Holiday houses in Old Bar

Named for its location at the southern entrance of the Manning River, Old Bar is a quintessential Australian coastal town in the Barrington Coast region of New South Wales. A 3.5-hour drive north of Sydney and less than 20 minutes’ drive east of the small city of Taree, Old Bar has a decent, uncrowded beach break, but the town is better known as a kitesurfing hub, with Old Bar’s calm, clear water and sand flats generating ideal conditions. Just 10 minutes’ drive to the south lies Saltwater National Park, a small coastal reserve with two scenic walking trails, a waterside picnic area, and good birdwatching opportunities. In between, the small village of Wallabi Point is renowned for its surfing beach, with surf lessons available. With a handful of dining options, and more national parks and beach towns within easy reach, Old Bar has all the ingredients for a relaxed seaside escape.

The warmer months from October to April are generally the most pleasant for a beach holiday, but Old Bar’s mild, sunny winters make it an attractive year-round destination, with the cooler months better suited for long beach walks and exploring nearby national parks. The winter months also tend to bring bigger swells for surfers, as well as migrating whales, while the windier summer months are generally better for kitesurfing. Held every October long weekend, the Old Bar Beach Festival sees Kombi and classic car owners and enthusiasts arrive in their hundreds to meet and share their passion for their beloved vehicles. There’s also a giant garage sale, and plenty of market stalls, making this a particularly fun time to visit.

National parks

With two short but picturesque walking tracks and a lovely creek, Saltwater National Park is a great spot to get a nature fix near Old Bar. Just 40 minutes’ drive to the north, larger Crowdy Bay National Park makes a great day trip, with plenty of picnic areas, walking trails, secluded surf spots, and — despite its name — empty beaches to discover in this incredibly scenic coastal paradise.

Forster

At the heart of the Great Lakes region, just 35 minutes’ drive south of Old Bar, Forster boasts a string of beautiful surf beaches as well as a network of idyllic rivers that can be explored by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, with rentals available. Just five minutes to the south, the Cape Hawke Lookout in Booti Booti National Park offers superb coastal views.

Ellenborough Falls

After a change of scenery? There are several waterfalls worth seeking out in the hinterland region west of Taree. Chief among them is Ellenborough Falls, which at 200 metres is the state’s tallest single-drop waterfall. There are four ways to admire the falls, from the viewing platform at the top to the 641-step climb to the base of the falls.