A rare release of homesites along one of the Mid North Coast’s most pristine stretches, just three hours from Sydney. Bordered by beach and preserved bushland, within a tightly held coastal setting, thoughtfully integrated into the existing community. Land is taking shape and ready for summer 2026/27, with builder information and local design guidelines to help you plan and build with confidence – and settle into the rhythm of the coast.
THE PLACE YOU RETURN TO, NOW YOURS TO KEEP.
Speak with Mark Lawson to make your private appointment.
Proudly developed by
PRESERVED BUSHLAND
BLUEYS BEACH
BOOMERANG BEACH
WALLIS LAKE
ELIZABETH BEACH BOOTI BOOTI NATIONAL PARK
Coastal living, redefined. Naturally connected. Designed to feel easy.
Pictured: Ingenia Lifestyle Natura
Set moments from the shoreline at Blueys Beach, Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo o ers a considered approach to over 55s living on the Barrington Coast.
Surrounded by natural beauty, the community brings together thoughtfully designed homes, future amenities and a location that encourages time outdoors, connection and a slower, more balanced pace of life.
It’s a place where days can be as active or as relaxed as you choose, shaped by fresh air, open space and a feeling of relaxation, all supported by a welcoming community.
It’s where you want to go, way down in Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo.
THE LIFE YOU KNOW, NOW MADE EASIER. Visit the Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo sales o ce to learn more.
Artist’s Impression - to be used as a guide only
Retirement Living in Forster Starts Here
In the heart of Forster, something new is taking shape.
Solaris brings together the elements of everyday living, home, connection, wellbeing and community, within one thoughtfully designed precinct. Here, life moves with ease, where a morning coffee, local shopping at Ahmedi’s IGA @ Solaris, health services, including the Great Lakes Day Hospital, and the comfort of home are all within reach.
More than a place to live, Solaris reflects a shift in how we think about lifestyle: connected, convenient and designed for the way we live today.
As the State Member for Myall Lakes, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2026/2027 edition of Lifestyle Barrington Coast
Each year, this publication beautifully captures the essence of what makes our region so remarkable. From the rolling green hills of the hinterland to the sparkling waters of the Great Lakes and the unspoilt beaches that stretch along our coastline, the Barrington Coast truly offers something for everyone.
TanyaThompson
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
“For those of us who live here, it’s more than a destination; it’s home. For visitors, it’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.”
Whether you’re walking along One Mile Beach at sunset, exploring our breathtaking national parks, or enjoying fresh local produce in our vibrant town centres, there is a unique magic
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
to this region that stays with you long after you leave.
I have proudly called this stunning part of the world home for more than 30 years, and even now I continue to discover new experiences and hidden gems that remind me why I love it here.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning to stay for a lifetime, welcome. And remember: Life’s better in Barrington Coast
NSW NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICE
“Come and explore the stunning National Parks of the ECO destination certified Barrington Coast. Whether it’s beach strolls at Booti Booti, paddling through the Myall Lakes, uncovering gold rush tales at Copeland Tops or soaking up the magic of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops, out here, nature’s got the best stories to tell!”
- Drew Coxon, Acting Team Leader Visitor Experience, Hunter Central Coast Branch NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.
ECO CERTIFIED DESTINATION
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live, the Gathang-speaking people and pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now reside in the MidCoast Council area. We extend our respect to elders past and present, and to all future cultural-knowledge holders.
NSW Parks Guide
Barrington Coast is an Eco Destination certified by Ecotourism Australia. As a destination already famous for its natural assets, being Eco Destination certified helps demonstrate the region’s commitment to sustainability at an international best practice standard.
Nestled between lush hinterland, fruitful valleys and a pristine coastline, the Barrington Coast is celebrated as a premier destination for quality nature-based and sustainable experiences. Down country roads and coastal drives, the curious find that there is always a tale to tell.
Not only is the region an eco-certified destination in Australia, it is also showcasing exciting new opportunities in agritourism. Built on the passion and hard work of the region’s primary producers, agritourism here offers visitors deeply authentic on-farm experiences, from farm-gate stalls and cellar doors to immersive tours, events and bespoke farm-stay accommodation. These experiences not only bring visitors closer to the
WELCOME TO THE BARRINGTON COAST: WHERE PRODUCE, PEOPLE AND PLACE COME TO LIFE
rhythms of rural life but also help local producers to diversify and share their world with new and growing visitor markets.
As the sectors expand, the Barrington Coast is emerging as a place where a simple day out can become a meaningful encounter. Here, the growth of agritourism goes hand in hand with the region’s commitment to ecotourism, sustainability and long-term resilience, ensuring that both visitors and locals alike can continue to enjoy these landscapes for generations to come.
Whether you’re meandering between farm gate stalls, wandering vineyards, joining a seasonal harvest experience or waking up to birdsong in eco-certified accommodation, the Barrington
Coast offers something transformative and rare: authenticity, connection and a deep sense of place. We look forward to welcoming you.
Claire Pontin
Mayor, MidCoast Council
Destination Barrington Coast Team “Whatever the season, there’s always a tale to tell.” Plan your getaway at barringtoncoast.com.au/tales
There’s nothing like packing up and heading off on a caravan or camping trip, and on the North Coast of NSW, that experience is taken to another level. This region continues to lead the way nationally, accounting for around one in three camping holidays across the state and the Barrington Coast standing out as a premier destination. It’s a reflection of the space, diversity and accessibility that make the Barrington Coast such a compelling destination for visitors seeking genuine, unfiltered experiences. Endless adventures aren’t just a theme here; it’s a reality. From coastal escapes to hinterland drives, the region offers a seamless blend of nature, discovery and connection.
Recently, the Destination North Coast team and board had the opportunity to spend time on the Barrington Coast, connecting with industry and local communities. A visit to Gloucester was a clear reminder of the depth of experience on offer, an under-the-radar destination with standout wineries, quality adventure operators and remarkable scenery. It’s places like this that continue to strengthen the North Coast’s position as a leading nature-based destination.
Reproduction in whole or part of content within this feature without written permission, including editorial, photography and design of advertisements by Lifestyle Barrington Coast, is strictly prohibited. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher and Lifestyle Barrington Coast. Information provided by contributors, advertisers, interviewees and all source material is understood to be correct at the time of publication. Lifestyle Barrington Coast Publishing does not warranty the accuracy of information contained herein, nor
Photo by John Dean johndean.com.au
Artwork by Ali Haigh alihaigh.com
A special collaboration featuring photographer John Dean, capturing the Barrington Coast from an aerial perspective, and multidisciplinary artist Ali Haigh, whose coastal-inspired practice reflects people, place and storytelling through contemporary design across printmaking, textiles and illustration.
Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine
Printed By: IVE Silverwater NSW
EL RATTRAY - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
“Whether you live here, are a new
discovering the Barrington
STAY PLAY CONNECT,
resident, a returning visitor or
Coast for the first time, we invite you to EAT
whatever the season. Dive into our delicious roundup of content on page 12 and become part of the story.”
Lifestyle Barrington Coast is proud to share this latest edition celebrating the people, places and stories that continue to shape life across the Barrington Coast. We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. This season has been marked by powerful moments of culture, connection and community, including a deeply meaningful Welcome to Country by Lara Went, contemporary First Nations artist and proud Worimi woman, at the launch of the Barrington Coast Women in Business network, sparking ideas, creating connections and opportunities across the region.
We also acknowledge Joedie Lawler, Biripi woman of Biripi Country, contemporary Aboriginal artist, weaver, dancer and guest speaker, who shared her journey of survival and empowerment at the 2026 International Women’s Day Luncheon in Taree. The event marked ten years of Standing with Women
for Families, supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW, a meaningful milestone for all involved.
Our 9th edition celebrates the people, places and experiences that make the Barrington Coast so special. Whether you’re an ocean lover, dog lover, adventurer, wellness seeker, foodie, creative spirit or future ocean guardian, there’s something here to inspire your next journey. From local art and wellbeing to business leaders and community connections, we share stories that reflect the heart of our region.
We also spotlight woman in business this edition and initiatives such as Bright Futures: Exploring Pathways, which connects youth, creativity, storytelling, marine science and environmental awareness.
Enjoy Ziggy the Magic Seahorse, a children’s conservation story for screen, and dive into Our Endless Adventures Guide to explore, reconnect and discover more of the landscapes, people and experiences that define the Barrington Coast lifestyle.
Enjoy ISSUE 09.
El Rattray
The
TEAM
DYLAN GAUL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
TWOMINDS CREATIVE
A passionate designer and trusted collaborator, Dylan brings over two decades of experience delivering visuals that are both on-brand and on-trend. His work spans advertising design, publications, campaigns and brand collateral, always balancing creativity with clear purpose and impact. Through strong creative direction and powerful visual storytelling, he ensures each page of Lifestyle Barrington Coast Magazine reflects the heart of the region.
SIMON GOULD
DIRECTOR - ORBIT
MARKETING + PODCAST HOST
Simon is the steerer of the ship at Orbit Marketing, connecting brands with the people who need them. His legendary team keeps our magazine proofing process shipshape and on course.
A proud local and serial charity supporter, Simon hosts his own Marketing Mash-up podcast and also hosts Convos – Stories That Connect. Enjoy Season 2 of the Lifestyle Barrington Coast podcast on page 45. Simon supplied words for the Hops, Heart & Community feature on page 109.
MEGAN LEWIS
CHANGEMAKER + PODCAST HOST
Megan is well known for helping business owners and managers unlock the potential in their people. She brings heart, insight and a down-to-earth approach to everything she does. As co-host of Season 2 of Convos – Stories That Connect, the Lifestyle Barrington Coast podcast, Megan’s world is all about connection. With a Bachelor of Arts in History & Philosophy, she spent 15 years across marketing and PR roles in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. What’s always fascinated her most? How people communicate when things get tough — and what it reveals about us.
C tribu rs
ALI HAIGH
On the Cover: A Special Collaboration Feature. Ali Haigh is a multidisciplinary artist, printmaker and designer based on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. Her practice is grounded in the idea of “people and place,” drawing inspiration from the Barrington Coast’s natural landscapes and community stories.
Working across printmaking, textile design and illustration, Ali blends traditional and digital techniques to create work rich in story, place and purpose. Her Barrington Coast destination series captures the character of coastal towns and hinterland communities, while her vibrant textile works explore botanical and marine forms, such as boxfish and banksia. From her studio in Old Bar, Ali continues to celebrate the connection between environment and identity through contemporary coastal design. Ali Haigh is also an active figure in the regional arts community, serving as an arts educator, mentor and curator. alihaigh.com
JOHN DEAN
On the Cover: A Special Collaboration Feature. John Dean is a photographer and content creator driven by a love of exploration, travel and storytelling from a unique aerial perspective. His striking drone imagery showcases the stunning natural beauty of the Barrington Coast. Fine art prints johndean.com.au/shop
KIRK OWERS
An award-winning photographer and writer based in Boomerang Beach. Kirk has been photographing weddings in the palms and freelancing for surf and travel magazines for over 20 years. Kirk supplied words for 'Ocean Guardians, Crossing the Tideline' on page 24.
ODETTE TONKIN
Odette is a freelance writer, journalist and author who grew up in beautiful Hallidays Point and has over 20 years of industry experience. Her work has been published in Australian Geographic, TV Hits, New Idea, Girlfriend, Swell and Outsider magazines and her words have helped elevate the digital presence of organisations, including Reflections Holidays and The University of Newcastle. Odette’s first children’s picture book, The Tiny Forest, was published in 2024, highlighting her passion for the natural environment. Article page 39.
16 Ocean Lovers
The Swell of New Ocean Guardians.
22 Art Space
Discover Art inspired by sea, salt and shoreline
30 Choose Your Lifestyle Morning swims, slow coffee and a deep connection to coast, lakes and community.
36 Wellness
The Barrington Coast invites you to slow down, stretch out and settle into a gentler rhythm of life.
39 A Local Legacy
Where family and fresh food collide.
42 BIZ Connect
Be part of the Business Buzz across the MidCoast – connect with Local Council, Business Chambers and Support Networks.
45
Tune into CONVOS
Whether you’re a local, a visitor or simply curious about the region, Stories That Connect, the Lifestyle Barrington Coast podcast celebrates community, business, creativity, resilience and fun.
46 Women in Business feature
Remarkable women whose leadership, creativity and commitment continue to shape our region and strengthen our communities.
56 Business & Community
Building futures closer to home: Initiatives helping to shape a stronger MidCoast.
58 Bright Futures, Exploring Pathways
Connecting secondary schools with industry.
66
Endless Adventures
A guide to the Barrington Coast — a region shaped by nature, wonder and the tales you’ll carry home. Inspired by “Whatever the season, there’s always a tale to tell.” Plan your getaway at; barringtoncoast.com.au/tales
130 Good To Know
What’s on and where to go.
Whether you’re chasing a new flavour, finding your rhythm or following your curiosity, you’ll find something special waiting to be part of your story.
132 REGIONAL MAP
There’s a road for every kind of wanderer. Discover the scenic drives of the Barrington Coast. Each route offers a new way to explore, unwind and connect with the region’s beauty.
East Coast Photography
FORSTER TUNCURRY VERSION
Roll the dice and explore Forster Tuncurry like never before with this exclusive regional edition of MONOPOLY, celebrating the businesses, landmarks and local icons that make the twin towns unforgettable.
A proud initiative of the Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber, led by President Jessica Gray and the Community Partnership, this collectable keepsake is perfect for families, visitors and collectors alike, with all proceeds staying in the region to fund local events.
Produced by Winning Moves under licence from Hasbro, this limited edition invites locals and visitors to buy, sell and explore their way around Forster Tuncurry. Think turquoise waterfront favourites, iconic local hangouts, standout businesses, attractions and community gems.
“This collectable keepsake celebrates our community, businesses and place.”
— Jess Gray, President, Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber
Every square tells a story and captures the character and nostalgic spirit of the coastal tourist destination.
MONOPOLY Board Game - $69.95
Don’t forget to pass GO — head to the Forster Visitor Information Centre to secure yours today.
classic MONOPOLY game is designed for 2–6 players and makes a great gift for fans aged 8 and up.
BUILD YOUR DREAM EMPIRE: Buy locally inspired streets and iconic locations using COASTLINE BANK-branded MONOPOLY money to expand your empire by building houses and hotels. WILL YOU OUTSMART YOUR OPPONENTS? Keep an eye on Forster–Tuncurry–themed Chance and Community Chest cards, they could help you win or change your fortunes in an instant.
A defining landmark, Newport Apartments unites refined architecture with an exceptional coastal setting, offering 51 luxury residences across 12 floors.
Generously proportioned, open-plan interiors are framed by full-height sliding doors, capturing dazzling vistas across the Pacific Ocean, Wallis Lake and shoreline beyond. With Main Beach just 350m from your door and the Town Centre a short stroll away, Newport places the best of Forster within easy reach.
Enquire today to secure your place in Forster’s most anticipated waterfront address.
Artist impression
Photo: Raw Edge Photography
The Swell of New Ocean Guardians
The ocean has always called to Australians as a source of adventure, inspiration and connection. But today, it is also calling for guardianship.
Across the country, a new wave of ocean lovers is stepping forward: surfers, swimmers, divers, scientists, filmmakers, families and everyday beachgoers, united by a shared commitment to protect our coastlines, reefs and marine life. From small acts, like collecting three pieces of rubbish on a beach walk, to large-scale scientific and creative initiatives, this surge of longstanding and emerging ocean guardians is proving that care for the sea is a personal responsibility as much as a collective movement.
Take 3 for the Sea Small Actions, Big Impact
Tim Silverwood and Take 3 for the Sea have helped transform a simple idea into a national movement: Take three pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach or waterway. Now an award-winning charity, Take 3 connects people directly to the planet, reducing plastic pollution and encouraging everyday behaviour change that protects marine life and ecosystems. take3.org
Reef Check Australia
Since 2001, Reef Check Australia has empowered communities through citizen science, enabling everyday people to contribute meaningful reef monitoring data. reefcheckaustralia.org
Culture, Science & Storytelling
At the heart of ocean advocacy is storytelling. Anita Kolni, Founder and Director of the Ocean Lovers Festival, Australia’s largest celebration of ocean science and culture, brings together art, music, film and action to inspire hope and awareness. oceanloversfestival.com
Photo: John Dean Photography
Science as the Next Wave (A Future Focus)
Institutions such as the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) play a key role as connectors between research, community and action, translating science into realworld coastal and marine outcomes. sims.org.au This theme is further explored in a following feature on our Ziggy the Seahorse education project on page 58.
If you’re caught in a rip current, stay calm, conserve your energy and consider these options.
• Stay calm
• Seek help. Raise your arm and call out. You may be rescued
• Float with the current. It may return you to a shallow sandbank
• Swim parallel to the beach or towards the breaking waves. You may escape the rip current
• To love the ocean is to be informed, prepared and respectful, protecting both people and place.
Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, welcomed more than $128,000 in NSW Government funding in April to support practical upgrades benefiting volunteers and the wider community. “Surf life saving clubs are at the heart of our coastal communities, keeping people safe, training the next generation and bringing communities together.”
Loving the Ocean Responsibly
Being an ocean lover also means respecting the ocean’s power. Across the Barrington Coast, safety awareness is essential:
• Understand rips, tides and changing conditions
• Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches
• Be aware of stronger-than-expected currents at beaches, rivers and lakes — avoid diving into unknown water
• Use resources such as the Beachsafe App to check patrol status and hazards beachsafe.org.au/apps
• Follow SharkSmart guidance for NSW beaches and estuaries sharksmart.nsw.gov.au
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour
Continues this global conversation, showcasing powerful stories of diving, surfing, swimming, oceanography and marine conservation, highlighting the deep emotional connection between people and the sea. oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au
Above & Below the Surface
Dive Forster – Forster. Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, Dive Forster on Little Street delivers ocean experiences rooted in passion, legacy and marine connection. As Barrington Coast’s longest-running PADI Dive Centre (since 1972), they provide access to world-class dive sites, including Grey Nurse Shark habitats and vibrant reef systems, alongside comfortable, sustainable diving, training and whale watching experiences. diveforster.com.au
Forster Dive Centre – Tuncurry. An ECO Certified PADI dive facility located in Tuncurry, the Centre specialises in small-group dive experiences and marine conservation. Known for guided dives at premier sites such as The Pinnacle – an important Grey Nurse Shark aggregation site – they are also committed to sustainable diving and protecting the region’s unique marine ecosystems. forsterdivecentre.com.au
hark encounters make for splashy headlines, but what do we really know about them? It’s a question former pro surfer Brett Burcher hadn’t really considered until he was buzzed by a 3.5 metre Great White shark off One Mile Beach in March 2023. Local drone photographer Noah Hazelwood captured the incident. The shark turns on a dime and thrashes directly into Brett, knocking him off his surfboard, while his mate Nick Coghlan sprintpaddles into the frame. Both surfers scratch into the next wave and escape unscathed, unaware that the shark has circled back and is directly underneath them.
Brett, a new dad at the time, was thoroughly rattled by the encounter. “I’ve spent so much time in the ocean, all my life, really. I had so much trust and confidence in myself in that environment and all that got ripped away.” Brett stayed on dry land for a month a erwards and avoided looking at the drone footage.
There were sleepless nights, major anxiety issues and lots of unanswered questions. “I didn’t want to look at the footage, initially. But when I did, I realised this is actually extremely educational. Other ocean users would benefit from seeing this.”
The seed was planted. But it wasn’t until Brett started interviewing shark experts and talking to members of the shark attack survivor group, Bite Club, that he realised he had enough material for a feature-length documentary.
behaviour aren’t backed up by the stats.”
“I just realised there’s a lot of science and good information (about shark behaviour) that’s not reaching people. And that some of the assumptions surfers have about shark behaviour aren’t backed up by the stats.”
“I just realised there’s a lot of science and good information [about shark behaviour] that’s not reaching people. And that some of the assumptions surfers have about shark
Armed with the incredible drone footage, his own story and journalistic instincts, Brett began approaching filmmakers and production companies. “I've always been a fan of Damon Gameau from Regen Studios. He made That Sugar Film and the climate doco, 2040. I like that they are informative and cultureshi ing films but are done in a very digestible way. He doesn't ram information down your throat. The approach is creative and quirky. I hit him up and eventually we got on a call. He looked at the footage, heard my ideas and was like, ‘Yeah, “I'm in’.”
Filming has begun on the east coast and there are plans to tap into knowledge from
other shark experts and beach communities overseas, in Hawaii and California. Structurally, it will follow Brett’s post-encounter journey to learn more about shark behaviour in order to arm himself and other ocean goers with better information. “It’s a quest for answers and then a reflection on what those answers mean in the bigger scheme of things,” says Brett. “I’ll be talking to scientists and oceanographers but also looking at the impacts and a ermath of a shark attack on individuals and beach communities.”
There are a lot of intersecting issues to unravel and discuss. A recent cluster of attacks, including a fatality in Sydney Harbour, has again ignited passions around the shark issue. Scheduled removal of controversial shark nets from Sydney beaches was paused a er a fatal attack at Long Reef. White shark numbers appear to have significantly increased, but the introduction of drones as shark spotters is likely skewing the picture. Brett is already working on an accompanying podcast to explore the
issues that don’t make the film. Crossing the Tideline is the working title for both. Whatever mitigation plans government adopts, there will always be a possibility you’ll encounter a wild shark when you enter a wild ocean. It’s important to put that risk into perspective: It is tiny. You take a much bigger risk every day you drive a car. It’s less a sunny contemplation, but it’s also worth remembering that the vast majority of shark attacks aren’t fatal. Expert knowledge can make a critical difference here too.
Surviving a shark attack is a race against time and blood loss. O en, first responders are forced to use an improvised tourniquet, like a legrope or beach towel, even swimmers in an attempt to stop the bleeding. But hard to properly tension, a proper medical tourniquet is much better and these are now found inside shark kits stationed all around the mid-north coast. “Port Macquarie surfer Danny Schouten had the idea for the kits. I thought it was such a cool concept, I got in touch to see how we
could get some for Forster. We now have 25 shark kits stationed from Treachery Beach to Tuncurry Breakwall.”
Australians are a coast-hugging, beach-going, sea-salty people – 85% of us live within 50kms of the ocean. It’s where we play, holiday, socialise and interact with wild nature. There is not yet a release date for Crossing the Tideline, but there is already a big audience for it.
– Kirk Owers
“It’s a quest for answers and then a reflection on what those answers mean in the bigger scheme of things”
BRETT BURCHER
Lovers Ocean
Whether you’re chasing salt spray, the calls of seabirds or a refreshing dip, ocean pools, rock pools and calm inlets offer the perfect place to swim. These natural and built gems provide scenic saltwater experiences that ocean lovers return to again and again.
Often naturally formed and shaped by tides and shifting sands, conditions can change – so always take care when exploring these environments. Here are a few favourites to discover…
Forster Ocean Baths - a huge ocean pool near Main Beach with lap space, shallow ends and changing rooms.
Black Head Ocean Baths - intimate and protected, great for families or a post-walk float.
The Tanks, Forster - a beloved rock pool protected by natural reef walls, ideal for snorkelling.
Pebbly Beach, Forster - tide-dependent pools below Second Head, with bonus marine life.
Little Gibber, Myall Lakes National Park - calm, clear pools with snorkelling options near Broughton Island.
Number One Beach & Boat Beach at Seal Rocks - intermittent tide-dependent pools for explorers big and small.
Diamond Head - rugged rock platforms with photogenic tide pools at each end of the walking track.
Ocean Lovers Gallery
Art inspired by sea, salt and shoreline
The ocean has always inspired creativity. From shifting light on water to the textures of rock, sand and tide, coastal landscapes continue to shape the work of local artists and storytellers.
Kellie Lamacraft
Roz Baker
Olivia Cotovich
Gallery Forster
Gallery of Artists from Forster Gallery
Discover talented artists’ inspiring work at Forster Gallery, a thoughtfully designed creative space just moments from the township. Hosting a dynamic program of exhibitions, workshops, classes and skill-sharing events, the gallery is a vibrant hub where creativity and community connect.
With free entry, accessible parking and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place to linger, explore and perhaps take home your own piece of the coast.
Open 10am–4pm on weekends and when the flags are flying. forstergallery.org
Fiona Thompson
Belinda Dorey
Julia Davis
Julia Davis
Kathy Corner
PelleyGeoff
From a small loft studio space in Smiths Lake, artist Geoff Pelley spends his days working on mixed media works. He explores the local landscape as a source of inspiration, often gazing out through the canopy of the blackwoods toward the sandbar and the Tasman Sea.
Geoff began drawing as a young child and pursued this passion throughout school and into tertiary education. He trained as a Visual Arts teacher at the Sydney College of the Arts / City Art Institute in the early 1980s before starting a forty-year career as an arts educator with the NSW Department of Education. This adventure took Geoff from the urban streets of Sydney to the far west of NSW, working with a largely indigenous student cohort in Wilcannia.
“This was the furthest I had ever travelled at the time, and I was in awe of the outback landscape, its colours and vastness, and the warm-heartedness of the locals. It is also where I met my wife, Dianne, and we have been together ever since.”
From here, Geoff moved to the Central West towns of Mudgee, then Orange, before moving back to his parents’ childhood area on the Barrington Coast.
“Mum and Dad both grew up on dairy farms out around Nabiac and Krambach. As children, we spent annual holidays visiting family and hanging out at the beach around Forster and Tuncurry.”
Before retiring from fulltime teaching, Geoff worked as a Head Teacher of Creative and Performing Arts at the Great Lakes College for five years. Since 2023, Geoff has worked as a full-time artist, dedicating himself to spending time daily in the studio.
at many different types of artmaking.”
“ THE SUPPORT OF LOCAL BUSINESSES WHO HAVE BEEN PREPARED TO SHOW MY WORK IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND A SIGN OF HOW SUPPORTIVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARE FOR ONE ANOTHER HERE ON THE COAST.”
“I felt at first that I needed to reclaim my style and identity as an artist. After forty years of teaching, so much energy and emotion are poured into your students and trying your hand
Now, three and a half years down the track, Geoff realises that his passion for places and the natural landscape has always been present in his artmaking despite many side trips along the way. His work is about colour and the impact of light and dark on natural spaces. Always with a sketchbook and pencil at hand, Geoff records his observations wherever he goes, almost without censor or edit. These end up back in the studio where, with the distance of time and space, they are worked up into mixed media images.
“I usually start with working over the pencil
drawing with ink, applied using sticks and handmade brushes sourced from the place where the drawings were made. Over this acrylic paint, watercolour, oil pastels, pencil, and anything else at hand, is worked back and forth into the image until I feel it is time to stop.”
These works are usually small – 5x7 or 8x10 inch – works on paper or canvas board. They are exhibited in the Smith Lakes Good Food Store and the Visitor Information Centre in Forster. Some of the images are available as postcards or gi cards. Geoff accepts commissions for larger works and murals based
Geoff works from his home studio and is open to appointments to view works or discuss commissions.
He can be contacted on 0478 228 540 or geoffdad@hotmail.com
on these images.
“The support of local businesses who have been prepared to show my work is greatly appreciated and a sign of how supportive local communities are for one another here on the coast.”
As well as his own artmaking, Geoff keeps in touch with school-age students through his volunteer work. For several years now, Geoff has regularly run art workshops with students at Bungwahl Public School. The students love the opportunity to work with a practising artist and have their works exhibited at community events.
“We have had students show their work at The Pacific Palms Youth Art Show, The Bulladelah Show, the Midcoast Council’s Koala Safe Spaces, The NSW Teachers Federation Sam Lewis Peace Prize and published in the ‘Tell Me A Story’ illustrations competition. Every time the students can do this, they are working in the real world where art is put on show or used for a purpose. A real bonus is that they are acknowledged publicly and o en win prize money.”
His works can be viewed on Instagram and Facebook at geoffreypelley, and he has works for sale at The Good Food Store in Smiths Lake and the Forster Visitor Information Centre.
Geoff is the organiser of the Youth Art Festival, illustrator judge for the ‘Tell Me A Story’ children’s competition, as well as volunteering and delivering art experiences to students in schools.
Most recently, he contributed to the Ziggy project, facilitating art engagement for an adapted short story and film production workshops at Alesco Secondary College, Tuncurry Campus.
See the full Ziggy the Seahorse project story in “Bright Futures –Exploring Pathways” on page 58.
artful
There’s something grounding about lingering in a quiet gallery. Take the time to explore regional art spaces: the lighting’s gentle, the pace is calm and the conversations that follow are often the most memorable part of the day.
In Taree, the Manning Regional Art Gallery offers an inspiring pause in your journey with ever-changing exhibitions. You might even find yourself face-to-face with an Australian masterpiece by Whiteley, Boyd, Smart or Long, borrowed from the Art Gallery of NSW collection.
Explore Gloucester Gallery, Gloucester Creatives, Forster Gallery, Galleries In The Gardens at Tea Gardens, Deep Water Shark Gallery at Taree and Artisans On The Hill at Mondrook.
Explore galleries, working studios and artist residences
Scan to discover more:
Catherine Garrod is a prominent artist based in Smiths Lake. Known for her vibrant, compositionally bold works – abstract landscapes through oil, acrylic, gouache and cold wax, she captures the colour, movement and emotion of place.
Working from her private studio and gallery, CGarrodArt, Catherine frequently opens her space to locals and visitors through her successful Open Gallery events. These relaxed, welcoming visits offer a chance to experience her work firsthand, meet the artist and purchase original pieces.
Enquiries and further details: Instagram and fb: cgarrodart Subscribe for Newsletter on website! web: cgarrodart.com.au text: 0466 973 068
Sometimes the Barrington Coast collects the most unexpected stories. One belongs to architect, artist and author Philip Koether, whose journey – spanning linguistics, language studies, history, genealogy and a formative early role at New York’s legendary Metropolitan Museum of Art – eventually led him to Tallwoods, Hallidays Point, in the Mid North Coast region.
Tallwoods From Manha an
It’s a life story that reads a little like an international novel, with each chapter carrying him to cultural epicentres.
Philip met his Australian husband in New York City in 1999. Together, they ran Philip’s Manhattan architectural practice for more than two decades until the pandemic abruptly shut the doors on a career built over 25 years. Unlike Australia, there was no JobKeeper safety net in the United States. Contracts, rent, insurance and staff obligations had to be unwound almost overnight.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
three-hour circle around two cultural anchors they knew they could not live without – the Sydney Opera House and the Art Gallery of New South Wales – they began searching for a home. Initially, they expected to land south near Jervis Bay, where family connections beckoned. But as the market surged, the search gradually dri ed north.
“...IT’S EASY TO ENVISION THE GALLERY’S FUTURE AS MORE THAN A REGIONAL INSTITUTION, BUT AS AN IMPORTANT ART MAGNET”
With the world in upheaval, the couple began plotting a new chapter in Australia. Drawing a
Then came Tallwoods Village. A er 62 house searches, the couple finally found their place on the Barrington Coast.
Today, Philip divides his time between studio life in Tallwoods, Hallidays Point and Newtown, Sydney. His active engagement with the region’s arts community, including his involvement with the Friends of the Manning
Regional Art Gallery, means that another chapter of his story continues to unfold on the Barrington Coast.
Philip adds:
“Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery, the gallery’s community volunteer support group, is dedicated to presenting exhibitions, community arts programs and engagement with artists. As its new president and international “outsider” coming full circle in experience, it’s easy to envision the gallery’s future as more than a regional institution, but as an important art magnet, apace with inevitable regional growth, benefiting all who support it and those yet to discover it.”
Connect with Philip Koether Art: philipkoetherarts
This work is part of an open-ended series that utilises TIME (dawn, day, dusk) and the ELEMENTS (earth, air, water, fire) as interchangeable variables.
- Sarah Steele
For some, the Barrington Coast is a place of return. For others, it’s a discovery that quickly feels familiar. Morning swims before the day begins, unhurried afternoons, and a connection to coastline and community that feels both effortless and enduring.
At Blueys Beach, that lifestyle doesn’t need to be imagined; it’s already in motion.
Set alongside the natural beauty of Booti Booti National Park and framed by some of the Mid North Coast’s most recognisable beaches, this is a part of the coast where life moves at an unhurried pace. There is now the opportunity to create your own coastal escape within a thoughtfully considered coastal setting, connected to an established and tightly held community. Here, the rhythm
of life is shaped by the natural environment, coastline, bushland and open space working in quiet balance.
What defines this opportunity is its rarity.
Unlike typical coastal estates, approximately 85% of the site is preserved as natural bushland. Homesites are generously scaled and carefully positioned, allowing the surrounding landscape to remain the hero. Addenbrooke and WT Malouf have approached the site with a focus on landscapeled planning, creating a setting that feels both grounded and increasingly uncommon along the New South Wales coast.
For those who have long been drawn to this part of the region, the appeal is immediate. This is not about imagining a lifestyle, it’s about securing a place within one already deeply understood.
With land now selling and ready for summer 2026/27, there is also the opportunity to plan ahead with clarity. Recognising the builder availability challenges across the region, purchasers are supported with considered pathways forward, including access to builder solutions and local design guidelines. It’s an approach that encourages thoughtful, wellresolved homes that sit comfortably within their coastal and bushland surrounds.
“ WITHIN REACH OF SYDNEY, JUST THREE HOURS’ DRIVE WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE HEXHAM BYPASS, THE BARRINGTON COAST REMAINS BOTH ACCESSIBLE AND DISTINCTLY REMOVED IN PACE.”
At Lawson Property, we focus exclusively on property sales in the Pacific Palms region because this is our home and community too. Our team brings deep local knowledge, genuine passion and commitment to achieving the best results for every client.
Whether you’re thinking of selling, curious about the current market or simply want to know the value of your home, we’re here to help. Our team would be delighted to provide you with an obligation-free property appraisal and share our local insights.
A cherished place, where moments stretch into eternity – that’s Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo – and that’s a place where you want to go.
Coastal resort
lifestyle
at a place you want to go
INGENIA LIFESTYLE KOKOMO | BLUEYS BEACH
Nestled beside the Barrington Coast’s picturesque Blueys Beach, an exciting new retreat is coming to life, and everybody’s singing about it.
Sharing the name of The Beach Boys iconic tune, Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo will be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind for over 55s dreaming of getting away from it all.
Think morning walks along the sand, coffee in the village, afternoons spent outdoors or catching up with neighbours – it’s a lifestyle that feels both familiar and quietly elevated.
Upon completion, Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo will offer 133 new homes as well as first-class amenities within a modern clubhouse precinct,
including a resort-style pool, barbecue dining area, putting green, games room, pickleball court, gym and sauna.
A haven for wellbeing, residents will enjoy an active lifestyle surrounded by the beauty of nature, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters just a short stroll from their doorstep.
Beyond the front door, the Barrington Coast continues to unfold. From nearby walking tracks to local cafés and coastal towns, there’s always something to explore.
Connection, too, happens in its own time here. Thoughtfully designed shared spaces create opportunities to come together while still allowing for privacy and independence.
Low-maintenance living allows more time for what matters, while planned infrastructure improvements, including enhanced pedestrian access, support a walkable, connected lifestyle
between home, the village and the coastline beyond.
At Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo, it’s not about redefining life; it’s about refining it. A continuation of the things you already value, in a place that brings them into focus.
Ingenia Lifestyle Kokomo offers a collection of brand-new homes for over 55s on the Barrington Coast.
Homes now selling from $865,000*
Sales office and display homes open: Monday to Friday 10am–4pm | Weekends by appointment
321 Boomerang Drive, Blueys Beach 1800 135 010
Artist’s Impression - to be used as a guide only
A NEW WAY OF LIVING IN THE HEART OF FORSTER
There is a quiet shift happening in Forster. Not a sudden change, but something that has been building over time — a different way of thinking about how we live, how we stay connected, and how our communities support us as life evolves.
For more than a decade, Evermore has been part of that story. What began as a commitment to better retirement living has steadily grown into something broader — a focus on creating places where independence, care and community are not separate ideas, but part of everyday life.
Now, that thinking is taking shape in a new way at Solaris.
Located in the centre of town at 4 Lake Street, Solaris is emerging as a connected precinct where living, wellbeing and daily life come together in one place. It is not defined by a single building or offering, but by how seamlessly everything works around you.
Here, home sits alongside the rhythms of the day, a morning coffee, a walk to Ahmedi’s IGA @ Solaris, access to the Great Lakes Day Hospital, allied health services and an over-60s wellness gymnasium, familiar faces, and the simple ease of having what you need close by.
It is a way of living that removes friction and restores a sense of flow to everyday life. Importantly, Solaris reflects a growing understanding that life is not linear. Our needs change, o en gradually, and the places we live in should be able to adapt with us. Within this precinct, independence is supported by access to trusted care and health and wellness services when needed, allowing people to remain connected to their home, their community and their sense of self over time.
place where locals and visitors naturally come together. It is as much a community hub as it is a place to live.
There is also a broader impact taking shape, new employment opportunities, strengthened local services, and an investment in infrastructure that supports the region’s future.
“ IT IS NOT DEFINED BY A SINGLE BUILDING OR OFFERING, BUT BY HOW SEAMLESSLY EVERYTHING WORKS AROUND YOU.”
Beyond its residents, Solaris is also contributing to the life of the town itself. The inclusion of essential retail, café experiences and integrated health and wellness infrastructure brings new energy into the centre of Forster, creating a
Ultimately, Solaris represents something more than development. It reflects a shi toward living environments that are designed around people, where connection, convenience and care are thoughtfully integrated into daily life.
In the heart of Forster, it is not just a new address.
It is a new way of living.
Wellness Coastal
FIND YOUR OWN WAY TO WELLBEING
The Barrington Coast invites you to slow down, stretch out and settle into a gentler rhythm of life. Here, wellness isn’t a schedule, it’s something you move through naturally, shaped by salt air, open spaces and time shared with the people who matter most. From sunrise swims, coastal or hinterland walks to long lunches and slow afternoons, the region offers endless adventures to restore balance. Whether you live here, have recently arrived or are simply passing through solo, as a couple, with family friends or your besties, there are countless ways to reconnect and feel renewed.
Spa • Indulge • Restore Across the region, wellness becomes deeply personal and restorative. Treat yourself at Pure Wellbeing Day Spa in Diamond Beach or Rejuv Skin Clinic in Forster, or explore holistic experiences at Blueys Beach Natural Health Centre or at Cove Forster.
And for a place of care, connection and quiet transformation, Glow Beauty Therapy, Taree sits at the heart of the community, offering a calming space where wellbeing is genuinely nurtured, with expert facial therapy designed to reconnect you to your skin and restore confidence. From skincare, facials and massage to magnesium soaks, grazing platters and bubbles, choose your indulgence and create a wellness experience that is uniquely your own. Stretch into wellbeing with Pilates, yoga and sound healing across the region, with studios including Welcome Space Yoga and sound bowls (Red Head). Enjoy Forster Yoga Studio or The Place for Everybody Pilates. In Pacific Palms, experience boutique reformer movement at Palms Pilates, set in the heart of Blueys Beach. At Boomerang Beach, flow into movement with Salt Pilates , offering dynamic
mat Pilates and Mums & Bubs classes , or find coastal calm at Yoga Cove.
For deeper restoration, unwind with sauna, contrast therapy and recovery sessions in Tuncurry at Thrive Wellness Hub, or nourish body, heart and mind at The Nourishment Co in Stroud.
At Solaris Forster, wellbeing is part of the everyday rhythm. Designed as a connected precinct, Solaris brings together home, movement and access to allied health services, including the Great Lakes Day Hospital within the precinct, along with an over-60s wellness gymnasium, making it easier to stay active, supported and engaged in daily life. It’s a lifestyle where wellness isn’t something you travel for but something that exists around you.
Stay • Reset • Retreat
For those seeking a deeper reset, the Barrington Coast offers immersive wellness escapes designed for rest, reconnection and restoration.
From group retreats at Sunquncha Temple near Gloucester, Boomerang Beach Retreats at Sutherland Downs (Coomba Bay), Nourished Soul Sanctum Retreats at Stroud Monastery and the Crowdy Bay Women’s Wellness Retreat at Crowdy Head to self-guided stays where you create your own rhythm, the region invites you to slow down in your own way.
Design your own wellness escape with the team at AHOY Forster-Tuncurry, The Great Escapes Lo s – Accommodation Gloucester, Mobys Beachside Retreat, Sheoak & Sand Collective, or The Beach Butler’s Pacific Palms accommodation, coastal home paradise experience, bringing together comfort, space and coastal ease.
For a more flexible approach, bring your own facilitator, book private treatments, roll out a mat at sunrise or simply embrace stillness.
Signature Wellness Stays
Clarendon Forest Retreat (Possum Brush)
Set within Talawahl Nature Reserve, offering spa cottages, fireplaces, bushwalks, horse riding and in-house massage.
The Moorings Lakehouse (Coomba Bay) Luxury group accommodation with outdoor stone bath, sauna, entertaining deck and sweeping Wallis Lake views, ideal for bespoke wellness gatherings.
The Barrington Coast is full of discovery, from coastal walks, hinterland trails and waterfalls to scenic drives, local produce and dog-friendly cafés.
Saltwater, sand, forests and falls , this is a landscape that flows from calm rivers to cool mountain tops and sunlit headlands, welcoming you to experience the Barrington Coast in all its contrasts. Stretching from “the mountains to the sea,” it’s a place where, “Whatever the season, there’s always a tale to tell.” Plan your escape at barringtoncoast.com.au/tales
Glow
Beauty Therapy
SKIN, STRENGTH & A STORY OF COMMITMENT
In the heart of Taree, Glow Beauty Therapy is more than a skin clinic — it’s a place of care, connection and quiet transformation. Led by owner Melissa Battishall, this much-loved local business has become a trusted destination for holistic skin health, built on more than two decades of experience and a deeply personal philosophy: healthy skin begins with kindness.
Through floods, challenges and changing times, Melissa has continued to show up for her community, earning outstanding recognition at the MidCoast Business Awards. Glow Beauty Therapy was named 2025 Business of the Year and also received both the Best Health & Wellbeing and Best Personal Services Business awards. This annual event celebrates excellence across the region. It’s a reflection not only of her expertise but of her resilience, heart and unwavering commitment to her clients.
Glow Beauty Therapy
At Glow, the focus is on long-term skin health rather than quick fixes. Specialising in acne, ageing and skin barrier repair, every treatment is tailored to the individual, combining advanced techniques such as skin needling, IPL, LED light therapy and buccal facial massage with an intuitive, nurturing touch. The result is a holistic approach that works beneath the surface, supporting the skin’s natural function while restoring selfconfidence.
“ GLOW IS ABOUT SKIN KINDNESS; FEELING CONFIDENT IN YOUR OWN SKIN & OFFERING YOU A CARING HAND TOWARDS A POSITIVE SKIN JOURNEY.”
Skin responds better to treatments like skin needling when the skin is strengthened first. Using this barrier-first approach, Melissa and her team create lasting visible change and improvement for clients’ skin. For Melissa, it’s always been about more than skin. It’s about helping people feel seen and heard in a space where it is solely about them.
— Melissa Battishall
The Glow team understands that skin is never "just skin", which is why treatments are created with customisation for the individual, with the goal to help your skin function the way it was always meant to. Experiences like the Bespoke Skin Journey Facial allow a pathway and preparation for advanced treatment modalities.
Every client journey begins with understanding, using detailed skin analysis and consultation to create a personalised plan that evolves.
A er 16 years supporting the Mid North Coast community, Glow Beauty Therapy continues to shine as a space where wellness, expertise and genuine care come together — proof that even through adversity, something beautiful can grow.
FAMILY AND FRESH FOOD COLLIDE AT HALLIDAYS POINT FOODWORKS.
Words Odette Tonkin Photos Claudia Gabrielle Lim
Never in a million years did Kasie and Adam Heathcote imagine running a supermarket in the pictureperfect coastal village of Hallidays Point. Kasie spent her childhood on the Mid North Coast, but for years worked in the corporate marketing and digital world in Sydney and Melbourne, where she met husband Adam, a manager in the hospitality and restaurant industry.
When Kasie’s father’s health took a turn, the decision to return to the coast and help in the family supermarket business was an easy one. “Dad was diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia, which was a huge shock. Adam and I realised we needed to be closer to family,” says Kasie.
A er initial thoughts to sell the FoodWorks
LEGACY A LOCAL
“ WE LOVED BEING BACK ON THE COAST AND IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT WE REALLY SLOWED DOWN AND THOUGHT, ‘MAYBE WE COULD LIVE OUR LIVES DIFFERENTLY”
business, Kasie’s parents, Leanne and Colin Westle, raised the idea of potentially keeping the store in the family. “We never thought of moving to the area full time, but a er working in the shop with Mum and Dad, this tiny spark of possibility kept popping into our heads,” remembers Kasie. “We loved being back on the coast and it was the first time that we really slowed down and thought, ‘Maybe we could live our lives differently?’” A er months of contemplating the biggest decision of their lives, at the end of 2024, Adam, Kasie and their two little boys, Joey, now 10 and Jack, 7, jumped in headfirst and became the new owners of FoodWorks Hallidays Point.
With 60 staff and encircled by a close-knit community that includes Black Head, Diamond
Beach, Red Head, Tallwoods Village and its surrounding areas, FoodWorks is far more than just a place where people buy their bread and milk. “We quickly came to realise that the unique part of running a business in a small community is that your staff are also your customers and that every day we’re building amazing relationships with local people who come into the store,” says Adam. These daily interactions and being able to play a purposeful role in the local area reaffirmed the busy couple’s decision to take on the supermarket. “It’s such a huge job,” says Adam, “And the list of things to do never ends, but we feel really energised by the work and we’re very invested in this store and our community.”
Being able to provide a platform for local food growers and artisans is a huge priority for Kasie and Adam and they’ve spent hours fostering
existing relationships with local suppliers, whilst building new, exciting connections with food producers in the surrounding region. “We have a lot of local suppliers that our customers know and value, and we love supporting them because the quality of the produce is amazing and it’s as fresh as it gets,” says Kasie. “When we showcase local produce in our store, we’re helping out other local businesses and their families and that feels really good,” says Kasie. From McGrath Meats in Taree that cut and deliver fresh meat to the Hallidays Point store daily and Palms Artisan Bakery that supply delicious sourdough breads and sweet treats, to Ricardoes Tomatoes for deliveries of fresh produce and conserves and a number of local egg and honey suppliers, championing local produce is a driving factor for Kasie and Adam. “We stock Monin Seafoods from Tuncurry and we have a terrific relationship with Willy, the owner of Twohans in Taree, who makes fresh sushi for the store three times a week,” says Adam. “Our focus is fresh, direct and local, so for us, we want to add to our customers’ shopping experience by offering amazing products that are grown or made right here on the Mid North Coast.”
Connecting with the community that they now belong to has been a bonus for Kasie and Adam a er taking the reins of the supermarket 18 months ago. “I started working for Mum and Dad in July 2023 and Adam and I took over in November 2024.” As a fundamental part of the township, Kasie says
“ I STARTED WORKING FOR MUM AND DAD IN JULY 2023 AND ADAM AND I TOOK OVER IN NOVEMBER 2024”
“ OUR FOCUS IS FRESH, DIRECT AND LOCAL, SO FOR US, WE WANT TO ADD TO OUR CUSTOMERS’ SHOPPING EXPERIENCE BY OFFERING AMAZING PRODUCTS THAT ARE GROWN OR MADE RIGHT HERE ON THE MID NORTH COAST.”
being able to give back to the people of Hallidays Point and support projects that make a difference has been a highlight of the job. “It’s the day-to-day things that we can offer to our community that mean so much to us,” explains Kasie. “Our staff are just incredible and will carry bags to the cars of those who need the help or find certain products for customers that they can’t get anywhere else. On a bigger scale, we sponsor local sporting groups, the primary school, the Lions Club and the Surf Club, and we’re proud to be able to build these connections and help make a difference.”
Kasie and Adam have big plans for the future
of FoodWorks Hallidays Point, which includes continuing to expand their Food To Go offerings, investing in their staff ’s training and development and increasing their range of direct and local suppliers.
But business aside, family is still the key driving factor for this independent supermarket. “My sister and brother both work in the business and Mum still helps with the books. Plus, Dad and our boys are in here all the time lending a hand in any way they can, which is really special,” says Kasie. “For us, running a business like this all comes back to family and this extends on to our amazing team of staff and the local customers who are so supportive of us. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
BUSINESS AWARDS Midcoast
Each year, the Barrington Coast comes to life as the MidCoast Business Awards celebrate excellence across businesses, individuals and business organisations throughout the MidCoast region of New South Wales.
The celebrations continue each year, with the 2026 Gala Dinner held at Club Forster, recognising outstanding business achievements across the MidCoast region. It is a valuable opportunity for businesses to be acknowledged at the forefront of community recognition and to celebrate success alongside industry leaders. Winners also have the opportunity to progress through to regional and state-level recognition. midcoastbusinessawards.com
The 2025 awards, held at Club Old Bar, recognised the outstanding achievement, innovation and leadership across diverse sectors.
GET CONNECTED
Subscribe to Business Buzz: midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Business/Business-Buzz A–Z Local Network:
Business Taree (Taree Business Chamber) – advocacy, networking events and business connection opportunities
Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber/Old Bar – business support, community partnerships and local development initiatives
Gloucester Business Chamber – tourism support and Gloucester Markets coordination
Harrington Crowdy Head Chamber of Commerce – representing local business interests across Harrington
Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce –regional advocacy and business support
Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce –community and small business engagement
Wingham Chamber of Commerce – local advocacy and town improvement initiatives
JESSICA GRAY PRESIDENT
INTO THE WILD
ANNIE ROSE ACADEMY OF DANCE
LUXE ON MANNING
MIDCOAST HEARING
COASTLINE BANK WITH OVERALL 2025 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR WINNER GLOW BEAUTY THERAPY
GLOW BEAUTY THERAPY
CELEBRATING OUR 2025 WINNERS - KEY CATEGORIES
Business of the Year
• Glow Beauty Therapy
Outstanding New Business (Sponsored by Lifestyle Barrington Coast)
• Sunnyside Equine Facilitated Learning
Outstanding Community Organisation (Sponsored by MidCoast Council)
• Into the Wild
Best Innovation Business (Sponsored by The Beach Geek)
• Burling Turn Assist GoLow Bed
Best Education & Training Business (Sponsored by Evermore)
• Annie Rose Academy of Dance
Best Professional Services (Sponsored by The WIN Network)
• Creative Shell
Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion (Sponsored by Beaver Novello Moss)
• OCTEC Employment
Best Health & Wellbeing Business
(Sponsored by Business NSW)
• Glow Beauty Therapy
Best Retail Business (Sponsored by Blueberry Events)
• Lumpys Nursery and Landscape Yard
Best Visitor Experience (Sponsored by Saxby’s So Drinks)
• Forster Dive Centre
Best Trade Business (Sponsored by Manning Valley Automotive)
• Caiban Electrical
Best Hospitality Business (Sponsored by Smart Coast Conveyancing)
• Nate’s Pizzeria
Best Sustainability Business (Sponsored by Club Old Bar)
• Luxe on Manning
Best Personal Service Business (Sponsored by Colourworks Australia)
• Glow Beauty Therapy
Best Customer Service Business (Sponsored by Distinctive Building Co.)
• Local Pest Experts
Outstanding Employer (Sponsored by JC Entertainment)
• Midcoast Hearing
Outstanding Employee (Sponsored by Great Lakes Advocate & Manning River Times)
• Scott Hatton (ETC)
Outstanding Business Leader (Sponsored by Coastline Bank)
• Laurent Calvert (Well Suited)
People’s Choice — Service (Sponsored by Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber)
• Creative Shell
People’s Choice — Product (Sponsored by Lakeside Festival)
• Nate’s Pizzeria
Hall of Fame Award — (Sponsored by Orbit Marketing)
• Taree Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club recognised for over 12 years of community service
TAREE
LAUREN
LOCAL PEST EXPERTS
CREATIVE SHELL
LET’S DIVE IN
Join Host Simon Gould and Co-Host Megan Lewis as they explore the stories, people, ideas, and conversations shaping our region.
CONVOS Stories that connect Season 2
BEHIND THE BAR & BEYOND THE PLATE
Thirty Three Degrees | YUMBAH with Jade & Kady
Show Notes: A few laughs, great conversation, and a whole lot of talk about food feature in this episode of Convos
Jade and Kady are the dynamic duo behind the flavour, energy and unforgettable dining experience at Thirty Three Degrees, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh produce, relaxed atmosphere and one of the best waterfront views in town.
FROM PASSION TO PINTS – POURING IT FORWARD
Pacific Ocean Brewery — with Dave Gander
Show Notes: When COVID hit, Dave and Jane, two Australian expats running pubs in London, made the decision to return home.
After more than 20 years abroad, they chose a slower coastal life, with Dave reconnecting with his love of surfing and together building something meaningful in hospitality on the Barrington Coast.
THROUGH THE EYES OF A TRAVEL WRITER
with Kirk Owers
Show Notes: Kirk Owers is an award-winning travel writer, adventurer and storyteller whose journeys often revolve around epic powder snow, perfect waves and unforgettable landscapes. He’s a music lover, wedding photographer and a passionate advocate for the Barrington Coast. In this episode of CONVOS, we talk travel, storytelling and life on the coast — plus a sneak peek into an upcoming shark documentary project.
LISTEN HERE
CONNECTED TO COMMUNITY
The Person Behind The Public Role
Tanya Thompson is the local Member for Myall Lakes, a role she stepped into following a couple of pivotal “sliding doors” moments that changed the direction of her life.
Show Notes: In this episode, CONVOS Co-host Megan Lewis chats with Tanya about her journey from small business into politics, the personal impact of public life, what last year’s floods taught her, and why staying genuinely connected to local people matters so deeply to her.
It’s a conversation that gives real insight into the person behind the public role and explores what surprises people most about being an MP, the realities behind the public profile, and her hopes for the future of the Mid North Coast over the next 50 years.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Solaris Forster — A Collective Vision
Behind Solaris is a collective shaping a new chapter for Forster. The Evermore Living Group brings together construction, care, property and community through an integrated approach designed around people and place, including key precinct elements such as Ahmedi’s IGA @ Solaris and the Great Lakes Day Hospital.
This vision is supported by a team leading delivery on the ground: Stefan Engals (Project Manager, Global Construction); Anthony Grosvenor (Village Manager, Evermore Bruce Street and Solaris); Nova Grosvenor (GM, Evermore Living Care); Chris Garraway (Aion Property Group), alongside Dr Muneef (Great Lakes Day Hospital) and Ghaz Ahmedi (Ahmedi’s IGA @ Solaris).
Featured in CONVOS Season 2, the conversation brings these voices together to explore how this collective approach is shaping Forster’s future and what it means for how communities live, connect and evolve.
TUNE INTO OTHER PODCASTS CREATED RIGHT HERE ON THE MIDCOAST
THE MARKETING MASHUP
with Simon Gould
Show Notes: A fun conversation and interview series about marketing campaigns, strategies, tactics and ideas to help marketers and business owners get the most out of their marketing and advertising. Sometimes silly, sometimes rude, always useful.
WOMEN’S RUNNING COLLECTIVE
with Hayley and Jussie
A podcast and community built by women, for women. Hosts Hayley and Jussie turned a chance running friendship into a supportive space where women can connect through movement, health, running and reallife conversations, whether you’re chasing a marathon goal, a Parkrun PB or simply lacing up for your first run with confidence and connection.
DonnaBallard&Tanya
Business Women in
With this issue’s Women in Business feature, Lifestyle Barrington Coast magazine celebrates the remarkable women whose leadership, creativity and commitment continue to shape our region and strengthen our communities.
There is no better way to open this feature than with Donna Ballard, recently named the Myall Lakes Local Woman of the Year 2026, a recognition announced by Member for
Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, in March at the well-attended International Women’s Day Celebratory Fundraising Lunch in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities, expertly coordinated by Sarah Wilkinson.
“ IT IS NOT DEFINED BY A SINGLE BUILDING OR OFFERING, BUT BY HOW SEAMLESSLY EVERYTHING WORKS AROUND YOU.”
Described as a driving force for regional opportunity and cultural growth, Donna Ballard’s contribution spans education, the arts and community leadership. As CEO of the Taree Universities Campus,
Donna has been recognised for her unwavering commitment to removing barriers to higher education, enabling regional students to study locally rather than relocate. As co-founder and coordinator of the Wingham Music Festival, she has helped nurture and expand the cultural heartbeat of the Manning Valley on the Barrington Coast. In early 2026, she further extended her leadership impact with her appointment as a General Executive Member of the Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia (SPERA), which bridges diverse stakeholders, including educators, researchers and community members, to share best practices and influence policy for regional, rural and remote (RRR) education.
Reflecting on the honour, Donna says:
“It was so kind of Tanya Thompson to put my name forward for this recognition, and it truly is an honour to have been presented by Tanya at the International Women’s Day Celebratory Fundraising lunch in Taree.
I know that I am blessed to have so many supportive women in my life-women who have passed opportunities to me, opened doors
to progress further in my career, and women in my family who have enriched my life and given me the ability to take on more in the community and further afield.
Without collaboration, nothing is achieved, so this award is a result of the community support I feel from so many people. Support that allows me to always strive harder, look for more and ensure the Manning Valley is noticed.
The 2026 International Women’s Day Luncheon held at Club Taree, marked ten years of Standing with Women for Families, supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW.
I am grateful that my job aligns with my personal values too, so it does not feel like hard work but instead provides an opportunity to encourage others to go further and explore possibilities that may have initially felt out of reach.
I was also posed a comment recently about International Women’s Day just being about cupcakes, coffee and tea. My response is that women achieve a whole lot more than just drinking tea and enjoying scones!
But on reflection, o en our best ideas are formed through relaxed conversations and really leaning in and listening to one another, so if cupcakes and coffee fuel that collaboration, then more strength to us!”
In Donna Ballard, we meet a leader who embodies collaboration, opportunity and quiet determination, someone who continues to ensure our region is not only seen but heard.
We created Barrington Coast Women in Business because we knew so many amazing and ambitious women were living across our region. Yet, there were few places for them to connect and collaborate without needing to travel. We wanted to create local access to professional development opportunities, connections and conversations that support women in growing their careers and businesses.
Since starting this network, we’ve seen so many women showing up, sharing openly and supporting each other in a really genuine way. It’s made us realise there were many women like us looking for this kind of space, and we can’t wait to see how it evolves.
With over 25 years in real estate, Dominique has built an impressive career defined by trust, integrity and an unwavering commitment to her clients.
SETTING THE BENCHMARK FOR WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE
As a former Director of both Pacific Palms Real Estate and Tea Gardens Real Estate, she successfully led and grew businesses managing more than 480 properties across Pacific Palms, Tea Gardens, Sydney and the Northern NSW. Her experience also spans senior roles across Australia, Asia and the Middle East, shaping a global perspective and a deep understanding of diverse property markets.
Known for her down-to-earth nature and genuine ability to connect, Dominique brings a thoughtful, client-first approach to everything she does. She is highly detail-oriented and
collaborative, taking the time to understand each client’s goals and tailoring strategies that consistently deliver strong results. A skilled negotiator, she combines professionalism with care, ensuring every client feels confident and supported throughout their journey.
Beyond her work with clients, Dominique is a respected industry leader and advocate. She has served as Director of The Holiday Industry’s Rental Association, Chair of the Great Lakes Tourism Advisory Committee, and Chairperson of the REINSW Holiday and Short Term Letting Committee.
Passionate, approachable and deeply experienced, Dominique continues to lead with purpose, empowering her clients, contributing to her community, and setting a benchmark for women in the real estate industry.
“ MY APPROACH HAS ALWAYS BEEN SIMPLE, BUILD GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS, UNDERSTAND PEOPLE’S GOALS, AND GUIDE THEM WITH HONESTY AND CARE. THAT’S WHAT CREATES LASTING RESULTS, BOTH FOR CLIENTS AND THE COMMUNITY.”
— Dominique Vasers, DiJones Pacific Palms
Butler Beach The
A FRESH TAKE ON COASTAL WEEKENDING
Luxury stays, local knowledge, and beautifully effortless all-season escapes with Julie Mather. In the Pacific Palms region of NSW, where Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach and Seal Rocks meet the coastline, The Beach Butler is redefining how we experience an escape.
More than accommodation, it is a curated coastal getaway lifestyle. Luxury holiday homes, personalised guest services and hands-on property management
come together to create effortless “weekending” escapes and extended coastal stays for guests and homeowners alike.
Founder and owner-operator Julie Mather says
the vision is simple:
“People don’t just want a place to stay, they want to feel looked after, connected and completely at ease the moment they arrive. As a well-seasoned traveller myself, I like to know things are taken care of and there is not a thing to worry about.”
With a background in Sydney’s corporate and legal sector, Julie established one of Sydney’s original concierge services in 2003, managing high-level schedules for executives, professionals and developers.
“Those years taught me precision, organisation and the importance of anticipating needs before they arise,” she says. “I bring that same approach into The Beach Butler, but with sand between your toes,” she adds, laughing so ly.
Today, The Beach Butler manages handselected holiday properties designed for experience-led stays, many available for filming and bespoke coastal getaways. Each home is prepared with hotellevel detail, quality linen, professional cleaning and seamless guest readiness, while also offering a signature “beachside butler” experience.
“ WE’LL TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING ELSE, FROM LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKING SURE THE HOME FEELS PERFECT.”
“We want guests to arrive and instantly switch off,” Julie says. “We’ll take care of everything else, from local recommendations to making sure the home feels perfect.”
As Australians increasingly embrace short escapes and spontaneous travel, Julie believes her portfolio across Pacific Palms, Seal Rocks and Diamond Beach on the Barrington Coast is perfectly positioned to capture the growing “weekending” and extended coastal getaway culture.
“When life feels busy, a weekend by the ocean can reset everything,” she says. “That’s what we create, space to breathe, reconnect and simply enjoy where you are.”
Calladine Maxine
HOMEGROWN GREAT LAKES HERO
With our Women in Business feature this issue, Lifestyle Barrington Coast celebrates remarkable people and their community contributions. In July 2015, Maxine Calladine made a true sea change, a Great Lakes change, “arriving in paradise” at Forster Keys on Wallis Lake. It was a moment that would mark the beginning of her enduring connection to, and impact on, the Barrington Coast community.
Long admired across the Great Lakes and Forster community, Maxine has been a guiding light for many. She has taken countless people under her wing, a testament to her warmth, generosity and glowing smile. Maxine’s energy and natural presence on the microphone have made her a cherished voice at national and local events, while her extensive professional background as a Registered Nurse and Midwife and many years of experience in the corporate sector as a healthcare professional, enriches everything she does.
For years, Maxine has contributed extensively to the local Business Chamber and numerous community causes, always showing up, being present and leading by example. She believes
every person can make a difference, no matter their skills or experience. “Whether you’re a maker, a doer, a writer, a planner, a networker or just someone willing to lend a hand, there’s always a way to contribute,” she says. Her guidance shows that even small acts can create meaningful change and add purpose and joy to your own life while helping others in need. Beyond her volunteer work, Maxine serves on the Board of Directors at Club Forster and more recently on the board at the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter (GLWS), supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness. The shelter’s contributions are wide-ranging: from crisis accommodation, safety planning, housing advocacy, legal and financial referrals, and child-focused casework to daily operations, the Tuncurry Op Shop at 68 Manning Street and fundraising events, such as
THE GO TO AGENCY FOR PREMIUM BUSINESS SUPPORT
Based on the Mid North Coast, with a national footprint, we provide executive support, EA recruitment and administration training. We connect businesses with experienced talent through flexible models that enable leaders to operate more effectively.
the annual GLWS Ball.
Sipping her go-to favourite beverage, a “mustbe-hot dirty chai” Maxine reflects, “We’re all so fortunate to live in this wonderful place we have the privilege to call home, surrounded by so many incredible women contributing to great causes across the Barrington Coast.”
Maxine Calladine is more than remarkable; she is a mentor, an advocate and a constant source of inspiration. Her generosity, expertise and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on the Barrington Coast community, reminding us all of the power of compassion, dedication and kindness.
From volunteering to help plan events to donating and shopping at the Op Shop, there are many ways to get involved: glws.org.au/events
BakerSarah
COAST BY DESIGN
It is such a powerful feeling to be part of a community where the success of one woman fuels the ambition of another. There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when local creativity and intelligence collide.
“
MY DESIGN PHILOSOPHY FEEDS FROM OUR THRIVING COMMUNITY’S ENERGY, DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE BRILLIANT, LIKEMINDED WOMEN WHO LEAD IT. ”
I remain incredibly grateful for the support from so many female entrepreneurs around me who have provided opportunities, opened doors and been advocates for my work.
I’m a country girl at heart, growing up in Krambach and schooling in Gloucester where weekends meant heading bush. That rhythm of open space, fresh air and unhurried days has stayed with me.
These days, our escapes are a little more refined but just as grounding, trips to Sandbar and Cellito Beach for a salty reset, or inland to Camp Cobark in the Barrington Tops, where dog-friendly stays mean the whole family comes along.
BOOK REVIEW
Molly Jean Hale is the author of Ziggy Meets Pippa, a gentle and heartfelt picture book that offers reassurance to families welcoming a new baby. Told through Ziggy the dog, a golden retriever adjusting to life with baby Pippa, the story sensitively explores change, love and belonging. Written in a soft, rhythmic style, it’s ideal for reading aloud, while the warm illustrations engage young readers without
Camping under the gums has a way of recalibrating everything. Reception fades, birdsong takes over, and bushland and coastline sit side by side, offering two different kinds of exhale in a single weekend.
Coffee – Liquid Gold in Town Coffee is my liquid gold, the kind of ritual that can reset a whole day.
Forster’s coffee scene quietly delivers. Lately, I keep returning to Swoop Café, while House of Highness in Tuncurry is always worth the detour. Tartt and Wingman remain steady favourites, and Drumroll has found its place in the mix, thoughtful touches like chalk for the kids making all the difference.
For a town this size, we’re spoilt. Good coffee
isn’t hard to find, it’s part of the everyday rhythm.
Coast – Living by the Water
We’re incredibly lucky to live alongside some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. From One Mile Beach to Elizabeth Beach, Hallidays Point and Black Head, there’s always another stretch of coast waiting to be explored.
These days, with my daughter in tow, I’m drawn to the calmer corners, the Sailing Club and lake edges by the Forster boat sheds. Whether it’s a surf check with husband Matt, a beach walk or simply watching the light shift across the water, living here means having both lake and sea within easy reach, a privilege that never loses its magic.
overwhelming them. With its calm pacing and emotional depth, the book beautifully conveys that love doesn’t diminish, it grows. A thoughtful and comforting read for children, parents and pet-loving families alike.
Pick up your copy at local Forster retailers, including Playdreamers, Indigo Attic and Ryft Newsagency, also available from: booktopia.com.au amazon.com.au thenile.com.au
DuncanJean e
For Jeanene Duncan, the rustle of a newspaper and the crunch of a gravel driveway are the sounds of a life welllived. With a career spanning more than four decades, Jeanene o en remarks that she has “one of the best jobs in the world”—a sentiment that remains as true today as it was when she first walked into the offices of The Land Jeanene’s journey began at what many consider the “farmers’ bible.” Starting at The Land provided her with a foundational belief that rural journalism is the heartbeat of the country. It wasn't just about reporting prices or weather; it was about the people behind the statistics. From those early days, she spread her wings across the borders of NSW, Victoria and South Australia, documenting the agricultural landscape for iconic mastheads, including the Stock Journal, McPherson Media, Fairfax
and Rural Press
What has kept Jeanene’s passion burning for 40 years is the sheer unpredictability of the cra . “Every day is different,” she says, a reflection of a career spent chasing stories from the shearing shed to the council chambers.
However, the true “why” behind her writing isn’t found in the ink or the digital screen but in the connection. Jeanene is a journalist who thrives on the “paddock-gate” chat. She views herself as a custodian of local history, someone invited into the lives of regional Australians to tell the stories that might otherwise go unheard.
Whether she is contributing to national magazines or local regional dailies, her approach remains the same: a deep-seated curiosity and a profound respect for the resilience of regional communities. For Jeanene, journalism isn’t just a career; it’s a 40-year conversation with the heart of Australia, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
PINK UP
Every October, community spirit shines across Forster Tuncurry as the hinterland greens, ocean blues and coastal turquoises are joined by a wave of pink for Pink Up, a month-long event raising funds and awareness to support and fund breast care nurses across the Mid Coast region. A vibrant, region-wide initiative led by local individuals, businesses and organisations coming together in support.
Become a Local Pinky Champion, contact Simon Gould 0402 841 434 simon@orbitmarketing.com.au
Community
Futures Close to Home Building
Recognition – Kate Dunn. June 2026.
Following recognition in the NSW Parliament, Kate Dunn was presented with the Parliamentary Statement by Tanya Thompson MP for her contribution to the Barrington Coast, MidCoast community.
How Taree Universities Campus (TUC) and the CROWD Initiative are helping shape a stronger MidCoast
Across the MidCoast, conversations around workforce shortages o en focus on the challenge. But at Taree Universities Campus (TUC), the focus is firmly on the opportunity.
Proudly supported through NSW Government and regional initiatives, TUC is helping strengthen the future of the MidCoast by creating pathways that connect education, employment and community. Through its CROWD Initiative — Connecting Regional Opportunities for Workforce Development — the organisation is tackling immediate workforce needs while building a sustainable pipeline of local talent for tomorrow.
The impact reaches far beyond education.
community services and business sectors.
For MidCoast local Kate Dunn, Community Connector at TUC, the work is deeply personal.
“I was born and raised on the MidCoast and I’m the third generation to live here,” Kate says.
“I love everything about our region — the landscapes, the people, the lifestyle and the opportunities for adventure, while still being close enough for a city fix when you need one.”
Kate works closely with people arriving from around the world, helping individuals and families settle into the region while supporting local businesses and organisations seeking skilled workers.
“ KATE HAS BECOME ONE OF THE QUIET ACHIEVERS OF OUR REGION. THROUGH HER DEDICATION, WARMTH AND GENUINE CARE FOR PEOPLE, SHE HAS HELPED PROFESSIONALS AND THEIR FAMILIES FEEL CONNECTED, WELCOMED AND PART OF OUR COMMUNITY FROM DAY ONE.”
- Tanya Thompson
The initiative supports skilled workers and families relocating to the MidCoast, strengthens community connection, increases awareness of alternative pathways into higher education, and continues to encourage young people to see meaningful futures for themselves close to home. It also supports industries experiencing workforce pressure, including health, education,
“The program has now supported more than 300 professionals and their families to call the MidCoast home,” Kate says.
“That represents more than 650 people, including partners and children, relocating from 17 different nationalities. Together, they are helping fill much-needed medical, nursing, allied health, engineering and senior management roles across our region.”
“It means everything to help people on a daily basis and make their settling in easier,” she says.
“Seeing businesses thrive with new staff is important, but so are the wider community
benefits — particularly improved health outcomes when new health professionals and skilled workers choose to stay long term.”
For TUC Chief Executive Officer Donna Ballard, success is measured in lasting impact.
It’s about creating stronger communities where people feel connected, businesses feel confident and young people can imagine a future for themselves without needing to leave home.
The vision is simple but powerful: bringing people, opportunity and place together.
Because when communities invest in education, connection and workforce development, everyone benefits — businesses grow, services strengthen and regions thrive.
Learn More. Discover how the Community Connector Program and the TUC CROWD Initiative are helping strengthen workforce pathways, support families and create opportunities across the MidCoast. Go further, close to home.
MORE ABOUT
The Community Connector Program with Kate Dunn.
MORE ABOUT TUC CROWD Initiative
BRIGHT FUTURES EXPLORING PATHWAYS
Lifestyle Barrington Coast Publishing is proud to highlight the work of the Careers Advisor supporting student contributions from Alesco Secondary College Tuncurry Campus. This is made possible through our partnership with Regional Education Industry Partnerships (REIP) initiatives that connect secondary schools with industry, providing students with real-world insights and meaningful career pathways.
KELLY CAMERON, ACTING HEAD OF CAMPUS – ALESCO COLLEGE TUNCURRY, REFLECTS:
“The Ziggy the Seahorse Project is a truly unique initiative, and we value the way it brings together storytelling, creativity, and real-world marine conservation. The opportunity for students to contribute to something with genuine impact is incredibly powerful.”
ZIGGY THE SEAHORSE PROJECT
The adapted short story for animation, written by El and Peter Rattray, has come to life, grounded in science and the bridge between imagination and reality, translated into engaging, accessible storytelling.
Ziggy the Seahorse Project creative concept has developed into a science partnership with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS), the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, which aims to conserve the Endangered White’s seahorse, listed in 2020 as endagered.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR REGION
THE BIG IDEA
Ziggy the Seahorse is a 7-minute 2D animated children’s pilot episode and emerging series that blends children’s storytelling with marine science and real-world conservation. It explores the impacts of habitat loss and highlights solutions such as artificial habitats known as “Seahorse Hotels,” alongside collaborative restoration of key ecosystems, including the endangered seagrass Posidonia australis.
A story designed to inspire future ocean guardians through imagination and science.
Today, above and beneath the surface of the Barrington Coast waterways, a local, regional, powerful story is unfolding, through our partnership support with REIP – we have connected secondary school students at Alesco Secondary College, Tuncurry Campus with industry, providing students with realworld insights and meaningful career pathways through science, storytelling, education, and real-world conservation.
“The White’s seahorse (Hippocampus whitei) population declines are largely attributed to the loss or degradation of critically important habitats such as seagrass and so corals.”
— Brett Fenton, Chief Operating Officer SIMS
Deeply local with Forster, Tuncurry NSW, home to the most northern known NSW populations of White’s seahorse species, making the region a critical site for its protection and ongoing conservation efforts.
At the heart of this story, the Ziggy the Seahorse Project represents a meaningful intersection of education, industry, environmental care and innovation, shaped in part by student contributions, creativity and the voices of our future.
STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS HELP BRING ZIGGY TO LIFE
Workshop moments captured through the eyes of Alesco Secondary College Campus students Mia & Liv.
There are moments in education where something shi s. Supported by dedicated Careers Advisor/Teacher Tanya Johnson, this initiative transformed a classroom into a creative studio, ideas into production, and students came to realise they are not just learning about the world, they are actively shaping it.
Across two full-day Studio Ziggy workshops, students stepped into the early development of a real-world animation project.
Through these immersive, on-site sessions led by local artist Geoff Pelley, students engaged deeply in the creative process.
“MY FAVOURITE MOMENT WAS MAKING THE CHARACTER EXPRESSION SHEET… I LEARNED THAT IT’S NOT THE EASIEST TASK TO DESIGN A CHARACTER.” — ARI
INSIDE THE STUDIO
A CREATIVE COLLECTIVE EMERGES
What emerged was not simply a collection of drawings or ideas.
It was a world being built in real time.
The workshop room didn’t feel like “a project.” It felt like possibility.
“It shocked me how much I improved my own art… there was never a ‘bad creation’, the freedom was such a thrill at Alesco Secondary College, Tuncurry Campus.” — Georgia
At Alesco College Tuncurry Campus, student cohort including Adele, Ari, Atticus, Bailey, Erin, Georgia, Indigo, Jayla, Jahz, Liv, Mali, Mia, Noah, Portia, Ro, Roary, Ruby and Sal contributed across drawing, storytelling, animation thinking, character emotion tracking, sculpture, 3D habitat modelling and production design, while student photographers documented the workshops, capturing moments throughout this feature.
Across the workshops, students engaged in a wide range of creative
and technical processes, translating a scientifically informed short story into structured animation development; building storyboard scenes with setting, action, dialogue and camera direction; and exploring pacing, sequencing and emotional narrative arcs.
They also designed character concepts and underwater environments informed by ecological context, while applying scientific accuracy to ensure authentic representation of species, behaviour and habitat.
Artist - Erin
Artist - Jahz
Across the workshops, a clear theme emerged: con dence through creation. Students spoke not only about learning artistic skills, but about discovering voice, freedom, collaboration, and self-belief.
THE POWER OF YOUTH CREATIVE CONFIDENCE
“I’ve grown so much in my own art. I’m grateful for the support and freedom.” — Indigo
Working across Screen & Media and Visual Arts, students engaged in story adaptation, storyboard development, environmental design, and early production thinking.
“This was a real film experience, I feel lucky to contribute to a production.” — Sal Students explored character psychology, visual storytelling and emotional mapping, alongside underwater world-building and “seahorse hotels” habitat modelling.
“It helped me discover I could sculpt with clay… and that rough sketches matter most.”
— Portia
Humour emerged naturally too, including playful underwater moments like “blub blub blub” dialogue, balancing science-based themes with character personality and joy.
“It was an awesome experience.”
— Mali
Students helped shape not just scenes, but emotional narrative structure, character identity, and visual world-building for the Ziggy universe.
“I felt included and like my ideas mattered… I loved designing my character.” — Ro
“The enthusiasm and support of the Alesco staff and students generated so much energy for the project…”
— Artist Geoff Pelley
Studio Ziggy student workshops proudly supported by Lifestyle Barrington Coast Publishing with Regional Education Industry Partnerships (REIP) Program.
A STORY COMING TO LIFE
Together, these contributions form a creative collective, a living, evolving body of work that reflects both individual expression and shared purpose, bringing the Ziggy the Seahorse project to life.
For the pilot episode, student-led storyboard concepts follow Ziggy’s journey from a powerful Tasman Sea storm into unfamiliar waters, where fear and disorientation give way to connection, curiosity and hope. Through a series of visually rich scenes, students explored emotional storytelling, from chaos and environmental damage to trust, responsibility and renewal. Moments of tension, such as entanglement in ghost nets and the loss of seagrass habitats, highlight real-world marine challenges, while the introduction of human connection through the key characters bridge two worlds, science and imagination, to inspire action.
The narrative builds toward restoration, where seahorses and humans work together to rebuild fragile ecosystems, supported by real conservation solutions like seahorse hotels.
Closing on a note of quiet wonder, the story reflects a powerful message: that through awareness, creativity and care, we can help shape a more hopeful future, supporting the conservation of the Endangered White’s Seahorse, and the fragile coastal habitats it calls home.
In episode two, the emerging children's series follows Ziggy the Magic Seahorse back to his home on Lord Howe Island, where new adventures, marine conservation discoveries and connections to the Mid North Coast NSW await alongside his underwater and land friends.
Your travel-planning companion with character
At Lifestyle Barrington Coast, we believe the best journeys begin with curiosity — and that’s exactly where Nomel steps in.
Inspired by “Whatever the season, there’s always a tale to tell.” Plan your getaway on the barringtoncoast.com.au/tales
Nomel echoes a place where curiosity leads the way, where you’re invited to “find out more,” discover unexpected gems, and follow quiet detours and legendary tales in the making. From “wander well here” to “come curious, leave with stories,” Nomel brings our Endless Adventures pages to life, helping you eat, stay, play and connect across places, people and experiences on the Barrington Coast.
Welcome to Lifestyle Barrington Coast’s “Nomel recommends” Endless Adventures Guide, where you step into a world where nature leads, stories linger and curiosity is always rewarded. Let Nomel guide you. Welcome to the journey.
Want to Know What’s Happening Right Now Across the Barrington Coast? — thanks to MidCoast Council
Life here is anything but quiet. From the mountains to the sea, our region hums with events that celebrate nature, creativity and community spirit. Whether you’re chasing a new flavour, finding your rhythm or following your curiosity, you’ll find something special waiting to be part of your story.
barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on
Manning River, Taree
Raw Edge Photography “Aurora Australis” Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Seal Rocks
CONTENTS
70 TRIP PLANNER MAP
72
EVERY REASON TO COME, every time of year. Something remarkable every season. A guide to the Barrington Coast: A region shaped by nature, wonder and the tales you’ll carry home.
80 COMMUNITY & PRODUCE
Fill your basket, feed your soul. Shop fresh, shop local, and meet the friendly faces across the region.
86 DOG LOVERS, TAILS ON TOUR
From beaches and parks to cafés, stays and local adventures, tail-wagging fun on the Barrington Coast.
92 FAMILY FRIENDLY
Stays and escapes designed to help you slow down, splash around, get out and explore, and soak up the scenery together.
98 COASTAL WALKS
On the Barrington Coast, the coastline walks hand in hand with wonder. Tie your laces, take a breath and follow the sea.
100 WEEKENDING WELLBEING
Wellness and soulful spaces are scattered across the region, each offering something unique and inviting you to find your own connection.
102 HIDDEN GEMS OF THE HINTERLAND
Where the wild things sparkle. Take the scenic route into our green heart and uncover experiences that feel like treasured secrets.
104 ECO STAYS
Where to stay sustainably. Rest easy in nature, knowing you’re treading lightly while sleeping deeply.
106 CAMPGROUNDS WITH A VIEW
For those dreaming of mountaintop sunrises, riverside serenity, lakeside reflections or beachside bliss, this guide brings together the best places to stay immersed in nature.
108 FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAMPING SPOTS
Adventures the whole family can enjoy.
109 HOPS, HEART AND COMMUNITY
Local characters, pints and passion brewed on both sides of the Forster Tuncurry bridge, where cra and place bring us together.
114 WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Local flavour, lasting memories. Wherever your cravings take you, just follow the locals. They always know where to eat well, drink happily and savour the moment. Cheers to that!
118 THE MYALL IS WAITING FOR EVERY KIND OF EXPLORER
Delicious restaurants and cafés, glassy waterways for ferry rides, boating, swimming and paddling and perfect shady picnic spots.
120 ROMANTIC GETAWAYS ON THE BARRINGTON COAST
For hearts that wander together. Whisk your loved one away to where love and landscapes meet on the Barrington Coast
126 HINTERLAND WALKS & WATERFALLS
From ancient Gondwana forests and historic gold mining trails to misty cascades and towering eucalypts, this guide invites you to step into nature and let the magic of the high country do the rest.
129 SCENIC DRIVES GUIDE OF THE BARRINGTON COAST.
Pack a picnic & pick a playlist for our best scenic drives, from Lakes to Lookouts, Myalls to Beaches and the Historical Hinterland. Embark on the Barrington Explorer Route, journey Valley to Falls or venture Sea to Summit
130
GOOD TO KNOW
What’s On, whether you’re chasing a new flavour, finding your rhythm or following your curiosity, you’ll find something special waiting to be part of your story.
132 REGIONAL MAP
There’s a road for every kind of wanderer. Discover, explore and connect with the region’s beauty.
Planning your visit to the Barrington Coast is easy, with scenic coastal drives, regional connections and multiple travel options into the region. Whether you’re arriving from Sydney, Newcastle or further afield, the journey is part of the experience, winding through hinterland, rivers and coastline before arriving at your destination. For detailed travel information, routes and transport options, SCAN the QR code or visit: barringtoncoast.com.au/information/getting-here
Barrington Coast
Drive
It’s an easy 2.5 hours’ drive north from Sydney on the M1 to Tea Gardens, at the southernmost tip of the Barrington Coast, and 3.5 hours’ drive to reach Pacific Palms, via the scenic Lakes Way, or Forster Tuncurry via the M1/Pacific Highway route.
Rail
NSW Trainlink services run between Sydney and Newcastle, with connecting coaches from Newcastle to Tuncurry. The XPT Train service from Sydney stops at Taree and Gloucester. transportnsw.info/regional 13 22 32
Bus
Busways provides daily services from Newcastle to several Barrington Coast towns. The 150 Bus Service runs between Taree and Newcastle (both directions) via Forster, Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens, with stops including Boomerang Drive Blueys Beach, Tiona Holiday Park at Pacific Palms and The Lakes Way, Smiths Lake. busways.com.au
The 310 Bus Service runs between Taree and Forster (both directions). egginscomfortcoaches.com.au
John Dean
GLOUCESTER
DUNGOG
TAREE FORSTER TUNCURRY
HARRINGTON CROWDY HEAD
TEA GARDENS HAWKS NEST
NEWCASTLE
PORT MACQUARIE
EVERY REASON TO COME, EVERY TIME OF YEAR
A GUIDE TO THE BARRINGTON COAST:
A REGION SHAPED BY NATURE, WONDER AND THE TALES YOU’LL CARRY HOME.
Some places ask you to choose: beach or mountains; surf or snow; wild or civilised. The Barrington Coast quietly ignores that question and offers you all of it.
The region spans world heritage wilderness, pristine coastal lakes, 190 kilometres of beaches, ancient rainforest and working farming country. We’re almost three times the size of metropolitan Sydney but only a few hours’ drive from it.
The scale of what’s here takes most people by surprise… you can even build a sandcastle and a snowman on the same day, if the mood takes you.
From high country trails to quiet estuaries, from farm gates to fresh sea
spray, your journey will gather moments like shells in your pocket: small, beautiful, unforgettable.
Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush, a long slow exhale or something in between, here’s our guide to what this place does best, season by season.
Though honestly, the Barrington Coast has a habit of making any time of year feel like the right one.
Boatshed Number One
Spring on the Barrington Coast is a proper exhale. The waterfalls are still powering from autumn and winter rains, the wildflowers are out and the hinterland sunflower farms are in full, glorious show.
Sunflower picking has become one of those experiences that surprises people with how joyful it is. There’s something about a field of sunflowers in the morning light, bags in hand, that inspires even the most reserved traveller to crack a broad smile at these happy flowers.
The waterfalls are worth planning your trip around at this time of year. Ellenborough Falls is dramatic in any season but especially gorgeous in spring.
Blooms, flows and fresh starts
Spr g
“ MOUNTAIN BIKING COMES BACK INTO THE PICTURE IN SPRING TOO, THE TRAILS FIRMED UP AFTER WINTER AND THE SURROUNDING FOREST SMELLING LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF A BUSH POETRY BOOK.”
Gloucester Falls, Polblue Falls, Potoroo Falls and Waitui Falls also reward anyone willing to pull on their walking shoes.
Mountain biking comes back into the picture in spring too, the trails firmed up a er winter and
the surrounding forest smelling like something out of a bush poetry book.
Wildflowers bloom along coastal walking tracks and in the high hinterland. And wildlife is everywhere as migratory birds return to coastal lakes and estuaries from Tea Gardens to Crowdy Bay. At Wallis Lake and along all our beaches, the daily dolphin activity that locals treat as perfectly normal gives visitors a show they’ll never forget.
Barrington Coast
Ben Cirulis
Summer
Salt, splash and open water
When the days stretch long and the temperature climbs, the coast pulls focus. The surf breaks along this stretch are the real deal, with consistent swells rolling in from the Pacific at beaches from Crowdy Bay all the way down to Hawks Nest. Whether you’re a confident surfer or just starting out, there’s a break with your name on it.
This pristine coastal lake at Forster is made for messing about on the water: kayaking, paddleboarding, aqua trikes, see-through kayaks, fishing tinnies or a slow dri on a barbecue boat. The water is calm, the birdlife is extraordinary and playful dolphins may just escort you to a private sandy cove. The lake light on a summer a ernoon is the kind that makes you want to put your phone away and just look. From the beaches to Wallis Lake, a summer experience awaits.
perfect destination for family holidays, beach getaways, group stays, surf trips
relaxed coastal escapes.
Our coastal national parks, including Crowdy Bay at the northern end of the region, come alive in summer. Walking tracks through Booti Booti National Park, Wallingat National Park and Myall Lakes National Park are best tackled early in the morning before the heat sets in, rewarding you with coastal views that stretch as far as the imagination.
Then our hinterland parks offer easy walks all day under the cool rainforest canopy at Coorabakh, Tapin Tops, Copeland Tops, Gloucester Tops and Barrington Tops. Get ready to take a breath in Gloucester – your base and gateway to adventure, rest and relaxation.
Something shi s in autumn. The light so ens, the crowds thin out and the Barrington Coast reveals a quieter, more unhurried side of itself.
Head a little way inland and you’ll find one of the region’s more unexpected delights: highland cows. You can find cows with the cutest calves for photogenic moments in the
Manning Valley or grazing riverside around Gloucester in the Barrington Tops hinterland. They’re utterly Insta-worthy and completely unbothered by admirers.
Holiday Co Hunter Valley (with team Holiday Co) 02 6558 1507
This is also prime season for the region’s growing cra distillery scene. Gin tastings near Stroud, in Forster or at Hannam Vale have become a genuine reason to visit, with locally grown native botanicals finding their way into bottles that taste distinctly of this place.
Not into gin? Then try a tasting flight of local brews; the cra beer scene here is being expertly developed by microbreweries, The Coastal Brewing Co in Forster and Pacific Ocean Brewery in Tuncurry. Discover more in our Hops, Heart and Community feature on page 109.
Mountain biking is another autumn highlight. There are purpose-built trails in coastal forests near Taree or further inland on the mountains above the Barrington River near Gloucester. These mountain bike trails offer everything from gentle forest rides to gravity-fed downhill exhilaration, with the cooler temperatures making long days in the saddle genuinely enjoyable rather than heroic.
Escape to where the pace slows, the air feels fresher, and time becomes your own.
Set beneath the iconic Bucketts Mountain Range and at the basecamp to Barrington Tops National Park, Gloucester is the perfect place to step away from the everyday - whether that means exploring, reconnecting, or simply doing nothing at all.
At the centre of your stay is The Great Escape Lofts - boutique, self-contained 4.5-star accommodation in Gloucester NSW, designed for comfort, privacy, and effortless luxury.
Thoughtfully styled and beautifully presented, each loft offers your own private retreat just a short walk from cafés, shops, and local favourites - with nature right on your doorstep.
This is more than a place to stay. It’s a place to truly switch off
Barrington Bike Park
W ter
Here’s the thing about winter on the Barrington Coast. While the rest of Australia’s coastal destinations are in low season, this place is doing something extraordinary.
Up at Barrington Tops, winter brings real snowfalls to the plateau around Polblue – the highest point of the Barrington Coast. Walks in snow-dusted Antarctic beech forests, following fresh kangaroo tracks in the snow or making your first snowman are all unforgettable moments you’ll want to retell time a er time.
Down on the coast, humpback whales are passing through on their annual migration from as early as April through May to October (so you may see them in late autumn or early spring too). The headlands at Crowdy Head,
Forster and Seal Rocks are brilliant spots to watch from shore, or you can head out on the water with one of the ocean cruise operators, including Dive Forster Whale Tours departing from Little Street, for something a lot closer to the magic.
For those who prefer their wildlife below the surface, the dive sites around Forster and Seal Rocks are among the best on the NSW coast.
Snow, whales and the wild deep
“ IN WINTER, THE WATER IS CLEAREST AND THERE’S ABUNDANT MARINE LIFE. AND IF YOU TIME IT RIGHT, GENTLE GREY NURSE SHARKS IN REMARKABLE NUMBERS GATHER AT KEY SCUBA DIVING SPOTS…”
... a bucket list dive for newbies or experienced divers alike! Discover more in our Ocean Lovers feature on page 16.
We’re famous for the number of extraordinary national parks and forests; they stretch from the mountains to the sea in a patchwork of protected green. It’s no surprise that hiking here is exceptional in winter too. You’ll find cool, clear days, no humidity and long shadows through ancient forests.
Ellenborough Falls, NSW’s highest single-drop waterfall, is particularly dramatic a er winter rain. Near Bulahdelah, you’ll marvel at The Grandis – the tallest known tree in NSW, towering over 70 metres high in Myall Lakes National Park – accessible via a boardwalk in a rainforest-fringed picnic area.
Clarendon Forest Retreat (with Clare & Shaun)
02 6554 3162
cfr@cfr.com.au
cfr.com.au
For SeasonEvery .
pet-friendly retreats, every property is handpicked for its quality, comfort, and ideal location.
All homes are managed by our local teams who know the area well & are available to support you throughout your stay.
Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend away or a longer seasonal escape, you can search by destination, travel dates, or features like pools, beachfront, fireplaces, or enclosed yards.
With real-time availability and seamless direct booking, you’re just one step closer to your next great holiday.
Boatshed Number One
FRESHLY PICKED, FRESHLY BAKED, FRESHLY SHUCKED: YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL PRODUCE
Get a real taste of the Barrington Coast with this foodies’ guide. Love real food? The Great Lakes Food Trail - Real Food Market — the first of its kind here, began as a network connecting passionate growers and food artisans and has since morphed into a vibrant monthly market. Held on the first Saturday of the month, it brings together local producers and local deliciousness. Head to Pacific Palms Community Centre (next door to “The Recky”)
POP UPS: Saturday Mornings at Blueys Cellar & Deli + Halliday's Point Foodworks + Local Markets
Chef Sarah
Loveseafood?
SEAFOOD DIRECT FROM THE SOURCE
Seafood co-ops, oyster farms and fish markets where it doesn’t get any fresher.
Brighton Oysters & the Mad Shuckers, Mitchells Island - Visit their farm gate and oyster bar for a hands-on experience and taste of premium Sydney rock oysters.
Stones Oysters, Coopernook - Manning River and Wallis Lake oysters piled high or in readymade trays of Kilpatrick or mornay oysters ready to grill and eat.
Graham Barclay Oysters, Forster - One of the region’s top suppliers of Sydney rock oysters –freshly opened, unopened or bottled.
Wallis Lake Fishermen’s Co-op, TuncurryDaily catches arrive fresh from the boats for top-quality local seafood every day of the year.
Monin Seafoods, Tuncurry - Renowned for freshness and range, locals love this seafood hub for both fresh and frozen products.
Tea Gardens Fish Market, Tea GardensSeasonal local favourites include lobster, prawns and whole fish. Get in early before it sells out.
Taree Fishermens Co-op, Taree - Supplying the Manning Valley with fresh seafood daily… ocean to plate and locally sourced.
YUMBAH - Sydney Rock Oysters have that
Yumbah @ Thirty Three Degrees
Monin Seafoods
Stones Oysters, Coopernook
Yumbah
Farm gates &
fresh
produce
LOCALLY GROWN, LOVINGLY PRESENTED, THE REAL FOOD EXPERIENCE.
Johnson’s Farmgate, Tea Gardens - Organic dairy, meats, eggs and seasonal veg sourced from across the region.
Limestone Permaculture, Stroud Road - A thriving permaculture farm and teaching space with nutrient-rich produce at the Country Pumpkin Farmgate.
Vast Harvest Permaculture, Girvan - Visit this 160-hectare food forest for tours, workshops and sustainable farm-made products.
The Artisan Farmer, Nabiac. Paddock-toplate experience with bakery, deli and café showcasing produce from their own farm.
Farm experi ces
ENCOUNTERS
Pat a Highland cow, tour a permaculture forest or cuddle a calf – this is where fun meets farming. Check barringtoncoast. com.au farmstay listings if you’re a er onsite accommodation to hear the rooster crow at dawn or to hand feed the cows.
Koolah Creek Highlands, Langley Vale - Home to friendly Highland cows with photoshoots, cow-cuddles and interactive farm tours.
Vast Harvest Permaculture, Girvan - 10-hectare food forest planted with a sustainability ethos, brimming with unique trees and plants providing seasonal produce.
Mountain View Sunflowers, Hillville - Bring a picnic and wander the golden rows at this sunny seasonal event supporting charities, such as Make-A-Wish Foundation.
SEASONAL SUNSHINE AND DELICIOUSNESS, STRAIGHT FROM THE PADDOCK. Pick-your-own & ANIMAL
Brackenridge Berries, Waitui - Pick your own pesticide-free blueberries and enjoy scones with jam at the charming boutique café.
The Artisan Farmer, Nabiac
Markets fresh f d & local finds
Treasure hunting meets taste testing; these are just a few of our regular markets that are local favourites.
Gloucester Farmers Market - Second Saturday monthly, Billabong Park. Live music as you shop for fresh food treasure and stock up on foods for that twinkle in your eye.
Forster Farmers Market - Third Saturday monthly, Little Street. Local jams, eggs, veggies and homemade sweets.
Pacific Palms Market - Last Sunday monthly, Pacific Palms. Great food stalls, live music and artisan wares. Voted the best market in the region by locals.
Tuncurry Market - Fourth Saturday monthly, John Wright Park. Over 50 stalls with plants, cra s and market treats, with the best view of all our markets.
Black Head Bazaar - First Sunday monthly (Sep to May), Wylie Breckenridge Park. Boho clothing, books and loads of fresh produce.
Wingham Farmers Market - First Saturday monthly, Wingham Baptist Church grounds. Local honey, fresh fruit and artisan finds.
Old Bar Market - Fourth Sunday monthly, Old Bar Reserve. Local fresh goodies, beachside with a sea breeze.
Visit the full markets calendar here; barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on
AT SOLARIS FORSTER, COMMUNITY AND CONVENIENCE COME TOGETHER IN A NEW WAY.
Ahmedi’s IGA @ Solaris brings fresh produce, everyday essentials and a welcoming café experience into the centre of town — creating a place where shopping is local, familiar and connected, and where community continues to grow.
Claudia Gabriel Lim
Local GROCERS dep d t
From coastal towns to hinterland villages,
(This list includes just some of the many valued outlets across the region.)
Barrington — The Barrington Store
Blueys Beach — Blueys Supamart
Blueys Beach — Blueys Cellars & Deli
Buladelah — IGA Local Grocer
Charlotte Bay — FoodWorks
Forster — IGA @ Solaris
Gloucester — Lovey’s IGA
Hallidays Point — FoodWorks
Harrington — IGA Local Grocer
Hawks Nest — IGA Local Grocer
Nabiac — FoodWorks
Smiths Lake — Friendly Grocer
Smiths Lake — The Good Food Store
Stroud — Friendly Grocer
Taree — Ritchies IGA
Tea Gardens — MOA Providores
Wingham — Harvest to Hamper Wholefoods
Tour Tails on
DOG-FRIENDLY FUN ON THE BARRINGTON COAST
From beaches and parks to cafés, stays and local experiences for you and your pup
Dogs here aren’t just pets; they’re part of the family. If your tail-wagging bestie is coming along, you’re in luck. The Barrington Coast is a paradise for four-legged adventurers. From leashfree beaches to friendly cafes and welcoming places to stay, we’ve sniffed out the best spots for you and your companion. Grab your lead, pack the treats and discover the Barrington Coast together.
Dog-friendly beaches and parks
Here, the sand is soft under every paw. Take your pick from dog-friendly beaches and parks all along our coast and countryside. From morning zoomies to sunset strolls, there’s a patch for every pup.
Tip: Always check local signs and rules. Some areas have seasonal or hourly restrictions and don’t forget those allimportant poo bags!
Off-leash beaches:
Black Head Beach
Red Head Beach (northern end of Black Head Beach)
Diamond Beach
Wallabi Point Beach
Old Bar Beach
Manning Point Beach (left of the 4WD ramp)
Bennetts Beach Hawks Nest (north of Sanderling Ave)
Crowdy Bay Beach
Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry (outside of patrolled areas, see signage)
Lifestyle Barrington Coast 86
On-leash beaches (time restricted):
Tuncurry Beach (between breakwall and Beach Street carpark, 5am-9am & 5pm-8pm)
Forster: One Mile Beach (south of Strand Street, same times as above)
Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach, Sandbar Beach (check local signage for hours)
Dog parks and agility areas:
Off-leash parks in Coomba Park, Forster, Gloucester, Hawks Nest, Harrington, Tarbuck Bay, Taree and Tuncurry
Dog Agility Park at Beach Street Reserve, Tuncurry (ramps, tunnels, slalom: weave to your heart’s content!)
Jo Lyons Photography
Forster
Do It All by the coast
From fishing and riverside adventures to beach strolls, the Barrington Coast is ready to be explored at Discovery Parks - pets included. Off-leash zones, dog wash and pet-friendly stays mean memories (and tail wags) are made here. BOOK NOW
Lifestyle Barrington Coast 87
BRISBANE
HOBART
Dog-friendly
CAFÈS
Coffee time is better with a mate at your feet. Across the Barrington Coast, you’ll find cafes that welcome your pup - so long as both of you are well-behaved.
Beach Bums, Forster: Beachfront brews, salt in your hair, dog at your toes.
Bent On Food, Wingham: Sustainably delicious with local flair.
Billy T Cafe, Stroud: Fresh, fun and friendly.
Blowfish & Buyi Espresso Bar, Old Bar: Beachside bites and chilled vibes.
Flow Bar, Old Bar: Family-friendly, live music and only 100 metres from a leash-free beach.
The Common, Gloucester: Outside tables in the sunniest spot.
At Solaris, a morning coffee o en comes with a wagging tail.
With both Evermore Bruce Street and Solaris
Forster embracing pet-friendly living, fourlegged companions are part of the community. The café at Ahmedi’s IGA @ Solaris offers a relaxed, welcoming space where locals, residents and their dogs can gather — a place where connection is easy and everyone feels at home.
Plus more: Café Giardino (Taree), Café Thyme (Taree), Café Toscano (Forster), Kembali (Blueys Beach), Old Bar Village Café, Paradise Marina (Forster), Raw Sugar (Taree), Tartt (Forster), Tea Gardens Boatshed, The Deck (Tuncurry).
Tip: Always ask before sitting, as most cafes love good dogs and good owners.
BREWED FOR THE BARRINGTON COAST
At Little Street Roasters, coffee is more than a daily ritual, it’s a craft shaped by passion, precision and consistency. With a strong focus on training and collaboration, the team partners with like-minded cafés and businesses to elevate coffee knowledge and refine every pour, raising the standard across the region.
littlestreetroasters.com
Dog-fri dly
No need to leave your best mate behind. Here are places that love dogs as much as you do:
Clarendon Forest Retreat, Possum Brush: Six luxury houses in a private valley.
Seafarers, Diamond Beach: Accessible, welcoming and only 400m from a dogfriendly beach.
Sea Horse, Diamond Beach: Multi-award winner, a short walk to sand and space to run.
Big4 River Myall Holiday Resort, Bulahdelah: Riverside, loads of space, DIY dog wash.
Discovery Parks Forster, Darawank: Leashfree areas, Discovery Barks Walk every Sunday, pet-friendly cabins and sites.
Discovery Parks, Harrington Beach: Onsite dog wash, off-leash areas and easy access to dog-friendly beaches in the nearby area.
accommodation woof
Reflections Holiday Park Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest: Bushland setting, dog-friendly during off-peak times.
Tiona Holiday Park, Tiona: Every site, every cabin, every day: dogs always welcome.
Riverwood Downs Resort, Monkerai: 300 hectares for play, river swims and a Hound’s Breath Cafe menu.
Villa Prana, Boomerang Beach: Modern villa, stroll to Blueys Beach and dog-friendly cafes.
Dam It Getaway, Gloucester: Rural relaxation, river swims and pets welcome.
F
Hidden gems: Diamond Beach House, Buster’s Run, Aquinnah Park, Serendipity on Smiths Lake, Brae Villa, Coomba Little Farm. For pups who love the stars and open air, the region offers a relaxed mix of dog-friendly camping, from beachfront and lakeside stays to peaceful riverfront retreats. Set up by the water, camp riverside at BIG4 River Myall or Riverwood Downs, or head further afield for wide-open spaces at Cundle Flat Farm, Knorrit Flat and Manning River Campground in Barrington Tops. With plenty of room to roam, these spots make it easy for both you and your doggo to switch off and enjoy the outdoors.
Barrington Coast is a playground for pups and people. From sandy paws to coffee stops, riverside rambles to starry sleeps, every outing is a new adventure. Pack the lead, grab the treats and let the happy tails lead the way.
FIND LITTLE STREET ROASTERS SERVED AT
TARTT, Forster
WINGMAN, Forster
BLOWFISH, Old Bar
SIDE B, Wingham
ZEST CAFÉ, Taree
TIONA HOLIDAY PARK, Tiona
THE BUNKER BAR, Tallwoods
THIRTY THREE DEGREES, Tuncurry
PEZZELLA’S, Forster
SIPS @ MOBY’S, Boomerang Beach
MR BEN & THE WEASEL, Bulahdelah
BIG BOIZ CAFE, Port Macquarie
Dogs
& TheirHumans
So, guess what we did? We went to Jo Lyons Photography studio for two whole hours of posing, prancing and showing off our best fur-ever smiles! We had our portraits taken individually (so you could admire all this gorgeousness up close) and together (because friends that pose together, stay together).
Then came the best part: High Tea! Humans had fancy treats and we had our own snacks because, of course, we deserve the finest.
After all that glamour, we wandered through Luna’s Circle on the studio’s beautiful property, sniffing, exploring and letting our tails wag freely. Absolute bliss!
If this sounds like a day you and your special human would treasure, use promo code “Best Friends” and we’ll make sure you’re part of the fun! Wootton, Great Lakes NSW jolyonsphotography.com 0412 617 928
JO LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY
Based in Wootton on the Barrington Coast of NSW, Jo Lyons creates fine art dog portraits for people whose dogs are truly part of the family. Her work goes beyond traditional pet photography, combining thoughtful storytelling with finished artwork designed to be lived with, loved and kept. With roots in animal rescue photography dating back to 2011, Jo continues to work with rescue organisations, using powerful, personality-led portraits to help dogs be seen and, ultimately, find homes.
Her portraits are created to preserve not just how dogs look but who they are and what they mean to the people who love them.
The Experience
The Signature Dog Photography Experience is a bespoke fine art portrait experience designed to honour your dog’s individuality and the bond you share. Every detail is considered, from the calm of Jo’s countryside studio to the dog-led approach that allows genuine personality and connection to unfold naturally.
“Every portrait begins with connection, not direction.”
AHOY Forster Tuncurry
YOUR LOCAL HOST FOR COASTAL STAYS & FAMILY ESCAPES
Set against the sparkling waterways and relaxed coastal pace of Forster Tuncurry, AHOY Property Management offers a considered, boutique approach to holiday accommodation, where every stay is shaped by care, detail and genuine local connection.
At the heart of AHOY Property Management is founder and owner-operator Tracy Jacobs, whose 20+ years in holiday property management are matched by a deep love of styling, presentation and guest experience. Her approach ensures every home feels welcoming, effortless and reflective of the beautiful Barrington Coast lifestyle. Guests arrive to a sense of calm, knowing everything has been thoughtfully prepared. Whether it’s a family beach holiday, a friends’ coastal escape or a few restorative days by the water, AHOY homes are designed to feel like your own.
“ AT AHOY, I LOVE WELCOMING GUESTS AND SHARING THE VERY BEST OF FORSTER TUNCURRY. BALANCING SIMPLE COASTAL PLEASURES, OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND EASY, UNHURRIED FAMILY MOMENTS THAT MAKE THIS PLACE SO SPECIAL.”
— Tracy Jacobs
Here are just a few of Tracy’s Top Tips. Make the Most of Forster Tuncurry…
Start simple
Begin with a sunrise at North One Mile sand dune, then a hearty breakfast to fuel little adventurers! Ease into the day with a beach swim, ocean baths or a Bicentennial coastal walk. Local favourites include Beach Bums Café, Tartt, Swoop or 1959, Café Toscano, Rock Pool Café and The Deck in Tuncurry.
Then, choose your adventure
Big Air Indoor Bike Park for BMX, scooters and skate fun (rain or shine), Great Lakes Aquatic & Leisure Centre for pools and splash time, Great Lakes Cinema for the latest kids’ films, or Forster Library for cra s, books and school holiday activities.
Balance your days
Kayak on Wallis Lake in the morning, then slow things down with beach time or a long waterfront lunch at Lakes & Oceans Hotel or Waterline Boatshed.
Chase golden hour
Sunset cruises and waterfront dining at Si Senorita are a must, watch for dolphins dri ing through the light.
Get out on the water
Boat hire, paddleboards and island hopping are all family favourites.
Keep it easy
Fish and chips by the water, finished with an ice cream stop, o en becomes the holiday highlight.
With AHOY Property Management, Tracy isn’t just managing properties; she’s creating spaces, hosting experiences, welcoming guests and sharing a place she truly loves.
Enjoy comfort, location and effortless coastal living, from intimate couples’ escapes to spacious family getaways near One Mile Beach and Wallis Lake, made for moments that linger long a er checkout.
Welcome to the great outdoors, kid-style. Whether you’ve got a pram, a picnic basket or a pint-sized explorer in tow, the Barrington Coast is packed with nature experiences for all ages. From easy walks and wildlife encounters to beachside picnics and paddleboard fun, these familyfriendly adventures are designed to help you slow down, splash around and soak up the scenery together.
Easy
EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES
Devils Hole Lookout - Short, paved and pram friendly walk to a mountain view picnic spot in Barrington Tops.
Cattai Wetlands - Boardwalk loops, birdlife and interpretive signs for a stroller-suitable day out.
Jimmys Beach Day Area - Calm waters, shady trees, barbecues and a playground right near the sand.
Wallis Lake at Forster - Hire a SUP, seethrough kayak or aqua trike at Forster for low effort fun with the kids.
Tuncurry Rock Pool - Swimming enclosure, picnic reserve and playground for a full family day out.
Cape Hawke Lookout - Just 500m of walking (but 420 steps) to panoramic views worth the climb.
Forster Ocean Baths - A calm, spacious ocean pool with change rooms and familyfriendly facilities.
The Tanks - Sheltered ocean swimming near Forster’s Bicentennial Walk, perfect for young snorkellers.
Elizabeth Beach - Patrolled in summer and great for gentle wave play in Booti Booti National Park.
Bennetts Head Lookout - Easy drive-up views across the coastline with picnic tables nearby.
Wildlife counters
& NATURE EDUCATION
Aussie Ark, Barrington Tops - Book a Devils in The Wild tour to meet Tasmanian devils and quolls in large natural enclosures, or rock up to their low-cost open days during school holidays.
Lazy Paddles, Tea Gardens - Dolphin-spotting kayak tours in calm Myall River waters, suitable for all ages.
Cattai Wetlands - Spot birds, butterflies, goannas and learn about wetland ecosystems along the boardwalk.
Whale watching - From May to November, head to Cape Hawke, Sugarloaf Point or
Bennetts Head for sightings. Or jump aboard a whale-watching cruise with Epic Ocean Adventures for the fun ride of your life!
Copeland Tops Gold Mine tour - Join a guided tour of a heritage gold mine precinct hidden in a rainforest: peer into a mine sha , see machinery in action and even pan for gold.
The Steps Barrington - River sledding, wildlife spotting and easy mountain bike trails for all skill levels in a nature-rich campground.
Free Spirit Cruises, Forster - Dolphin and wildlife cruises with commentary, ideal for young nature lovers.
ESCAPE . RECONNECT . BREATHE .
Tucked between the Manning Valley and Forster in the hinterland of the Barrington Coast, Clarendon Forest Retreat is a secluded sanctuary set across 40 hectares of rolling hills and tranquil forest.
It features eight unique, architecturally designed, luxury yet affordable petfriendly homes to choose from, each offering comfort, privacy and a distinct outlook. Most feature spas and indoor
fireplaces, enhancing comfort and relaxation year-round.
Days unfold slowly, swim in the pool, play tennis, explore nearby national parks or wander the grounds as birdsong fills the air. Evenings are best spent fireside, immersed in stillness. Whether for a romantic escape, family getaway or quiet retreat, it’s a place to change your pace, reconnect and leave feeling restored long after your stay.
Plan your escape
cfr.com.au
Clarendon Forest Retreat
@clarendonforestretreat 02 6554 3162
picnicPerfect
SPOTS FOR FAMILIES
Devils Hole Lookout - Easy access for prams and picnic baskets, with mountain views and nearby walks.
Coomba Foreshore Reserve - A shady lakeside park with water access and room to spread out.
Headland Reserve, Black Head - Ocean views, nearby walks and access to the beach and ocean pool.
Winda Woppa Reserve, Hawks Nest - Picnic tables, river and beach views and easy access to Jimmys Beach.
Rocky Crossing, Barrington - Grassy riverside spot great for picnic rugs, river splashing and paddling.
Santa Barbara Park, Tiona - A breezy, grassy reserve just over the dunes from Seven Mile Beach.
Miles Island, Forster - A sandy picnic escape in Wallis Lake, but only accessible by boat, SUP, kayak or aqua bike.
Saltwater Picnic Area - Lagoon-side spot with nearby walking tracks and beach access at Saltwater National Park.
Mograni Lookout - Sweeping countryside views and a picnic table with views over Gloucester.
Brimbin Nature Reserve - A forest hideaway with walking tracks and birdwatching beside the river.
Sailing Club Picnic Area, Booti Booti - Flat lakeside access perfect for paddle toys, SUPs and relaxed lunches.
Ellenborough Falls Reserve - Picnic at the top of the state’s tallest single-drop waterfall, with toilets and tables.
“ BECAUSE NATURE MAKES EVERYTHING TASTE BETTER”
When you’re out exploring with little ones, a picnic isn’t just a meal break; it’s a moment to rest, refuel and take in the view. Whether it’s a er a waterfall walk, beside a calm river or between paddles on the lake, these family-friendly picnic spots offer shady trees, grassy patches and just the right pause in your adventure.
Start small
exp re
BIG
Every child’s love of nature starts with one good day outdoors. With these family-friendly adventures, you’ll find that even the simplest outing, a paddle, a lookout, a lakeside sandwich, becomes a big memory in a little heart.
Devils-hole NSW National Parks
Barrington Coast
outdoors great
The Steps Mountain Bike Park - Purpose-built trails along the river with family-friendly loops.
Barrington River paddling - BYO canoe or kayak for paddling gentle rapids or gliding on calm pools near Gloucester.
Wallis Lake aqua hire - Try SUPs, transparent kayaks or pedalpowered aqua bikes for splashy fun.
Forster-Tuncurry playgrounds - Great parks, like Tuncurry Rockpool Playground, for climbing and play or stroll the newlyextended Pelican Boardwalk for wildlife spotting on Wallis Lake.
Big Buzz Fun Park - Toboggans, waterslides, putt putt and laser tag all in one big shady park at Rainbow Flat.
Active fun in the Alexandra Gaden
As locals to Pacific Palms, we understand what makes this area special, from its pristine beaches and lakes to the hidden local gems that make a stay here unforgettable.
At Sheoak & Sand Collective, we offer a personalised, professional approach to holiday home management and guest accommodation. For owners, this means your property is carefully looked a er, thoughtfully presented, and positioned to achieve strong returns with genuine attention to detail.
alexandra@sheoakandsandstays.com Hi, We’re Alex and Cate from Sheoak & Sand Collective
For guests, it means seamless, welcoming stays that feel easy, relaxed and memorable from start to finish. It’s all about care, connection and creating the kind of experience that makes people want to come back.
0459 662 498
sheoakandsandstays.com
Image by Sophie Patricia
Images by Claudia Gabriel Lim
Sheoak & Sand Collective
Coastal walks
TIE YOUR LACES, TAKE A BREATH AND FOLLOW THE SEA.
You never know what you’ll find: maybe dolphins, maybe starfish, maybe just that feeling you were craving. The Barrington Coast is a place where the coastline walks hand-in-hand with wonder. From wide golden beaches to tidal lakes, rocky headlands to rainforest trails, these coastal walks offer something for every kind of explorer. Whether you’re chasing salt spray, the calls of sea birds or simply a view that stops time, our coastal paths are waiting. Tie your laces, pack your curiosity and let the sea lead the way.
A local favourite linking Forster’s ocean baths to One Mile Beach via Pebbly Beach, The Tanks, Bennetts Head Lookout and Rotary Walk. Great for spotting dolphins and whales in season.
Ocean meets lake on this varied walk through forest, beach and headland. Start at The Ruins, detour to Elizabeth Beach, then follow Wallis Lake past cabbage palms and paperbarks.
400m | 10 mins | Easy
An enchanting stroll through coastal rainforest ending at the dunes of Cellito Beach. The timber boardwalk floats above the floor of a rare remnant forest filled with birdlife and filtered light.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Walk, Seal Rocks
1.5km return | 40 mins | Easy
Wander through rainforest and climb up to one of the most iconic views on the coast. The Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse offers sweeping views of wild beaches, rocky points and endless blue.
Mungo Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park 21km one way | 10–12 hours | Medium
A long-distance lake-to-ocean journey through forest, dunes and Aboriginal sites. Start at Mungo Brush campground, follow old sand mining routes, pass historic Tamboi Village and end at Hawks Nest Surf Club.
Dark Point Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park
2km return | 45–75 mins | Moderate
A cultural site of deep significance to the Worimi people, this walk leads to Little Gibber and sweeping coastal views over Broughton Island. Watch for middens and ancient dune landscapes.
return | 2–3 hours | Challenging
A scenic climb to the southernmost tip of the Barrington Coast. This challenging trail begins on Bennetts Beach, then winds upward through angophoras and banksias to deliver panoramic views of Tomaree Headland, Seal Rocks and beyond.
5km | 2 hours | Moderate
A varied walk with rainforest, whale watching platform and dramatic sea views. Includes the famous Australia-shaped cave and a detour to peaceful Back Beach and the northern end of Nine Mile Beach.
4.3km | 1.5–2.5 hours | Moderate
Dramatic cliffs, kangaroos on the beach and the trails plus sweeping views from headland lookouts. At the far northernmost tip of the Barrington Coast, this loop showcases the region’s coastal grandeur with optional ocean dips along the way.
Booti
Cellito Rainforest Boardwalk, Smiths Lake
Yacaaba Headland Walking Track, Hawks Nest 7km
Black Head Headland & Back Beach Track
Diamond Head Loop Walk, Crowdy Bay National Park
Wellness and soulful spaces are scattered throughout the Barrington Coast, inviting you to find your own connection.
Connect with Welcome Space Yoga & Sound Healing, Red Head, with daily yoga, meditation and immersive sound baths. Flow over Wallis Lake with Forster Yoga Studio, or head inland to Total Wellness Co, Wards River for Reiki, circles and deeply restorative practices. In Pacific Palms on the coast, Palms Pilates brings energising reformer classes, while Blueys Beach Natural Health Centre blends massage, sauna and qigong. At Salt Pilates and Yoga Cove, Boomerang Beach, boutique classes at Mobys Retreat set the pace. Bungwahl Yoga Room, housed in the heritage-listed Bungwahl Hall, provides a serene setting with a variety of yoga styles designed to suit all levels and abilities.
Lifestyle
LAKESIDE WELLNESS THE MOORINGS LAKEHOUSE
The Moorings Lakehouse is a secluded, private sanctuary designed for deep restoration and effortless escape. Guests step into elemental luxury: a lakefront barrel sauna steaming into the morning light, a private swimming jetty for cold plunges or sunset dips, and an open-air yoga shala and gymnasium framed by water and sky.
This stunning lakeside stay offers peaceful, uninterrupted views right on the water. With a charming Australian country style and gardens full of heart and detail, it feels both grounded and special. Days unfold easily here with kayaking, paddleboarding, sauna sessions, fishing or wandering through the veggie garden and orchard. Set on 200 metres of pristine Wallis Lake frontage and surrounded by national parkland, the estate is guided by permaculture principles and abundant with organic gardens.
Just moments from Blueys, Boomerang and Seal Rocks, and with dolphins and sea eagles o en passing through, this is wellbeing shaped by place, pace and pure coastal air.
Slow down, stretch out and let the coast do the rest.
Barrington Coast 100
Welcome Space Yoga & Sound Healing
The Moorings Lakehouse
The Moorings Lakehouse
SPARKLE WHEREwild things
Take the scenic route into our green heart and you’ll find experiences that feel like treasured secrets. This is the Barrington Coast hinterland: vast, unspoilt and dotted with the kind of hidden gems you’ll be talking about long after you leave. From mountain bike thrills to misty rainforest walks, boutique wineries to highland cattle cuddles, these special places offer more than a view… they give you stories to bring home.
Stroud Bicentenary | 200 Years of History
Stroud celebrates its bicentenary in November 2026. A milestone 200 years in the making, it’s the perfect time to explore one of the Barrington Coast’s most charming historic towns.
Stroud is widely regarded as one of the prettiest country towns in New South Wales, with many surviving colonial-era buildings still in use today, including Stroud House (1827–32), St John’s Church (1833) and Quambi School House (late 1830s). Its agricultural
history lives on at the unique underground grain silos on Silo Hill, while a quaint strip of local shops and a grand country-style hotel add to its timeless appeal.
The Post Office (1884), known for its impressive cedar fittings, and the Court House (1876), now home to a museum run by the Stroud & District Historical Society, complete the story of this beautifully preserved town.
Farm stays & rural retreats
Waukivory Estate, Waukivory: A beautifully restored 100-year-old working farmhouse nestled beside Waukivory Creek, with textured interiors and creature comforts for a truly peaceful escape.
Dungannon Eco Retreat, Krambach: A modern off-grid home perched on a mountainside with sweeping views, plunge pool and minimalist style… the ultimate unplugged stay.
Ashmar Farm Stay, Waukivory: One of the originals, this working Hereford cattle farm lets you feed animals, collect eggs and enjoy hayrides – a favourite for families.
Kings Creek Retreat, Krambach: An eco village stay for small groups with American tipis, vintage vans, fire pits, pizza oven, games barn and more.
Old Fig Farm, Hannam Vale: A pretty regenerative agriculture farm with goats, horses and organic limes, plus a century-old cottage filled with charm.
Amaroo Escape, Coneac: Stylish adults-only glamping tents on the banks of the Manning River, combining luxe linens with nature immersion.
Hidden Haven, Cobark: Scandi-style cabins on 800 hectares of farmland and rainforest with forest trails, open fires and mountain views.
Altamira Along Bakers Creek, Bundook: A private working farm with original buildings, bush walks, creek picnics and a menagerie of friendly animals.
Wineries & distilleries
Gloucester River Winery, Gloucester: Preservative-free wines with intimate views of the Buccan Buccans. Settle in for a picnic by the river after tastings with the winemaker.
Faulls Ridge Winery, Gloucester: A locals’ favourite just east of Gloucester offering garden-set tastings of verdelho, rosé and shiraz-chambourcin with a view.
Mograni Creek Estate, Gloucester: Purpose-built in English barn style, with panoramic views and traditionally made wines grown on site.
Gap Hill Wines, Stroud Road: A small vineyard with a big personality and a delicious dry verdelho that goes with everything.
Great Lakes Paddocks, Wootton: Farm, vineyard and music venue in one, known for Angus beef, relaxed picnics and delightful drops.
Old Inn Road Vineyard, Bulahdelah: Award-winning verdelho and sparkling wines from experienced grape growers with a flair for frizzante.
Jacaranda Estate Vineyard, Wingham: A scenic riverside vineyard with artisan wines, including amarone and sparkling, best enjoyed with a BYO picnic.
The Farmer’s Wife Distillery, Allworth: An award-winning distillery and dining venue set in the bush, where handcra ed gins, share plates and seasonal events await.
Cultural & natural heritage
Bulahdelah Mountain: This Aboriginal Place of cultural significance to the Worimi people offers walking tracks, lookouts, carved trees and forest beauty.
Copeland Tops Cultural Tour: Led by Worimi guides, this rainforest walk shares Aboriginal heritage, bush tucker knowledge and traditional tools.
Mountain Maid Gold Mine Tour: Step back in time at this restored mine site hidden in Copeland Tops, with working machinery and fascinating stories.
Unique experiences
Koolah Creek Highlands, Langley Vale: A boutique Highland cattle farm where you can brush, cuddle and feed the ‘coos’ during immersive, photogenic farm tours.
Barrington Bike Park, Bindera: Adrenaline-packed gravity trails through rainforest, purpose-built for flow and fun, with shuttle access and mountain views.
Go where the good stuff hides
So next time you’re craving something unexpected, head for the hills. The hidden gems of the hinterland are closer than you think.
ESCAPE TO YOUR PRIVATE
• Exclusive access to the stunning Gloucester River, just under 3 hours from Sydney
• Perfect for couples, families, and girl’s getaways - sleeps 8
• Ideal base for exploring Barrington Tops National Park
• Outdoor wood-fire spa & outdoor fire pit
• Pets Welcome
• Recharge with hydro contrast therapies, and a tranquil environment, helping you prioritties you wellbeing
Where to stay sustainably: Tiny homes, eco cabins & glamping under the stars
Ecoescapes stays & off-grid
The Ridge Eco Cabin, Gloucester - Panoramic views from the foot of the Buccan Buccans with rustic luxury and a bath with a view. Off-grid solar, rainwater tanks and recycled materials.
Banool Tiny House, Bindera – Luxurious tiny home set in the paddock of a working cattle farm; expect visits from curious cows and kangaroos.
Myall River Camp (tiny houses), Hawks Nest - Eco tiny homes built from reclaimed materials with ensuite bathrooms and botanical toiletries. Close to the river, lake and beaches.
Waterways Farm Tiny Retreat, Hannam Vale - Beautifully styled with an outdoor bath on the deck. Warm in winter, cool in summer and perfect for couples.
River’s Edge, Bowman River - Set in park-like grounds with the river nearby, this hideaway has a queen bed, ensuite, kitchenette and air-con.
Whether you’re seeking a tiny house in the forest or a glamping tent with creature comforts, this guide is for those who want their getaway with a lighter footprint. From sustainable cabins tucked away in nature to off-grid glamping with luxe extras, these eco stays across the Barrington Coast prove you don’t need to sacrifice style for sustainability. Choose from tiny houses, eco cabins and glamping tents to suit your mood, your values and your view.
Bombah Point Eco Cottages, Bombah PointSpacious and luxurious eco cottages, designed for minimal impact and maximum comfort at Myall Lakes National Park.
Bush Boudoir, Topi Topi - A glamorous Frenchbush-style tiny house with views onto your private bushland and a fire pit.
Barrington Eco Hut, Cobark - Architecturally designed off-grid hut by the Barrington River, with hot shower, fire pit and no reception… just nature.
The Tiny Mile, Old Bar - A thoughtfully designed luxury riverfront eco stay celebrating slow, intentional living.
Glamping in nature across the Barrington Coast blends comfort, style and connection to the outdoors, with options to suit every kind of escape. From the safari-style tents at Myall River Camp in Hawks Nest to the coastal serenity of Crowdy Bay Eco Resort, each stay offers a unique setting. Amaroo Escape delivers adults-only luxury on the Manning River, while LilyPonds Retreat focuses on eco-luxury and wellness. For something social or playful, Kings Creek Retreat offers a relaxed group experience, while Time Wood Pass provides a private creekside retreat for complete seclusion. Rest easy in nature, knowing you’re treading lightly while sleeping deeply.
TINY HOUSES AND ECO CABINS
view Campgrounds with a
Welcome to our most scenic places to camp across the Barrington Coast. Whether you’re dreaming of mountaintop sunrises, riverside serenity, lakeside reflections or beachside bliss, this guide brings together the best locations for a stay immersed in nature. Explore our campgrounds by the views they offer and make sure to keep an eye out for the wildlife experiences.
Mountaintop Riverside CAMPING
CAMPING
Polblue Campground - The highest drive-in campground in NSW, where you can camp beside your vehicle – perfect for stargazing and snow-dusted mornings. Kangaroos and wombats are often seen on the walking tracks nearby.
Manning River Campground - Set in the Barrington Tops State Forest, this remote mountaintop site is ideal for adventurers and wildlife watchers.
Dingo Tops Campground - Surrounded by tall eucalypt forest, this quiet spot offers good access to Potoroo Falls and sightings of gliders, koalas and red-legged pademelons.
The Steps Barrington - A boutique campground on the river’s edge near Gloucester at the most scenic rapids on the Barrington River. It’s perfect for swimming, paddling and wallaby-spotting.
Knorrit Flat Riverside Retreat – A family favourite with a swimming hole and shade trees beside the Nowendoc River.
Camp Cobark - Peaceful riverside camping in the foothills of Barrington Tops, with rustic charm and swimming in the Cobark River. Myall River Camp – Alongside the Myall River at Hawks Nest, a stone’s throw to the long, perfect stretch of Bennetts Beach, the northern shores of Port Stephens and the delights of Myall Lakes National Park.
Lakeside CAMPING
NRMA Myall Shores - Absolute lakefront in the Myall Lakes National Park, with koalas, wallabies and rich birdlife.
Violet Hill Campground - Open skies and lakeside tranquility with boating and stargazing.
Mungo Brush Campground - Lakeside by day, beachside by foot. Spot dingoes, dolphins and birds on this lake-meets-ocean site.
Sandbar and Bushland Holiday Park - Lakeside and bushland camping on the shores of Smiths Lake, with rainforest surrounds and starry skies.
Lakeside Forster Holiday Park - Set on Wallis Lake with easy water access and great family facilities.
OFF-GRID ADVENTURE SPECIALIST
Dirt Gear Caravan Hire is your off-grid adventure specialist offering rugged, fully-equipped caravans designed for national park escapes, remote camping and coastal getaways across the Barrington Coast, Mid North Coast and beyond.
With hire starting from $120 per day, Dirt Gear provides flexible options for solo travellers, couples and families, with vans sleeping up to 5–6 people. Each caravan is fully self-sufficient, featuring solar power, lithium batteries, 200L water storage, kitchens, showers, toilets and comfortable sleeping setups.
Models include Malibu, Starvision, Harvok and VanMan – built for comfort and complete off-grid independence. Optional extras include linen, Starlink internet and cleaning services.
Minimum hire is typically 3 days (longer during peak periods). Towing requires a suitable 4x4 or SUV, with delivery and setup available within a 300–500km radius of Taree, including free local delivery.
Discover freedom, flexibility and true off-grid travel with Dirt Gear Caravan Hire.
Raw Edge Photography
Wake up to a better view
Whether you’re seeking forest, river, lake or sea, Barrington Coast’s campgrounds offer unforgettable stays in nature. Let the birds be your morning alarm and the stars your nightlight.
Beachside CAMPING
The Steps Barrington Campground
- River swimming, bike trails, river sled hire and grassy zones for group fun.
NRMA Forster Tuncurry - Heated pools, a waterpark, jumping pillow and camp kitchen by the lake.
Reflections Holiday Park Jimmys Beach
- Easy beach access, picnic areas and calm blue water.
Big4 Happy Hallidays - Iconic red minitrain, indoor play centre, pedal karts and resort pool.
NRMA Myall Shores - Waterfront in Myall Lakes National Park with bushwalks and wildlife.
Tiona Holiday Park - Between Wallis Lake and Seven Mile Beach with a resortstyle pool and grassy barbecue zones.
Big4 River Myall Holiday ResortPurpose-built for family holiday fun on the Myall River at Bulahdelah.
Diamond Head Campground - One of the best spots for beachside wildlife, including kangaroos and birds at your tent door.
Treachery Camp - Remote surf escape with forested privacy and proximity to Lighthouse and Treachery beaches.
The Ruins Campground - Alongside Seven Mile Beach and Wallis Lake, great for kayaking, swimming and birdwatching.
Reflections Holiday Parks Seal RocksBetween rainforest and Number One Beach, with dolphins, turtles and snorkelling.
Tiona Holiday Park - Nestled between Wallis Lake and Seven Mile Beach. Both lakeside and beachside bliss.
Reflections Forster Beach - Convenient beachside location, walking distance to Wallis Lake and town.
Crowdy Gap Campground - Hidden among angophoras behind Crowdy Beach. Rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage and nature.
Ingenia Holidays Old Bar Beach – Old Bar’s only beachfront holiday park, with direct access to leash-free sands.
Family-friendly
adventures camp g
BRING YOUR PAWS
Discovery Parks Forster and Harrington welcome you and your fourlegged family members.
Raw Edge Photography
Hops Heart and Community
PASSION BREWED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BRIDGE
Words Simon Gould
Pacific Brewery Ocean
WORDS: SIMON GOULD
At Pacific Ocean Brewery in Tuncurry and The Coastal Brewing Company in Forster, brewing is only part of the picture. What truly defines these businesses? The way they show up with heart. For Dave and Jane at Pacific Ocean Brewery, hospitality is in their blood. A er decades of running pubs in the UK, COVID was the catalyst that brought them home. “If we’re going to do this,” said Dave, “let’s build something of our own.” With a background in pubs and a love of surfing, the MidCoast was the perfect place. They chose Tuncurry deliberately – a growing community, proud locals and a coastal culture that values authenticity. The brewery’s design reflects that: bright, beachy and welcoming, more like a relaxed coastal living room than a traditional pub. Stop in, like I did, and you’ll find laughter, great conversation and people from all walks of life soaking up the atmosphere. Dave and Jane are not hidden away in an office either. They’re front and
When we think of the Barrington Coast, we think of beaches, bushwalks and sunsets that look like fire in the sky. Craft beer isn’t something that immediately comes to mind, but it’s fast becoming part of our story. Not simply because it’s the perfect match to a great feed after a day hiking, surfing or boating on our waterways, but because behind the taps are people deeply invested in this community’s future.
centre, greeting guests, telling stories and creating an experience that keeps people coming back. With great brews like ‘Some Kind of Beer’ and ‘The Journey’, you just know this is somewhere you’ll feel right at home.
But their contribution goes well beyond great beer and food. Within weeks of opening, they sponsored the Dolphins Rugby Club. It was a natural fit. Rugby is close to Dave’s heart, and he understands how important grassroots sport is in regional communities. “I just love my rugby. They came in for a drink and just wanted a place to hang out. By the end of the night, I’d sponsored the club!” Dave told me. They also sponsor Forster Board Riders, backing local surfers and supporting the next generation of talent in a region defined by its coastline. The Hawks Juniors football club enjoy
“ I JUST LOVE MY RUGBY. THEY CAME IN FOR A DRINK AND JUST WANTED A PLACE TO HANG OUT. BY THE END OF THE NIGHT, I’D SPONSORED THE CLUB!”
their support too, ensuring young players have access to equipment and opportunities. It is a conscious choice to reinvest locally. They prioritise local suppliers, collaborating with neighbouring businesses and promoting regional producers through their venue and social media. In small communities, that economic ripple effect matters.
Coast BREWING CO.
Across the bridge in Forster, The Coastal Brewing Company has been quietly building its legacy since 2017. What began as a homebrewing passion for Helen and David has evolved into an award-winning brewery. The first brewery in Forster, they launched into an environment where locals and visitors were still discovering craft beer.
Their goal? To shine a spotlight on this community and everything it has to offer. You only need to look at how they name some of their brews to see their passion: 2428 Draught, Black Head Milk Stout, Boomerang Beach Pale and Hearts Point NEPA – every one a homage to the beauty of the Barrington Coast. Available at licensed premises from Canberra to the Queensland border and featured in cra beer subscription boxes nationwide, they’re telling the Barrington Coast story one cra beer at a time.
Their community involvement is extensive and heartfelt. Coastal Brewing proudly sponsors local Music Festivals and Spring Festival, recognising the importance of arts and culture to the Barrington Coast identity.
They support the local dragon boat club, various other sporting groups and charities, reinforcing the role community sport plays in connection, health and belonging. Whether it is a festival stage, a sporting jersey or a charity fundraiser, their brand regularly appears not for exposure alone but as a sign of solidarity.
“ WE’RE PUTTING HIM THROUGH THE TRAINING WITH TAFE AND HE’LL BECOME A BREWER IN A FEW YEARS. AND, HE’S LOCAL TOO. PEOPLE ARE AT THE CENTRE OF WHAT WE DO.”
In the taproom, you’ll find Helen not only pouring their own vast array of beers but also offering locally produced wine, locally brewed gin, homegrown Saxby’s so drinks and cranking out fabulous housemade pizza. Their alcoholfree range, Dalman Street, ensures there’s something for everyone.
Coastal Brewing invests in people too. Of their new apprentice brewer, Helen told us, “We’re putting him through the training with TAFE and he’ll become a brewer in a few years. And, he’s local too. People are at the centre of what we do.”
Both breweries share a common belief: independent beer strengthens independent communities. They understand the multiplier effect of spending locally. They create spaces that are inclusive, family-friendly and welcoming to all, whether you are a seasoned
cra beer enthusiast, a curious tourist or a local stopping in a er sport.
On the Barrington Coast, these breweries are more than destinations for a drink. They’re gathering places, supporters of junior sport, festivals, champions of small business and proud storytellers of this coastline.
In every glass poured at Pacific Ocean Brewery and The Coastal Brewing Company, there is more than hops and malt. There’s resilience, generosity and a genuine commitment to community. Visit them, meet the people behind the bar and discover how cra beer is helping shape the future of the Barrington Coast.
3 Dalman Street, Forster
Where to
Eat
& Drink
LOCAL FLAVOUR, LASTING MEMORIES
Wherever your cravings take you, just follow the locals. They always know where to eat well, drink happily and savour the moment. Cheers to that!
If you want to truly taste the Barrington Coast, just follow the locals. From country bakeries and riverside pubs to craft brewers and cafés where the crema always hits just right, this region is bursting with flavour and character. Every town has its go-to favourites, whether you’re chasing seafood feasts, vegetarian eats or schnitty night specials. So bring your appetite and let’s explore.
shore Seafood by the Pub meals
Fresh prawns, local oysters and classic fish & chips by the beach? Yes please! Stop by Monin Seafoods or Graham Barclay Oysters in Forster, visit Brighton Oysters on Mitchells Island, or head to Mumms On The Myall in Tea Gardens. For standout waterfront dining in Tuncurry, Thirty Three Degrees delivers, where the lake sets the pace, featuring East 33 Oysters, Yumbah Mussels, Spencer Gulf Kingfish and Yumbah Abalone.
& SCHNITTY NIGHTS
From Old Bar Tavern to Tea Gardens Hotel and the Coopernook Hotel to Hallidays Point Tavern, schnitty night is a local tradition wherever beer is poured. Expect crumbed chicken with all the toppings, generous sides and cold beer to match. Check the specials board at your local: Tuesday to Thursday is prime schnitty time.
The Coopernook Hotel
Thirty Three Degrees
Thirty Three Degrees | YUMBAH
& breweries Beer gardens
Try a tasting paddle at Coastal Brewing Company in Forster or Pacific Ocean Brewery in Tuncurry. The Roundabout Inn in Gloucester pairs Just Smokin’ BBQ with cra beers, while the Bellevue Hotel in Tuncurry comes with a pool and the region’s biggest outdoor screen. The Tea Gardens Hotel and Harrington’s Shoreline Tavern o en include a gentle sea breeze with your brew.
Cafés& coffee spots
Kembali Café at Blueys Beach uses Seven Miles Gusto beans in a relaxed beach setting, while Roadies in Gloucester keeps motorcyclists and coffee purists fuelled with The Cat’s Pyjamas blend. Forster’s Tartt serves locally roasted brews while Wingman has ocean views to match.
HALLIDAYS SPORTS CLUB
Enjoy a refreshing drink or have a fantastic meal at the friendliest club on the coast. We are just a short stroll from picturesque Blackhead Beach. Main St, Hallidays Point NSW 2430, Australia | (02) 6559 2923
sweet &treats Bakeries
At Batter & Dough in Gloucester, boulangerie meets patisserie with pastries that sparkle. Try Forster Bakehouse or Tunners Bakehouse in Tuncurry for award-winning pies and sourdough. And at 2 Fat Bakers Bakery in Tea Gardens, try the spinach and ricotta rolls or the banoffee pie.
2 Fat Bakers Bakery
Tartt, Forster
The Coastal Brewing Co - Forster
view D
Watch sunrise at Beach Bums Café, enjoy Wallis Lake views from Si Senorita or dine above the Manning River at The Boathouse Café in Taree. The Deck in Tuncurry and The Sailo’s Restaurant are also top picks for lazy waterside meals.
VEGETARIAN & PLANT-BASED EATS
You’ll find vegetarian and vegan offerings wherever quality menus are found across the Barrington Coast. On their extensive omnivorous menus, Bent On Food in Wingham serves standout corn fritters and pistachio citrus
cake, while The Artisan Farmer in Nabiac offers a delicious roasted vegetable poké bowl. In Taree, the Boathouse Café has vego versions of brekkie favourites and lunch plates to accompany their huge range of dishes.
High flavour, more local favourites
So many great places to choose from... no wonder the locals eat well. Here are some more of their favourites.
Spice Monkey, Forster - Coastal favourite serving bold Asian fusion and sushi with views over Wallis Lake… happy hour with sake and sea breezes.
The Dragon’s Den, Forster - Asian tapas? Yes, it’s a thing and it’s done beautifully here, so bring a friend or two.
Twohans, Taree - Asian fusion favourite serves up bao buns, bibimbap and tabletop Korean barbecue grills for an interactive dining experience.
Chim Young Thai, Taree - A local gem for authentic Thai flavours, this place brings the street food heat of Koh Phi Phi to the Manning Valley.
Roadies Café, Gloucester - A long-time cafe favourite that’s revved up its offering with woodfired pizza nights, live entertainment and jazzy cocktails.
The Common, Gloucester - At the sunniest corner of town, this feel-good café mixes topnotch coffee with crusty baguettes and hearty veggie lasagne.
Billy T Café, Stroud - Best café in town, bursting with flavour and creativity; think vegan Buddha bowls, Nicoise salad, laksa and sticky toffee almond slice.
Three Birdies, Stroud - This golf club bistro wins on all fronts: mountain views, generous servings and a dessert cabinet that’ll derail your scorecard.
The Farmer’s Wife Distillery, Allworth - Part restaurant, part gin-tasting haven, part dream venue: G&Ts, share plates, yummy desserts and seasonal events.
Bronte Belo, Diamond Beach - BrazilianAustralian fusion with serious flair.
Lupo’s, Diamond Beach - Roman-style pizza and pasta made with passion. Start with arancini, then go classic with a Capricciosa or bold with a Mediterranea.
Greenhouse Café, Nabiac - A long-time favourite for fresh, farm-to-fork flavour.
Flow Bar, Old Bar - Live music, tapas, pizza and coastal charm… no wonder it’s an absolute fave with locals and visitors alike.
Old Bar Village Café, Old Bar - This muchloved café nails the classics with Aussie burgers but also offers modern dishes like grilled salmon with quinoa, pistachio and dates.
Beach Street Dispensary, Harrington - Stylish little café with seriously good vibes, beloved by the locals.
Harrington Hotel, Harrington - Waterfront icon blends traditional pub classics with modern gastropub flair, with Manning River views.
Jashan Lounge - Authentic Indian cuisine with a huge selection of vegetarian options.
Press Bar & Grill - Fresh seafood, succulent grilled meats and authentic Nepalese dishes.
Taree Café Favourites
Taree Cafés: choose from local favourites like Café Thyme, Café Nosh, or the bold flavours of Guac N Roll. For generous servings and scenic river views, The Boathouse Café remains a standout favourite.
Forster Coffee & Catch-Ups
From morning coffee to a casual catch-up, Solaris is designed to bring people together. Centred around the café at Ahmedi’s IGA @ Solaris, it’s a place where fresh local offerings and familiar faces create a sense of ease and belonging, where everyday moments are shared as part of a connected way of living.
g with a
The Boathouse Cafe
Bent on Food
The Farmer's Wife
H E R E T H E L A K E S E T S T H E P A C E
is waiting for every kind of
Myall explorer The
Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest sit as twin towns at the mouth of the Myall River in this stunning part of the Barrington Coast.
As the southern gateway to the spectacular Barrington Coast the Myall Coast is home to delicious restaurants and cafés, glassy waterways for ferry rides, boating, swimming and paddling, and shaded picnic spots, the Myall is all about simple pleasures.
Start in Tea Gardens with coffee and baked treats from 2 Fat Bakers, then wander the Myall River foreshore or stretch your legs along the white sands of Jimmys Beach, often compared to the Whitsundays for its soft, sweeping shoreline. For a broader outlook, the hike to Yacaaba
Headland offers panoramic views across Port Stephens and beyond. Meet Kerrie at the Ferry
At the helm of the iconic The Original Tea Gardens Ferry, Kerrie manages the daily service connecting Tea Gardens to Nelson Bay across the calm waterways of the Port Stephens Marine Park.
More than an operator, Kerrie brings a friendly, relaxed rhythm to every crossing, welcoming locals and visitors aboard the one-hour scenic journey. From daily sailings to private charters, she is the direct contact at 0412 682 117, ensuring every trip is easy, seamless and full of coastal charm.
Step aboard The Original Tea Gardens Ferry and experience the charm of heritage timber vessels, lovingly restored to their former glory. For over 30 years, we’ve connected Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens, offering daily return journeys through the breathtaking Port Stephens Marine Park. Cruise in comfort with our friendly crew who will provide insightful commentary, enjoy panoramic views, and spot local wildlife—including dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. It’s more than a ferry ride—it’s an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Blue Water Wonderland. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, this iconic experience is not to be missed!
0412 682 117
info@theoriginalteagardensferry.com.au
40 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 93 Marine Drive, Tea Gardens NSW 2324
theoriginalteagardensferry.com.au
BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER CALLS AT THE TEA GARDENS BOATSHED
Top picnic spots on the Myall
Mungo Brush – Picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and boat ramp. One of the most popular lake access points.
Korsmans Landing – Picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and boat ramp. A quiet, scenic place to launch and linger.
Violet Hill – Picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and boat ramp. Ideal for exploring the western edge of the lake.
Swimming & paddling spots
A local favourite overlooking the river, before heading into the wilderness of Myall Lakes National Park. Explore Mungo Brush, paddle the estuary with Lazy Paddles, or simply settle into the stillness of lakeside nature.
As the day winds down, enjoy dinner in Tea Gardens or Hawks Nest, whether it’s a relaxed meal at the Tea Gardens Hotel or something more refined at Tillermans.
Stay the night at Boathouse Resort, Reflections Hawks Nest, NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park (the only commercial van park within the national park itself), Bombah Point Eco Cottages or Myall River Camp at Hawks Nest, and let the rhythm of the Myall carry on a little longer.
The Myall is waiting for every kind of explorer.
White Tree Bay – Picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. A sandy shoreline ideal for a post-lunch swim.
The Wells – Calm lake-edge access with picnic facilities, perfect for a relaxed stop.
Neranie – Picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and easy lake entry. A gentle shoreline ideal for paddleboarding and swimming.
Balancing modern Australian coastal influences with rich, earthy comfort, the menu is complemented by an extensive range of beverages, including coastal bushland-inspired cocktails, beautifully cra ed barista coffee, and serene Myall River views.
The Boatshed provides the perfect balance between a neighbourhood favourite and a special-occasion destination.
Romantic getaways on the Barrington Coast. Where love & landscapes meet
Whisk your loved one away to where landscapes stir emotion and connection feels effortless. From cosy cabins and forest hideaways to waterfront stays and sky-filled nights, the Barrington Coast is made for romance in every form.
hideaways
WAKE TO WATER VIEWS, SLOW MORNINGS & GOLDEN LIGHT.
The Moorings Lakehouse, Coomba Park — secluded 5-star organic farm retreat set on a private nine-acre peninsula with 200 metres of lakefront. A boho-luxe sanctuary designed for intimate escapes and unforgettable celebrations. Continue the escape with…
• Bask, Green Point
• Serendipity, Smiths Lake
• Tiona Holiday Park, Tiona
• Sea Eagle Point, Whoota
• Forster Houseboat Hire
• Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboats
The Beach Butler, Pacific Palms — curated coastal luxury across Boomerang Beach,
Blueys Beach, Seal Rocks and Diamond Beach, offering beautifully styled beach houses designed for slow, romantic escapes and effortless coastal living.
Ahoy Forster Tuncurry Accommodation — intimate beachside and lakeside stays combining private luxury with the ease of a central coastal escape. Just moments from Main Beach, Wharf Street cafés and waterfront dining and nightlife, it’s the perfect base to wander, dine and unwind by the water.
Myall Lakes River Camp — luxury glamping on the riverfront, where couples unwind in eco-friendly tiny houses or safari-style tents with private decks and uninterrupted water views. It’s a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other in nature’s quiet embrace.
Myall Lakes River Camp
The Beach Butler, Boomerang Beach
“ FOR HEARTS THAT WANDER TOGETHER... LOVE GROWS IN WILD PLACES… AND MEMORIES LINGER LONGEST WHERE THE STARS, SILENCE AND SCENERY ARE ALL YOURS TO SHARE.”
Romantic escapes
Escape to rediscover time together at Shoreline Tavern and Harrington River Lodge Set along the tranquil Manning River, this relaxed yet refined retreat offers the perfect setting for a romantic weekend away.
Unwind in riverside accommodation, enjoy long lunches or sunset drinks at the tavern, and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Whether celebrating something special or simply escaping the everyday, this is where connection comes easily. Slow down, switch off and savour moments that matter, together, in one of Barrington Coast’s most peaceful destinations: Harrington
Moby’s Beachside Retreat
A coastal favourite for couples, Moby’s Beachside Retreat offers intimate one-bedroom beach houses nestled behind Boomerang Beach. Private, peaceful and resort-style in feel, it blends seclusion with easy access to one of the region’s most iconic coastlines.
Cosy mountain cabins
Snuggle in, with mountain views, crackling fires and misty mornings along:
• The Ridge Eco Cabin, Gloucester
• River’s Edge, Bowman River
• Mansfield Cottage, Barrington River
• Banool Tiny House, Gloucester
• Devils Retreat, Barrington Tops
• Mill Pond Cabin, Stroud
The Great Escape Lo s, Gloucester — adults-only boutique lo s designed for romance, featuring spa baths, private balconies, mezzanine bedrooms and a saltwater pool surrounded by landscaped gardens. The “Hello Romance” package adds a thoughtful celebratory touch for couples escaping together.
The Ridge, Gloucester
The Ridge, Gloucester
Unique
stays
WITH STARGAZING
Glamping and tiny escapes made for skygazing and stillness with:
• Amaroo Escape, Gloucester
• Barrington Eco Hut, Cobark
• Bush Boudoir, Topi Topi
• Bombah Point Eco Cottages, Bombah Point
• Myall River Camp, Hawks Nest
• Stroud Church, Stroud
• The Church, Barrington
• Valerie the Vintage Van, Barrington River
Forestretreats
Secluded stays framed by green canopies and birdsong and flowing streams, discover:
• Soulitude Farmstay, Hannam Vale
• LilyPonds Retreat, Bulahdelah
• Palmyra Maple Cabin, Rainbow Flat
• Firefly Tiny House, Girvan
Clarendon Forest Retreat, Possum Brush — private romantic sanctuary, featuring a cathedral-style sandstone cottage with gothic windows, an indoor spa, lo bedroom and a warming log fire.
The Rise, Taylor Farm, Gloucester — a beautifully renovated historic riverside farmhouse with an outdoor magnesium hot tub and private river access.
Discovery Parks Forster and Harrington
— relaxed, nature-filled escapes where couples (and their furry companions) can unwind, wander and enjoy the simple romance of time together.
Couples luxury with nature on the doorstep
Where indulgence meets wild beauty.
• Serenity Diamond Beach (with Pure Wellbeing Day Spa)
• The Ridge, Gloucester (main house with bath views)
• Laurina Estate B&B, Darawank
Barrington Eco Hut, Cobark
The Ridge, Gloucester
Stroud Church, Stroud
Barrington Eco Hut
The Rise, Taylor Farm, Gloucester
Love meets Where the Water
Discover the ultimate romantic escape at Shoreline Tavern and Harrington River Lodge — the jewel of the Barrington Coast.
Unwind in your luxurious King room overlooking the beautiful Manning River, where stunning sunsets set the mood for an unforgettable stay. Enjoy complimentary bubbles and chocolates in your room and complimentary desserts when you book your intimate dinner for two in the adjoining Shoreline Tavern..
Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply each other, Harrington offers the perfect blend of relaxation and charm — just 2 hours north of Newcastle and 2 hours south of Coffs Harbour. Upgrade your escape and stay a little longer with our two-night packages.
Set along the Manning River, the Shoreline Tavern and Harrington Lodge offers a relaxed coastal country setting for couples looking to celebrate their wedding on the Barrington Coast.
Shoreline
A COASTAL COUNTRY WEDDING ON THE BARRINGTON COAST
Here, river views and open skies create a naturally beautiful backdrop for a ceremony that feels both intimate and grounded in place. From barefoot coastal ease to a more styled celebration, the setting adapts to reflect each couple’s story.
The venue brings together the character of a country pub with the ease of a thoughtfully managed events space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Whether planning a small gathering or a larger celebration, the focus remains on creating a day that feels personal, relaxed and connected to the surrounding landscape.
A luxury house on-site, sleeping up to 12 guests, offers the perfect space for the wedding party to stay together, with ample room for the bride and bridesmaids to prepare for the day. The adjoining Harrington Lodge provides an additional 22 king rooms
for guests, making it easy to accommodate friends and family in one central location. From welcome drinks through to the wedding celebration and relaxed recovery moments, the venue offers a complete and connected experience.
“ POSITIONED ALONGSIDE AN AWARD-WINNING GOLF COURSE, THE SETTING FURTHER ENHANCES THE SENSE OF OCCASION, OFFERING EXPANSIVE GREEN VISTAS AND AN ADDED LAYER OF COASTAL COUNTRY CHARM.”
From the first enquiry through to the final moments of the celebration, an experienced
events team works closely with couples to shape the day. With considered planning support and flexible options, the process is designed to feel seamless and stress-free.
At Shoreline Tavern and Harrington Lodge, weddings are not just hosted; they are shaped by place, people and the easy rhythm of the Barrington Coast.
Connect with Shoreline Tavern Harrington Events Team
Enjoy exclusive access for your next event, including weddings, conferences and birthday celebrations.
• Easy access by boat, with Forster–Tuncurry just 20 minutes away
• Gazebo and BBQ facilities available for guest use
• Qualified chef available
Hinterland walks &waterfalls
Barrington Coast
WANDER WELL: OUR BEST HINTERLAND WALKS AND WATERFALLS
Discover the most soulsoothing walks and waterfalls in the hinterland of the Barrington Coast. From ancient Gondwana forests to historic gold mine trails, misty cascades to giant eucalypts, this guide is your invitation to step into nature and let the magic of our high country do the rest.
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a 200-metre drop at Ellenborough Falls, wandering under the mossy canopy of Antarctic beech, or standing awestruck at The Grandis (NSW’s tallest tree), our hinterland tracks promise something special at every turn.
Slip on your walking shoes, pack a picnic and let’s go exploring.
Barrington Tops & Gloucester Tops
Honeysuckle Forest track, Barrington
Tops National Park - 1km loop through Antarctic beech forest and tree ferns. One of the best Gondwana walks.
Polblue Swamp track, Barrington Tops
National Park - 3km loop through highaltitude wetlands and forest. Snow gums, scribbly bark and, on some days,the feeling of walking through clouds.
Polblue Falls track, Barrington Tops
National Park - A short 500m stroll to a dramatic subalpine waterfall. It’s the largest accessible falls on the plateau.
Gummi Falls, Barrington Tops National
Park - A remote high-country waterfall near the origin of the Manning River. Best accessed by 4WD (seasonal access) or a 3km one-way walk.
Gloucester River track, Barrington Tops
National Park - 2.5km loop starting at Gloucester River campground near the base of the Gloucester Tops precinct. A forested river walk with wildlife spotting, swimming holes and picnic spots.
Antarctic Beech Forest track, Barrington Tops National Park - 2.5km shaded trail through ancient Gondwana rainforest. Short or long options are both stunning.
Gloucester Tops circuit, Barrington
Tops National Park - An iconic 8km loop featuring three separate trails: Gloucester Falls Track, River Walk and Antarctic Beech Forest Walk. Marvel at cascades, beech forests, mossy gullies and high country views.
Blue Gum loop & Rocky Crossing track, Barrington Tops National Park - 3.5km riverside loop in the southern precinct of Barrington Tops with waterfalls, cascades and rainforest. The longer Rocky Crossing track will take you some time (16km return), but it’s a challenge with big rewards.
Jerusalem Creek Falls, Barrington Tops
National Park - An often-photographed waterfall accessed also in the southern precinct at Jerusalem Creek picnic area.
COPELAND TOPS & WOKO NATIONAL PARK
Hidden Treasure track, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area - 4.5km loop through dry rainforest and gold mining relics, including tunnels and a boiler.
Basin Loop track, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area - The longest track in Copeland (7km loop), combining rainforest and ridge top views along Old Copeland Road.
Cliff Face track, Woko National Park - A steep 3km loop with dramatic escarpment views and excellent birdwatching, including peregrine falcons.
Brush Turkey track, Woko National Park - 1km rainforest loop with picnic areas and a swimming hole in the Manning River.
BULAHDELAH
Bulahdelah Mountain, Bulahdelah - 4.7km return walk with lookouts, tree carvings and cultural spaces on a sacred Worimi site. Steep in places, with views over Myall River.
The Grandis, Myall Lakes National Park - A 100m walk to the tallest known tree in NSW: a 400-year-old flooded gum rising 76.2 metres. Awe-inspiring!
Wootton Historical Railway walk, Wang Wauk State Forest A 6km return trail tracing old tramlines and mossy trestle bridges through rainforest.
GLOUCESTER TOPS
Falls walking tracks, ElandsThis 200m waterfall is the tallest single-drop in NSW. Choose your view to match your mood and energy: the top viewing platform (easy), waterfall drop-off lookout (easy), Knoll lookout (moderate 10min walk), or the full 641-step descent to the base of the falls (challenging, especially those 641 steps back up!).
Ellenborough
COORABAKH NATIONAL PARK & TAPIN TOPS NATIONAL PARK
Coorabakh National Park walks - Explore easy rainforest walks, scenic lookouts (Flat Rock, Newbys), Starrs Creek boardwalk and Newbys Cave. Combine with Waitui Falls for a complete day.
Potoroo Falls, Tapin Tops National ParkA 900m rock-hopping walk upstream from the picnic area to a photogenic waterfall and swimming hole.
Rowleys Rock lookout, Tapin Tops National Park - A short but very steep
ic
Top scenic drives of the Barrington Coast. Pack a picnic & pick a playlist for our best scenic drives. The Barrington Coast is made for scenic drives, with routes that weave from beaches to rainforests, through historic villages and past lookouts that’ll have you pulling over just to take it all in. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, craving fish and chips by the sea or just want to see where the road takes you, this guide has six handpicked drives for every
400m climb to 1000m elevation. One of the best views in the region.
Mountain Brush circuit, Tapin Tops
National Park - A 300m rainforest loop near Dingo Tops campground. Great for botanists and birdwatchers.
Waitui Falls, Comboyne State Forest - A quick 50m track to a charming picnicperfect waterfall. Especially good a er rain.
TAREE & WINGHAM
Brimbin Nature Reserve walks - Choose from two 1.5km tracks: Dawson River Walk (riverbank trail) or Ms Kelly’s Walking Track (historic bullock route named a er a legendary local colonial).
Dawson River Wetlands boardwalk, Taree - 800m loop with interpretive signage through restored swamp oak and coastal salt marsh habitat.
Wingham Brush boardwalk, Wingham - 2km loop through one of NSW’s last subtropical floodplain rainforests. Giant Moreton Bay figs, flying foxes and a magical atmosphere.
kind of explorer. Perfect for families, couples or anyone with a curious heart and a full tank. Lakes to lookouts
Follow The Lakes Way, a winding ribbon between glittering lakes, lush forests and some of the most photogenic beaches on the coast. Myalls of beaches
Take a slow road cruise along the southern Myall Lakes region where wild beaches, ancient sand dunes and wetland wilderness
blend with a salty breeze.
Historical hinterland
Step back in time as you wind through art-filled towns, heritage villages and wide valleys shaped by pioneers and ancient cultures. Valley to falls
Wind through rolling farmlands and river valleys to discover Ellenborough Falls – one of Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfalls.
Potaroo falls, Dingo Forest by East Coast Photography
Cattai Wetlands, Coopernook
Road to Seal Rocks at Number One Beach
Go from sea spray to mountain air as you travel from our untamed northern beaches to the escarpment lookouts of Coorabakh National Park.
Barrington explorer
Lose yourself in the wild heart of the Barrington Tops parklands, where ancient rainforests, snow gums and mossy cascades await at every turn. This is the drive for adventure-lovers. Wind
Great Country Drives
Take the scenic route and let the landscape unfold around you. Winding roads reveal hidden valleys, river flats and mountain views that make every kilometre a pleasure. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, the welcome is always warm.
up to the high country from Gloucester and explore world heritage wilderness. Walk among Antarctic beech forests, picnic by crystal-clear streams and spot wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Highlights of the eastern section include Gloucester Tops, renowned for Andrew Laurie Lookout, Gloucester Falls and hidden mossy cascades. Highlights of the northern section include Honeysuckle Forest Walk, Devils Hole Lookout, Thunderbolts Lookout, Polblue Swamp and the iconic
pines of The Firs.
Hit the road and explore— Visit our neighbouring Dungog Shire
Whichever road you choose, there’s a Barrington Coast drive with your name on it. Before heading out, pack a picnic worthy of a great drive from any of the awesome eateries, bakeries or takeaways near your accommodation. Then, pick a playlist and see where the scenery takes you.
Scenic drives map on page 132
Beautiful in Every Season
Autumn gold, spring wildflowers and winter mists, the region offers something special all year round. Feel refreshed. Feel new. Feel the experience in the Dungog Shire – “Life as it Should be, a Breath of Fresh Air”.
Where Beach Mornings Meet Country Charm
There aren’t many places where you can greet the day with salty hair and sandy toes, then spend the afternoon wrapped in the warmth of true country hospitality. In the Dungog region, that perfect balance is simply part of the experience.
Family Adventures in Nature
Bring the kids, bring the bikes, bring your sense of fun – Dungog Shire is made for families who love the outdoors. The Dungog Common offers kilometres of purpose-built mountain-bike trails, gentle family loops and wide-open spaces where everyone can ride, roam and explore.
Dungog Shire Visitor Information Centre 191 Dowling St Dungog I visitdungog.com.au
Sea to summit
Whoota Whoota Lookout
Flat-Rock Lookout, Coorabakh National Park
KNOWGood to
Stay Informed with What’s On & What’s Happening Locally!
From events, local markets and galleries to guided tours and outdoor adventures, our region serves up something for everyone. Discover the weekly, monthly and annual calendar of fresh local flavours, creative exhibitions and thrilling sport and fitness events, all set against breathtaking backdrops from the mountains to the sea.
WHAT’S ON
“Whatever the season, there’s always a tale to tell.” Plan your getaway on the barringtoncoast.com.au/tales
REMEMBER WATER SAFETY
Swim between the red and yellow flags. Find patrolled beaches across the Barrington Coast. beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety. Enjoy our Ocean Lovers feature on page 16
LOCAL RADIO
Tune into great music, sports, weather and conversations
MAX 107.3 FM max1073.com.au
2RE FM 2re.com.au
GREAT LAKES 101.5 FM greatlakesfm.org.au
2BOB RADIO 104.7 FM 2bobradio.org.au
LOOKING TO CHARGE YOUR EV?
The Barrington Coast continues to expand its network of EV charging stations, making it easier for residents, holidaymakers and day-trippers to explore the region with confidence. Find your nearest charging station using the Transport for NSW EV Charging Map.
COPY OF LIFESTYLE BARRINGTON COAST MAGAZINE AT:
Forster Visitor Information Centre 4 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428
FROLIC & HAVE FUN WITH YOUR DOG
The Barrington Coast welcomes your four-legged family member! We have a host of fabulous dogfriendly parks and beaches and numerous cafes eager to greet your poochy pal. Enjoy our Dog Lovers feature on page 86
SOME ‘GOOD TO KNOW’ STUFF:
Visit MidCoast Council Libraries across the Barrington Coast
“COOEE” If you spot a dog pooping while their owner is distracted by a spectacular view or casual conversation, call out with a friendly “COOEE” to alert them so they can promptly pooper scoop and keep our beaches and reserves clean!
Gloucester Visitor Information Centre 27 Denison Street, Gloucester NSW 2422
Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centre Crawford Street, Bulahdelah NSW 2423
Enjoying the magazine? Help support independent local publishing.
Share copies with your friends, guests or patrons. You can purchase a box of 25 copies of the coffee table magazine for only $55. Order here: hello@lifestylebarringtoncoast.com.au lifestylebarringtoncoast.com.au
With thanks from the team behind this annual publication. We appreciate you joining us in celebrating the EAT STAY PLAY CONNECT stories of the Barrington Coast, lower Mid North Coast region.
Lifestyle Barrington Coast – More Than a Magazine.
Shuck&
Shuck & Shell — Barrington Coast’s iconic seafood festival brings together a bespoke long table lunch celebration of our world-class seafood in a worldclass venue.
Moorings
SHELL
PUT THIS “MUST ATTEND EVENT” IN YOUR CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY
Set on the extraordinary lakefront peninsula of The Moorings Lakehouse on Wallis Lake, Shuck & Shell is a premium, immersive culinary experience taking guests on a journey from paddock to lake to plate.
This event has sold out the last two years, many months in advance, so make sure you get your tickets early.
Begin by enjoying a complimentary cocktail on arrival from Wharf St Distillery, listening to live music and exploring the organic gardens providing the ingredients grown on the property for the day’s hero banquet item: sweet chilli blue swimmer crab.
Guests can then head to the water’s edge, where local crab fishermen and oyster farmers from Wallis Lake share their craft and connection to the region’s seafood and sustainable practices.
The journey culminates in a vibrant long table feast featuring sweet chilli blue swimmer crab, freshly shucked Wallis Lake oysters, and seasonal flavours shared among friends, new and old, at The Moorings Lakehouse.
The highlight is our world famous “crab pour”, where freshly cooked woks full of crabs from the
lake are poured straight onto the communal, banana leaf clad tables. All attendees are given a “Katchunk”, our name for the weighty wooden stick used to crack their crabs open. It is a truly unique culinary experience.
As the sun lowers, live tunes from Ilan Kidron and his band provide the perfect summer soundtrack to get up and dance.
More than a festival, Shuck & Shell is a celebration of place, connecting people, produce and pristine waterways. From first sip to final bite, it’s a true taste of the Barrington Coast.
Next Event Weekend of 20 Feb, 2027
Location The Moorings Lakehouse Website shuckandshell.com.au
