The name Taree is derived from "tareebit", a Biripi word meaning tree by the river, or more specifically, the Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata).

[4] In 1829, Governor Darling proclaimed the division of the settlement of the colony of New South Wales into Nineteen Counties.

Taree was laid out as a private town in 1854 by Henry Flett, the son-in-law of William Wynter who had originally settled the area in 1831.

Even before the rest of the line was completed it became apparent that it was safer to send goods by rail to Newcastle and Sydney rather than hazarding the bar at the outlet to the river at Harrington where many ships had been lost.

[2] A record breaking rain event in March 2021 lead to flooding in the town, sweeping debris such as a water tank and shipping container into the Manning River which struck the Martin Bridge.

[8] Taree has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: Taree experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa, Trewartha: Cfal/Cfbl); with warm to hot, humid summers and mild to cool, short winters;[10] and with a moderately high precipitation amount of 1,149.7 millimetres (45.25 in), with moderate precipitation even during its drier months.

In the 2021 census, there were 26,519 people in the Taree "Significant Urban Area" (which includes some close towns such as Wingham and Cundletown).

Taree railway station on the North Coast line is served by NSW TrainLink services from Sydney to Grafton, Casino and Roma Street.

[22] The Big Oyster was an unsuccessful business venture, known to the locals as a 'Big Mistake', and is now home to a motor dealership.

It seats 505 people[23] and has previously presented artists such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra,[24] the Australian Ballet[25] and Dame Joan Sutherland.

The Aquatic Centre was built in the late 1990s – early 2000s to replace the Taree Pool, which has been redeveloped into a public park with outdoor stage.

[27] The Manning Regional Art Gallery is located in a cottage-style building next to Taree Public School.

The art gallery hosts a changing selection of works by local artists and visiting exhibitions.

This Regatta runs over three days (Friday to Sunday) and consists of over 200 races with more than 500 competitors travelling from many parts of New South Wales to compete.

[28][29]The Manning River Summer Festival runs throughout the month of January, incorporating the town's New Year's celebrations, a "Family Fun Day" in Queen Elizabeth Park on Australia Day, and also vide variety of cultural events.

The Taree Gold Cup is a prestigious horse racing event held at the Bushland Drive Racecourse.

It consists of a sideshow, precision driving team, rodeo events, and cattle and livestock judging.