The Manning River is a large coastal estuary system on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, notable for being the only double delta river system in the southern hemisphere. It has two openings to the Pacific Ocean: the main mouth at Harrington and a second opening at Old Bar. The river descends from the Barrington Tops hinterland, with the lower section dividing into several channels that create large islands like Mitchells and Oxley Islands. For paddlers, this geography means a variety of sheltered channels and more open, wind-affected areas near the ocean mouths. The river is a hub for recreational boating, with events like the Taree Summer Regatta attracting significant boat traffic. Paddlers should anticipate sharing the water with powered vessels, particularly around towns and during events.

Several formal boat ramps serve as key access points. In Taree, the Manning Waters Reserve boat ramp on West End Avenue and the two-lane concrete ramp at Andrews Reserve provide direct launches into the river. Upgraded facilities are also available at Bohnock and Manning Point, which include extended ramps and new pontoons to aid launching and retrieval. These improvements indicate these are busy, well-used sites, especially during the summer holiday period. Paddling conditions are heavily influenced by tides and wind. As a tidal estuary, planning around the tide cycle is essential for managing currents, particularly when paddling near the ocean entrances at Harrington and Old Bar. These areas will also have exposure to ocean swell and wind fetch, potentially creating choppy conditions or a surf zone at the river mouths themselves.

The environment offers scenic journeys from the mountains to the sea, with crystal-clear waters in its upper reaches. Riverside parks, wharves, and pontoons are scattered along the banks, and the increasing number of public access points suggests good opportunities for designing trips. The area has ecological and cultural significance, with interpretive signage planned for sites like the Pelican Boardwalk in Forster, which highlights the values of the waterways. Wildlife sightings, such as pelicans and dolphins, are part of the experience, particularly in the estuarine sections. The overall character is that of a major, multi-use waterway catering to holiday-makers, locals, and commercial users, offering paddlers a mix of natural scenery and developed facilities.