Rylstone

Jack Tindale Park This park is a pleasant green reserve, perfect for swimming, picnics and barbecues. Platypus are sometimes spotted in the water here and in the river below the showground. Cox St.Olive Press: see how fresh olives are pressed, and sample or purchase some of the region's best olive oil. Open Sat and Sun Apr–Oct; Lue Rd. Self-guide historical walk: includes the Bridge View Inn (restaurant, formerly a bank) and the post office; brochure from visitor centre. Art and craft outlets: several featuring local work; details at visitor centre.

Kandos: industrial town known for its cement. It features the Bicentennial Industrial Museum (open weekends) and holds the Kandos Street Machine and Hot Rod Show each Jan; 3 km S. Fern Tree Gully: tree ferns in subtropical forest with walking trails and lookouts; 16 km N. Dunn's Swamp: camping, fishing, bushwalking; 18 km E. Windermere Dam: watersports, fishing, camping, picnic and barbecue facilities. Also home of fishing competition each Easter; 19 km W. Military Vehicle Museum: vehicles from WW II and the Korean and Vietnam wars; 20 km N. Turon Technology Museum: power museum with restored steam engines; 20 km S. Glen Davis: this fascinating shale oil ghost town is at the eastern end of the Capertee Valley. The valley is almost 30 km across and is surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs, which makes it the largest enclosed valley in the Southern Hemisphere; 56 km SE. Wineries: several in the area, including De Beaurepaire and Louee Winery; brochure from visitor centre.

Lithgow to Mudgee 70 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 148 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 175 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 177 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 200 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 42 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 92 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 106 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 136 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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The Great North Walk 140 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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Picnicking around Dubbo 142 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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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 148 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 164 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 166 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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Barrington Tops National Park 169 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 Vintage Golf Club 127 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 137 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 138 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 147 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 150 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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Avondale GOLF CLUB 151 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 151 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 156 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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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 156 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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Macquarie Links International Golf Club 156 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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Jessie’s Steakhouse

Classic pub food is on the menu here at Jessie’s Steakhouse, located inside the Rylstone Hotel. The cosy, dark wooden dining room does a roaring trade, as the steaks are excellent. Relax over dinner inside or in... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 166 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 167 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 129 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 153 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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Tooheys Brewery 154 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 156 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 164 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 165 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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Steel River Brewery 165 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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4 Pines Brewing Company 165 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 165 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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Cudgegong Waters Park 14 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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Dunns Swamp 22 km

Camp by the tranquil Kandos Weir on Cudgegong River, accessed via Narrango Rd in the west of the park. There’s a rock-art site nearby, and you can explore the swamp and surrounding forest on a number of walking... Find out more

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Kelgoola picnic and camping area 36 km

At the base of Mt Coricudgy, at the headwaters of the Cudgegong River, Kelgoola picnic and camping area is a rustic bush-camping site for self-sufficient campers. You can get here via Narango Rd from Rylstone. Bring your... Find out more

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First Crossing camping area 40 km

This is one of several beautiful camping spots on the Turon River, a stone’s throw from the famous gold mining town of Sofala, 45 km north of Bathurst (where you'll need to stock up on fuel). A picturesque spot... Find out more

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Ration Point camping area 40 km

This is one of a handful of delightful riverside camping spots along the Turon River, close to historical Sofala, one of Australia’s oldest surviving goldmining towns. Ration Point can be reached via Upper Turon Rd... Find out more

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Crossley Bridge camping area 41 km

Crossley Bridge camping area is 500 m west of the historic goldmining town of Sofala, 45 km north of Bathurst, in a small bend on the northern banks of the Turon River. There’s an access track 200 m north of the... Find out more

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Wallaby Rocks Crossing camping area 43 km

This is another of the small camping areas picturesquely set beside the Turon River close to the historic goldmining town of Sofala, 45 km north of Bathurst. Wallaby Rocks Crossing is on the eastern side of the bridge,... Find out more

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Coles Bridge camping area 43 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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Woolshed Flat camping area 45 km

This is 4WD access only along the Turon River Track, 12 km south-west of Capertee. It’s a peaceful, spacious spot next to the Turon River, where you can fish, swim or watch for birds by the water. Bring your own... Find out more

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The Diggings camping area 45 km

Where once the diggers panned for gold, now the campers fish for trout, swim or head out on a bushwalk. There are 20 sites here, with 4WD access only via Lochaber Creek Fire Trail, 9 km west of Capertee. Bring your... Find out more

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BIG4 Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park 76 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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Colour City Caravan Park 96 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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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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Wellington Caves Holiday Complex 99 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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Wellington Valley Caravan Park 100 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 100 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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Pinaroo Leisure Park 105 km

Conveniently located alongside the highway just 3.5 km south of the town centre, this park is well laid out with a relaxing pool. It is ideal for an overnight stop or a longer visit to this Upper Hunter region.... Find out more

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Katoomba Falls Caravan Park 107 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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Lake Glenbawn State Park 123 km

The park is 14 km from Scone or easily accessible from Aberdeen. The powered sites do not front the lake but there are unpowered sites available with lake frontage. This is a popular fishing spot where anglers catch... Find out more

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BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park 128 km

This is the best-located park for exploring the Hunter Valley wineries. Just 3 km from the centre of Cessnock, the park offers good facilities including a Thai restaurant.... Find out more

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Above the Clouds

Above the Clouds truly lives up to its name. From its elevation of 1100 metres, the property is surrounded by lush emerald-green vistas courtesy of the stunning gardens and neighbouring Wollemi National Park. There is a... Find out more

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Clonturkle Sanctuary 74 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 80 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 91 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 97 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 98 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 106 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 109 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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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 112 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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Jenolan Cabins 114 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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Sunny Corner Camp Area 66 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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Lake Wallace Park Area 69 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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The Rocks Rest Area 89 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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Macquarie Wood Camp Area 91 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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Wellington South Rest Area 98 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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Gamboola Rest Area 98 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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Two Mile Creek Rest Area 100 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 102 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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Kingsley Fairborough Park Area 106 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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Blayney Park Area 106 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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Muswellbrook North Park Area 106 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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Molong Park Area 108 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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Aberdeen Park Area 112 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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Singleton North Rest Area 113 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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Fullers Lane Rest Area 116 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 116 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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Singleton Park Area 116 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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Geurie North Rest Area 117 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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Scone Park Area 118 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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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 120 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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Pothana Lane Rest Area 125 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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Burning Mountain Rest Area 136 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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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 141 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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Blandford Park Area 143 km

North end of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 46.675 E150 53.547 ... Find out more

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Service Centre 143 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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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 144 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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Brocklehurst Rest Area 145 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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Panai Rest Area 147 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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Terramungamine Camp Area 148 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 150 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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