NEARBY GEMS
The Manning Valley is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Boasting 45 kilometres of pristine coastline and the mighty Manning River with 150 kilometres of navigable waterways, the region offers excellent opportunities for water skiing, fishing, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and kite surfing. Explore nearby spectacular beaches that enhance the coastal allure. Inland, discover distinctive bush tracks, hills, and lookouts ideal for walking, climbing, cycling, or even enjoying a scenic flight. Don't forget your camera, as the views from the lookouts in the Manning Valley are truly awe-inspiring.
adventure
ELLENBOROUGH FALLS
Experience the awe-inspiring Ellenborough Falls, boasting a remarkable 200-metre single-drop descent, making it one of the longest waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. Positioned as one of the Manning Valley's premier natural attractions, you can appreciate its beauty from the top viewing platform. For the more adventurous, embark on a journey down 641 timber steps to the valley's bottom, where you'll get up close, feeling the refreshing spray and hearing the majestic roar of the falls.
KITE SURFING
For thrill-seeking travellers, kitesurfing is a popular and exciting activity to do in the Manning Valley. One of the best kite surfers in the business, Ben Wilson, rated Old Bar Beach as one of the best spots in the world, only second to a secret spot in the United States. With 4WD access to many of our beaches, you will find yourself with plenty of room to move along the water and backloop, backroll, front roll and nose slide – or practice some new tricks!
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking thrives as a top activity in the Manning Valley, thanks to our ideal National Parks and State Forests. Immerse yourself in nature as you explore the coastal terrain or conquer challenging mountain bike loop tracks spanning 40 kilometres, concealed within our lush forests.
Once a local secret, Kiwarrak State Forest is now recognized for hosting some of Australia's premier mountain bike trails, weaving through vast expanses of pristine woodlands. Join the Manning Valley BMX or mountain bike clubs for social rides and competitive races, catering to riders of all preferences.
COORABAKH NATIONAL PARK
Embark on a scenic drive through Coorabakh National Park. Stroll the shaded boardwalks in the vast Blackbutt forest of Starrs Creek's sub-tropical rainforest. Refresh by Newbys cave and, on warm days, take a dip in the ever-cool Waitui Falls. Capture breathtaking views of Manning Valley and the coastline from Newbys, Flat Rock, and Vincent’s lookouts. Don't miss Big Nellie, Flat Nellie, and Little Nellie—ancient volcanic plugs sharing a vent with Queensland's Glass House Mountains.
WATER SKIING
It’s no secret that Australians love water skiing, with more than 1.3 million of us enjoying the sport! The Manning River’s 150 kilometres of navigable waterways and array of boat launching facilities are perfect for punters to launch their boats and hit the water. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, there is plenty of room to enjoy waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, knee boarding and more.
BIG BUZZ FUN PARK
Big Buzz is 25 acres of adventure and fun. A short 11 minutes’ drive from Aquinnah Park property down Blackhead Road and the Lakes Way. The park features: a toboggan run, three open water slides, jumbo slide, toddlers slide, kamikaze slide, BMX and mountain bikes, speed karts, mountain boards, tricycles, shoot for the basket and many more fun activities.
nearby beaches
DIAMOND BEACH
Diamond Beach, a tranquil six-kilometer-long stretch, offers an ideal setting for fishing, surfing, or leisurely beach walks with the enchanting sight of dolphins frolicking in the waves. The peaceful atmosphere creates a sense of seclusion, and it is located an easy 1.6-kilometres from Aquinnah Park. Dogs can roam freely, and it's common to spot horses being ridden along the beach. Experience the serene charm of Diamond Beach.
BACK BEACH
Back Beach quickly became our favourite beach in the area and it is a short 7 minutes’ drive from the cottage. Located at the northern end of Nine Mile Beach, it's 14 kilometre long shoreline stretches all the way down to Tuncurry. This pristine beach is rarely ever busy! It is fantastic for swimming, walking your dog, 4WD (permit required) or even a horse ride. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot a pod of dolphins playing in the surf . We highly recommend a visit here.
BLACKHEAD BEACH
​Black Head beach is patrolled in summer months and is considered one of the Manning Valley’s best swimming beaches. This award-winning beach features an ocean pool, excellent fishing, picnic and BBQ areas under shady Norfolk Island Pines. Another highlight of this area is a littoral rainforest walk which encompasses striking coastal landforms as well as rare tracts of coastal rainforest. There are also two headlands with lookouts at Black Head and Red Head.
PEBBLY BEACH
Pebbly Beach is a hidden gem! Here you will find interesting rock formations and a small cave known by the locals as the ‘Australia Cave’. If you stand inside the cave looking out, you will see that the opening is shaped like the map of Australia. To get to Pebbly Beach we suggest parking your car next to Blackhead Bowling Club. Follow Rainforest Walk, a 5-minute walk to the beach
OLD BAR BEACH
Old Bar Beach is perfect for surfing, fishing, boating and water sports for the whole family. The options are endless – pack a picnic and enjoy the BBQ facilities, take your furry friends for a walk along the beach, make tracks with the 4WD access or enjoy the fishing and surfing opportunities. One of the best kite surfers in the business, Ben Wilson, rated Old Bar Beach as one of the best spots in the world, only second to a secret spot in the United States.
SALTWATER AND WALLABI POINT BEACHES
Saltwater and Wallabi Point beaches are a paradise for surfing enthusiasts. Families can also delight in these beaches, thanks to a warm, shallow saltwater lagoon adjacent to the picnic reserve, offering excellent swimming opportunities. Fishing enthusiasts will find joy here, with a direct ocean boat launch in the vicinity..