Manilla Adventure, Nature, Fishing Identified as one of the best sites for paragliding and hang gliding in the world, Mount Borah (set above Manilla township) played host to the 10th FAI World Paragliding Championships in February/March 2007. It was first time the event had been held outside Europe. Other national and international gliding events are also held there each year. The site is quite unique in that it allows pilots to take off in almost any wind-direction - a feat not readily achieved at other sites around the globe. During this international event, the world’s eyes were fixated on Manilla, not only to see the spectacle of the Championships, but to see the remarkable survival of Ewa Wisnierska, a 35-year-old female paraglider from Germany that was drawn into a storm cell; after losing consciousness she soared to a height of 9940m – she survived her ordeal with only a few injuries. GETTING BACK TO NATURE Manilla also provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close to one of Australia’s favourite mammals; the platypus. In the 1920s scientist Harry Burrell developed a breeding program to preserve and protect our fury friend and he later took his work to the USA.The work of Harry Burrell is on show at the Manilla Historical Museum and Visitor Information Centre. Warrabah National Park is one of the State’s few inland river parks and is set on the western slopes of Australia’s Great Divide. The park lies on the rugged Nandewar Range, part of a belt of granite that extends 200 kilometres from Bendemeer north to the Queensland border.The pools and rapids are excellent for swimming, fishing, canoeing and bushwalking… there’s always plenty of room for visitors. Before arriving in Manilla, you will pass through the village of Attunga. On the town’s doorstep is the Attunga State Forest, 874 hectares of picnic spots and facilities, walking trails and bush surrounds – overnight camping is permitted.The village also boasts a large limestone mine, which can be seen just east of the village. It’s an anglers dream when they visit the Manilla area with some of the best inland fishing in NSW. There are a number of excellent fishing spots where you can throw a line in to catch the Cod, Catfish and Golden Perch (yellow belly); all offerings of the Manilla River and a "hidden" spot just below the weir! For those wanting a larger pool of water, try either of the two nearby water storage facilities, Split Rock Dam and Lake Keepit where fishing and water sports can be indulged in. HISTORY There is an abundance of local history that can be found in Royce Cottage Museum, which now forms part of the Manilla Visitor Information Centre. The Museum provides extensive history on the district and is a must see for keen historians while the Information Centre can provide you with detailed maps that take you along the heritage walk through town which also incorporates a wander past the Chinese memorial gardens that were recently restored. ATTRACTIONS Aside from the many adventure and nature-based activities you can immerse yourself in; visitors can also take a trip out to Oakhampton Homestead and Farmstay. Situated on the northern side of Manilla, Oakhampton is a working property as well as a unique B&B and farm stay where you can pat a kangaroo, play bush golf, see a sheep being shorn or go horse-riding along bush trails.