Queen Elizabeth Park runs along the riverbank right in town offering an easy stroll from Jones Boutique Motel, whether it be a morning walk, a picnic or watching the boats go by.

River cruises (including trips to Oxley Island) also depart locally.

A short walk from Jones Boutique Motel.

A historic 1878-built lighthouse on a headland with sweeping 270-degree views — north to Diamond Head and the Three Brothers mountains, south as far as Seal Rocks. One of the best whale-watching spots on the Mid North Coast during the humpback migration. The adjoining Crowdy Bay National Park offers camping, picnicking, swimming and bushwalking, with the laid-back fishing village of Crowdy Head nearby for fish and chips at the surf club.

One of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere at around 200 metres, set on the Bulga Plateau at Elands in the Manning Valley hinterland. A short walk from the car park leads to two lookout platforms with sweeping views; the more adventurous can take the 641-step walkway all the way to the base of the falls (allow around 90 minutes return).

A wide, patrolled surf beach at the mouth of the Manning River, popular for swimming, surfing and fishing, with a relaxed seaside village atmosphere and cafés right by the sand. One of the closest beach options to central Taree.

A vibrant cultural hub in downtown Taree run by MidCoast Council, with more than 20 exhibitions a year ranging from emerging local artists to touring national shows, alongside a studio workshop, outdoor art space and gallery shop.

Two hinterland national parks that showcase the Manning Valley's greener side. Coorabakh is known for its striking volcanic outcrops — Big Nellie, Little Nellie and Flat Nellie — and the Lansdowne Escarpment, with tranquil picnic spots. Tapin Tops, further north near Wingham, features mountain scenery, tall eucalypt forest and subtropical rainforest walks.