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The Big Oyster - Taree, NSW
 Taree is situated on the Manning River 317 km north-east of Sydney. The Pacific Highway runs through the town north from Sydney. ?Taree? is believed to be derived from ?tareebit?, an Aboriginal name for the local fig tree. Aborigines lived off fruits found in the area to supplement their diet of seafood and fish from the river.
More of a stopover point than an actual tourist destination, Taree nonetheless has some intriguing and worthwhile features. Its key industries include dairying, timber, leather goods and engineering.
At the northern end of Taree is a structure looking more like a giant clam shell but is in fact known as The Big Oyster in celebration of the fabulous oysters found in this coastal region. The Big Oyster continues the theme of outrageous novelties beloved by towns seeking some kind of notoriety.
Of course, the Big Oyster isn?t the only reason for visiting Taree. In town and out of town there are plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind while taking in the local atmosphere and hospitality.
Those seeking to unwind will enjoy the Taree Heritage Walk, providing a pleasant way to explore the riverbank and surrounding streets dotted with heritage buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s. St Pauls Presbyterian Church, which dates from 1869 and is a typical Victorian Gothic Revival building opposite which is the Taree Court House built in 1897.
Excursions out of town lead visitors to charming smaller communities such as the seaside resort town of Manning Point, located on the estuary of the Manning River and famous for its angling and oysters.
The Old Bar, 15 km south-east of Taree, is the southern entrance to the Manning River and offers excellent estuary and surf fishing along with attractive picnic areas alongside the beach. Inland, five kilometers south of Taree is Kiwarrak State Forest with access to Breakneck Lookout and a charming picnic area called ?The Pines?.
The tiny holiday village of Saltwater is a popular surfing destination and features a safe lagoon for toddlers. There are also excellent views up and down the coast from Wallabi Point.
Between the Pacific Highway and the Manning River is the fascinating Herb and Sculpture Garden in Fotheringham Park, where one can pick herbs for the evening meal. Manning River Cruises provides excellent river cruises that leave from the nearby wharves. For more information about these and other attractions, contact the Taree Tourist Information (02 6552 1900; 1800 80 1522) and be sure to take advantage of Being Australian to share your experiences of Taree in a unique new way with family and friends.
Taree?s accommodation options include:
Agincourt Motel (02 6552 1614)
All Seasons Country Lodge (02 6552 1677)
Aquatic City Motor Inn (02 6551 2822)
Arlite Motor Inn (02 6552 2433)
Chatham Motel (02 6552 1659)
Comfort Inn City Centre (02 6552 5244)
Comfort Inn Marco Polo (02 6552 3866)
Cundle Motor Lodge (02 6553 9709; 1800 657 918)
Highway Motor Inn (02 6552 5444)
In-Town Motor Inn (02 6552 3966)
Jolly Swagman Motel (02 6552 3511)
Midlands Motel (02 6552 2741)
Pacific Motel (02 6552 1977)
Rainbow Gardens Motel (02 6552 1312)
Taree Country Motel (02 6552 2491)
Caravilla Motor Inn (02 6552 1822)
Alabaster Motor Inn (02 6552 1455)
Riverview Motor Inn (02 6552 2122; 1800 816 143)
Airport Hotel/Motel (02 6553 9408)
Bushland Tavern (02 6552 2599)
Exchange Hotel (02 6552 1160)
Fothinghams Hotel (02 6552 1153)
Manning River Hotel (02 6552 3116)
Royal Hotel (02 6552 1242)
Australia Diamond Beach Resort (02 8962 2532)
Clarendon Forest Retreat (02 6554 3162)
Kiwarrak Country Retreat (02 6553 7391)
Taree Caravan Park (02 6552 1751)
Twilight Caravan Park (02 6552 2857)
Riverside Caravan Park (02 6556 3274 or 018 493 377)
Manning River Holidays Afloat House Boat (02 6552 6271)
Dining options include:
Alabaster Motor Inn Restaurant (02 6552 1455)
BT's Bar & Grill (02 6552 2599)
East Court Chinese Restaurant (02 6552 2465)
Gallery Coffee Inn (02 6552 4173)
Hind Quarter Steak House & Saloon (02 6552 6566)
Hong Kong Chinese Fast Food Restaurant (02 6551 5888)
Il Colosseo Italian Restaurant (02 6552 6289)
Jin Hong Chinese Restaurant (02 6552 7199)
Jolly Swagman Motel Restaurant (02 6552 3511)
Laurent's French Home Cooking (02 6552 5022)
Manuel's Restaurant (02 6552 1393)
Rainbow Star Chinese Restaurant (02 6551 3677)
Royal Bar & Brasserie (02 6552 1242)
Ship Ahoy Restaurant (02 6552 2116)
Strand Restaurant (02 6552 4199)
Taree Chinese Fast Food (02 6551 0833)
Taree Golf Club Restaurant (02 6539 4000)
Taree Leagues Club Restaurant (02 6552 2200)
Thai Tarni Restaurant (02 6552 2366)
[ Picture of The Big Oyster courtesy of Donald Linderyd whose TravelBlog captures fascinating experiences that feel Australian ]
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