Manilla

Manilla is a small town (population 2,550 in 2016) in the New England region in New South Wales, Australia.

Understand

Manilla Street, the main street

Manilla, on the junction of the Manilla River and the Namoi River, was a camping ground for the indigenous Kamilaroi people. During the 1850s, bullock teams supplying the outlying farms and the settlements of Bingara, Barraba and Bundarra were often delayed here when either or both of the rivers were in flood, and in 1853 an entrepreneur, George Verness, set up a store and wine shop to supply the teamsters. Wheat, sheep, and cattle farms are the main industries in the district. Manilla is a good base for fishing and paragliding.

Tourist information centre

• 1 Manilla Visitor Information Centre, 197 Queen Street (across the road from the Tamworth Regional Council - Manilla Office and Public Library), ☏ +61 2 6785 1207, info@destinationtamworth.com.au. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa Su 10AM-3PM. Tourist and visitor information. As of Feb 2021, closed due to Covid-19 restrictions - information may be obtained from the local webpage here. 

Get in

By car

Manilla is on the B95 Fossickers Way (Manilla Road), 41 km north of Tamworth and 46 km south of Barraba.

Manilla is 66 km north-east of Gunnedah via Oxley Highway (B56), through Carroll, Rushes Creek road, pass Lake Keepit and Keepit Dam.

Manilla is 144 km south-west of Armidale via New England Highway (A15) (southbound), Uralla, Bendeemer, Moonbi, Kootingal, Nemingha, Oxley Highway (B56).

Driver rest areas

From south to north:

• 2 Attunga Park, Manilla Road (B95 Fossickers Way), 21 km north of Tamworth, in Attunga (right hand side, opposite Attunga Hotel). Access for light and heavy vehicles. Toilets. Picnic tables. Playground. 
• 3 Lions Park - Manilla, Klori, Manilla Road (B95 Fossickers Way), 38 km north of Tamworth (left hand side, visible from the road). Light vehicle access. Toilets. Picnic tables. (updated Feb 2021)
• 4 Lions Park - Barraba, Manilla Road (B95 Fossickers Way), 41 km north of Manilla (right hand side, opposite the turn-off to Longarm Road). Access for light vehicles and heavy vehicles. Toilets. Picnic tables. Playground. Shelter. (updated Feb 2021)

By coach

NSW TrainLink coach

Trainlink NSW

A NSW Trainlink coach service runs between Inverell and Tamworth to catch the long-distance trains at Tamworth. Coaches to Tamworth stop opposite Rotary Park, and coaches to Inverell stop at Rotary Park.

Southbound coaches (Route 312) depart Inverell W-M at 6:30AM, departs Manilla at 9:26AM, and arrives at Tamworth at 10:06AM. Northbound coaches (Route 311) depart Tamworth W-M at 3:55PM, departs Manilla at 4:32PM, and arrives at Inverell at 7:15PM.

A map and timetable can be downloaded here.

Bookings are essential - Coach drivers do not take payment or offer reservations.

Bookings

• NSW Trainlink - regular bookings, ☏ +61 13 22 32. Daily 7AM-10PM. 
• NSW Trainlink - multi-trip and Discovery Pass, ☏ +61 13 22 32. Daily 7AM-10PM. 
• Tamworth (Railway Station), Marius Street, ☏ +61 13 22 32. Daily 8:30AM-4:30 PM. 
• 5 Manilla - coach stop (Rotary Park), corner of Manilla Street and Court Street. 
• 6 Manilla - bookings (Manilla Newsagency), 170 Manilla Street (in the Mackenzie Chambers building), ☏ +61 2 6785 1564. M-F 6:30AM-5:45PM, Sa 6:30AM-noon, Su and public holidays 6:30-11:30AM. The coach does not stop here - it stops 290 m south at Rotary Park 
• Inverell (Windsong Travel), 45 Byron Street (between Subway and Imperial Hotel), ☏ +61 2 6722 3011. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-noon. The coach does not stop here - it stops at the Inverell Visitor Information Centre (Transit Centre), 11-31 Campbell Street. 

Tamworth Buslines

Tamworth Buslines run Bus Route 443 M-F to Manilla. This is a regional bus service, not a coach service - pay the driver with cash as you would a city bus service, exact fare preferred. One-way fares between Manilla and Tamworth are $5.90 for adults and $2.90 for children (4-15) and concession holders.

The morning service to Manilla departs from The Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue and arrives in Manilla at the Rotary Park at 11:58AM. The afternoon service departs from the corner of Brisbane Street and Kabel Avenue at 3:50PM, then departs from the Tamworth Railway Station at 3:55PM, and arrives at Manilla at the Rotary Park at 4:34PM.

The morning service to Tamworth departs from the Rotary Park in Manilla at 7:32AM, arrives at the Tamworth Railway Station at 8:13AM, and arrives at Adairs at the corner of Brisbane Street and Peel Street at 8:30AM. The afternoon service departs from the Rotary Park in Manilla at noon and arrives at the Atrium Shopping Centre in Kabel Avenue at 12:39PM.

• Tamworth Buslines, 21 Hume Street, ☏ +61 2 6762 3999, info@tamworthbuslines.com.au. Download a timetable and map here. See the fare rates here. 

Bus stops in Tamworth

• 7 The Atrium Shopping Centre (Kabel Avenue entrance), Kabel Avenue (opposite the cricket ground). 
• 8 Corner of Brisbane Street and Kabel Avenue (next to Ray White, opposite the cinema, diagonally opposite the swimming pool). 
• 9 Tamworth Railway Station, Marius Street (corner of Marius Street and Brisbane Street). 
• 10 Adairs - Brisbane Street, corner of Brisbane Street and Peel Street. 

By plane

Manilla is not serviced by any scheduled flights. The nearest airport with scheduled services is at Tamworth (TMW ^IATA).

Get around

Private transport is essential, as there is neither a taxi service nor a local bus service in Manilla.

The nearest rental car agencies are in Tamworth.

See

confluence of the Manilla River and the Namoi River

In and near town

• 1 Manilla Heritage & Rural Museum, 197 Manilla Street (enter through the Manilla Visitors Information Centre next door), ☏ +61 2 6785 1207. 9:30AM-3:30PM most days - phone to confirm hours. Adult $4, concession $3, child $1, family (2 adults, 3+ children) $10. (updated Feb 2021)
• 2 Railway Bridge and Viaduct, Manilla Showground and Sporting Complex (corner of Court Street and River Street). Daylight hours. Built in 1908 for the now-defunct Barraba Branch railway line. Crosses the Namoi River. The bridge is viewed from behind the sheds. (updated Feb 2021)
• 3 Manilla Weir, Chaffey Park (off Strafford Street). A tranquil spot for picnics, and a local swimming-hole. A short walk from the caravan park. (updated Feb 2021)
• 4 Manellae Collectables, 110 Arthur Street, ☏ +61 428 856 513. by appointment only. Private museum of collectables. (updated Feb 2021)
• 5 The Manilla Folder, 200 Manilla Street (opposite the Manilla and District Soldiers Memorial Hall), ☏ +61 427 856 540. Phone for hours. Antiques, books, and a lot more. (updated Feb 2021)

Out of town

Lake Keepit, Keepit Dam

North

• 6 Split Rock Dam (24 km north of Manilla via Manilla Road (B95 Fossickers Way) (northbound), turn right onto Split Rock Dam Road). Camping, barbecues, picnic areas, toilets, fishing, showers, boat ramps, water sports, bushwalking. 

North-east

• 7 Warrabah National Park (38 km northeast of Manilla via Manilla Road (B95 Fossickers Way) (northbound), turn right into Charles Street, turn left into Arthur Street, continue ahead around the bend to right onto Namoi River Road, turn right onto Warrabah Trail). On the banks of the Namoi River. Carpark, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, toilets. Free entry. (updated Nov 2019)

South-west

• 8 Keepit Dam, Keepit Dam Road, Keepit (39 km south-west of Manilla via Rushes Creek Road and Keepit Dam Road). Camping, playground, picnic areas, toilets, fishing, kiosk, showers, boat ramps, water sports, bushwalking, BMX track. (updated Nov 2019)

West

• 9 Boonalla Aboriginal Area (Boonalla Community Conservation Area Zone 2 - Aboriginal Culture), Kelvin (49 km west of Manilla via Charles Street (westbound), turn left into River Street, cross the Manilla River bridge and continue ahead on Rangari Road, turn left onto Kelvin Road, turn right onto Tydd Forest Road, continue through the intersection onto Eastern Forest Road). Located on traditional Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay land. Walking trails, cycling trails, Boonalla Cave. Picnic ground on Eastern Forest Road (within the park) with car park, picnic tables, toilets, barbecue facilities. Car park and walking trail (1 hour return, moderate fitness, steep incline not recommended when wet) in the park near Boonalla Cave. No pets. No fires in the park. All water must be treated or bring your own. (updated Oct 2019)

Do

The clock tower in the main street

• Manilla Show, Manilla Showground and Sporting Complex, ☏ +61 427 953 833, manillashow@hotmail.com. Held in March. (updated Feb 2021)
• Manilla Vintage Machinery Rally, ☏ +61 2 6785 1181. Held in June. (updated Feb 2021)

Sports

• 1 Manilla Paragliding (Fly Manilla), 1106 Wimbourne Rd, Wimbourne (14 km north-west of Manilla - turn into Charles Street (westbound), left into River Street, cross the Manilla River bridge, turn right into Wimbourne Road), ☏ +61 2 6785 6545. Phone for particulars. Hang-gliders (updated Feb 2021)
• 2 Lake Keepit Soaring Club, 234 Keepit Dam Road (37 km south-west from Manilla - turn into Market Street (westbound), turn left into River Street, pass the Manilla Showground on the right and continue ahead on Rushes Creek Road, turn right into Keepit Dam Road, turn into first road on the right, turn into first road on the right again, turn right at the fork), ☏ +61 2 6769 7514. Phone for particulars. Gliding (updated Feb 2021)
• 3 Manilla Memorial Swimming Pool, corner of Arthur Street (B95 Fossickers Way) and Church Street, ☏ +61 2 6785 1436. see website for season and times. Outdoor 50-metre six-lane pool shaded at the shallow end, shade-covered infant’s wading pool, kiosk offering hot and cold food and beverages, spectator area, playground, picnic tables. Disabled access into main pool. See fees here. (updated Feb 2021)
• 4 Manilla Bowling Club (101-103 Arthur Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1632. Phone for hours. Lawn bowls. (updated Feb 2021)
• 5 Manilla Tennis Club, Progress Lane (northbound) - off Market Street (westbound), ☏ +61 2 6785 7321. Phone for court hire. Tennis courts. (updated Feb 2021)
• 6 Manilla Golf Club, Halls Creek Road (turn into Strafford Street (westbound), continue past Manilla Hospital on the right, golf club on the right), ☏ +61 2 6785 1417. Phone for hours. (updated Feb 2021)

Buy

Self catering

• 1 Carlo's IGA Plus Liquor (Manilla Supermarket), 165 Manilla Street (opposite Manilla Bakery), ☏ +61 2 6785 1104. M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa Su 8AM-6PM. Supermarket. Liquor. (updated Feb 2021)
• 2 Manilla Pharmacy (Manilla Caremore), 3/161 Manilla Street (next to the Royal Hotel), ☏ +61 2 6785 1651. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-noon. Chemist. (updated Feb 2021)
• 3 Manilla Newsagency, 170 Manilla Street (in the Mackenzie Chambers building), ☏ +61 2 6785 1564. M-F 6:30AM-5:45PM, Sa 6:30AM-noon, Su and public holidays 6:30-11:30AM. Newsagent 
• 4 Manilla Meats, 1/195 Manilla Street (next to the Manilla and District Soldiers Memorial Hall), ☏ +61 2 6785 1653. M-F 8:30AM-5PM, Sa 8AM-noon. Butchers. (updated Feb 2021)
• 5 Manilla Bakery, 176 Manilla Street (next to Manilla Newsagency), ☏ +61 2 6785 0237. M-F 4:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 4AM-noon. Bakery. (updated Feb 2021)

Eat

• 1 BK Cafe and Fuel (Caltex Manilla), 70 Court Street (corner of Arthur Street and Court Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1284. M-F 5AM-9PM. Cafe fare. Takeaways 
• 2 Bollywood Flavours Indian Restaurant (Royal Hotel), 155 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 470 763 100. M-F 5-10PM, Sa Su 11AM-8PM. Indian cuisine. (updated Feb 2021)
• 3 Jack High Chinese Restaurant (Manilla Bowls Club), 101-103 Arthur Street, ☏ +61 2 6785 1632. Phone for hours. Chinese fare. (updated Feb 2021)
• 4 Krankies Cafe, 38 Strafford Street (corner of Strafford Street and Alexandra Lane, near the Royal Hotel), ☏ +61 492 952 363. M 4:30AM-4PM 5-8PM, Tu-Su 4:30AM-4PM. Coffee shop. (updated Mar 2021)

• 5 Manilla Bakery, 176 Manilla Street (next to Manilla Newsagency), ☏ +61 2 6785 0237. M-F 4:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 4AM-noon. Pies, sausage rolls, etc (updated Feb 2021)
• 6 Molly Mays, 209 Manilla Street (near the Manilla Visitor Information Centre and the Museum), ☏ +61 2 6785 1300. Daily 8AM-2PM. Cafe fare. (updated Feb 2021)

• 7 The North Store (Transwest Fuels service station), 286 Manilla Street, ☏ +61 2 6785 0068. M-Sa 6AM-8PM, Su 7AM-7PM. Convenience store, takeaways, dine-in. (updated Feb 2021)

• 8 Poppy's Chinese Restaurant (Manilla RSL and Ex-Serviceman's Club), 25 Court Street (corner of Manilla Street and Court Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1566. Tu-Su lunch 11:30AM-2PM, dinner 5:30PM-9:30PM. Chinese and Australian fare. (updated Feb 2021)
• 9 Post Office Hotel, 146 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1162. Pub fare. (updated Feb 2021)
• 10 Royal Hotel, 155 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1017. Pub fare. (updated Feb 2021)
• 11 Warm Discussions, 200 Manilla Street (opposite the Manilla and District Soldiers Memorial Hall), ☏ +61 439 247 971. M-F 7AM-4PM, Sa Su 8AM-2PM. Cafe fare. (updated Feb 2021)

Drink

The Royal Hotel

• 1 Royal Hotel, 155 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1017. (updated Feb 2021)
• 2 Post Office Hotel, 146 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1162. (updated Feb 2021)
• 3 Manilla RSL and Ex-Serviceman's Club, 25 Court Street (corner of Manilla Street and Court Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1566. M Tu 10AM-9PM, W 10AM-10PM, Th 10AM-9PM, F Sa 10AM-10PM, Su 10AM-9PM. (updated Feb 2021)
• 4 Manilla Bowls Club, 101-103 Arthur Street, ☏ +61 2 6785 1632. Phone for hours. (updated Feb 2021)

Sleep

Hotels

• 1 Royal Hotel, 155 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1017. Phone for rates and availability (updated Feb 2021)
• 2 Post Office Hotel, 146 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1162. Phone for rates and availability (updated Feb 2021)

Motels

• 3 Manilla Motel, 8 Court Street (corner of Court Street and Namoi Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1306. Phone for rates and availability. (updated Feb 2021)

Accommodation

• 4 Ambleside B&B, 52 Rushes Creek Road, ☏ +61 455 268 802, amblesidemanilla@gmail.com. Bed and Breakfast. See rates here. (updated Feb 2021)

Caravan parks

• 5 Manilla Rivergums Caravan Park, 86 Strafford Street (in Strafford Street (eastbound) continue past the park on the left, turn left into Chaffey Park, take the next turn left), ☏ +61 2 6785 1166. Phone for rates and availability (updated Feb 2021)
• 6 Manilla Ski Gardens Caravan Park, 1 Ski Gardens Road, Rushes Creek (turn into Market Street (westbound), turn left into River Street, pass the showgrounds on the right, and continue ahead as Rushes Creek Road, turn right into Ski Gardens Road), ☏ +61 2 6785 1686. 21 km south-west from Manilla, on the shore of Lake Keepit. Phone for amenities, rates, and availability (updated Mar 2021)

Camping

• 7 Split Rock Dam (24 km north of Manilla via Manilla Road (B95 Fossickers Way) (northbound), turn right onto Split Rock Dam Road), ☏ +61 2 6782 1105. Camping, barbecues, picnic areas, toilets, fishing, showers, boat ramps, water sports, bushwalking. 
• 8 Warrabah National Park (38 km north-east of Manilla via Manilla Road (B95 Fossickers Way) (northbound), turn right into Charles Street, turn left into Arthur Street, continue ahead around the bend to right onto Namoi River Road, turn right onto Warrabah Trail), ☏ +61 1300 072 757. On the banks of the Namoi River. Carpark, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, toilets. Bookings essential. (updated Nov 2019)
• 9 Keepit Dam, Keepit Dam Road, Keepit (39 km south-west of Manilla via Rushes Creek Road and Keepit Dam Road), ☏ +61 2 6769 7605. Camping, children's playground, picnic areas, toilets, fishing, kiosk, showers, boat ramps, water sports, bushwalking, BMX track. (updated Nov 2019)

Cope

Emergency

• 11 Police station, 64 Manilla Street (opposite the RSL), ☏ +61 2 6785 1039. Not open 24 hours. 
• 12 Manilla Health Service (Manilla Hospital), 112 Court Street (end of Court Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 4000. 

Fuel and mechanical

• 13 BP Manilla, 301-302 Tamworth Road (B95 southbound) (corner of Tamworth Road and South Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1563. Daily 5:30AM-8:30PM. 
• 14 Caltex Manilla (BK Cafe and Fuel), 70 Court Street (corner of Arthur Street and Court Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1284. M-F 5AM-9PM. 
• 15 Transwest Fuels (The North Store), 286 Manilla Street, ☏ +61 2 6785 0068. M-Sa 6AM-8PM, Su 7AM-7PM. (updated Feb 2021)
• 16 Manilla Motors, 240 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Market Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1836. M-F 8AM-5PM. Mechanics 
• 17 Woods Garage, 217 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Market Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1181. M-F 8AM-5PM. Mechanics 

Public telephones

• 18 Public telephone (outside Australia Post office). 
• 19 Public telephone (corner of Arthur street and Court Street, outside Manilla Central School, opposite Manilla Caltex). 
• 20 Public telephone (Manilla Ski Gardens Caravan Park). 
• 21 Public telephone (Near the kiosk at Keepit Dam). 

Banks

There are no branches of the major banks in Manilla. Do your banking before departing for Manilla.

• 22 Regional Australia Bank, 168 Manilla Street (next to the Manilla Newsagency), ☏ +61 132 067. M W F 10AM-3PM. 
• 23 Bank@Post (Australia Post), 164 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1723. M-F 9AM-5PM. Agent for Commonwealth Bank, Westpac Bank, National Australia Bank 

ATM

• 24 RediATM, 168 Manilla Street (outside the Regional Australia Bank). 24 hours. 
• 25 Commonwealth Bank ATM, 192 Manilla Street (outside Burrells Bazaar gift shop). 24 hours. 

Services

• 26 Australia Post, 164 Manilla Street (corner of Manilla Street and Strafford Street), ☏ +61 2 6785 1723. M-F 9AM-5PM. Post office 

Go next

• Barraba - north of Manilla: 46 km via Manilla Street/Manilla Road (B95) (northbound), pass the turn-off to Split Rock Dam Road on the right, pass the Lions Park rest area on the right and the Longarm Road turn-off on the left, pass the Barraba Silo Art on the left (31 min)
• Bingara - north of Manilla: 107 km via Manilla Street/Manilla Road (B95) (northbound), through Barraba, continue ahead as Bingara Road/Cobbadah Road/B95 (1 hr 12 min)
• Warialda - north of Manilla: 148 km via Manilla Street/Manilla Road (B95) (northbound), through Barraba, through Bingara, continue ahead on Allan Cunningham Road/B95, turn right onto the Gwydir Highway (1 hr 40 min). Junction with the Gwydir Highway - westbound to Moree, eastbound to Inverell, Glen Innes, and Grafton
• Yetman - north of Manilla: 238 km via Manilla Street/Manilla Road (B95) (northbound), through Barraba, through Bingara, continue ahead on Allan Cunningham Road (B95), in Warialda turn left onto Stephen Street/Warialda Road (B95), through Coolatai, turn right onto the Bruxner Highway. Junction with the Bruxner Highway - westbound to Boggabilla and Goondiwindi, eastbound to Tenterfield.
• Armidale - east of Manilla: 156 km via Manilla Street/Manilla Road (B95) (southbound), through Attunga, at Tamworth continue ahead on the Oxley Highway (B56), through Nemingha, through Kootingal, through Moonbi, through Bendemeer and continue ahead on the New England Highway (A15), through Uralla, at the roundabout turn right onto Uralla Road (B78), pass the National Arboretum on the right, turn left at the roundabout onto Dangar Street (B78) (1 hr 57 min).
• Tamworth - south of Manilla: 46 km via Manilla Street/Manilla Road (B95) (southbound), through Attunga, through Oxley Vale (37 min)
• Gunnedah - south-west of Manilla: 62 km via River Road (southbound), pass the Manilla Showgrounds on the right, continue ahead on Rushes Creek Road, pass Lake Keepit and Keepit Dam on the right, turn right onto the Oxley Highway (B56), through Carroll, turn right at the roundabout onto the Kamilaroi Highway/B56, continue through the next roundabout (47 min). Junction with the Kamilaroi Highway - nortbound to Boggabri, Narrabri, southbound to Quirindi
• Boggabri - west of Manilla: 77 km via Charles street (westbound) then left into River Street, pass the intersection with Lloyd Street and continue ahead as Rangari Road, cross the Manilla River Bridge, through the intersections with Kelvin Road, turn left onto the Kamilaroi Highway (57 min). Junction with the Kamilaroi Highway - northbound to Narrabri, southbound to Gunnedah
• Narrabri - north-west of Manilla: 126 km via Charles street (westbound) then left into River Street, pass the intersection with Lloyd Street and continue ahead as Rangari Road, cross the Manilla River Bridge, through the intersections with Kelvin Road, turn right onto the Kamilaroi Highway, pass through Baan Baa, turn right at the roundabout onto the Newell Highway (A39), continue through the next roundabout, cross the Namoi River bridge then the Narrabri Creek bridge (1 hr 31 min) Junction of the Newell Highway - south-west to Coonabarabran, north to Moree; and the Kamilaroi Highway - south-east to Gunnedah, north-west to Wee Waa, Burren Junction, and Walgett and the Castlereagh Highway.