If you’re staying at BIG4 Colonial Holiday Park in Harrington, you’ll be perfectly placed for exploring Harrington’s beaches and enjoying plenty of water-based adventures. From swimming and fishing to kayaking or a relaxing walk along the shoreline, there’s something for everyone. Here are some top spots to check out:
Beaches & Swimming Spots
Crowdy Bay Beach:
Located about a 15-minute drive North East from our holiday park is the beautiful small town of Crowdy Head. Crowdy Bay Beach is a patrolled beach during summer months and is great for families. It offers safer swimming with a gentle incline into the sea and scenic views with the beach wrapping around for kilometres to Kylies Beach. There is 4×4 access allowing you to go all the way to the Kylies Beach camp ground on the sand where you can explore further north. 4×4 permits are available for purchase from our local bait and tackle shop located in Harrington.
Harrington Beach:
A beautiful stretch of coastline ideal for swimming, beach fishing and beachcombing. There is also 4WD access to this beach at multiple points taking you to different sections of the long coastline. Starting at the northern entrance of the Manning River, you’re able to access this beach on foot by following the shorter end of the breakwall out to sea. You can watch the manning river meet the ocean whilst keeping an eye out for dolphins, whales and the occasional shark traversing through the waves. The dunes of Harrington beach are also homes for a large variety of shorebirds which are protected. With the southern end of this beach connecting to the breakwall. it is the perfect morning stroll location. You can grab a to go coffee from one of the local café’s across from the breakwall and follow the sea breeze towards the beautiful sites.
Harrington Lagoon:
Situated next to the Breakwall in front of the Marine Rescue Building on Beach St/Crowdy St, this swimming spot is a sheltered waterway tucked behind the dunes of Harrington beach making it a favourite for families and nature lovers. Fed by tidal flows from the Manning River and ocean, the lagoon offers glassy, shallow waters ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply wading on a hot day. Its edges are fringed with reeds and birdlife, creating a peaceful spot for picnics or photography, and at low tide, sandbanks often appear for kids to explore. With its safer swimming conditions and tranquil setting, Harrington Lagoon is a relaxing alternative to the surf, perfect for a slower-paced day by the water.
Water Activities & Scenic Walks
Manning River
The Manning River is the lifeblood of the Harrington region, winding its way through farmlands and forests before meeting the sea at the northern breakwall. Unique as one of the few rivers in the world with a double delta, it creates a rich estuary teeming with fish, birdlife, and mangroves. Around Harrington, the river is a hub for boating, fishing, and kayaking, with boat ramps and scenic picnic spots lining its banks. Anglers chase bream, flathead, and whiting, while walkers enjoy the Heritage Riverwalk, which traces the water’s edge past historic markers and lookout points. Whether you’re on the water or watching the sunset over its calm surface, the Manning River offers both natural beauty and a glimpse into the area’s maritime history.
Heritage Riverwalk
The Harrington Heritage Riverwalk is a scenic, leisurely path tracing the banks of the Manning River, linking the Harrington Breakwall to the Lagoon and marina precinct. Along the way, interpretive signs share stories of the town’s maritime past, shipwrecks, and the pioneering pilot service that once guided vessels safely across the river bar. The walkway is lined with benches and shaded spots, making it ideal for a morning coffee stroll, birdwatching, or simply soaking up the river views. With fishing platforms, picnic areas, and easy access to cafes and historic sites, the Heritage Riverwalk blends natural beauty with local history, offering a relaxing and educational way to explore Harrington’s waterfront.
Harrington Waters Riverwalk
The Harrington Waters Riverwalk is a peaceful, well-maintained pathway that winds along the Manning River within the Harrington Waters community. Designed for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, it offers uninterrupted water views, landscaped gardens, and plenty of spots to pause and take in the scenery. The route is dotted with seating, picnic areas, and jetties, making it perfect for fishing or watching boats glide by. With its flat, easy surface and a mix of open vistas and shaded stretches, the Harrington Waters Riverwalk is a favourite for a gentle afternoon stroll or an early-morning exercise session, all while enjoying the tranquillity of the riverside setting.
Exploration, Views and History
Crowdy Bay National Park
Crowdy Bay National Park is a breathtaking coastal haven stretching from Crowdy Head in the south to Diamond Head in the north, offering a rich mix of wild beaches, rugged headlands, wetlands, and forested camping areas. Known for its unspoiled beauty, the park is home to abundant wildlife—kangaroos often graze near the beach, while dolphins and whales can be spotted offshore. Visitors can enjoy bushwalking trails with panoramic ocean views, secluded picnic spots, and excellent beach and rock fishing. The area is steeped in history too, with heritage sites like Kylie’s Hut, linked to Australian author Kylie Tennant. Whether you’re camping under the stars, exploring tidal rock pools, or simply relaxing on golden sand, Crowdy Bay National Park offers the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and tranquillity.
Crowdy Head lighthouse
Crowdy Head Lighthouse stands proudly atop the rugged headland at Crowdy Head, guiding ships safely along the New South Wales coastline since it was first lit in 1878. This historic lighthouse, perched high above the ocean, offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Crowdy Bay National Park, and the surrounding coastline. The lighthouse is a popular spot for visitors who enjoy scenic walks, whale watching during migration seasons, and photography. Its classic white tower is an iconic landmark in the region, symbolizing Harrington’s rich maritime heritage and connection to the sea.
Pilot Hill Lookout
Pilot Hill Lookout is a scenic vantage point in Harrington that offers spectacular 360-degree views over the Manning River Delta, Harrington Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. Historically, it was the site of the pilot station where skilled pilots guided ships safely across the often-treacherous river entrance. Today, visitors enjoy panoramic coastal vistas, whale watching during migration season, and tranquil sunsets. The lookout is easily accessible by car, with information signs that highlight its maritime significance. It’s a must-visit spot for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to soak in the beauty and history of Harrington’s waterfront.
Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, engage in water sports, or explore scenic trails, Harrington offers a diverse range of water attractions to suit all preferences.