If you’re staying at BIG4 Colonial Holiday Park in Harrington and seeking water-based activities, you’re in luck. The area boasts a variety of attractions perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and leisurely strolls along the water. Here are some top recommendations:
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Beaches & Swimming Spots in Harrington
- 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.
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Water Activities & Scenic Walks in Harrington
- 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.
- Harrington Heritage 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. 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 historic sites, the Heritage Riverwalk blends natural beauty with local history, offering a relaxing and educational way to explore Harrington’s waterfront. Learn more about Harrington Heritage Riverwalk
- Harrington Breakwall: The Harrington breakwall offers a long, level path that is ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply taking in the panoramic views of both the river and the sea. The Harrington Breakwall stretches approximately 2.7 kilometres in total, divided into two distinct arms—one reaching northward toward the Pacific Ocean and the other extending southward across the Manning River entrance. The concrete path, about 1.65 km long in one section, makes it particularly accessible for prams or bikes. A car park provides easy access for all fmaily members to enjoy this walk. Dogs are welcome on the breakwall, just don’t forget your poo bags!
- Barefoot Boats: Barefoot Boats offers a delightful and carefree way to explore the beautiful Manning River—no boat license required. Located in Harrington, NSW, their pontoon day boats can be hired for half-day or full-day adventures, allowing groups of up to 12 people to cruise the river at a relaxed pace under 10 knots. Each boat is well-equipped with safety gear, fishing rods, tackle, crab traps, and up to 10 recreational fishing licences, making it perfect for anglers or families keen to catch their own lunch. To make your outing even more enjoyable, a gas-fired pizza oven (complete with utensils and boards) is onboard—plus the option to purchase ready-made pizzas—so you can cook and enjoy food right on the water. Ideal for groups seeking fishing, swimming, relaxation, or exploring the riverside, Barefoot Boats makes it simple and stress-free. Whether you’re cruising with family, mates, or colleagues, the boats are spacious and inviting, complete with a swim ladder, portable toilet (with privacy screen), and ample room to spread out and soak up the views. Access is easy—just bring a valid car license (driver must be 18+), no formal boating credentials required. You embark and disembark at the Harrington Boat Ramp on Beach St, making it a convenient launch point for leisurely river journeys to scenic spots like Manning Point, Stones Oysters, Coopernook Hotel, or even Farquhar Inlet for a swim and a BBQ on a sandbank. Book Here
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Nature & Exploration
- 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.
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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.
