Crowdy Head is certainly the jewel in the Manning Valley Crown. Crowdy Head is a quaint fishing village located just 11km from Harrington, and only 2hrs drive north of Newcastle. The village is situated around the mouth of the Manning River and surrounded by 26 kilometres of scenic coastline. The lighthouse, 24 feet (7.3 m) tall and built in 1878, is perched high on the headland, provides exceptional views and is easily accessible on a sealed road. The seafood co-op at Crowdy Head is a seafood lover's delight with the fresh catch of the day a tempting treat. Crowdy Beach sweeps in a long arc through to Diamond Head Beach in the National Park. Accommodation at Harrington and Crowdy Head includes motels, units, caravan parks and holiday cottages. The pristine beaches and harbour of Crowdy Head are a major attraction for the area, luring tourists and holidaymakers. The seasonal whale watching tours are on high demand. At the right time of year, Humpback whale and dolphin sightings are frequent occurrences. Winter and late spring are the best times of the year for whale watching in the area. Deep-sea fishing also draws many visitors and is available all year round. Crowdy Head is one of the rare places along the coastline that permits fishing at night. The most frequently caught fish are Snapper and Pearl Perch.