Gulgong

Henry Lawson Centre Housed in the Salvation Army Hall, which was built in 1922, the year Lawson died, the centre has the largest collection of Lawson memorabilia outside Sydney's Mitchell Library. It includes original manuscripts, artefacts, photographs, paintings and an extensive collection of rare first editions. 'A Walk Through Lawson's Life' is an exhibition that uses Lawson's words to illustrate the poverty, family disintegration, deafness and alcoholism that shaped his life, as well as the causes he was passionate about such as republicanism, unionism and votes for women. Mayne St; (02) 6374 2049.

Pioneers Museum: illustrates every era of Gulgong's history. Exhibits include a replica of a classroom from the 1880s, period clothing and rare antique crockery; Cnr Herbert and Bayly sts. Red Hill: site of the town's original gold strike, featuring restored stamper mill, poppet head and memorial to Henry Lawson; off White St. Mayne Street Symbols: inscribed in the pavement by a local artist, to depict the 'language of the road' used by diggers to advise their mates who may have followed them from other goldfields. Town trail: self-guide walking tour of historic buildings such as Prince of Wales Opera House and Ten Dollar Town Motel; brochure from visitor centre.

Goulburn River National Park The park follows approximately 90 km of the Goulburn River with sandy riverbanks making easy walking trails and beautiful camping sites. Rare and threatened plants abound here, as do wombats, eastern grey kangaroos, emus and birds. Highlights include the Drip, 50 m curtains of water dripping through the rocks alongside the Goulburn River, sandstone cliffs honeycombed with caves, and over 300 significant Aboriginal sites. 30 km NE.

Ulan: Ulan Coal Mine has viewing areas overlooking a large open-cut mine. Also here is Hands on the Rock, a prime example of Aboriginal rock art; 22 km NE. Talbragar Fossil Fish Beds: one of the few Jurassic-period fossil deposits in Australia; 35 km NE. Wineries: cellar-door tastings; brochure from visitor centre.

Lithgow to Mudgee 128 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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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 211 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 238 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 240 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 244 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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Wine-tasting - Mudgee 27 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 around Dubbo 88 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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Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 123 km

Coonabarabran is home to one of the healthiest koala colonies in the state, and the solitary mammals are often seen in and around the town. Try the Porcupine Reserve and while there check out the view over the Liverpool... Find out more

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Star-gazing - Coonabarabran 128 km

Because of its combination of clear skies, altitude and distance from city lights, Coonabarabran is the astronomy capital of Australia. There are various ways to explore space here, from simply gazing skyward with a pair... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 141 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 155 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 167 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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Barrington Tops National Park 192 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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The Great North Walk 203 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 211 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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The Vintage Golf Club 174 km

Hunter Valley semillon, with its zesty aromas and flavours, is sometimes described by wine experts as ‘Australia’s wine gift to the world’. Its appeal also lies in its capacity to age well. The same... Find out more

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Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 200 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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Castle Hill Country Club 202 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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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 206 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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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 212 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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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 214 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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Avondale GOLF CLUB 214 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 215 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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Monash Country Club 218 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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Macquarie Links International Golf Club 219 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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Butcher Shop Cafe

With its distinctive logo featuring a friendly-looking sheep, the Butcher Shop Cafe is a trendy hub for happy visitors soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and delicious food, whether for lunch, or morning or afternoon tea.... Find out more

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Phoebe’s Licensed Restaurant

Named after Henry Lawson’s Aunt Phoebe, this restaurant is located inside the old Royal Hotel, now called the Ten Dollar Town Motel. Beautifully restored and showcasing its country heritage, Phoebe’s offers a... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 229 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 230 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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Hunter Beer Company 178 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more

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Bluetongue Brewery 203 km

Set up in 2004 by a consortium of Hunter region identities, including wine man Bruce Tyrell and hotelier Ian Burford, Bluetongue Brewery soon established a significant regional market for its premium lager and alcoholic... Find out more

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Steel River Brewery 214 km

Every brewhouse has its own distinct personality – new ones are punched out in uniform fashion and pretty much look the same, but pre-loved ones tend to have a bit more character and, more often than not, a... Find out more

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Tooheys Brewery 217 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 220 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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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 228 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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Malt Shovel Brewery 228 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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4 Pines Brewing Company 228 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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Redoak Brewery 229 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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Spring Gully camping area 48 km

On the banks of the Goulburn River on Mogo Rd, Spring Gully is 2WD access in dry weather only. Boil or treat river water before drinking or bring your own, along with firewood.... Find out more

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Big River camping area 48 km

This sprawling grassed area is beside the Goulburn River, on Mogo Rd north of Wollar. Access is by 4WD only. Bring your own drinking water and firewood. Alternatively, you can boil or treat the river water.... Find out more

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Lake Burrendong State Park camping area 54 km

Turn onto Burrendong Rd off Wellington–Orange Rd north of Mumbil, and you’ll soon find this camping area. Activities include golf, sailing, hiking, canoeing, fishing waterskiing and a waterslide.... Find out more

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Cudgegong Waters Park 56 km

On the southern edge of Windamere Dam, Cudgegong Waters Park has all the activities and facilities a water-loving outdoor enthusiast could ask for. Fishing is a particular drawcard, with golden and silver perch, Murray... Find out more

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Mookerawa Waters Park camping area 57 km

To get here, follow Mookerawa Rd for 10 km from Stuart Town, off the Wellington–Orange Rd. Facilities and activities match those at the Lake Burrendong State Park camping area, but there are no powered sites here.... Find out more

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Glendora camping area 74 km

Glendora is one of 2 camping areas in the vicinity of Hill End, 85 km north of Bathurst via Sofala and 72 km south of Mudgee. Hill End’s fascinating gold-rush history draws crowds of up to 35,000 annually, and... Find out more

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Village Campground 75 km

This is one of 2 camping areas in the vicinity of Hill End, a small village with a fascinating goldmining history. The village is 85 km north of Bathurst via Sofala and 72 km south of Mudgee; the campground is in the... Find out more

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Coles Bridge camping area 78 km

Coles Bridge is about 15 km west of Sofala on the Turon River. Both the river and Sofala are historically significant: the river for the site of one of the first alluvial gold rushes in Australia; the town for being the... Find out more

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Turon Crossing Reserve camping area 79 km

There are 2 campsites included in Turon Crossing Reserve: 7.3 km and 8.2 km south of Hill End. There’s a concrete causeway crossing of Turon River 8 km south of Hill end that may be impassable after rain, even for... Find out more

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Cave Hole Reserve camping area 80 km

On the northern side of Monaghans Bluff, Cave Hole Reserve is about 9 km south of Hill End.... Find out more

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Wellington Riverside Tourist Park 59 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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Wellington Valley Caravan Park 60 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 Caves Holiday Complex 63 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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Dubbo City Holiday Park 89 km

Enjoy the sights of Dubbo from this centrally located park. It is conveniently situated on the Newell Highway about 2 km from the city centre and just a short drive from the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This park has a... Find out more

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BIG4 Dubbo Parklands 90 km

This is a very good park at the southern entrance to the city, the closest to Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The place has a large selection of accommodation and very good amenities. Winter months can be very busy as... Find out more

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West View Tourist Caravan Park 91 km

Located alongside the Mitchell Highway on the western approach to town, this is a convenient overnight stop. It is budget priced and dog friendly. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Colour City Caravan Park 108 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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Gilgandra Caravan Park 109 km

Located alongside the highway on the northern side of the Castlereagh River, this budget-priced park is set on an impressive expanse of lawn with large shady trees. Enjoy the pool, cook a barbecue or take your dog for a... Find out more

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BIG4 Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park 117 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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John Oxley Caravan Park 124 km

A large council park with good facilities, this place is conveniently located on the Newell Highway close to the town centre. It is ideal for an overnight stay.... Find out more

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Green Gables B&B

Three guest rooms are nestled inside Green Gables and the house itself is surrounded by a fragrant garden. The property lies opposite Gulgong Golf Course, which provides some guests with an irresistible opportunity for... Find out more

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Clonturkle Sanctuary 124 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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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 141 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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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 154 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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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 157 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 158 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 161 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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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 166 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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Old Leura Dairy 166 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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Jenolan Cabins 168 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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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 170 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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Wellington South Rest Area 62 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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Geurie North Rest Area 67 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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Two Mile Creek Rest Area 79 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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Bell River Rest Area 86 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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Brocklehurst Rest Area 89 km

9 km N of Dubbo (L) or 57 km S of Gilgandra (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S32 10.299 E148 37.151   ... Find out more

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Terramungamine Camp Area 92 km

T/O 8 km N of Dubbo (L) or 58 km S of Gilgandra (R) Large area 4 kilometres west of the highway on the bank of the river. GPS: S32 10.124 E148 35.198 ... Find out more

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Dubbo West Rest Area 95 km

8 km W of Dubbo (R) or 32 km E of Narromine (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 12.243 E148 32.358 ... Find out more

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Panai Rest Area 96 km

106 km NE of Parkes (L) or 14 km SW of Dubbo (R) Secluded area just off the highway among some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S32 19.800 E148 30.504  ... Find out more

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Gamboola Rest Area 101 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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Molong Park Area 103 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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Kingsley Fairborough Park Area 103 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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Gilgandra Park Area 109 km

South side of town Large parking area at the information centre. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 43.286 E148 39.393  ... Find out more

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Hickey Falls Rest Area 112 km

55 km NE of Gilgandra (L) or 39 km SW of Coonabarabran (R) Large area just off the highway among some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S31 25.841 E149 04.101... Find out more

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Tooraweenah Rest Area 115 km

39 km NE of Gilgandra (L) or 55 km SW of Coonabarabran (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 28.147 E148 55.246  ... Find out more

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Macquarie Wood Camp Area 118 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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Sunny Corner Camp Area 119 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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Tomingley Creek Rest Area 119 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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The Rocks Rest Area 119 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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Narromine East Rest Area 120 km

36 km W of Dubbo (R) or 4 km E of Narromine (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.618 E148 16.179... Find out more

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Tomingley South Rest Area 126 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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Lake Wallace Park Area 127 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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North Gowan Rest Area 128 km

8 km N of Coonabarabran (L) or 110 km S of Narrabri (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 13.081 E149 19.586... Find out more

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Collie East Rest Area 129 km

22 km W of Gilgandra (R) or 63 km E of Warren (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 39.462 E148 26.858... Find out more

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Muswellbrook North Park Area 129 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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Aberdeen Park Area 130 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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Scone Park Area 131 km

At the information centre Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 03.401 E150 52.174... Find out more

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Blayney Park Area 133 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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Oxley's Crossing Rest Area 136 km

75 km SW of Gunnedah (R) or 31 km NE of Coonabarabran (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway surrounded by trees. GPS: S31 07.929 E149 32.661... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Rest Area 141 km

24 km N of Scone (R) or 108 km S of Tamworth (L) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 51.383 E150 54.016... Find out more

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Fullers Lane Rest Area 141 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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