Complete Travel Guide to Taree, Australia

Taree Taree is a town on the Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia. It and nearby Cundletown were settled in 1831 by William Wynter. Since then it has grown to a population of 26,381, and commands a significant agricultural district. Situated on a floodplain by the Manning River, it is 16 km from the Tasman Sea coast, and 317 km north of Sydney. Positioned at coordinates -31.91099°N, 152.45387°E, Taree occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Taree place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 30.0 meters above sea level, Taree benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Taree creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 16715 residents, Taree maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Taree represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Taree reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Australia, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of New South Wales province, Taree contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Australia's regional character. The role of Taree in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Taree discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Australia while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Taree

History The Biripi were the indigenous people of what is now known as Taree The Aboriginal population of the Manning River was relatively dense before colonisation by Europeans In 1826, Assistant Surveyor Henry Dangar was instructed by John Oxley as Surveyor General (and a shareholder in the Australian Agricultural Company) to survey the land between Port Stephens and the Hastings River.

During this expedition, Dangar identified that Harrington Lake was a river with two entrances to the sea Later in 1826, the river was named the Manning River by Robert Dawson for the Deputy Governor of the Australian Agricultural Company, William Manning.

In 1829, Governor Darling proclaimed the division of the settlement of the colony of New South Wales into Nineteen Counties The northern limit of the settlement was declared to be the Manning River Taree was laid out as a private town in 1854 by Henry Flett, the son-in-law of William Wynter who had originally settled the area in 1831.

100 acres (40 ha) had been set aside for the private township and 40 lots were initially sold Taree was declared a municipality on 26 March 1885 and the first municipal council was elected by the residents In the early 1800s the road from Newcastle to Port Macquarie came via Gloucester and forded the river near Wingham.

Boats could not go further upstream than this due to narrowing of the river and rapids Hence a town formed at Wingham, about a day's ride from Gloucester Timber getting, especially cedar, ensured goods were brought to Wingham and then shipped to Newcastle and beyond by boat.

Coopernook similarly formed a local shipping hub In 1844, the government of New South Wales had established Wingham as its administrative centre When the North Coast railway line came through in 1913, it initially terminated at Taree Even before the rest of the line was completed it became apparent that it was safer to send goods by rail to Newcastle and Sydney rather than hazarding the bar at the outlet to the river at Harrington where many ships had been lost.

Although connected to the railway, sea transport continued to dominate along the North Coast until the 1930s This changed when the Martin Bridge replaced the ferry across the Manning River in 1940 River traffic significantly reduced after this, ensuring Taree's place as the centre of business.

The oldest surviving building in Taree is the old St Paul's Presbyterian Church, built-in 1869 in the Victorian Gothic Revival style, next door to the current building, in Albert Street A record breaking rain event in March 2021 led to flooding in the town, sweeping debris such as a water tank and shipping container into the Manning River which struck the Martin Bridge.

The river peaked at 5 7 m (19 ft), inundating properties in Taree South and Glenthorne and falling just short of the historical high of 6 m (20 ft) in 1929 In the 24 hours to 9 am on 7 July 2022, a record 305 mm (12 0 in) of rain was recorded in town.

The historical trajectory of Taree demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Taree reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Taree remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

The topographic characteristics of Taree result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Taree region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Taree area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Taree has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Taree demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Taree create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

Climate Taree experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa , Trewartha: Cfal/Cfbl); with warm to hot, humid summers and mild to cool, short winters; and with a moderately high precipitation amount of 1,149. Rainfall patterns in Taree determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 26 in), with moderate precipitation even during its drier months. Rainfall patterns in Taree determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. The highest temperature recorded at Taree was 45. Temperature patterns in Taree influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 3 °F) on 12 February 2017; the lowest recorded was –4. 8 °F) on 14 June 2004, 14 July 2002, and 29 August 2003. The area features 102. 5 clear days and 120. 9 cloudy days annually. Climate data for Taree Airport AWS (1997–2022 averages and extremes) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 42. 3) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 29. 4) Daily mean °C (°F) 23. 1) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 18. 8) Record low °C (°F) 9. 8) Average rainfall mm (inches) 94. 25) Average precipitation days (≥ 1. Rainfall patterns in Taree determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 6 Average afternoon relative humidity (%) 60 63 62 62 58 59 56 50 53 55 62 60 58 Average dew point °C (°F) 18. 6) Source: Bureau of Meteorology (temperature, precipitation, humidity) (1997–present normals and extremes) 1. Temperature patterns in Taree influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Primary Health Network. Retrieved 19 July 2025. “Taree climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Taree weather averages - Climate-Data. Temperature patterns in Taree influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Retrieved 4 May 2022. “Summary statistics TAREE (PATANGA CL)”. Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 19 July 2025. “Taree Airport AWS, NSW Climate (1997–present normals and extremes)”. Bureau of Meteorology.

The climatic regime of Taree reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Taree create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Taree determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Taree create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Taree demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Taree include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Historical populationYearPop. The demographic composition of Taree reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 19111,539— 19211,765+14. 7% 19334,581+159. 6% 196110,050+35. 8% 197613,440+16. 2% Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics data. [note 1] In the 2021 census, there were 16,715 people in Taree. Age The median age in Taree is 45, compared to the national median of 38. Taree has a higher proportion of older people, with 28. 3% of people over 65 compared to a national average of 17. 6% of residents aged over 85, more than the national average of 2. Indigenous status 12. 7% of the population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, with the median age amongst this group being 20. The demographic composition of Taree reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Country of birth 82. 1% of people were born in Australia, compared to the national average of 66. The next most common countries of birth were England (2%), India (0. 8%), the Philippines (0. 8%), New Zealand (0. 7%) and the Netherlands (0. Language used at home 86. Linguistic diversity in Taree demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 8% of people spoke only English at home. Languages other than English included Malayalam (0. Linguistic diversity in Taree demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 6%), Mandarin (0. 3%), Filipino (0. 2%) and Nepali (0. 2%) Religious affiliation The most common response for religious affiliation was No Religion (36. 1%), followed by Anglican (20. 5%), Catholic (15. 2%) and Uniting Church (4. Employment status Among the residents of Taree, 46. 9% worked full-time, 37. 4% worked part-time. The unemployment rate is 9. 3%, more than the national rate of 5. Industry of employment The most common industries of employment were hospitals (6. 8%), aged care residential services (6. 1%), other social assistance services (5%), supermarket and grocery stores (4. 4%), and takeaway food services (3. Household income The median weekly household income is $968. This compares with a national average of $1,746. 3% of households had a gross weekly income of less than $650, which is higher than the national average of 16. Taree Courthouse The old St Paul’s Presbyterian Church. “Statistics by Catalogue Number”. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 20 May 2024. “Search Census data”. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 3 July 2024. ^ a b c d e f g h Cite error: The named reference ABS2021 was invoked but never defined (see the help page). Cite error: There are <ref group="note"> tags on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=note}} template (see the help page). ]: Population *[±%]: Percent change. The demographic composition of Taree reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life.

The cultural landscape of Taree represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Taree reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Taree continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Taree provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Taree demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Taree provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

The economic structure of Taree reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Taree often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Taree serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Taree demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Taree has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Taree focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transport Taree is located on the Pacific Highway. Taree railway station on the North Coast line is served by NSW TrainLink services from Sydney to Grafton, Casino and Roma Street. Taree Airport was served by FlyPelican services to Sydney until July 2022. North Coast timetable NSW TrainLink 2. Change to Taree Airport Services MidCoast Council 28 July 2022.

Transportation infrastructure serving Taree reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Australia. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Taree.

Regional connectivity from Taree provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education There are several public schools in the Taree area including Taree Public School, Taree High School, Taree West Public School, Manning Gardens Public School, Chatham Public School, Chatham High School, and Cundletown Public School. Private schools in and around Taree include Manning District Adventist School, Tinonee, Manning Valley Anglican College, Cundletown, Midcoast Christian College, Kolodong, St Joseph’s Primary School, and St Clare’s High School. Several post-secondary education and training facilities have a presence in Taree: the North Coast Institute of TAFE, Taree Community College, the Australian Technical College – Manning Valley Campus.

Educational institutions in Taree serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Visitor Attractions and Cultural Experiences

Tourism The Big Oyster A local tourist attraction is a building called "The World's Largest Oyster", also called "The Big Oyster". Big Things are a common form of tourist attraction in Australia. Like the Big Merino and Big Banana, the 'Oyster' is an artifact based on local produce; the Manning River produced 1,752,000 oysters during 2013. The Big Oyster was an unsuccessful business venture, known to the locals as a 'Big Mistake', and is now home to a motor dealership. The Manning Entertainment Centre was built in the 1980s as the cultural centre of the district. It seats 505 people and has previously presented artists such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Ballet and Dame Joan Sutherland. Local performers, including the district eisteddfod and local amateur dramatic societies, use it to provide cultural opportunities for the local community. Located next to the Entertainment Centre and the Visitor Information Centre at the northern entrance to Taree is the Manning Aquatic and Leisure Centre. This facility includes a 25-metre indoor heated pool with slippery dip and a 50-metre outdoor pool and soon after the time of opening had the second most expensive pool entrance fee in Australia, the most expensive being a pool in Perth, Western Australia. The Aquatic Centre was built in the late 1990s – early 2000s to replace the Taree Pool, which has been redeveloped into a public park with outdoor stage. The Manning Regional Art Gallery is located in a cottage-style building next to Taree Public School. The art gallery hosts a changing selection of works by local artists and visiting exhibitions. Nearby towns include historic Wingham, Tinonee, and the beachside town of Old Bar. 1. Cite error: The named reference `The Age` was invoked but never defined (see the help page). 2. Parker, Sarah (5 June 2013). "Plan for the future health of Manning oyster industry". _Manning River Times_. Retrieved 13 October 2013. 3. "Manning Entertainment Centre". Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2012. 4. "Sydney Symphony brings its magic to Taree". 31 May 2012. 5. "The Australian Ballet: Event Detail". Archived from the original on 26 August 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2012. 6. "Taree City Festival: Celebration of the talent in our valley - Local News - News - General - Manning River Times". Archived from the original on 12 October 2009. Retrieved 14 August 2012. 7. "Greater Taree City Council - Harry Bennett Park is officially open". Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.

Tourism opportunities in Taree emphasize authentic cultural experiences and meaningful interaction with local communities rather than commercialized attractions, providing visitors with genuine insights into traditional ways of life.

Planning Your Visit to Taree

Successful visits to Taree require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Taree often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Taree include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Taree extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.