Gosford

Art galleries and craft and antique shops: many in town; contact visitor centre for details.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Here the Hawkesbury River meets the sea with winding creeks, attractive beaches, hidden coves and clear water. Highlights are Resolute Track, with Aboriginal rock engravings and hand stencils; Bobbin Head, with a visitor centre and marina; and West Head Lookout, with panoramic views over the water. 33 km SW.

Gosford City Arts Centre: local art and craft and Japanese garden; 3 km E. Henry Kendall Cottage: museum in the poet's sandstone home. Also picnic and barbecue facilities in the grounds; 3 km SW. Australian Rainforest Sanctuary: walking trails through peaceful rainforest. The Firefly Festival is held here Nov–Dec; 14 km NW. Firescreek Fruit Wines: Holgate; (02) 4365 0768; 10 km NE. Australian Reptile Park: snakes, spiders and Galapagos tortoises. See shows throughout the day. Somersby Falls nearby provide an ideal picnic spot; Somersby; 15 km NW. Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park: native forest with 2 km of walking trails. Animals extinct in the area have been re-introduced with success thanks to the fence that keeps out feral animals; Calga; 20 km NW. Brooklyn: access to lower Hawkesbury for houseboating, fishing and river cruises. Historic Riverboat Postman ferry leaves Brooklyn weekdays at 9.30am for cruises and postal deliveries; 32 km S.

Hawkesbury-Nepean River 19 km

The Hawkesbury River is regarded as one of the most consistent waters for big mulloway, or jewfish as they are called. It was with mulloway in mind that I went to the river to fish with Colin Tannahill. The river flows... Find out more

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Botany Bay 65 km

Recently I fished a hot-water outlet alongside the Kurnell refinery pier in Botany Bay, a few hundred metres from a monument dedicated to Captain James Cook’s landing in Australia in April 1770. A year before,... Find out more

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Port Hacking 76 km

In my youth, bream was a species anglers sought to put food on the table. It was a ‘kill it and fillet’ favourite. Both yellowfin and black bream fought well, but the sedentary nature of bait fishing –... Find out more

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Port Stephens 106 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

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Lithgow to Mudgee 118 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more

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The Great North Walk 28 km

Although it links two of Australia’s most populated cities, Sydney and Newcastle, and passes through some beautiful bushland, the Great North Walk does not get the foot traffic you might expect. A 250-kilometre,... Find out more

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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 29 km

Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them,... Find out more

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Kayaking in Sydney 46 km

Surprisingly, this activity has only taken off in Sydney in the past few years. With a city centred on such great waterways, there is plenty to explore, whether just for an hour or two, or a whole week. Sydney Harbour... Find out more

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Taronga Zoo 48 km

One of the world’s best zoos, Taronga is involved in a wide variety of threatened species recovery operations, wildlife rehabilitation and animal research work. As well as having a great day by Sydney Harbour,... Find out more

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Birdwatching near Newcastle 69 km

A reclaimed 45-hectare wetland area just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Newcastle has been Ramsar-listed and is an excellent spot to see up to 213 bird species, including more than 2000 pairs of breeding egrets. The... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 87 km

Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out more

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Ice-climbing 101 km

In winter, the frozen cliffs around Blue Lake provide one of the only places in Australia to learn and perfect the art of ice-climbing. Multi-day courses involve a hike in with heavy packs, and camping out in the... Find out more

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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 108 km

Nelson Bay and surrounds offer some superb snorkelling and diving. Many locations are accessible by boat only, such as beautiful Broughton Island, but there are some exceptional shore dives and snorkelling – some... Find out more

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Birdwatching trip by boat 119 km

Being out on a heaving sea all day with a flock of keen birdwatchers could be some people’s worst nightmare, but any nature lover should enjoy the experience – at least once anyway. There is the chance to... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 153 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more

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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 17 km

Throughout his playing career, Craig Parry has won tournaments around the world thanks to a mix of sound strategy, good ball-striking and a first-class short game. He brought those same key elements – golfing... Find out more

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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 20 km

There is something truly inspiring about a golf course – whatever the quality of its playing surfaces – that offers the smells and sounds of the ocean. This is perhaps what first persuaded the Scots to use... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 30 km

The first few years after World War II were boom years for golf course construction in Sydney, particularly north of the harbour. The founding members of Monash Country Club – which is today located high in the... Find out more

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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 30 km

A golf course, by its very nature, is a living and constantly changing thing. A fine example of the way a course can grow and the effect this can have on its original design lies at Terrey Hills, about 40 minutes... Find out more

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Long Reef Golf Club 35 km

Occupying the Long Reef headland on Sydney’s northern beaches – ‘one of the best sites of any golf course in Sydney’, according to five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson – this... Find out more

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Pymble Golf Club 38 km

Pymble Golf Club has a rich history of nurturing some of the finest ball-strikers Australia has seen. The great Kel Nagle was the club’s resident professional for five years, and it was on the Pymble practice... Find out more

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Avondale GOLF CLUB 41 km

When 19th-hole conversation turns to discussing the best places to play golf in Sydney, one course often slips under the radar. Avondale Golf Club quite rightly ranks among the harbour city’s finest courses. Yet... Find out more

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Castle Hill Country Club 49 km

Back in 1821, Irishman George Acres received a land grant and is understood to have planted Australia’s first citrus trees. He planted them on the land where the fairways of Castle Hill Country Club now weave... Find out more

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Royal Sydney Golf Club 51 km

It’s interesting to sift through the historical records of the Royal Sydney Golf Club; only then do you realise that no single course designer can lay claim to creating it. The course, a smooth seven-iron hit... Find out more

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Concord Golf Club 53 km

From the very first days that golf was played in New South Wales, the name Concord has been part of the landscape. Established in 1899, golf began on the current site – on a layout designed by Dan Soutar, who... Find out more

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BodyFuel

Visit this cute little cafe, right in the centre of Gosford, to indulge in fresh, healthy meals – so good that a second branch opened up a few years ago at North Gosford Private Hospital. The interesting breakfast... Find out more

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Flair

This chic coastal restaurant has a menu bursting with flavours. Think ripe summer fruits mingling with fresh seafood and you’ll see chef Lawry Gordon is having fun thinking outside the box, creating dishes such as... Find out more

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Upper Deck

Upper Deck is a popular choice in the Gosford area for local seafood. With enviable views of Brisbane Waters, the highlight of this popular restaurant is its seafood smorgasbord, catering to nearly every taste. The... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 53 km

This up-market restaurant in Surry Hills claims to have been the first restaurant in New South Wales that chose to become carbon neutral. Owned and run by passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical eating Kylie... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 54 km

These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out more

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4 Pines Brewing Company 42 km

What do Margaret River and Manly have in common? Well, they both have popular surfing spots and craft breweries or, at least, they do now. The Mitchell family had seen the burgeoning Margaret River microbrewing scene... Find out more

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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 50 km

Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out more

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Redoak Brewery 51 km

Redoak burst onto the craft-beer scene by winning a swag of medals at the 2004 Australian International Beer Awards before they had sold even a single drop. And they have continued to collect an impressive array of... Find out more

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Schwartz Brewery 52 km

Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out more

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Malt Shovel Brewery 54 km

US-born Dr Charles ‘Chuck’ Hahn has enjoyed two separate craft-beer careers over two decades, operating out of the same Camperdown brewery. In the late ’80s he opened it as the independent Hahn Brewery,... Find out more

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Paddy's Brewery 55 km

There may be more unlikely venues for a craft brewery but, offhand, I can’t think of one. The Markets Hotel is a 24-hour pub opposite Sydney’s Flemington fresh produce market, where you’re more likely... Find out more

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Tooheys Brewery 55 km

Tooheys remains the last of Sydney’s long-running mainstream breweries still currently operating. Founders James and John Toohey were cattle farmers before they entered the beer game, buying the Darling Brewery (it... Find out more

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St Peters Brewery 56 km

Matt Donelan is someone who marches to a different drum from most other craftbrewers. He doesn’t have a website or own a mobile phone and doesn’t believe in cardboard packaging. He matches his keg prices... Find out more

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The Hawkesbury Track 8 km

The Hawkesbury Track takes you 78 km from Berowra Waters to Somersby, supplying 7 camping areas along the way. It’s centred around the beautiful Hawkesbury River and includes several magnificent vantage points of... Find out more

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Putty Beach camping area 12 km

The largest of the park’s 3 camping areas with 18 tent sites, this is close to the beach but only a short walk from the carpark at the end of Putty Beach Rd. The eastern end of the beach (unpatrolled) is good for... Find out more

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Little Beach camping area 12 km

It’s a 750 m walk from the carpark at the end of Graham Dr off The Scenic Rd to this campsite, which has 6 tent sites, as well as toilets and gas/electric barbecues. Fires aren’t permitted, and you’ll... Find out more

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Tallow Beach camping area (walk-in camping) 13 km

This campsite is only accessible via a fairly strenuous, steep 1.2 km track from the end of Hawke Head Dr in the south-western reaches of the park. It’s downhill there, which means a tough uphill walk back, and you... Find out more

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El Lago Waters Tourist Park 17 km

Enjoy views of Tuggerah Lakes at The Entrance on the picturesque Central Coast at this tourist park, which offers a range of accommodation options including camping. Don’t get it confused with the adjacent resort... Find out more

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Gentlemans Halt camping area 18 km

Perched on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, opposite Spencer, Gentlemans Halt is a 10 km walk from Canoelands Ridge Trail. Alternatively, you can paddle in by canoe as there are landing facilities here. Spare a few... Find out more

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The Basin camping area 21 km

Camping for 400 visitors is permitted at this area only, near West Head. Vehicle parking is on West Head Rd; from here, it’s a 2.8 km walk or cycle from the campground. There is also access by water, via private... Find out more

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Ten Mile Hollow Campground 26 km

This is a walk-in site only and you’ll only find wood fireplaces, so you need to be self-sufficient with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. You can get here via the 2-day Great North Walk between Wisemans Ferry... Find out more

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Marramarra Creek camping area 26 km

It’s a 4 km walk from the locked gate at Canoelands Rd, off Old Northern Rd, to this basic bush site. As with Gentlemans Halt, you’ll need to carry your drinking water with you, and preferably a gas/fuel... Find out more

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Mill Creek camping ground 27 km

One of the great drawcards of this camping ground is its wombat community. Sit quietly at dusk or dawn by one of the many freshly dug tunnels in the area, and you should be rewarded with a view of this enigmatic,... Find out more

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Ocean Beach Holiday Park 12 km

Just 2 km from the centre of Umina and set in a fabulous beachfront position, this quality park is a favourite of ours. There is a wide range of facilities, and children’s activities are held most weekends and... Find out more

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Blue Lagoon Beach Resort 14 km

Tucked away at the water’s edge, this beachfront park has a pool, spa and an entertainment complex. It is an ideal place for a quiet break, although it is busy at the height of the Christmas and Easter holidays,... Find out more

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Toowoon Bay Holiday Park 16 km

This is a large council-operated park on the waterfront. Some of the attractions in the area include pelican feeding and fishing. Pets are allowed but are restricted to one per site.... Find out more

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Dunleith Tourist Park 18 km

This park has a picture-postcard location on the waterfront where Tuggerah Lake meets the sea. It has good tourist facilities and is within walking distance of town. Pets are allowed but not in holidays. Bookings are... Find out more

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Two Shores Holiday Village 19 km

A small lakeside park, this place is easily accessible from the main road and has relatively easy access for big rigs. A feature of the park is the coffee shop adjoining the office. Pets are allowed outside peak periods... Find out more

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Canton Beach Holiday Park 25 km

On the shores of Tuggerah Lake, this is a large council-operated park with good facilities. It is a great spot for a family holiday on the protected waterway and ideal for watersports enthusiasts. The park offers the... Find out more

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Norah Head Holiday Park 26 km

This large, council-operated beachside park is a popular holiday destination. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Budgewoi Holiday Park 29 km

This large council-operated park has good facilities and is well suited for a beachside family holiday. Those wanting to fish can make use of the nearby boat ramp.... Find out more

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BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park 31 km

This is our pick of Sydney’s caravan parks. It is a large, grassy park on the banks of Narrabeen Lake and just a short stroll from the beach. It is located in a quiet area on the north shore, away from the city... Find out more

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Munmorah State Conservation Area 34 km

The National Parks and Wildlife Service manage this recreation area. There are two camping areas, Fraser and Freemans, with tent sites and a limited number of unpowered caravan sites. It is just a short walk through the... Find out more

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Wombats B&B

Wombats is a cheerful B&B close to Brisbane Waters and five minutes from the centre of Gosford. It’s a perfect stopover for travelling families to relax and unwind in the comfortable guest rooms (self-catering... Find out more

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Claddagh House B&B

Offering a taste of Ireland, this lovely B&B is located in a country manor surrounded by lush gardens. High ceilings, comfortable furnishings and lashings of Irish charm permeate this retreat. There is an outdoor... Find out more

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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 11 km

You can camp out with the 180 species of wild animal in this 32-hectare feral-proofed wildlife park that has a solid history of conservation and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. The overnight camping experience... Find out more

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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 56 km

The two stand-alone, couples-only cottages here are stylish, contemporary and have passive solar design. They are eco-accredited, on an 8-hectare bushland reserve, and use only renewable energy and Greenfleet vehicles.... Find out more

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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 84 km

These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 95 km

Great for families, Bunjaree Cottages have been designed to make a small environmental footprint, with full solar power and earth-brick insulation. One is built with recycled car tyres and mud, providing even better... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 98 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more

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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 99 km

One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out more

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Old Leura Dairy 99 km

This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out more

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 103 km

Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 104 km

At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out more

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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 104 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more

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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 9 km

82 km N of Sydney (L) or 85 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 20.594 E151 22.046  ... Find out more

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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 18 km

49 km N of Sydney (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway on the banks of the river. GPS: S33 32.029 E151 11.845... Find out more

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Service Centre 19 km

93 km N of Sydney (L) or 74 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Highway Service Centre just off the highway. GPS: S33 15.322 E151 24.172... Find out more

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Pothana Lane Rest Area 85 km

30 km NW of Maitland (L) or 17 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway via the old road. Limited shade. GPS: S32 39.433 E151 17.667  ... Find out more

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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 87 km

36 km NW of Maitland (L) or 11 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 38.553 E151 14.005  ... Find out more

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Medowie Road Rest Area 95 km

58 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 40.225 E151 50.113... Find out more

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Singleton Park Area 96 km

South side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 34.321 E151 10.852... Find out more

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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 96 km

15 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 39.744 E151 50.559... Find out more

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Singleton North Rest Area 102 km

6 km NW of Singleton (R) or 43 km SE of Muswellbrook (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 31.437 E151 07.945 ... Find out more

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Station Creek Rest Area 114 km

42 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S32 36.535 E152 05.746  ... Find out more

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Lake Wallace Park Area 118 km

T/O 51 km E of Bathurst (L) or 11 km W of Lithgow (R) Large area 2 kilometres north of the highway on the shores of the lake. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S33 24.849 E150 04.255 ... Find out more

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Browns Flat Rest Area 122 km

20 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 33.335 E152 08.982  ... Find out more

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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 123 km

54 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 32.904 E152 09.206  ... Find out more

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Sunny Corner Camp Area 135 km

T/O 34 km E of Bathurst (L) or 28 km W of Lithgow (R) Secluded campground located 7 kilometres north of the highway. GPS: S33 23.267 E149 53.542  ... Find out more

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Muswellbrook North Park Area 137 km

2 km N of Muswellbrook (R) or 23 km S of Scone (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.858 E150 53.764... Find out more

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Bulahdelah Rest Area 141 km

2 km N of Bulahdelah (R) or 70 km S of Taree (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 23.506 E152 13.310   ... Find out more

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Aberdeen Park Area 146 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 09.641 E150 53.343... Find out more

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Newmans Road Rest Areas 149 km

13 km N of Bulahdelah (L) or 59 km S of Taree (L) Small areas just off the highway (both sides). Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 21.059 E152 18.905 (NORTHBOUND) &        ... Find out more

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