Manilla Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Manilla, Australia, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views. Plan your trip with our guide and experience the local food and drink scene and explore the hiking/biking routes.


Introduction to Manilla

Manilla is a charming town located in New South Wales, just over a three-hour drive northwest of Sydney. Situated on the Manilla River, this town offers visitors a range of experiences, from exploring historical museums and natural attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views. In this travel guide, we’ll take you through the best things to do in Manilla and help you plan your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Manilla

Manilla is a small town where you can easily experience everything in one day. However, there is a range of things to do and places to visit. Below is a list of the top places to explore in Manilla:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Manilla Heritage Museum
  • Manilla Railway Museum
  • Royal Theatre
  • Manilla Historical Socieity Cottage

Natural Attractions of Manilla: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Borah
  • Split Rock Dam
  • Manilla River
  • Warrabah National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Manilla

Manilla offers a breathtaking scenic adventure for hikers and bikers. Explore the following popular routes, which range from easy to moderately challenging:

  • Manilla to Gunnedah
  • Mount Borah
  • Split Rock Dam to Graman
  • Manilla River Walking Trail

Best Things to Do in Manilla: Activities and Tours

Manilla offers a range of activities and tours for visitors, from hiking and biking to fishing and bird-watching. Here are some popular activities to try during your stay:

  • Fly Fishing on Manilla River
  • Bird-watching in Warrabah National Park
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides
  • Paragliding and Hang-gliding from Mount Borah

Week-Long Itinerary for Manilla

Here’s a suggested plan for a week-long stay in Manilla, to fully experience the culture and beauty of this Australian town:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Manilla and check-in to your accommodation
2 Explore Manilla’s cultural attractions, such as Manilla Heritage Museum and Manilla Railway Museum
3 Hike at Mount Borah and enjoy the scenic views
4 Relax by Split Rock Dam and try your hand at fishing
5 Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise
6 Go on a bird-watching tour in Warrabah National Park
7 Paraglide or hang-glide from Mount Borah before departing Manilla

Food and Drink Scene of Manilla

Manilla offers a range of dining options, from classic pub fare to local farm-to-table cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and chips with locally sourced fish
  • Pub-style bangers and mash
  • Roast lamb with seasonal vegetables

Local Beverages

  • Manilla Soil Shiraz
  • Barnbougle Lager

Where to Stay in Manilla: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Manilla offers a range of accommodations, from comfortable hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some options for your stay:

  • Royal Hotel Manilla
  • Manilla Motel
  • Barraba Motel

What to Buy in Manilla: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Manilla offers a range of locally-produced goods that make for unique souvenirs. Here are a few options:

  • Manilla Farm-Fresh Produce
  • Hand-dyed wool products
  • Manilla Souvenir T-Shirts

Local Culture and Customs of Manilla

Manilla appreciates its small-town charm and values. Here are a few things to keep in mind while visiting:

  • Respect the locals
  • Follow the rules and laws of the town
  • Be mindful of the environment and wildlife

Best Time to Visit Manilla

The best time to visit Manilla is during the cooler months of April, May, September, and October, when the temperature is cooler and perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Manilla

Do:

  • Respect the local culture
  • Explore the beautiful natural and cultural attractions
  • Take part in outdoor activities

Don’t:

  • Litter in public areas
  • Disrespect the wildlife and nature

Safety and Health

Safety in Manilla

Manilla is a safe town with friendly locals, but it is still important to take precautions:

  • Lock your valuables in your accommodation
  • Avoid leaving your belongings unattended
  • Don’t leave your valuables in your car

Health in Manilla

There are medical facilities in Manilla, but for serious injuries or illnesses, it is recommended you seek help at a regional centre such as Tamworth Hospital.

Getting to Manilla: Transportation Options and Logistics

Manilla is accessible via a range of transportation options. Here are some of the easiest ways to get there:

Airports Near Manilla

  • Tamworth Regional Airport (80km away)

Bus Stations Near Manilla

  • Tamworth Coach Station (80km away)

Other Options

  • Driving: Manilla is located on the Fossickers Way, which is accessible by road from Tamworth.

How to Get Around in Manilla

The easiest ways to get around Manilla include:

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Driving

Where to Go Next from Manilla: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the area around Manilla, there are several nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Tamworth and Peel River Valley
  • Warrabah National Park
  • Mount Kaputar National Park

Conclusion

Manilla is a charming town that offers visitors a range of experiences, from exploring historical museums and natural attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views. Use this guide to plan your trip and experience the local food and drink scene and explore the hiking/biking routes.

Manilla Street, the main street Manilla Street, the main street NSW TrainLink coach NSW TrainLink coach confluence of the Manilla River and the Namoi River confluence of the Manilla River and the Namoi River Lake Keepit, Keepit Dam Lake Keepit, Keepit Dam The clock tower in the main street The clock tower in the main street The Royal Hotel The Royal Hotel