Manilla: Railway Viaduct, Local History and Walks along the Namoi River

Manilla combines a distinctive railway history with walks along the Namoi River and insights into local history. Particularly unusual is the Manilla Railway Bridge: it is the only curved timber railway viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere. There are also façades from different eras, a Heritage Walk and a route whose course is easy to incorporate into your day’s plans. For your trip, this gives you a choice between exploring the town and enjoying activities in the surrounding area.

Railway History and the Townscape

The Manilla Viaduct is a unique piece of historic railway infrastructure above the Manilla Showground. The Manilla Railway Bridge is also a remarkable structure: its distinctive shape and construction make it a clearly defined destination for anyone interested in railway history. The Bridge-to-Bridge Walk also leads to the old Railway Bridge and the Manilla Showgrounds, connecting these stops with a route along the river.

A different picture of Manilla can be seen along the main street. Here you’ll find façades from the Victorian era and Art Deco period, as well as stained-glass windows, wrought-iron balconies and ornate verandas. If you enjoy noticing architectural details, you can take in these different design elements. The Manilla Heritage Museum adds its own historical focus to these impressions: it documents Harry Burrell’s pioneering platypus research. The Manilla Heritage Walk offers a way to explore local history.

A Walk along the Namoi River

The Bridge-to-Bridge Walk runs along the Namoi River. It begins at the Namoi River Bridge on Manilla Street, passes the confluence of the Namoi River and the Manilla River, and continues to the Manilla Showgrounds and the old Railway Bridge. The round trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. You can take this into account when planning your day if you want to make the walk a longer activity.

There are also a range of activities to suit different interests in the surrounding area. Borah Crossing is near Gunnedah and Manilla. Designated an Aboriginal Place, it recognises its deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance to the Gamilaroi. At the same time, Borah Crossing remains open to the public for passive recreational activities such as camping, swimming, fishing and birdwatching. Near Manilla, Split Rock Dam offers year-round opportunities for water sports, fishing, birdwatching, bushwalking, camping and picnicking.

Ideas for a Family Trip

The Manilla Show is an annual, family-friendly celebration of country life. It offers a different focus from the buildings and historic sites: the emphasis is on country life.

The Manilla Road Safety Bike Park opened in September 2016. It simulates different traffic situations for children of all ages and helps them become familiar with road rules. For families considering activities for children as part of their trip, this is a distinct option alongside local history, walks and recreational opportunities in the surrounding area.

When choosing a holiday rental in Manilla, the focus of your trip can help guide you: are you particularly interested in railway history and the townscape, the multi-hour Bridge-to-Bridge Walk, or recreational activities such as fishing, birdwatching and bushwalking? This can help you assess Manilla according to the experiences you want to make the focus of your trip.

More destinations to explore: Wollongbar, Jagumba, Vacy, Central Coast, Toukley, Macksville, Singleton, Sanctuary Point.

Go to the wider travel overview: New South Wales.