops

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

The best time to photograph the Buccan Buccans is before noon at Mograni Lookout and from Barrington West Road in the a ernoon. The best places to paddle, swim and picnic at the same spot are at Barrington Reserve or the reserve at Rocky Crossing on Barrington West Road. For evening entertainment, check out the gig guide for The Roundabout Inn and Club Gloucester for live music.

Eat&Drink

The Kitchen – Gloucester’s favourite bistro in the Roundabout Inn with indoor and outdoor seating, best known for unbeatable pub food plus hearty daily specials for lunch and dinner. Try the crumbed lamb cutlets with mash to remind you of home.

Roadies Café – A long-time favourite for breakfast and lunch with tasty meals for travellers, no matter how many wheels they’re driving. It’s now newly famous for woodfire pizzas, jazzy cocktail nights, live entertainment and coffee by that cosy fireplace.

Batter & Dough – Forget Paris! This glamorous patisserie is ﬁlled with handmade deliciousness on every shelf, all baked onsite, and you’ll want to stock up on sourdough and pastries, sweet and savoury. The mini banoﬀee pie is the latest favourite and may just overtake the French vanilla slice.

Land and Sea Cafe – Oﬀering modern Australian cuisine plus comfort food and themed nights for dinner, with a cosy courtyard that’s also dog-friendly. Remember surf ‘n turf? Get it here as scotch ﬁllet topped with creamy garlic prawns.

History

Copeland Cultural Connections Tours

Gloucester Creatives

Gloucester Gallery

Gloucester Heritage Walk

Gloucester Museum

Mountain Maid Heritage Gold Mine Tours

Roadies Cafe

Copeland Cultural Connections Tours

Batter and Dough

Take a Breath

Just a three-hour drive north of Sydney, Gloucester is the basecamp to the breathtaking World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops. Surrounded by stunning scenery, The Great Escape Lo s oﬀers

4.5-star luxury accommodation right in the heart of town—a perfect retreat a er a day of exploring this beautiful region.

Each stylish, self-contained apartment is designed for two guests and features polished hardwood ﬂoors, a bright openplan living space, a spacious modern kitchen, and a private deck. Upstairs, the lo -style king bedroom invites restful nights, while the spa bath oﬀers a serene space to unwind and recharge.

Guests can also enjoy a large communal outdoor BBQ area and alfresco dining space overlooking a sparkling swimming pool and sweeping countryside views. For a relaxing escape with all the comforts of a private apartment and the beauty of nature at your doorstep, book your stay at The Great Escape Lo s in Gloucester. greatescapelo s.com.au 0427 589 075

TheGreatEscapeLo s great_escape_lo s

Accommodation Gloucester is a collection of comfortable, convenient and aﬀordable boutique properties in Gloucester, Barrington and surrounds. Gloucester, the basecamp for the scenic World Heritage-listed wilderness region of Barrington Tops, is located on the Barrington Coast of New South Wales.

Committed to making contemporary, comfortable, clean and convenient accommodation in Gloucester and surrounds aﬀordable for everyone, Accommodation Gloucester oﬀers a range of accommodation options to suit most travel budgets from motelstyle to apartments and houses.

Gloucester, The Jewel of the Barrington Coast!

accommodationmanagementgloucester.com.au 0427 589 075

AccommodationGloucester

accommodation_gloucester

Stay

Camping: The Steps Barrington; Poleys Place; Barrington Reserve; Copeland Reserve; Bretti Reserve

Glamping: Amaroo Escape

Mandy Tomlinson Pilates

Milady Salon

Southern Belle Hair & Beauty

House/tiny house: The Ridge; Riverview Cottage; Roseleigh Cottage; Serendipity; Tugwood Cottage; Mansﬁeld Cottage; Barrington Hideaway; Barrington Eco Hut; Bindera Container House; The Ridge Eco Cabin; The Church at Barrington; Barrington Riverside Cottages

Motel: The Great Escape Lo s; Bucketts Way Motel; Country Lodge Motel

Holiday park: Gloucester Holiday Park

Resort/Retreat: Kia Ora Lookout Retreat; Altamira Along Bakers Creek

B&B/Farm stay: Copeland House

B&B; Dam It Getaway; Farthings B&B; Villa Medici B&B; Highlanders Retreat; Longford; Ashmar; Waukivory Estate

Something diﬀerent: Narraweema

Guesthouse for country luxe, ‘The Rise’ Longford Farmhouse, a stunning renovated property full of character and over 100 years of history

Base camp: to the World Heritagelisted wilderness of Barrington Tops. Visit AccommodationManagementGloucester. com.au — a curated collection of comfortable, convenient and aﬀordable boutique properties, including The Great Escape Lo s in the heart of Gloucester.

Events

Bush Poetry At The Saleyards

Gloucester Farmers Market

Motorcycle Expo

Mountain Man Tri Challenge

Adventure Collection

Amaroo Escape

Waukivory Estate

Mandy Tomlinson Pilates

BarringtonTops

Art by Ali Haigh alihaigh.com

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area

Parks: The 125,000 hectares of the Barrington Tops parklands include the national park itself, several state forests, state conservation areas, reserves, the eastern precinct of Gloucester Tops, the southern precinct including Chichester State Forest, plus the western precinct of Mt Royal.

Walks: Polblue Swamp Walking Track; Polblue Falls Track; Honeysuckle Forest Walking Track; Gloucester Tops Circuit; Blue Gum Loop Walking Track; Rocky Crossing Walking Track

Barrington Tops is the highest point on the Australian mainland you can drive to, outside the Snowy Mountains. It is famous for its world heritage wilderness, which includes ancient forests, lookouts, waterfalls, walking tracks, 4WD trails and snow. It’s the highest point of the Barrington Coast, marking our western boundary, and it’s how we got our name.

Trip Planner

Barrington Tops adventurer: Get up early – this is a full-day itinerary of the northern precinct of the parklands, so pack all your picnic needs, including water. You’ll visit Cobark Lookout; Honeysuckle Forest Walk; Thunderbolts Lookout; Devils Hole Lookout; Polblue picnic area; The Firs; Dingo Gate; Polblue Falls and Gummi Falls. Cover all these and you’ve well and truly experienced this stunning region. Remember to come back when it snows, just to compare.

BarringtonTops History Art&

Cycling: Gravel grinding routes across the plateau and around Gloucester

Picnics: Cobark Lookout; Honeysuckle Picnic Area; Devils Hole Picnic Area

Dog-friendly and horse-friendly: Only in state forests within Barrington Tops parklands

Gloucester Tops explorer: Pack your picnic supplies for a scenic drive to Gloucester Tops through rolling farmland, tree-clad mountains and across six river ford crossings. At the top, you can enjoy the Gloucester Tops Circuit for lookouts, waterfalls, mossy cascades and hidden forest glens. This eastern precinct of Barrington Tops is a microcosm of all that’s special about this world heritage parkland, so step behind the green curtain and be marvelled.

Mount McKenzie Aboriginal Place near Gloucester Tops preserves the location of the massacre of a group of Aborigines shot or thrown off a cliff by settlers in 1835 in retaliation for the killing of five convict shepherds.

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

Access to Barrington Tops is free. The gravel road across the plateau is suitable for 2WD vehicles except in wet/snowy conditions; 4WD trails oﬀ the main road are closed seasonally from June to Sep each year. It’s a wilderness, so take all your own food and water with you, plus a full fuel tank (last chance is Barrington Village General Store). Phone coverage is intermittent, so don’t rely on your phone for directions. Instead, pick up a free map at Gloucester Visitor Information Centre. During snowfall events, the best snow is generally between Honeysuckle Picnic Area and Polblue Swamp, and is accessible by 4WD only. For Aussie Ark tours, August is generally a good time to see Tassie Devil joeys just out of their mum’s pouch, but for a cheaper visit, attend the Open Days in January each year. Evenings in the parklands are best enjoyed around a campﬁre and stargazing into the Milky Way galaxy directly overhead.

Being a remote wilderness, you’ll ﬁnd a great selection of camping spots here where you can immerse yourself in Gondwanda magic. Options just outside the parklands are available if you prefer a non-canvas roof.

Camping: Polblue Campground; Horse Swamp Campground; Manning River Campground; Gummi Falls Campground; Junction Pools Campground; Gloucester River Campground

Retreat: Hidden Haven

Events Stay

Tours at Aussie Ark throughout the year, plus Aussie Ark Open Days in January.

Thunderbolts Adventure cycling race

Barrington Coast 500 cycling event

House/tiny house: Quolls Cottage; Barrington Eco Hut; Pumpkin Cottage; Mudaridge; The Woll

Farm stay: Camp Cobark; ‘The Rise’ Longford Farmhouse, a stunning renovated property full of character and over 100 years of history.

Something special: Devils Retreat near Aussie Ark includes a facilities tour and the chance to cuddle a Tasmanian Devil joey.

Try shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) in Gondwana rainforests and take in the forest through your senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. It will prove the Barrington Tops parklands are good for your body, mind and soul.

EAT & DRINK Come prepared with your own supplies for picnics and high-altitude camping.

Hidden Haven

Stroud Trip

Planner

Stroud is the historic epicentre of the Port Stephens Estate, established by the Australian Agricultural Co as part of its first foray into the fledgling NSW colony. The town sits in a gorgeous valley described in 1826 as being “like a gentleman’s park”, back in the days when park meant glamorous estate of the well-heeled. Stroud is easily the prettiest town in the whole north coast, and the gently rolling green hills have inspired some awesome wellbeing experiences.

Stroud stroll: Pick up a takeaway coffee or a generously scooped ice cream cone at Stroud Milkbar and browse the interesting wares and local produce at Stroud Crafty Friends. Take the self-guided walk to view this pretty town or tour the Court House museum and Quambi House. Stop for a tasty light lunch at Billy T Café, or get some takeaway goodies for a picnic on Silo Hill. In the afternoon, head to The Farmers Wife Distillery and treat yourself to a tasting plate of multi-award-winning gin. Stay the afternoon with grazing boards of local deliciousness to share or farmhouse pizza. Return to Stroud and finish your day with the scenic views and delicious dinner at Three Birdies within Stroud Country Club.

Nature

Walks: Stroud Heritage Walk

Cycling: Stroud Showground

Picnics: Allen Park; Silo Hill Reserve

Image by Ben Cirulis

Parks: Allen Park; Stroud Showground; Monkerai Nature Reserve; Black Bulga Nature Reserve; The Glen Nature Reserve

delicious’, the great coﬀee and food here gets everyone hooked, with daily specials to inspire your food journey: laksa, corn and bean fritters, Dutch baby pancakes and irresistible baked cheesecake and house-made lamingtons.

Stroud Milkbar & Cafe – An old-fashioned milk bar serving food that’s never out of fashion because it’s fresh and generous. The burgers, pizzas and ice cream scoops are piled high, and the shelves of lollies in old-fashioned glass jars make every kid’s eyes light up.

Three Birdies – Golf club bistros should all be this good, with mountain views across the fairways and delicious specials, such as the So Taco Board with grilled rump steak or crispy chicken that’s big enough to share (or not).

Eat&Drink

The Farmers Wife Distillery – Their multi-awardwinning gin is enough reason to visit, but you’ll also love the bistro food for breakfast or lunch. For gin ﬂight tastings with your besties, try the share plates: arancini, farmhouse pizza, prosciutto-wrapped chicken ballotine, swordﬁsh steak with rocket pesto, plus more!

The Koffee Run – The owner loves cooking, chatting and coffee, so you know you’ve hit the jackpot of deliciousness. They serve great coffee, homemade cakes and slices, plus goodies for breakfast and lunch. Does a triple choc fudge cake or lemon meringue pie count as lunch? (Answer is always yes!)

House/tiny

Resort:

B&B: Billy T B&B; Peach Trees B&B

Something special: Stroud Church, a restored 1887 church

Camping: Stroud Showground; Bucketts Way Camp‘n Stay; Willowbank

Glamping: Mufasa

house: Storekeepers Cottage; Nights On Broadway; Peppers Mountain Lodge; Mill Pond Cabin; Fireﬂy Tiny House

Riverwood Downs

The Farmer's Wife Distillery

Stroud Church

Mill Pond Cabin

History Art&

History is all around you in this town, so immerse yourself in the Stroud Heritage Walk or visit Quambi House and Stroud Court House Museum. You can buy local artwork displayed on the wall at Billy T Café.

Welcome to Stroud

Stroud stands on the traditional lands of the Worimi people whose ongoing connection to country and culture we respectfully acknowledge.

Stroud is rich in history with a special place in Australia’s colonial past.

In 1824 Australia’s first publicly funded company – the Australian Agricultural Company (A.A. Company) – received a grant of one million acres of agricultural land between Port Stephens and the Manning River.

the beginningS of Stroud

In 1826 the company’s first chief agent, Robert Dawson, selected the site for an inland town. He chose a valley where the Karuah River and Mill Creek joined and named the site ‘Stroud’, after the English town of the same name in Gloucestershire, England.

Settlement began in the late 1820’s and Stroud became the company’s headquarters during the 1830’s.

Using largely convict labour, the A.A. Company erected a number of buildings in Stroud, many of which are still standing and in use today. These include St. John’s Church built in 1833 by the company’s first commissioner, Sir Edward William Parry.

Together with the church, rectory and parish hall, the buildings are considered highly significant examples of Georgian colonial architecture.

4. ANGLICAN CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST built in 1833 by convicts under the supervision of Thomas Laman.

One of the first buildings to be constructed in Stroud by A.A. Company

Commissioner Sir Edward Parry.

A finely crafted example of early colonial Georgian architecture, it has been described as “Perhaps the finest and certainly the most intact Anglican Church in Australia which predates the influence of ecclesiology… historic importance and architectural quality make it of outstanding importance...” (Clive Lucas, heritage architect). Incredibly, few changes have been made to the building, and it remains essentially as it was designed and constructed in 1833.

The church is surrounded by the fascinating St John’s cemetery. Notable gravestones include those of Alan and Mary McAskill, who were brutally murdered at Booral in 1878 in Stroud’s most enduring mystery. The Historical Society has information on many of the gravestones.

5. ST JOHN’S PARISH HALL was built in 1858 and was used as a school when the parish school (now Quambi Museum) became overcrowded.

Together the hall, church, rectory and Quambi form an aesthetically significant group of colonial Georgian buildings known as ‘the St Johns’ group’ which remain virtually unaltered since construction, in their original setting and continuing their original social, spiritual and educational functions.

View from Stroud Common toward St John’s Anglican Church, circa 1906-1912

Walking through

The self-guided Stroud Heritage and sites of Stroud. Taking in Silo Hill and Stroud Showground, hour, 4km walk. An alternative the town centre and takes around North Stroud from Post Office

A

Deliciousness

Ange, owner of Billy T Café in Stroud, NSW on the Barrington Coast. For over 100 years 75 Cowper Street has been the town’s main café, owned and operated by many in the Stroud community.

Ange and her husband Kev are proud to continue its legacy, bringing their unique take on delicious food. “The food is fresh and delicious with loads of old favourites, plus plenty of flavours from around the world,” says Ange.

The café offers ready-to-go Turkish bread sandwiches that can be toasted in the sandwich press or sold fresh for travellers on the go. Coffee, T2 tea, fresh juices, house-made cakes and slices, with loads of gluten free options and a specials board that changes weekly add to the appeal. Visit Billy T Café for a taste of fresh, delicious food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere!

TAKE A LOAD OFF - cosy up in “Billy T BnB”

Stay at their cosy Billy T BnB Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of Stroud. It’s the only B&B with café-style room service. The threebedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom flat comfortably sleeps six adults. Ask about their drop-off & pick-up service to The Farmers Wife Gin Distillery.

GET IN TOUCH

Walks and waterfalls

Ellenborough Falls

This iconic waterfall is the tallest single drop waterfall in NSW and a shining example of the beauty of water in the Barrington Coast… from the mountains to the sea.

Bulahdelah Mountain

Make a spiritual connection to Worimi Country at this Aboriginal Place where you can respectfully explore walks, lookouts, tree carvings and cultural space with fire pit.

Yacaaba Headland

A challenging walk at the southern boundary of the Barrington Coast with stunning views of blues and greens across Port Stephens and Myall Lakes National Park.

Ellenborough Falls

Bulahdelah Mountain.

Yacaaba Headland

Crowdy Bay National Park

Diamond Head

Explore the splendours of Crowdy Bay National Park at the northern boundary of the Barrington Coast: headlands, mountains and superb sweeps of golden sand beaches.

Gloucester Tops Circuit

Cattai Wetlands

The best of Barrington Tops treasures rolled into a single journey: hidden forest glades, wetland walk, mossy cascades and a lookout across deep gorges and nearby peaks.

Potoroo Falls

Be prepared to get your feet wet as you follow the creekside trail to this beautiful cascade hidden in Tapin Tops National Park, and don’t forget your swim gear.

A unique sanctuary for over 180 species, the natural beauty and ecological value of these coastal wetlands is astounding so don’t forget your binoculars.

Waitui Falls

Tucked away in the Comboyne State Forest next to Coorabakh National Park, Waitui Falls can be a little tricky to find, but worth it.

Booti Booti Hill

A winding forest walk rewarding you with Pacific Ocean views, a swim at Elizabeth Beach and the beautiful shores of Wallis Lake lined with cabbage tree palms.

Barrington Coast is the destination brand of MidCoast Council

Gloucester Tops Circuit

Cattai Wetlands

Waitui Falls

Booti Booti National Park

Potoroo Falls

Hallidays Point is famous for holding its secrets closely: beautiful beaches, headlands and forests. The coastal landscape here embraces the seaside villages of Black Head, Red Head, Diamond Head and Tallwoods Village, all of which enjoy the quintessential Australian coastal lifestyle. Here, ‘laidback’ is more than a leisure description; it’s a whole lifestyle.

Nature

Parks: Wylie Breckenridge Park; Diamond Beach Park; Red Head Reserve; Darawank Nature Reserve

Walks: Black Head Flora Reserve Walk; Red Head Reserve; Seascape Reserve

Picnics: The lagoon at Black Head Reserve; Headland Reserve; Diamond Beach Park

Dog-friendly: Black Head Beach; Back Beach; Nine Mile Beach; Diamond Beach (also horse-friendly)

Hall Pointidays

Trip Planner

Hallidays Point beach challenge: Take a morning walk along Black Head beach and afterwards a few laps at Black Head Ocean Baths. Grab a coffee from The Point Café and enjoy the lagoon and beach views before taking the Headland Walk atop Black Head; climb the steps to watch for whales from the viewing platform before heading down onto Pebbly Beach for a secluded swim. Continue around the cliff walk onto Back Beach and then up the road to Hallidays Sports Club for a bistro lunch. Afterwards, drive to Diamond Beach for an afternoon walk and swim. Finish your day at Diamond Beach with dinner at the Brazilian café Bronte Bello or enjoy classic Roman food at Lupo’s.

Art by Ali Haigh alihaigh.com

Eat&Drink

Bronte Belo – The famous Brazilian café at Sydney’s Bronte Beach has a little sister at Diamond Beach. Enjoy coﬀee over brunch or sample Brazilian meals like feijoada, moqueca, prato feito, picanha steak and those signature barbecue plates.

Hallidays Point Tavern – Pub favourites are done well here and supported by a lengthy daily specials board featuring dishes from across the world. Regular live music and themed nights for dinner always draw the crowds, plus locally brewed cra beers from The Coastal Brewing Co on tap. Visit on Thursday nights when the schnitzels are plate-sized!

Hallidays Sports Club – Club bistro favourites in a relaxed headland setting, with chargrilled meats and ﬁsh, healthy salads and Asian dishes.

Lupo’s – Traditional Roman-style pizza and pasta from the heart of Italy takes a gourmet twist at Diamond Beach, dine in or takeaway. A proper Margherita or Capriccioso may just change your outlook on the world, but always leave room for the house-made tiramisu.

The Bunker Bar – This bistro in Tallwoods Country Club has delicious options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with daily blackboard specials. Try the smashed avocado with poached eggs, salsa and feta cheese crumble.

The Point Bakery Cafe – Baked goodies freshly made onsite, served with organic coﬀee to eat in or take to the beach, make this the perfect coastal café!

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

Black Head Ocean Baths are drained for maintenance on Thursdays (weekly in summer, fortnightly in winter). 4WDs are allowed on Nine Mile Beach (with a permit) with access points at Black Head and Tuncurry. Dogs can be walked oﬀ leash on Diamond Beach, Black Head Beach, Back Beach and Nine Mile Beach (but be wary of 4WDs). Diamond Beach is horse-friendly. Enjoy whale watching (May-Oct) from the headland observation at Black Head. During north easterly winds, try Back Beach or swim at Black Head Ocean Baths. For evening entertainment, check out the gig guides for Hallidays Point Tavern, Hallidays Sports Club and Tallwoods Country Club for live music and competitive musical trivia nights.

Hallidays Sports Club

History Art& Stay

Art exhibitions are a regular feature at Hallidays Point Library, where you can buy the work of local artists.

There’s a surprisingly good accommodation selection for every desire or need, including dog-friendly, horse-friendly and a multi-award-winning accessible house with a pool li .

Camping: Hallidays Point Caravan Park; Manning Park Rest (horse-friendly)

House: Aquinnah Park; Scapegrace; Sereno Costa; Seahorse Diamond Beach; Seafarers Diamond Beach; Diamond Beach House,

Holiday park: Big4 Happy Hallidays; Hallidays Point Caravan Park (horse-friendly)

Resort/Retreat: Serenity Diamond Beach; Seashells Beachfront Resort; Clarendon Forest Retreat; Tallwoods Country Club Bungalows

B&B/Farm stay: Palmyra B&B; Palmyra Maple Cabin; The Dairy Farmgate 366

Something special: Black Diamond Beach House with your own sauna or Diamond Beach House By The Beach Butler, a beautifully styled house with a wood ﬁreplace leading directly to the sun-drenched timber deck and plunge pool, just moments from the sand. Perfect for groups or families.

Take a class at Welcome Space in Red Head: yoga, dance, music, meditation and sound healing. And never underestimate the power of watching the sunrise over the ocean!

Diamond Beach House

Serenity Diamond Beach

Morning Meditation by the Sea - Welcome Space Studio

Art by Ali Haigh alihaigh.com

Taree and Wingham are famous for the mighty Manning River, intrinsically linked to the history of the colony of NSW. Their commercial importance endures today with signiﬁcant annual events like Tastefest, Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival and Wingham Music Festival. Taree is also culturally endowed with a regional art gallery, entertainment centre and a new exhibition and performance studio.

TRIP PLANNER

Town discovery: A er breakfast, take the self-guided Heritage Walk to view historic buildings and parks. Drive to Apex Lookout for the best view of the Manning River, then ﬁll your a ernoon with a visit to the Manning Regional Art Gallery, a show at the Manning Entertainment Centre or an exhibition at Beryl Jane Flett Studio. Select delicious local produce at Mentges Master Meats and ice cream from Barrington Coast Creamery, but leave enough room for a delicious Italian dinner at Café Giardino.

Manning explorer: Start your day in Wingham with breakfast at the Garden Grub Café, then wander through Central Park to the banks of the Manning River. While Wingham Brush is currently undergoing repairs following recent flooding, the town still offers rich experiences — explore local history at the Wingham Museum and enjoy lunch at the award-winning Bent on Food Café. Take a short scenic drive to Brushy Cutting Lookout, visit the latest gallery works at Artisans on the Hill, and explore the stories at the Tinonee Museum before finishing your day with a flavoursome Korean BBQ at Twohans Restaurant in Taree.

Ellenborough Falls

Apex Lookout, Taree

Events

Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival

Taree Envirofair

TasteFest on the Manning Wingham Music Festival

Agriculture Event: Wingham

Beef Week unites students, juniors, producers, and enthusiasts each May to celebrate agriculture.

Ambiance Day Spa

Admire Skincare & Beauty

Glow Beauty Therapy

Manning Natural Healing Centre

Taree Wellness Centre

Artisans On The Hill

Beryle Jane Flett Studio

Deep Water Shark Gallery

Manning Entertainment Centre

Manning Regional Art Gallery

Taree Heritage Walk

Tinonee Museum

Wingham Museum

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

See the grey-headed ﬂying foxes in their summer camp in Wingham Brush Reserve. There are several viewing points at Ellenborough Falls, but only attempt the 641 steps if you’re reasonably ﬁt. Wet weather activities include galleries, museums, clubs, shopping, cinema, tenpin bowling and more. For evening entertainment, check out the gig guides for the MEC, Club Taree, Wynter Tavern and Royal Hotel for shows, live music, trivia nights and karaoke.

Camping: Taree Showground; Twilight Caravan Park; Wingham Showground; Cundle Flat Farm; Knorrit Flat Riverside Retreat

Motel: Midlands Motel; Riverview Motel; Golf Club Motor Inn

Holiday park: Dawson River Tourist Park Resort/Retreat: Nundoobah Retreat; Hillside Estate

B&B/Farm stay: The Birches B&B; Wingham House B&B; Bellbird Hill B&B; Linga Longa Cottage

Something diﬀerent: Mansﬁeld On The Manning, a luxury boutique retreat

Ambiance Day Spa

Wingham Barrington Coast

Taree Barrington Coast

Deep Water Shark Gallery

Eat&Drink Nature

Parks: Queen Elizabeth Park; Fotheringham Park; Endeavour Place Reserve; Andrews Reserve; Harry Bennett Park; Rotary Park; Central Park; Wingham Brush Reserve; Brimbin Nature Reserve; Tapin Tops National Park; Kiwarrak State Forest

Walks: Taree Heritage Walk; Bicentennial Gardens; Dawson River Wetland Boardwalk; Brimbin Nature Reserve; Wingham Brush Boardwalk

Cycling: Mountain biking at Kiwarrak State Forest

Picnics: Queen Elizabeth Park; Andrews Reserve; Apex Lookout; Wingham Brush Reserve; Ellenborough Falls Reserve

Dog-friendly: Chrissy Gollan Park; Saxby Park

Twohans – Asian fusion with Korean and Japanese dishes, including tabletop yakiniku grills for a fun barbecue experience. The house-made gyozas are superb, while the Korean bibimbap bowls are healthy and delicious.

Café Giardino – Delicious seasonal food to remind you just how good Italian cuisine can be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The lamb ragu rigatoni, risotto verde and Nonna’s panna cotta will take you to Tuscany.

The Exchange – Located just steps from the scenic Manning River, The Exchange Hotel is the local spot to enjoy a cold beer and a pub feed while watching your favourite sport on the big screen.

Jashan Lounge – In the style of an Indian tea house, this hidden gem delivers a substantial menu with authentic ﬂavours, colours and aromas. Try these vegetarian delights, whether you’re vego or not: the black lentil daal, malai ko a or eggplant masala.

Café Thyme – The café favourites here are always stacked high with colour and ﬂavour. Try the crispy corn fritter burger, lime chilli squid salad, or the Canadian pancake stack with bacon, caramelised banana and maple syrup.

Bent On Food – This multi-award-winning eatery is dedicated to local seasonal produce, cooked to perfection. Famous for eggs benny with vibrant colours only seen with local eggs and house-made hollandaise, or try something that may become your new favourite, such as roast mushroom bruschetta with baby spinach and blue cheese.

The Boathouse Cafe – Feeling a lot like a cruise ship sailing the broad Manning River, the selection of breakfast and lunch favourites here is large and the serves are generous. Leave room for any of the delicious house-made desserts from the cabinet; our pick is the sky-high Neapolitan vanilla slice.

Bent on Food, Wingham

Manning Regional Gallery Barrington Coast

Potoroo Falls

Art by Ali Haigh alihaigh.com

OLD BAR & Manning Point Stay

Camping: Weerona Holiday Park; Farquhar Park (boat access only)

House: Baevue Cottage; Finns At Old Bar; Wishlist At Wallabi; Attic & Co

Holiday park: Big4 Manning Point; Ingenia Old Bar Beach; Weerona Holiday Park

Motel: Club Old Bar Motel

Resort/Retreat: Chiltern Lodge

Retreat; Kiwarrak Country Retreat; Melaleuca Retreat; Meridien Beachside Apartments

B&B: Mescals at Pampoolah

Farmstay: The Mad Shack; Grovewood Country Escape

Something special: Try a farm stay in The Mad Shack on a working oyster farm, or choose one of the rock‘n roll rooms at Boogie Woogie Beach House.

The Manning River is famous for being the only double delta in the southern hemisphere. Home to the picturesque seaside villages of Old Bar and Manning Point, these vibrant villages enjoy the wide blue waters of the river, expansive golden sand beaches and excellent surf breaks.

Trip Planner

Saltwater seeker: Head to Old Bar and enjoy breakfast at the beach at Blowfish Café and a short walk on expansive Old Bar Beach. Stock up on your picnic favourites at Old Bar Bakery before driving to Saltwater National Park, where you can surf at Wallabi Beach, walk the headland to watch for whales or dolphins, or paddle your kayak or SUP on the Khappinghat Creek lagoon. Enjoy your picnic under the trees with your feet in the water, then stroll along the Five Islands Walking Track before heading back to Old Bar for a coffee at Buyi Espresso Bar. During the week, you can finish your day at Old Bar Tavern for delicious bistro meals done well, or on weekends, visit Flow Bar for evening cocktails, delicious tapas and live music. You can even stay overnight upstairs at the utterly unique Boogie Woogie Beach House.

nusaindahsurfboards

Nature Eat&Drink

Parks: Badgers Park; Molong Reserve; Old Bar Park; Wallabi Point Park; Saltwater National Park; Khappinghat National Park and Nature Reserve

Walks: Old Bar Park Environmental Walk; Five Islands Walking Track; Headland Walking Track

Picnics: Badgers Park; Old Bar Park; Saltwater Picnic Area

Dog-friendly: Old Bar Beach; Manning Point Beach; Wallabi Point Beach

Flow Bar – A quintessential coastal café with live music and great food for breakfast, lazy lunch, sunset dinner or drinks on the deck.

Tasty tapas, pasta, salads and gourmet pizzas named a er music gods, like Blondie, Meatloaf and Morrissey, plus lots more to rock your boat.

The Tav – Old Bar Tavern is a coastal pub that lets the good times roll with live music, gourmet options and pub favourites: steak sandwiches, Sunday roasts and schnitzels topped with every ﬂavour and colour.

Blowﬁsh Café – A beachside café famous for giant burgers and their twist on Mexican street food, including crunchy pork belly tacos, chorizo hot dogs, chicken quesadillas and pork chimichangas. Está delicioso!

Buyi Espresso Bar – Excellent coﬀee is their fame, together with tasty baked goodies from Palms Artisan Bakery showcased here, so you know you’ll never go wrong. You may need an extra cinnamon scroll with that second ristretto.

Sai Thai Table & Tea - Authentic Thai street food, Thai comfort food and ﬁnely cra ed fusion cuisine. Be tempted by the crispy mushrooms or green spicy mussels, the crispy pork belly with broccoli and salted soya bean, salmon red Thai curry, or the chef’s own creation of caramelised tofu.

The Waterbird – It’s perched over the water at Manning Point, so seafood is featured, of course. The food complements the stunning views, and there are themed dinners too. Come for the Spanish omelette breakfast but stay for the seafood platter or crab cutlets for a lunch bonanza.

History Art& Events

TOP TIPS

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

During north-easterly winds, try Saltwater Beach as an alternative for Old Bar Beach. Try Saltwater Headland for whale watching May-Oct. Catch a wave with Saltwater Surf School or walk your dog oﬀ-leash on Old Bar Beach. 4WDs are allowed on restricted areas of Manning Point Beach and Old Bar Beach (with a permit). For evening entertainment, check out the gig guides for Flow Bar, Old Bar Tavern and Club Old Bar for live music and trivia nights.

Saltwater Aboriginal Place

Ali Haigh Art Gallery Old Bar

Classic Beauty Boutique

Diamond Beauty Cosmetic Clinic

JC Pilates

Noojee Day Spa

Old Bar Wellness Centre

Old Bar Beach Festival

Old Bar Market

Flow Bar Julie Slavin

Art by Ali Haigh

These three quiet rural villages are gateways to the broad rivers, lush valleys and high forests of the Manning Valley, especially the forests and national parks that crown the escarpment with its deep green foliage.

Trip Planner Hannam Vale, Coopernook, & Moorland

Coorabakh expedition: Take a scenic drive through this compact but diverse national park. Compare the different Manning Valley views from atop the escarpment at Flat Rock Lookout and Newbys Lookout; wander the creekside path to Newbys Cave; linger on the boardwalk under the thick canopy on Starrs Creek Walk, and enjoy a rainforest picnic. Head back to civilisation at nearby Coopernook and finish with a cold drink and classic pub food at the Coopernook Hotel.

Hannam Vale explorer: Head to the hamlet of Hannam Vale for a scenic drive in landscapes that remind you of Byron Bay hinterland. Find Waitui Falls to tick this cascade off your list, heading towards Cattai Wetlands. On your way through Moorland, stop for lunch and a supply of scones from Moorland Café (best scones on the coast) and enjoy them at one of the scenic picnic spots in Cattai Wetlands. Admire this unique coastal wetland as you count the bird species you’ll see from the bird hide.

Stay

Camping: Coopernook Forest HQ

Campground; Swans Crossing Campground

House/Tiny House: Waterways Farm Tiny Retreat; Ma Petite Ferme at Misty Moos; Cob House; Starrs Creek Escape

B&B: McGowans B&B

Farm stay: Soulitude; Old Fig Farm; Mountain View Retreat; Rusty’s Hideaway

Something special: The Coopernook Hotel offers a great place to stop and rest for a night unhitched, with easy access to and from the highway as well as simple country hospitality at affordable prices.

Clunes Lane Cottage

Eat&Drink

Moorland Cottage Café – The ‘best scones on the coast’ is a claim easily proven correct here, but don’t miss the whole range of tasty goodness with daily specials for breakfast and lunch under the jacarandas, even High Tea for special occasions.

Coopernook Hotel – “The Coopy” is always open. This classic Aussie pub by the river oﬀers classic pub food done well: roasts, burgers, schnitzels, beerbattered ﬂathead and more. HOT TIP: the Farmers Mixed Grill for a hearty taste of country life!

TOP TIPS

Events History Art& Nature

Parks: Goonook Nature Reserve; Killabakh Nature Reserve; Cattai Wetlands; Lansdowne Nature Reserve; Coorabakh National Park; Comboyne State Forest; Lansdowne State Forest Walks: Cattai Wetlands Loop; Starrs Creek Boardwalk Picnics: Waitui Falls; Cattai Wetlands; Newbys Lookout

Coopernook Historic Wharf

Hannam Vale Hall Market Into The Wild Concert Series SoulFest

Beauty Barn

La View Womens Beauty

Camille’s Massage Lab

Elohim Reiki Centre

Breathe Acupuncture

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

Cattai Wetlands is open 7 days but has closing times, so plan your visit: 8am-3pm Mon-Fri and 7am-5pm SatSun. The Coopernook Hotel oﬀers overnight facilities for caravans and motorhomes but two nights maximum stay, bookable in advance. For evening entertainment, check out Hannam Vale General Store for themed dinners and occasional tours of the starry night skies.

Located in Harrington Waters, Shoreline Tavern is your go-to for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and unbeatable riverside vibes – open 7 days a week! Our seasonal menu is packed with fresh local produce, pub classics, and creative nightly specials – perfect for any appetite.

Celebrating?

From birthdays and reunions to weddings and everything in between, our team will help you create an event to remember. Our functions team is waiting to hear from you to start planning your next event today.

Use code SHOREY2427 for 10% o your next stay!

Make a weekend of it! Harrington River Lodge, right beside the Tavern, o ers quality, family-friendly accommodation in a beautiful riverside setting. Wake up to water views, enjoy a round of golf, wander the scenic 3km riverfront promenade, or set out for a day on the boat.

Perfect for families, couples or corporate stays, it’s your ideal base to relax, explore, and enjoy everything the Barrington Coast has to o er.

Crowdy Bay explorer: Pick up your favourite picnic treats before taking a scenic coastal drive along the remote shores of Crowdy Bay National Park. Stop at Crowdy Head Lighthouse to whale watch. Head onwards to Diamond Head to get up close to those famous kangaroos on the beach. Wander the Diamond Head Loop for spectacular views and pop into the reconstructed Kylies Hut. Harrington discovery: Take a leisurely stroll through history along the Harrington Heritage Riverwalk to find fascinating facts, tidbits of history and stories of creating new lives in a new world: shipbuilding, shipwrecks and missing ships. Enjoy lunch afterwards at Beach Street Dispensary, and soak in the vista from atop Pilot Hill, looking across the Manning River delta. Head down the hill and saunter along the Harrington Breakwall at sunset.

History Art &

& CROWDY HEAD Harrington Nature Trip Planner

There’s history everywhere in Harrington: Harrington Heritage River Walk with informative signage along the way; Pilot Hill to see the treacherous waters the early mariners had to navigate; Crowdy Head Lighthouse finished in 1878; Kylie’s Hut, where author Kylie Tennant stayed in the late 1960s and wrote her book Man On The Headland

Home to sweeping beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning views, Harrington is famous for the Manning River delta, where its waters join the Pacific Ocean after flowing 261 km from Barrington Tops. This is the only double delta river in the southern hemisphere, and the town has a proud maritime history of shipbuilding and ship piloting across the dangerous sandy shoals. The heritage 1878 Crowdy Head Lighthouse sits within Crowdy Bay National Park, which marks the northern boundary of the Barrington Coast. A curious kangaroo on the beach here recently featured on electronic billboards in New York’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus…. now that’s supermodel-famous!

Parks: Pilot Hill Reserve; Oxley Reserve; Crowdy Head Lighthouse Reserve; Muir Park at Crowdy Head; Harrington Beach State Park; Crowdy Bay National Park Beaches: Harrington; Crowdy Bay; Crowdy Head; Diamond Head

After all those walks, book a spa package at Hidden Beauty. Try the ‘Nourish & Nurture Cocoon’ or the ‘Total Surrender’ packages.

Walks: Harrington Waters Heritage Riverwalk; Harrington Breakwall; Harrington Rainforest Walk; Diamond Head Loop Walk Picnics: Oxley Reserve; Muir Park

Club Harrington – A popular family-friendly bistro with an extensive menu and probably the best water views of any bowlo in NSW.

Harrington Hotel – Prime position on the waterfront, you won’t go hungry here in this beer garden with a wonderful view of the Manning River meeting the sea.

Hey Little Fishy Café – Serving all your café favourites for breakfast and lunch, plus some delicious surprises.

Shoreline Tavern Harrington – Casual waterside dining with a great choice of seafood to enjoy with the stunning river views.

Beach Street Dispensary – This stylish café dispenses great coﬀee, unbeatable toasties, juices and smoothies, tasty homemade cakes and more. Good vibes, good prices.

Seaview Retro Diner - Climb the stairs back to the best of the 1950s with fun food and friendly service.

Eat&Drink Events

Harrington Market I Bridge to Beach Ski Classic

Harrington Festival I Rattletrap

Stay

Camping: Diamond Head; Kylies Beach; Indian Head; Crowdy Gap

Glamping: Crowdy Bay Eco Resort

Holiday parks: Big4 Colonial; Oxley Anchorage; Discovery Parks Harrington Beach

Motels: Harrington Village Motel

Something diﬀerent: Harrington River Lodge with the adjacent Shoreline Tavern for meals and entertainment.

WET WEATHER + SUGGESTIONS FOR EVENINGS

Crowdy Head Lighthouse for whale watching May-Oct. During north easterly winds, try the northern end of Kylies Beach, which is protected by Diamond Headland. 4WDs are allowed on Crowdy Bay Beach and Harrington Beach (with a permit). For evening entertainment, check out the gig guides for Club Harrington, Harrington Hotel and Shoreline Tavern for live music and competitive trivia nights that are always fun, or bring your best poker face to the Texas hold ‘em poker nights with an impressive prize pot!

What's

On

Nomel recommends: Enjoy What’s On across the Barrington Coast! barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on

LOCAL MARKETS

STAY INFORMED WITH WHAT’S ON & WHAT’S HAPPENING LOCALLY!

From vibrant local markets and gallery events to guided tours and outdoor adventures, our region serves up something for everyone. Discover fresh local flavours, creative exhibitions and thrilling sport and fitness events — all set against breathtaking backdrops from the mountains to the sea.

MEC

Meet Me at The MEC, the centre of entertainment for performing artists and live shows.

See what’s on monthly: Ovations Bar at The MEC serves a selection of wine, beer, spirits, coffee and tasty snacks for your pre-show rendezvous. The bar opens one hour before all performances and for intervals, and you can take your drinks and snacks into the theatre for the show.

Become a Friend of The MEC and enjoy VIP benefits, including discounted tickets, early ticket releases, VIP functions, complimentary pre-show drinks, ticket giveaways and more. Join online or at the box office.

Beryl Jane Flett Studio at The MEC: Enjoy intimate and versatile performances in this exciting new creative space. This state-of-the-art venue suits touring productions such as cabaret, comedy, film screenings, chamber and contemporary music, intimate theatrical productions, children’s entertainment and more. The venue is also suitable for meetings, events, conferences and trade fairs.

Booking enquiries: mec.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/venue-hire

MANNING REGIONAL Art Gallery

Evoke your emotions and connect with art. View works by talented artists at exhibitions that change regularly, gain insights at a curator talk or expand your artistic skills at a maker’s workshop.

See what’s on monthly mrag.midcoast.nsw.gov.au

Curator talks: Enjoy talks by artists and curators that provide insights into exhibiting artists’ works and their practices. It’s a great way to learn more and maximise your connection with the exhibitions.

Make-it space: Immerse yourself in your art with free in-house art-making activities suitable for students, artists and creators of all ages. Inspiring programs change regularly and art materials are provided. Maker workshops: Learn from experts as specialised artisans and practitioners share their skills at engaging and innovative workshops.

LOCAL RADIO

Tune into great music, sports, weather and conversations

MAX 107.3 FM max1073.com.au

2RE FM 2re.com.au

GREAT LAKES 101.5 FM greatlakesfm.org.au

2BOB RADIO 104.7 FM 2bobradio.org.au

Check the web for your local frequency

The Barrington Coast welcomes your four-legged family member! We have a host of fabulous dog-friendly parks and beaches and numerous cafes eager to greet your poochy pal. A holiday here lets you both fully embrace an active and social getaway – together!

EXPLORE - barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/category/pet-friendly#results

Dog-friendly accommodation

barringtoncoast.com.au/directory/ category/pet-friendly

SOME OTHER ‘GOOD TO KNOW’ STUFF: FROLIC & HAVE FUN WITH YOUR DOG

Bring your dog or bring your horse. Check these holiday options and explore our beaches for horse riding and oﬀ-leash walkies.

If you spot a dog pooping while their owner is distracted by a spectacular view or casual conversation, call out with a friendly “COOEE” to alert them so they can promptly pooper scoop and keep our beaches and reserves clean!

Visit MidCoast Council Libraries

Did you know they have a podcast recording room at Forster Library? Well, now you know! library.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Home

Lookouts you can drive up to

Head to these locales, where you can park your car and enjoy the views eﬀortlessly. barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/category/lookouts

Find your perfect picnic spot

Alfresco dining with a gorgeous view for company or maybe a spot with all the picnic pleasures. barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/category/picnics

Watch for whales

You’ll be mesmerised viewing these gentle giants from headlands, lookouts or at sea. barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/category/whales-and-dolphins

Swim between the red and yellow ﬂags. Find patrolled beaches across the Barrington Coast. beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety

Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine is the region’s ﬂagship annual publication — your free go-to guide to EAT, STAY, PLAY, CONNECT and enjoy nature-based adventures across the lower Mid North Coast, NSW. Featuring stories that celebrate community, outdoor experiences, walks and waterfalls, scenic drives, arts, events and local food culture, it connects locals, visitors, families and friends with inspiring trip ideas and authentic storytelling across the region.

Proudly distributed free at high-traﬃc cafés, accommodation providers, visitor centres and key tourism locations throughout the Barrington Coast and beyond.

Advertising enquiries: hello@lifestylebarringtoncoast.com.au

Pick up your FREE copy today or explore online! lifestylebarringtoncoast.com.au

Lifestyle Barrington Coast – More Than A Magazine.

PRINT | DIGITAL | SOCIAL | PODCAST

Secure Your Spot Now For the Next Edition!

Title: Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine Edition: Issue 09

Region: Mid North Coast – Barrington Coast

Reach thousands of engaged readers and visitors across our stunning region. Share your story, service or destination in the trusted publication that celebrates the best of our coast and country lifestyle.

Visit lifestylebarringtoncoast.com.au

or Scan the QR code to register your interest:

Jo Lyons Photography

For the curious

We provide you with ideas to make your stay even better than you’d expected. Get helpful advice and hot tips about things to do and see, tours, fun events, accommodation... our team has your Barrington Coast adventure covered!

BACK COVER

Forster – Eating out – Scenic drives – Deluxe stays – The best coffee – Camping – Glamping

Waterfalls – Girls weekends – Ellenborough Falls – Markets – Lighthouse walks – Stroud

Rock pools – Bulahdelah – Kayaking – Oysters – Gloucester – Farm stays – Shopping

Wineries – Rainforest walks – Unique stays – Wild swimming – Fishing – Surfing

Snorkelling – Hallidays Point – Wildlife spotting – Eco stays – Old Bar – Coastal walks

Art trails – Barrington Tops – Star gazing – Fine dining – Galleries – Wootton – Gravel grinding – Harrington – Whale watching spots – Red Head – Country pubs – Seafood

Smiths Lake – Local produce – What’s on events – Rainy day ideas – Seal Rocks – Tea Gardens – Breweries – Gin distilleries – Taree – Crowdy Head – Wingham – Lake houses

Secret beaches – Hawks Nest – Off grid stays – Nabiac – Lookouts – Myall Lakes – Sunrise spots – Sunset spots – Safe swimming – Hannam Vale – Nature reserves – Where to see snow – Ocean pools – Beer gardens – Coopernook – Our best bakeries – Fun family ideas

Tuncurry – Stand-up paddling – Tasmanian devils – Black Head – Boat hire – Gloucester Tops

4WD trails – Mountain biking – Crowdy Head – Best motels – Pacific Palms – Tiny houses

Best beach houses – Caravan stays – Manning Point – Waterside dining – Pet friendly

Curious yet? Get the best ideas to experience the Barrington Coast.

Ask an expert. Ask us. Ask a local.

barringtoncoast.com.au 1800 802 692 @barringtoncoast #barringtoncoast