Blayney

Heritage Park: small wetland area, barbecue facilities and tennis courts; Adelaide St. Local craft shops: contact visitor centre for details. Self-guide heritage walk: includes churches and the courthouse; brochure from visitor centre.

Carcoar The National Trust–classified town of Carcoar, surrounded by oak trees on the banks of the Belubula River, has a wealth of historic buildings. In early settlement days, convicts and bushrangers caused a lot of trouble in the town. Johnny Gilbert and John O'Meally committed Australia's first daylight bank robbery in 1863 at the Commercial Bank (still standing) on Belubula St. The hold-up was unsuccessful and the robbers fled when a teller fired a shot into the ceiling. 14 km SW.Millthorpe: National Trust–classified village with quaint shopfronts, art and craft shops, historic churches and a museum with blacksmith's shop and old-style kitchen. Also visit the Golden Memories museum for displays of life in the 19th century; 11 km NW. Wind farm: with 15 turbines and an interpretive centre, the largest farm of its kind in Australia; 11 km SW. Carcoar Dam: watersports and camping with picnic and barbecue facilities; 12 km SW. Newbridge: historic buildings and craft shops; 20 km E. Abercrombie Caves: cave system in a 220 ha reserve that features the largest natural limestone arch in the Southern Hemisphere. Carols in the Caves is held here in Dec. Various tours are available; contact visitor centre for details. 50 km SE.

Lithgow to Mudgee 78 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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Port Hacking 182 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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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 187 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 187 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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Wagga Wagga 245 km

In my early teens I lived in Wagga Wagga for about three years and spent many hours fishing from a kayak on the Murrumbidgee and at Lake Albert. The river held excellent numbers of redfin, and they were of good size, so... 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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Wine-tasting - Mudgee 108 km

Mudgee is probably best known for its vineyards and wine, and there are a growing number of organic wineries, including Botobolar, Lowe Family Wines, Martins Hill and Thistle Hill. Broombee also has organic fruit and... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 109 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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Picnicking around Dubbo 155 km

Throw a rug down in the 167-hectare Burrendong Botanic Gardens and Arboretum near Wellington, and take in the fragrance of an estimated 2500 native plant species.... Find out more

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The Great North Walk 174 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 181 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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Birdwatching trip by boat 181 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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Kayaking in Sydney 188 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 188 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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Picnicking around Canberra 194 km

There are many great places to unpack a picnic in the Australian Capital Territory, from the copious native areas in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, to the bird mecca of Jerrabomberra Wetlands on the Molonglo... Find out more

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Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 144 km

As a globetrotting professional golfer of the 1970s and ’80s, Graham Marsh won more than 60 titles across five continents. The key to his success was his approach to the game. Every shot was thoughtfully... Find out more

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Macquarie Links International Golf Club 159 km

Shanghai, Guam, Bali, Sabah, Bangkok, Singapore, Alaska, Hawaii; American course designer Robin Nelson has spent much of the past 30 years travelling from one exotic destination to another, putting his next project in... Find out more

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Castle Hill Country Club 160 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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Concord Golf Club 175 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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Avondale GOLF CLUB 176 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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Pymble Golf Club 178 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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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 181 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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The Australian Golf Club 187 km

With a rich history dating back to the first days of organised golf in Australia, The Australian is the country’s oldest formal golf club. It was established in 1882 but didn’t find a permanent home at... Find out more

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The Lakes Golf Club 187 km

The Lakes is one of Sydney’s iconic golf courses, a regular venue for big championships – including the Australian Open – during its 82-year history. Yet since the late 1960s, when the course was... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 188 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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Wellfed Blayney

Laden with home-baked treats from recipes passed down through the family, Mams Coffee Shoppe is nestled in the heart of Blayney. It’s a rustic, friendly spot to catch up with the locals while enjoying homemade... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 184 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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Billy Kwong 186 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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Tooheys Brewery 170 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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Paddy's Brewery 173 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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Five Islands Brewing Company 181 km

Started by local Illawarra rugby league legend Michael Bolt in 2001, the Five Islands Brewing Company has travelled a markedly different course to most other craft-beer enterprises. FIBC began life as a beachside bar and... Find out more

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Malt Shovel Brewery 183 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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St Peters Brewery 184 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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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 185 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 185 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 186 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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Carcoar Dam camping area 12 km

Carcoar is a small and picturesque town, 12 km south-west of Blayney. On the National Heritage list for being the third-oldest settled village west of the Blue Mountains, it certainly has a ye olde feel to it. The dam is... Find out more

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Heritage Grove camping area 16 km

Heritage Grove is one of 4 main areas in Macquarie Woods that have been established by Forests NSW to demonstrate sustainable forestry. This camping area can be accessed via Cashens La, off the Mitchell Hwy 29 km west of... Find out more

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Bakers Shaft Reserve 22 km

This camping area is around 20 km west of the historic town of Carcoar. Follow the Mid-Western Hwy through Mandurama, and about 10 km north you’ll come across Burnt Yards; take Bakes Rd then Junction Park Rd. This... Find out more

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Canobolas Caravan Park 29 km

This is a friendly and well-appointed caravan park on Bathurst Rd in Orange. There are shaded powered and unpowered tent sites as well as self-contained deluxe and standard cabins. Nearby attractions include wine-tasting... Find out more

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Canobolas Forest Park 31 km

This is a peaceful picnicking and camping area surrounded by a 60-year-old pine forest. There are picnic tables, walking tracks, and trout in the creek nearby. It’s 20 km south of Orange via Cadia Rd then Four Mile... Find out more

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Federal Falls camping area 32 km

The road in to Federal Falls camping area isn’t suitable for caravans or camper trailers, although 2WD vehicles are permitted. To get here, follow Pinnacle Rd from Orange and turn onto Towac Way. There are a number... Find out more

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Trunkey Creek Showground 33 km

Trunkey Creek is a little town about 13 km from Abercrombie Caves. Once a thriving goldmining village, it has retained some mud huts, abandoned mineshafts and other traces of its heyday. The showground is off Arthur St... Find out more

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The Junction picnic and camping area 40 km

This picnic and camping area is located in Ophir Recreation Area, which happens to be the site of Australia’s first significant gold discovery. You can still see traces of the mine workings; in fact, you can relive... Find out more

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Campbells River camping area 40 km

This is a simple but spacious camping spot in a grassy clearing on Campbells River. Throw a line in, dip a toe in, or kick back and enjoy the river from the comfort of your camp chair. To get here, take Rockley Rd from... Find out more

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Abercrombie Caves Campground 44 km

This is a fabulous set-up on the banks of beautiful Groves Creek, complete with a camp kitchen and dining room, 3 amenities blocks with hot showers, a laundry and kiosk. To get here, take the Trunkey Creek–Goulburn... Find out more

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Colour City Caravan Park 31 km

This is a council park with good basic facilities in a quiet, off-highway position, about 2 km north of the city centre, adjoining the showgrounds. It is good value at a budget price. Bookings are recommended all year... Find out more

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BIG4 Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park 37 km

This is a quality park on the Great Western Highway, 5 km east of the centre of Bathurst, and offers a range of accommodation and great facilities including games and entertainment rooms. Bookings are required at peak... Find out more

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Blackheath Caravan Park 97 km

In the heart of the Blue Mountains, this park is situated in a pretty parkland setting opposite the Rhododendron Gardens, and within walking distance of the town centre and Govetts Leap lookout. There are good basic... Find out more

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Katoomba Falls Caravan Park 100 km

Located in a quiet off-highway location, this neat well-appointed park is very close to Katoomba’s cable car and scenic railway. It is an ideal park for a few days stay to explore the area. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Wellington Caves Holiday Complex 105 km

Relax and let a few days slip by at this spacious park, located 6 km south of the town centre alongside the Wellington Caves, a popular tourist attraction. It is a quality park and makes an ideal stopover. Bookings are... Find out more

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Spicer Caravan Park 109 km

This is a budget-priced, council-owned park with good basic facilities, about 2 km from the town centre. It is in a quiet spot, off the main highway, about 16 km from the Parkes satellite dish. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Wellington Valley Caravan Park 111 km

On the Mitchell Highway on the eastern approach to Wellington this older park has been renovated and transformed. The convenient drive-through sites and grassy camping areas are a feature.... Find out more

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Wellington Riverside Tourist Park 113 km

This is a well-maintained park on the banks of the Macquarie River, close to the highway and just a short walk to the centre of town. The park has good facilities at a budget price. Bookings are required at peak times... Find out more

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Apex Riverside Tourist Park 115 km

The park is about 3 km from the town centre on a picturesque bend of the Lachlan River, which some sites overlook. It is managed on behalf of Apex and is of good quality.... Find out more

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BIG4 Forbes Holiday Park 116 km

This is a very neat owner-operated park, about 2 km from the centre of town on Cowra Road. The park caters predominantly for tourists and has good amenities and most facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Blayney Goldfields Motor Inn

This is a comfortable three-star motel offering standard accommodation for singles, families and groups. Dinner is available from the on-site bistro or you can have it delivered to your room. Located in the centre of... Find out more

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Clonturkle Sanctuary 55 km

Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out more

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Jenolan Cabins 77 km

These basic but cosy self-contained cabins, 6 kilometres up the steep hill past Jenolan Caves, are earth-sheltered for climate control and have composting toilets and rainwater. There are great views over the mountains,... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 92 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 95 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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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 95 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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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 100 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 102 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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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 108 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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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 112 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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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 184 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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Blayney Park Area 1 km

West side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 32.263 E149 15.254... Find out more

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Fullers Lane Rest Area 11 km

60 km NE of Cowra (R) or 49 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 35.890 E149 09.927 ... Find out more

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Carcoar Dam Camp Area 11 km

T/O 62 km NE of Cowra (R) or 47 km SW of Bathurst (L) Large camp area located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the shores of the dam. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 36.717 E149 10.864 ... Find out more

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Macquarie Wood Camp Area 15 km

T/O 28 km W of Bathurst (R) or 28 km E of Orange (L) Large open grassed area located 2 kilometres north of the highway among some large trees. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S33 24.34... Find out more

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The Rocks Rest Area 16 km

20 km W of Bathurst (R) or 36 km E of Orange (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S33 25.56 E149 22.48  ... Find out more

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Gamboola Rest Area 46 km

17 km NW of Orange (L) or 17 km SE of Molong (R) Small area just off the highway. Reasonable shade. GPS: S33 09.44 E149 00.36... Find out more

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Kingsley Fairborough Park Area 55 km

30 km NW of Orange (R) or 4 km SE of Molong (L) Small grassed area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 07.26 E148 54.31  ... Find out more

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Molong Park Area 59 km

South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 05.966 E148 52.297... Find out more

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Ramage Park Rest Area 60 km

5 km NE of Cowra (R) or 104 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S33 49.787 E148 42.614   ... Find out more

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Sunny Corner Camp Area 62 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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Cowra Park Area 63 km

Middle of town Large parking area opposite the information centre. GPS: S33 50.200 E148 40.919 ... Find out more

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Bell River Rest Area 76 km

23 km N of Molong (R) or 42 km S of Wellington (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 54.712 E148 53.429  ... Find out more

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Lake Wallace Park Area 77 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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Tyagong Creek Rest Area 84 km

31 km E of Grenfell (R) or 24 km W of Cowra (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.096 E148 27.977 ... Find out more

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Two Mile Creek Rest Area 84 km

32 km N of Molong (L) or 33 km S of Wellington (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 50.029 E148 54.404... Find out more

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Wellington South Rest Area 104 km

56 km N of Molong (R) or 9 km S of Wellington (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 37.413 E148 56.885... Find out more

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Grenfell West Rest Area 110 km

102 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 2 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 53.425 E148 08.743 ... Find out more

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Billabong Creek Rest Area 111 km

23 km N of Forbes (R) or 10 km S of Parkes (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 12.531 E148 07.473 ... Find out more

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Bogolong Rest Area 113 km

95 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 9 km W of Grenfell (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 50.982 E148 05.447   ... Find out more

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Forbes Rest Area 117 km

South side of town Large area on the riverbank 500 metres north-west of the highway past the Forbes Lake Motel. Good shade. Facilities at adjacent day use area. GPS: S33 23.292 E148 00.110... Find out more

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Piney Range Rest Area 124 km

82 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 22 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 48.917 E147 57.204  ... Find out more

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Ben Halls Cave Camp Area 127 km

T/O 99 km E of West Wyalong (R) or 5 km W of Grenfell (L) Large open area located 26 kilometres south-west of the highway via Back Piney Range Road and Weddin View Road in a pleasant natural bush setting in Weddin... Find out more

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Geurie North Rest Area 133 km

24 km NW of Wellington (L) or 27 km SE of Dubbo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 23.306 E148 48.978... Find out more

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Tomingley South Rest Area 141 km

64 km N of Parkes (R) or 56 km S of Dubbo (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 35.698 E148 13.176 ... Find out more

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Tomingley Creek Rest Area 144 km

74 km NE of Parkes (L) or 46 km SW of Dubbo (R) Large area just off the highway surrounded by trees. Limited shade. GPS: S32 31.283 E148 16.763  ... Find out more

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French VC Rest Area 144 km

9 km W of Goulburn (R) or 78 km E of Yass (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 47.207 E149 38.416... Find out more

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Derrick VC Rest Area 144 km

73 km SW of Mittagong (L) westbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 44.149 E149 49.805 ... Find out more

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Mundoonan Rest Area 145 km

64 km W of Goulburn (L) or 23 km E of Yass (L) Large areas well off the highway (both sides). Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 49.462 E149 04.468 ... Find out more

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Gordon VC Rest Area 147 km

21 km SW of Mittagong (R) or 64 km NE of Goulburn (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S34 32.086 E150 16.885  ... Find out more

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Chowne VC Rest Area 147 km

17 km NE of Goulburn (L) eastbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 44.621 E149 53.244  ... Find out more

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