About Us

Manilla’s Independent Community Newspaper since 1899!

The Manilla Express is an independent community newspaper that has served Manilla and the district since 1899. It’s locally owned and operated by John and Jane Martin.

The Manilla Express keeps the community informed with local and district news that is relevant to the area, as well as up to date weather, sports and events coverage.

We welcome items contributed by the community as at times we are unable to attend all events happening in our area. These can sent in by fax, email or in person (contact us).

As well as publishing a weekly newspaper and organising events, the Manilla Express operates as a commercial printery for all of your printing needs, big or small.

Click here for more information on printing.

Manilla Community & Surrounds

Manilla is a service centre to a rich wheat growing, wool, mixed farming and fat livestock district. Located at the junction of the Namoi and Manilla Rivers in the Central West Plains of NSW, it is situated 44km north of Tamworth on the Fossickers Way and 456 km north of Sydney.

Manilla is well known as popular fishing destination being situated between two fish-rich rivers and in close proximity to two well-known dams. Lake Keepit Dam and Split Rock Dam are two very well known and popular Murray cod fisheries, and with the stunning and untouched Warrabah National Park a short drive away there are plently of good fishing and camping spots to explore. The Manilla Fish Hatchery replenishes fish stocks on a regular basis making the town a ‘must-do’ for any serious native fisho!

Manilla Community Events

For a small town of only 2200 residents, Manilla has no shortage of year-round events for locals and visitors to sample our fun and vibrant way of life! The Manilla Show is one of the most popular events in the area and showcases some of the best livestock, horse-riders and stockmen and women from all over the state. Held in March each year, this was one of the last shows held in 2020 before Coronavirus took it’s toll. The whole town is waiting to see who will take out the top prizes in 2021!

Manilla is an internationally renowned paragliding and hang-gliding area with championships held each year. Located at Mt Borah, one of the world’s best and safest flying sites, which also hosted the 2007 Paragliding World Championships. Everything is in one place – the mountain (with 4 launches catering for nearly all wind directions), training slopes, classroom and accommodation.

The Manilla Vintage Machinery Group holds an annual Machinery Display each June long weekend. This event brings thousands of enthusiasts to Manilla every year to marvel at the vintage machinery displays, including tractors, trucks, stationary engines plus the ever-popular swap meet.

Check the Calendar for upcoming events in Manilla and surrounds.