If you’ve ever considered taking a driving holiday north along the NSW east coast you’ve no doubt had the seaside towns of Seal Rocks, Forster, Port Macquarie, and Crescent Head on your stop list. What about Old Bar? 

Situated within the Manning Valley coastal strip, this quiet achiever doesn’t get the attention of its better known neighbours, but for those familiar with this little gem they’re well aware of all it has to offer. 

Whether it’s quality eats and live music, or spectacular coastal scenery, Old Bar has a whole lot to offer. Check out our guide to Old Bar for your next trip up the coast.

Where to Eat and Drink

Sai Thai Table and Tea

Fresh and delicious, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d dropped into a restaurant in Thailand. Sai Thai is super popular, and for good reason, so make sure you book ahead.
Where: 50 Old Bar Rd

Flow Bar

Open from 8am daily, Flow Bar has you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Offering a quality list of cocktails and brews on tap, each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, get comfy on the deck and catch the lineup of free live music. Want to stay the night? Check into the music themed Boogie Woogie Beachhouse.
Where: 31 David St

Buyi Espresso Bar

In need of a coffee and bite to eat? Meet the friendly team at the delightful Buyi Espresso Bar, and either grab and go or take a seat out the front for a relaxing brekky or lunch. The Reuben is our pick!
Where: 31 Old Bar Rd

Blowfish

Perfectly situated next to Old Bar Beach, whether it’s before or after your beach visit, Blowfish makes for the ideal breakfast, lunch, or even dinner stop. The menu offers up a whole bunch of delicious options, but it’s the burgers we couldn’t go past.
Where: Old Bar Rd (at the entrance to Old Bar Beach)

Club Old Bar

Whether there’s only two or a group of you, Club Old Bar is a great afternoon venue, offering up a quality eats and drinks menu alongside lawn bowls, mini golf, and plenty of live music.
Where: 1 Belford St

The Natural Waffle Ice Cream Parlour

There’s waffles, sundaes, old school ice cream cones, smoothies, thick shakes and loads of lollies – whatever your sweet tooth desires, you can find it at The Natural Waffle Ice Cream Parlour.
Where: 43 Old Bar Rd

Accommodation 

Finn’s at Old Bar

Offering coastal luxe in the heart of Old Bar, Finn’s is perfect for two or groups of up to 18. Beautifully styled and featuring a heated mineral pool, Finn’s has everything you need making for a relaxing weekend escape.
Where: 25 Old Bar Rd

Boogie Woogie Beach House

A boutique hotel that’s inspired by pop, rock, and blues gods – Bowie, Cave, Grohl, Blondie and more – and with Flow Bar just below, Boogie Woogie Beach House literally rocks.
Where: 31 David St

Lani’s on the Beach Coastal Caravan Park

Bring your tent, caravan, or camper trailer to Lani’s. Situated directly in front of Old Bar Beach, Lani’s delivers a fabulous location and facilities and is pet-friendly.
Where: Old Bar Rd

Farquhar Park Camping Ground

Prefer your accommodation to be off the beaten track? Located at the entrance to the Manning River, Farquhar Park Camping Ground has 25 campsites and is just a stroll from the beach and calm estuary waters, and offers some serious tranquility.
Where: Mitchells Island

Things To Do

If you love to get outdoors, you’re spoilt for choice at Old Bar. From kayaking to surfing, fishing and kiteboarding, there’s every type of water sport. It's heaven for people with a 4WD, and for the two wheelers there’s world class tracks right on your doorstep.

Hang out at the beach

When it comes to beaches, it’s a choice of pristine, unspoiled, and uncrowded options from the easily accessible Main Beach Old Bar, to the quieter Wallaby and Saltwater Point.

Saltwater Surf School

If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, or brush up on your skills, there’s no better time to do it than on a visit to Old Bar. Saltwater Surf School will have you standing up like a pro in no time. 

Saltwater National Park

Bring your walking shoes, canoe, kayak, or picnic and make your way to Saltwater National Park. For some spectacular coastal views, make your way along the walking track which leads through rainforest to the headland and the viewing platform where you can spot migrating humpback whales from May to November.

Kiwarrak MTB Trail

Get amongst nearly 70 kilometres of hand-cut mountain bike specific single trail at Old Bar – these trails are pure mountain biking gold. The Kiwarrak MTB trail network has something for everyone! From family friendly loops to all day epics, cross country, flow, or enduro.

Old Bar Beach Festival

Held every October long weekend, thousands descend on The Old Bar Beach Festival to get amongst the markets and food stalls, kids' activities, live music, and Kombi Fest, which is one of the festival's highlights.