Activities

Skipper your own pontoon day boat on the Manning River with a half-day or full-day hire from the Harrington boat ramp. The boats carry up to 12 people and come with a pizza oven, fishing gear and safety... equipment, and no boat licence is needed. It's an easy way to spend a day cruising, swimming and fishing on the river.

This rustic one-room hut in Crowdy Bay National Park was built in the late 1960s by local farmer Ernie Metcalfe as a writing retreat for novelist Kylie Tennant. Destroyed in the 2019–20 bushfires, it... was faithfully rebuilt in 2022 using traditional timber techniques. Reach it along Metcalfes walking track through coastal forest, keeping an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos. Park entry fees apply.

Part of Harrington Beach State Park, this long sweep of sand runs from Harrington village to Crowdy Head. The rock breakwall is a favourite for walking and fishing, while the sheltered lagoon behind it... offers calm, family-friendly swimming. Permit holders can also access the beach by 4WD.

Perched on the headland above the fishing village of Crowdy Head, this small lighthouse was designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet and built in 1878–79. The lookout takes in Diamond Head and the... Three Brothers mountains to the north and stretches of coastline to the south. It's one of the best land-based spots in the area for whale watching during the winter and spring migrations.

Climb to this grassy rise above the village for sweeping views across the Manning River delta, the breakwall and out to sea. The lookout is home to the historic pilots' cemetery, where the graves remember... the river pilots who guided ships across the treacherous Harrington bar. Open around the clock, it's a lovely spot for sunrise or sunset.