Manilla

Manilla Museum, Tourism Tamworth Ltd

Population 2081

This rural town is located at the junction of the Manilla and Namoi rivers and surrounded by attractive rural countryside. Its location between Lake Keepit and Split Rock Dam has made it a popular setting for myriad outdoor activities, especially aerosports. Nearby Mount Borah hosted the world's paragliding championships in 2007. Manilla is also known for its production of mead (an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey and water). It is home to one of only two meaderies in the country.

Visitor Information

197 Manilla St; (02) 6785 1207

www.manillamuseum.org.au

Nearby national parks

  • Warrabah National Park

    The Namoi River winds its way through the heart of the tranquil Warrabah National Park as it fl ows towards the Western Plains. Giant granite...more

  • Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

    Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, much of it World Heritage-listed, is a stunning environment of majestic gorges, deeply incised river...more

  • Coolah Tops National Park

    Located in the Liverpool Ranges, on the narrow Warung Plateau, Coolah Tops National Park enjoys spectacular views to the Warrumbungle Range...more

Nearby towns

  • Barraba

    The tree-lined streets of Barraba lie in the valley of the Manilla River. Surrounded by the Nandewar Ranges, Horton Valley and undulating...more

  • Tamworth

    Tamworth is a prosperous city and the self-proclaimed country music capital of Australia, an image that has been carefully cultivated...more

  • Gunnedah

    At the heart of the Namoi Valley, Gunnedah is instantly recognisable by the grain silos that tower over the town. The area is abundant...more

In Town

Dutton's Meadery: tastings and sales of honey and mead; Barraba St. Manilla Heritage Museum: incorporates Royce Cottage Collection and exhibits pioneer items such as clothing and furniture, and a bakery. Also has displays on platypus, which are often found in the area. Manilla St: antique and coffee shops.

Nearby

Warrabah National Park At this peaceful riverside retreat you'll find enormous granite boulders sitting above still valley pools and rapids suitable for experienced canoeists. Activities include swimming and fishing in the Namoi and Manilla rivers and rock climbing on the cliffs. 40 km NE.

Manilla Paragliding: offers tandem flights; a 2-day introduction, and a 9-day 'live in' licensing course with equipment supplied; Mt Borah; (02) 6785 6545; 12 km N. Split Rock Dam: watersports, boating, camping and fishing for species such as Murray cod and golden perch; turn-off 15 km N. Manilla Ski Gardens: area at the northern end of Lake Keepit with waterskiing, fishing and swimming; 20 km SW. For more details on Lake Keepit see Gunnedah.

Fishing spots near town

Lake Copeton 96 km

Lake Copeton has an excellent catchment area, fed by the Gwydir River and runoff from the New England Tablelands. The lake is about 46 km west of Inverell on the Gwydir Highway. Its dam wall was constructed primarily to... Find out more


South-West Rocks 221 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more


Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 238 km

My introduction to fishing north of Sydney was at Coffs Harbour, an area with a diverse range of options. The first time I fished here I was into land-based game and spent most of my time on the ledges of Mutton Bird... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 95 km

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum, a dozen blocks from the centre of town, has thousands of native plants, walking tracks, picnic shelters and aquatic gardens with a waterfall.... Find out more


Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 108 km

There are a couple of top birdwatching spots in the New England area. One of the most spectacular is an all-weather bird hide among masses of waterbirds at Quipolly Dam, about 18 kilometres north-east of Quirindi. Mother... Find out more


Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 124 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more


Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 150 km

Coonabarabran is home to one of the healthiest koala colonies in the state, and the solitary mammals are often seen in and around the town. Try the Porcupine Reserve and while there check out the view over the Liverpool... Find out more


Barrington Tops National Park 164 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more


Star-gazing - Coonabarabran 168 km

Because of its combination of clear skies, altitude and distance from city lights, Coonabarabran is the astronomy capital of Australia. There are various ways to explore space here, from simply gazing skyward with a pair... Find out more


Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 183 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more


Houseboating on the Macleay River 205 km

Although large chugging houseboats can be an environmental no-no, Macleay River Houseboats at Kempsey are small – designed for just two people – use relatively clean four-stroke petrol motors, have... Find out more


Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 211 km

Sample some Australian bushfoods at Valley of the Mist near Macksville, a farm dedicated to sustainable methods. You will taste bush fruits, nuts, herbs and condiments and have a tour of the farm. You can also take a... Find out more


Sea Acres Nature Reserve 222 km

This cool coastal forest, 5 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is great for a stop and a gentle stroll, with lush rainforest extending right down to the beach. There is a 1.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible boardwalk,... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Bonville Golf Resort 227 km

Bonville is Australia’s most beautiful inland course. Carved from 250 hectares of flooded gums and blackbutt forest, with small pockets of subtropical rainforest, Bonville is often described as Australia’s... Find out more


The Vintage Golf Club 228 km

Hunter Valley semillon, with its zesty aromas and flavours, is sometimes described by wine experts as ‘Australia’s wine gift to the world’. Its appeal also lies in its capacity to age well. The same... Find out more


Pacific Dunes Golf Club 249 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more


Nearby breweries

The Little Brewing Company 221 km

Australia’s new breed of brewer can arrive at the craft by sometimes circuitous routes. For Warwick Little, that included 20 years as an ambulance officer, home brewing, a wine science course and a pair of... Find out more


Hunter Beer Company 236 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more


Campsites around town

Split Rock Dam camping area 19 km

Another worthwhile stop off on the Fossickers Way, 64 km north of Tamworth. The town of Manilla, 20 km south of the dam, is a popular hang-gliding and paragliding spot. The dam is stocked with Murray cod, golden perch... Find out more


Lake Keepit State Park camping area 25 km

This is a great family camping spot, 54 km west of Tamworth and 38 km east of Gunnedah via Keepit Dam Rd off the Oxley Hwy. It’s a little slice of outdoor paradise: everything from hang-gliding lessons and golf to... Find out more


Warrabah camping area 27 km

Hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing are possible at this campground, on the Namoi River beside the park’s southern boundary. Campers are asked to stick to numbered campsites. For those seeking some bush... Find out more


Glenriddle Reserve camping area 33 km

Glenriddle Reserve is set in the northern reaches of Split Rock Dam, 15 km south of Barraba and roughly 100 km north of Tamworth on the Fossickers Way. The dam is popular with fishing and boating aficionados, and the... Find out more


Cockburn River campsite 52 km

This pleasant, grassy, treed area makes a relaxing place to camp, swim and fish. The river’s a bit chilly in winter but very refreshing in hot weather. It’s about 30 km north-east of Tamworth and 11 km east... Find out more


Little Creek Recreation Reserve 55 km

You'll find this small camping area 20 km north-west of Barraba via Trevallyn Rd. Barraba is on the Fossickers Way, and offers visitors plenty of activities such as swimming, boating and fishing at Split Rock Dam.... Find out more


Horton Falls camping area 60 km

This is a small and simple camping spot 39 km west of Barraba, which is on Fossickers Way. It’s 2WD access in dry weather only, via Mt Lindsay Rd off Trevallyn Rd. Bring drinking water and firewood and be prepared... Find out more


Rocky River Fossicking Area camping ground 72 km

Get into the spirit of the goldmining era – Rocky River Fossicking Area, 6 km to the west of Uralla, is the site of a major goldrush in the 1850s. Pop into the visitor centre for some equipment, then set up a tent... Find out more


Dawsons Spring camping area 74 km

Just past the Mt Kaputar summit on the main access road, Dawsons Spring is a larger camping area with access to the medium-difficult Summit Walk (2 km, 1.5 hrs) and Bundabulla Circuit Track (3 km, 3 hrs), and the easy... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Paradise Caravan Park 44 km

The park is within walking distance from the centre of Tamworth and is extremely popular during the country music festival. Bookings are required at peak times, however bookings are not accepted during the month of... Find out more


Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 46 km

Conveniently located alongside the New England Highway, this tidy park is ideal for an overnight stop. It is also a good base for those attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival during January, when a booking is... Find out more


Austin Tourist Park 47 km

This large park just 4 km from the town centre offers a range of facilities. A minimum booking period of 14 days applies during the country music festival. Bookings are also required at other peak times. Small dogs only... Find out more


Country Road Caravan Park 75 km

A popular stopover on the New England Highway, this park has good facilities and is an ideal base for exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Uralla Caravan Park 76 km

Located one block from the New England Highway and within easy walking distance of the town, this is a clean and tidy park suitable for short or longer visits.... Find out more


Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 96 km

A lovely spot with shady trees and wide expanses of lawn, this park is only 3 km from the town centre. There are two kennel areas where guests can leave their dogs while enjoying the local attractions or catching up on... Find out more


Big Sky Caravan Park 101 km

Conveniently located in the heart of town, this is a large grassy caravan park within walking distance of the main street and close to the RSL club. It is a good friendly place close to the highway and is ideal for a few... Find out more


Pages River Caravan Park 112 km

On the northern edge of town, this small neatly maintained park is easily accessible from the New England Highway and is ideal for an overnight stay at an attractive price.... Find out more


Glen Rest Tourist Park 146 km

Located 3.5 km south of Glen Innes, in a pleasant rural setting, this park is an ideal stopover for travellers passing through the region. Bookings are required during peak periods and festivals and a minimum-length stay... Find out more


Craigieburn Cottages 147 km

On the southern outskirts of town, this park is in a picturesque setting with green lawns, shady trees and enormous granite boulders.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Oakhampton Homestead

Oakhampton Homestead epitomises country accommodation. On 1600 hectares, the B&B is more like a farmstay, with communal dining and ‘full board’ tariff packages available. There are cabins, cottages,... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 208 km

The owners of this stylish B&B have spent seven years revegetating and securing wildlife corridors along the riparian zone here, planting some 4000 trees and 2000 reeds, resulting in an increase in bandicoots,... Find out more


Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 213 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more


Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 247 km

The two stand-alone, couples-only cottages here are stylish, contemporary and have passive solar design. They are eco-accredited, on an 8-hectare bushland reserve, and use only renewable energy and Greenfleet vehicles.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Airport Rest Area 39 km

9 km W of Tamworth (R) or 70 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 04.670 E150 51.042... Find out more


Bendemeer Park Area 44 km

On the road into town Parking area just off the highway at the Memorial Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 52.762 E151 09.459  ... Find out more


Tamworth Park Area 46 km

East side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 06.528 E150 57.245... Find out more


Woolbrook Rest Area 60 km

T/O 30 km W of Walcha (R) or 20 km E of Bendemeer (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre off the highway on the riverbank. Limited shade. GPS: S30 55.010 E151 18.988  ... Find out more


Kentucky Rest Area 64 km

72 km N of Tamworth (L) or 39 km S of Armidale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 45.189 E151 23.039... Find out more


Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 72 km

82 km N of Tamworth (R) or 29 km S of Armidale (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S30 41.726 E151 28.157... Find out more


Red Bank Rest Area 74 km

63 km W of Tamworth (R) or 13 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large area adjacent to the highway on the banks of a small creek. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 59.40 E150 22.40... Find out more


Meridian Rest Area 77 km

27 km SW of Gunnedah (R) or 79 km NE of Coonabarabran (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 03.809 E150 00.00 ... Find out more


Bowling Alley Point Camp Area 79 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large area on the shores of the reservoir 14 kilometres north of Nundle. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 21.669 E151 08.186 ... Find out more


Swamp Creek Camp Area 86 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Grassed area on the riverbank 4 kilometres north of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access part unsealed. GPS: S31... Find out more


Wallabadah Rest Area 88 km

North end of town Large area by Quirindi Creek behind the Memorial Gardens. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Toilets close at 5:00 pm. GPS: S31 32.169 E150 49.906... Find out more


Walcha East Rest Area 92 km

159 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 5 km SE of Walcha (L) Large open area just off the highway. GPS: S31 00.477 E151 38.171  ... Find out more


Ponderosa Park Camp Area 95 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large camp area in the forest 17 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 27.817 E151 15.433  ... Find out more


Sheba Dams Camp Area 95 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large secluded area on the shore of the dam 11 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 29.890 E151 11.843 ... Find out more


Teamsters Rest Camp Area 95 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Secluded area by the creek 14 km south of Nundle via Crawney Road. Good shade. NOTE: Part unsealed access. GPS: S31 33.399 E151 03.390... Find out more


Apsley Falls Camp Area 105 km

T/O 145 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 19 km SE of Walcha (L) Large campground is situated 1 kilometre north of the highway in a pleasant bush setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good facilities and... Find out more


Stoney Creek Rest Area 108 km

141 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 23 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the creek. GPS: S31 04.594 E151 46.655... Find out more


Pilliga No. 2 Rest Area 108 km

95 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 23 km S of Narrabri (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S30 29.653 E149 38.180  ... Find out more


Pilliga Rest Area 114 km

66 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 52 km S of Narrabri (L) Large area just off the highway surrounded by scrub. Good shade. GPS: S30 43.345 E149 31.486... Find out more


Bells Rest Area 115 km

46 km E of Warialda (R) or 15 km W of Inverell (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S29 44.172 E150 57.717... Find out more


Runnymede Rest Area 115 km

4 km E of Inverell (L) or 63 km W of Glenn Innes (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S29 46.860 E151 08.788... Find out more


Blandford Park Area 115 km

North end of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 46.675 E150 53.547 ... Find out more


Tia River Rest Area 117 km

128 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 36 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 11.271 E151 49.858... Find out more


Tia Falls Camp Area 119 km

T/O 129 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 35 km SE of Walcha (L) Small, secluded campground located 6 kilometres north of the highway in a pleasant forest setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good... Find out more


Oxley's Crossing Rest Area 120 km

75 km SW of Gunnedah (R) or 31 km NE of Coonabarabran (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway surrounded by trees. GPS: S31 07.929 E149 32.661... Find out more


Yaminba Rest Area 121 km

52 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 66 km S of Narrabri (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S30 51.213 E149 27.426 ... Find out more


Dumboy Creek Rest Area 123 km

25 km E of Warialda (R) or 36 km W of Inverell (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S29 38.380 E150 47.835... Find out more


Burning Mountain Rest Area 124 km

24 km N of Scone (R) or 108 km S of Tamworth (L) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 51.383 E150 54.016... Find out more


Swan Brook Rest Area 128 km

33 km E of Inverell (R) or 34 km W of Glen Innes (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S29 46.295 E151 26.149  ... Find out more


Tookey Creek Rest Area 132 km

52 km N of Narrabri (L) or 48 km S of Moree (R) Large area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub. Good shade. GPS: S29 52.28 E149 47.19... Find out more


What's on around town

National and international paragliding competitions: Nov–Apr.

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