Manning Point is a small, sleepy beachside village, so food options are simple but close by. Our favourite local spot is Manning Point Bowling Club, just a short walk from the park. It’s the kind of place where you wander in after a day on the water and settle into a hearty meal. Think classic bistro plates, cold beers and that easygoing country-coast atmosphere you only get in towns like this.

Back at the park, the BBQs and Camp Kitchen make it easy to cook in. If you’ve had any luck fishing off the beach or riverbank, this is the perfect place to grill up your catch and enjoy dinner outdoors with the sound of the ocean in the background.

For your morning coffee fix or if you’re after more dining options, you’ll want to make the short drive to Harrington or Old Bar. Both offer a wider selection of cafés, bakeries and relaxed coastal restaurants, making them ideal for a day out or a meal with a view. Old Bar is also where you’ll find the closest supermarket for stocking up on supplies.

Life here revolves around the water, and most days we found ourselves drifting between the river and the beach. Manning Point Beach is just a short walk from the park and feels wonderfully untouched, with long stretches of sand perfect for morning strolls, beach games with the kids or simply lounging with a book while the waves roll in.

Fishing is the main drawcard in this part of the Mid North Coast. You can cast a line straight off the beach, wander out to the river jetties or take your spot along the Manning River foreshore. Whiting, bream and flathead are common catches, and on calm days we loved wading into the surf with light gear to see what was biting. If you bring a tinny, the nearby boat ramp makes it easy to get out onto the river for a more relaxed session.

If you’re travelling with a 4WD, you’re in luck. Select parts of Manning Point Beach allow beach driving with a valid permit, and rolling along the sand with the ocean on one side and dunes on the other is one of the region’s great adventures.

If you’re planning to drive on Manning Point Beach, you’ll need to purchase a valid beach driving permit and check local tide times. Access points can shift after heavy storms, so check in at the Park’s front desk for updates.