Tucked away on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, the seaside town of Harrington is a delightful mix of stunning coastal scenery, laid-back vibes, and old-school charm. I spent a weekend here, immersing myself in its natural beauty, delicious food, and warm hospitality at a local Harrington B&B. Here’s how my trip unfolded.
Where I Stayed: A Cozy B&B with Ocean Views
I checked into Harrington River Lodge, a charming bed and breakfast overlooking the Manning River. The place had a welcoming feel, with spacious rooms, a homely atmosphere, and a breakfast spread that included fresh fruit, homemade granola, and locally sourced eggs. Waking up to the sounds of birds and the distant crash of waves set the perfect tone for a relaxing getaway.
Day One: Exploring the Best of Harrington
After a leisurely breakfast, I set off to explore the town, starting with the Harrington Breakwall. This iconic stretch offers stunning ocean views and is the perfect spot for a morning walk. I watched fishermen casting their lines and even spotted dolphins playing in the waves.
From there, I wandered into Crowdy Bay National Park, a short drive away. The rugged coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, and scenic walking trails made for an unforgettable morning. I took the Diamond Head Loop Walk, a relatively easy 4.3km track that rewarded me with panoramic views of the coastline. Along the way, I encountered kangaroos grazing in the grasslands—a true Aussie moment!
By midday, I was ready for lunch, and Harrington Hotel was the perfect spot. This classic pub, known for its riverfront beer garden, served up a mouthwatering seafood platter with fresh prawns, oysters, and fish caught that very morning. Pairing it with a cold local craft beer made it all the better.
After lunch, I took a drive to Crowdy Head, a small fishing village just 10 minutes from Harrington. The highlight here was the Crowdy Head Lighthouse, a historic site offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. During whale migration season, this spot is ideal for whale watching.
In the evening, I enjoyed a casual dinner at Seasalt Café, a cozy spot near the marina known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious fish and chips. The friendly locals made me feel right at home, sharing their favorite things to do in the area.
Day Two: Relaxation and Nearby Towns
I started my Sunday morning with a peaceful paddle along the Manning River, renting a kayak from a local operator. The still water and surrounding mangroves made for a serene experience, and I even spotted a few sea eagles soaring above.
For brunch, I headed to The Big Buzz Café, a quirky little spot with fantastic coffee and homemade pastries. Their smashed avocado on sourdough was one of the best I’ve had!
Before heading home, I decided to take a scenic drive to Old Bar, about 30 minutes south of Harrington. This coastal town has a cool surf culture and a long, uncrowded beach perfect for a final stroll before leaving the region.
Final Thoughts
Harrington is a hidden gem for those looking for a peaceful escape, blending coastal beauty, national parks, and friendly hospitality. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife, great food, or just soaking in the views, this little town has something special to offer.
Would I come back? Absolutely! Maybe next time, I’ll plan a longer stay to explore more of the Manning Valley region.
Part 2 – Old Bar, NSW,Australia: Surf, Sun & Laid-Back Vibes
There’s something special about a small coastal town that isn’t overrun with tourists—where the pace is slow, the beaches are endless, and the locals greet you with a smile. That’s exactly what I found in Old Bar, New South Wales. Nestled on the mid-north coast, this charming surf town offered the perfect weekend escape.
Where I Stayed: A Cozy Beachside B&B
For my two-night stay, I booked into Boogie Woogie Beach House, a quirky and music-inspired boutique Old Bar Guesthouse just a short stroll from the beach. Each room had a unique theme dedicated to a famous musician, and the whole place had a fun, creative vibe. Best of all, it had an on-site café serving up delicious breakfasts with great coffee—exactly what I needed before my adventures.
Day Three : Beach Walks & Local Eats
I kicked off my weekend with a sunrise walk along Old Bar Beach. With golden sand stretching as far as the eye could see and barely another soul in sight, it was the perfect introduction to the town’s relaxed atmosphere.
Mid-morning, I wandered into Flow Bar, a fantastic little café and live music venue. Their avocado toast was next-level, and I washed it down with a perfectly brewed flat white. I could have sat there all day, but there was exploring to do!
Next, I rented a bike and followed the Old Bar to Manning Point cycleway, a scenic route winding along the coastline and through nature reserves. It was a great way to soak in the fresh sea air while spotting birdlife along the way.
By the afternoon, I was ready to hit the waves. Old Bar is known for its surf-friendly beaches, so I grabbed a board from a local hire shop and paddled out. The waves were beginner-friendly, and even though I wasn’t quite carving up the surf, I had an absolute blast.
Dinner that night was at Sai Thai Table & Tea, a hidden gem serving authentic Thai food. Their coconut prawn curry was bursting with flavor, and the friendly service made the experience even better.
Day Four: Markets, Dolphins & Sunset Drinks
Sunday morning started at Old Bar Farmers Market, where I picked up some fresh local produce and homemade treats. I chatted with a few stallholders who shared stories about Old Bar’s famous Kombi Festival, a must-visit event if you love classic VW vans and a good dose of nostalgia.
From there, I drove 15 minutes to Manning Entrance State Park, a beautiful spot where the Manning River meets the ocean. I took a river cruise, spotting dolphins playfully swimming alongside the boat—an unforgettable moment.
Back in Old Bar, I grabbed lunch at Café Fathom, a breezy spot with ocean views. Their fish tacos were fresh and flavorful, the perfect light meal before spending my afternoon simply relaxing on the beach.
As the sun began to set, I ended my weekend with a drink at Club Old Bar, enjoying the chilled-out vibe and ocean breeze. It was the perfect farewell to this coastal paradise.
Final Thoughts
Old Bar is a town that doesn’t try too hard—it doesn’t need to. It’s effortlessly cool, with stunning beaches, a great food scene, and a relaxed energy that makes you want to stay longer. Whether you’re a surfer, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a quiet coastal escape, this little gem on the NSW coast is well worth a visit.
Would I return? In a heartbeat.
Have you been to Harrington? Let me know your favorite spots!
