Explore Australia

Bellingen Bat Island This 3 ha island is home to a colony of up to 40 000 grey-headed flying foxes (fruit bats). At dusk the flying foxes set off in search of food, filling the sky. The best time to visit is Sept–Mar. Access is via Bellingen Caravan Park in Dowle St (north of the river). Horse-drawn carriage tours: guided tours of town and river picnics (operate during holidays and by appt); 0423 671 581. Bellingen Museum: features extensive photo collection of early pioneer life and early transportation; Hyde St; (02) 6655 1259. Hammond and Wheatley Emporium: the first concrete block construction in Australia, the emporium has been magnificently restored – including a grand staircase leading to a mezzanine floor – and is now home to boutiques, homewares retailers and jewellery galleries; Hyde St. Local art and craft: galleries thoughout the town including The Yellow Shed, Cnr Hyde and Prince sts, and The Old Butter Factory, Doepel St.

Raleigh Vineyard and Winery: tastings available; (02) 6655 4388; 11 km E. Walking, cycling, horseriding and canoeing: along the Bellinger River and in forest areas; information and maps from visitor centre. Scenic drive: north-east through wooded valleys and farmlands, across Never Never Creek to Promised Land; map available from visitor centre.

Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 29 km

My introduction to fishing north of Sydney was at Coffs Harbour, an area with a diverse range of options. The first time I fished here I was into land-based game and spent most of my time on the ledges of Mutton Bird... Find out more

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South-West Rocks 47 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Lake Copeton 194 km

Lake Copeton has an excellent catchment area, fed by the Gwydir River and runoff from the New England Tablelands. The lake is about 46 km west of Inverell on the Gwydir Highway. Its dam wall was constructed primarily to... Find out more

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Clarrie Hall Dam - Fishing Sub-region 225 km

Angling is a buzz when you are into a hot bite. It is also a buzz when discovering new territory or out hooking with other anglers, observing their methods and techniques on their home waters. So it was when I fished... Find out more

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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 27 km

A 5-kilometre bicycle track leads from Harris Park in Armidale to the University of New England. Bikes can be hired from Armidale Bicycle Centre or the University’s Sports Union. The 26-kilometre-return ride from... Find out more

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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 28 km

Sample some Australian bushfoods at Valley of the Mist near Macksville, a farm dedicated to sustainable methods. You will taste bush fruits, nuts, herbs and condiments and have a tour of the farm. You can also take a... Find out more

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Houseboating on the Macleay River 70 km

Although large chugging houseboats can be an environmental no-no, Macleay River Houseboats at Kempsey are small – designed for just two people – use relatively clean four-stroke petrol motors, have... Find out more

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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 108 km

This cool coastal forest, 5 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is great for a stop and a gentle stroll, with lush rainforest extending right down to the beach. There is a 1.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible boardwalk,... Find out more

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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 118 km

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum, a dozen blocks from the centre of town, has thousands of native plants, walking tracks, picnic shelters and aquatic gardens with a waterfall.... Find out more

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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 121 km

There are a couple of top birdwatching spots in the New England area. One of the most spectacular is an all-weather bird hide among masses of waterbirds at Quipolly Dam, about 18 kilometres north-east of Quirindi. Mother... Find out more

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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 194 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

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Diving and snorkelling around Byron Bay 212 km

Although there is not much in the way of shore dives or snorkelling around Byron Bay, the nearby Julian Rocks Marine Reserve is a top spot if you can get on a boat, with sea turtles, eagle rays, corals, grey nurse and... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 219 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 246 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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Bonville Golf Resort 17 km

Bonville is Australia’s most beautiful inland course. Carved from 250 hectares of flooded gums and blackbutt forest, with small pockets of subtropical rainforest, Bonville is often described as Australia’s... Find out more

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Lodge 241 Gallery Cafe

This three-storey weatherboard lodge (c. 1912) is an iconic landmark in Bellingen, equally renowned for its food, coffee and history. Absolutely everything is made on-site (from pastry to bread to jams), and the... Find out more

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No 2 Oak Street

Set in a charming heritage weatherboard cottage with gleaming floorboards, the award-winning eatery serves comforting country cooking with lashings of contemporary flair. The menu is an imaginative cross-section of... Find out more

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Vintage Espresso

The new addition to Bellingen’s busy cafe scene features stained-glass windows and a contemporary interior. It serves great coffee and food, and has fantastic views of the main street (a major drawcard). Elite... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 111 km

Australia’s new breed of brewer can arrive at the craft by sometimes circuitous routes. For Warwick Little, that included 20 years as an ambulance officer, home brewing, a wine science course and a pair of... Find out more

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Stone and Wood Brewing 212 km

The popular coastal holiday destination of Byron Bay is the location for one of the country’s newest and most exciting craft breweries – Stone & Wood. The partners behind the venture include a trio of... Find out more

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Bindarri camping area (bush camping) 18 km

Walk-in bush camping is possible throughout the park – facilities such as toilets, picnic tables and wood fireplaces are only available at Bindarray and Bangalore picnic areas, so you’ll need to be... Find out more

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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 22 km

This well-appointed caravan park is on Lyons Rd, about 8 km south of Coffs Harbour. You’ve got easy access to the beach and a wide range of accommodation options, including powered and unpowered sites, villas and... Find out more

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Bush camping 29 km

Self-sufficient campers armed with detailed, up-to-date topographic maps can access a number of good spots throughout the forest, either on foot, horseback or mountain bike.... Find out more

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Platypus Flat camping area 36 km

Perched on the banks of the Nymboida River, just off Moonpar Forest Dr, Platypus Flat provides tent sites in a grassy clearing beneath blue gums and river oaks, a short walk from your car. There are fabulous swimming... Find out more

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Cod Hole picnic and camping area 40 km

This is a popular spot for picnickers and whitewater rafters, located at the end of Cod Hole Rd via Moses Rock Rd, off Moonpar Forest Dr. Take a relaxing dip in the river, launch your kayak or stop in for a picnic midway... Find out more

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The Junction camping area 44 km

Take the Black Mountain Rd south from Nymboida, Glenreagh or Lowanna and turn onto Junction Rd, a 1.4 km unsealed road suitable for 4WD access only – unless you’re prepared to walk or paddle in. Once there,... Find out more

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Thungutti Rest Area 49 km

The campground at Thungutti includes gas and wood barbecues (firewood supplied). Cars have to be parked a short distance from the campsites. There are 18 sites; booking is not essential but fees apply. Firewood is... Find out more

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Trial Bay Gaol camping ground 50 km

This is a spectacular camping area on a sheltered surf beach, accessed via Cardwell St in South West Rocks. It’s well appointed, with coin-operated showers, powered and unpowered sites, electric barbecues, a kiosk... Find out more

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Park Entrance Rest Area 52 km

For those with caravans, there’s a basic camping site at Styx River, about 2 km outside the park entrance along Point Lookout Rd. Bush camping is also permitted; you must camp at least 500 m from park facilities.... Find out more

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Smoky Cape camping area 55 km

To reach this small campground nestled in the rainforest at Smoky Cape, turn onto Arakoon Rd from South West Rocks Rd and head for Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Bring your own firewood and drinking water. There are plenty of... Find out more

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Urunga Heads Holiday Park 13 km

On the river estuary at Urunga, this park is an excellent overnight stop. It is far enough off the highway to be quiet and has an excellent outlook, with a shopping centre nearby. The park is busy in peak periods and... Find out more

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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 21 km

This large, spacious park has a wonderful outlook over the ocean and is just a short walk from Sawtell shopping centre. A pool is just across the road. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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White Albatross Holiday Centre 24 km

This is a quality park in a prime position next to a lagoon and near the mouth of the Nambucca River. It boasts a very good restaurant as well as a range of other features. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Nambucca River Tourist Park 29 km

About 6 km north of Macksville just off the Pacific Highway, this neat, family-owned park is adjacent to the Nambucca River. It is ideal for an overnight stop or a couple of days. Bookings are required in peak periods,... Find out more

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Park Beach Holiday Park 29 km

This is a large beachfront council park 4 km from the centre of town and close to the popular jetty precinct. The park boasts a wide range of facilities and is very popular during peak holiday periods, when bookings are... Find out more

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Split Solitary Beach Holiday Park 35 km

A lovely, shady beachside park south of Moonee Beach, 9 km north of Coffs Harbour. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas and Easter. Pets are only allowed in the off-peak... Find out more

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Moonee Beach Holiday Park 37 km

This popular beachfront caravan park has basic facilities, but does have a tennis court and open grassy sites with views out to sea. Swimming is good, as are the nature walks around the reserve. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Emerald Beach Holiday Park 42 km

This is a quality park with comprehensive facilities and excellent amenities. It is located in a picturesque beachside location, with good access to the Pacific Highway. Swimming, surfing and fishing are all popular... Find out more

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Stuarts Point Holiday Park 42 km

This is a nicely located beachside park that is very popular during the holidays. It is a lovely quiet spot out of the peak periods. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas... Find out more

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Woolgoolga Beach Caravan Park 48 km

This popular beachfront park is 100 metres from the centre of town, next to the surf club and looking out to sea. There are good amenities but no unpowered sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Casa Belle

Guests waking up at Casa Belle Country Guest House could be forgiven for feeling a little confused. It takes a few moments to remind themselves they are not in Tuscany and are actually just a stone’s throw from... Find out more

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Kumbaingiri Retreat

Kumbaingiri Retreat is a place of restoration, healing and relaxation. The luxurious four-bedroom cottage is totally self-contained, and belongs exclusively to the guests staying there. Its secluded location, high... Find out more

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Promised Land Cottages

Promised Land Cottages overlook the ridges and folds of Dorrigo National Park, with panoramic vistas of the rainforest-clad mountains. The 40-hectare property has three self-contained, well-equipped timber cottages. Each... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 4 km

The owners of this stylish B&B have spent seven years revegetating and securing wildlife corridors along the riparian zone here, planting some 4000 trees and 2000 reeds, resulting in an increase in bandicoots,... Find out more

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Emerald Valley Villa 211 km

Nestled in the hinterland some 25 minutes drive from Byron Bay, this is way up the high end of ecotourism in this country. You can rent your own five-star palace (they call it a villa), complete with pool, courtyard,... Find out more

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Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat 247 km

Located near Murwillumbah and surrounded on three sides by World Heritage–listed national parks, this secluded couples-only resort on the Queensland border has minimal-impact, self-contained bungalows and cabins.... Find out more

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The Mouses House, Springbrook 249 km

Set in a beautiful rainforest at more than 800 metres above sea level, this luxury resort has 11 self-contained chalets, hot tub, sauna, tennis court and bikes, a sensible environmental policy and eco-accreditation. It... Find out more

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Macksville Park Area 28 km

North side of the river Parking area just off the highway. GPS: S30 42.236 E152 55.238... Find out more

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Gumma Reserve Camp Area 29 km

T/O at Macksville Large campground located 7 kilometres east of the highway via Partridge Street, Wills Street and Gumma Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S30 42.425 E152 58.999... Find out more

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Paddys Rest Area 40 km

39 km N of Kempsey (L) or 45 km S of Urunga (R) Secluded area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S30 48.771 E152 52.247 ... Find out more

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Woolgoolga Rest Area 47 km

Middle of town Small parking area just off the highway. GPS: S30 06.797 E153 11.436... Find out more

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Halfway Creek Rest Area 60 km

28 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 32 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway near the roadhouse. GPS: S29 56.102 E153 05.709   ... Find out more

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Glenugie Creek Rest Area 75 km

45 km N of Woolgoolga (L) or 15 km S of Grafton (R) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 47.091 E153 00.522   ... Find out more

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McPhillips Creek Rest Area 79 km

50 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 10 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 44.599 E152 59.460   ... Find out more

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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 79 km

109 km N of Taree (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 09.892 E152 49.178  ... Find out more

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Kundabung Rest Area 84 km

15 km S of Kempsey (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S31 12.198 E152 49.384 ... Find out more

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Mann River Rest Area 103 km

115 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 45 km W of Grafton (L) Small area with good views over the Mann River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 34.652 E152 33.417... Find out more

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Motorway Park Area 112 km

73 km N of Taree (R) or 47 km S of Kempsey (L) Highway Service Centre. GPS: S31 27.757 E152 49.188... Find out more

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Maclean Park Area 113 km

At Ferry Park Small area on the riverbank just off the highway. GPS: S29 28.366 E153 12.318... Find out more

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Mulligans Hut Camp Area 116 km

T/O 69 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 91 km W of Grafton (L) Small secluded campground situated in a natural bush setting 9 kilometres south of the highway in Gibraltar Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE:... Find out more

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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 117 km

T/O 34 km W of Wauchope (R) or 130 km E of Walcha (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre north of the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 26.437 E152 27.678  ... Find out more

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Boundary Falls Camp Area 120 km

T/O 60 km E of Glen Innes (L) or 100 km W of Grafton (R) Small secluded campground 2 kilometres north of the highway in the forest of Gibraltar Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. ... Find out more

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Bellbird Camp Area 122 km

T/O 73 km E of Glen Innes (L) or 87 km W of Grafton (R) Small campground 4 kilometres north of the highway in a secluded bush setting deep in the forest of Washpool National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE:... Find out more

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Burrawan Rest Area 123 km

62 km N of Taree (L) northbound only Secluded area just off the highway. GPS: S31 33.103 E152 45.266 ... Find out more

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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 125 km

81 km W of Wauchope (L) or 83 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area just off the highway surrounded by dense forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 24.10 E152 07.26  ... Find out more

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Tia Falls Camp Area 128 km

T/O 129 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 35 km SE of Walcha (L) Small, secluded campground located 6 kilometres north of the highway in a pleasant forest setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good... Find out more

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Apsley Falls Camp Area 128 km

T/O 145 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 19 km SE of Walcha (L) Large campground is situated 1 kilometre north of the highway in a pleasant bush setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good facilities and... Find out more

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Stoney Creek Rest Area 128 km

141 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 23 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the creek. GPS: S31 04.594 E151 46.655... Find out more

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Tia River Rest Area 131 km

128 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 36 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 11.271 E151 49.858... Find out more

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Tabbimoble Creek Rest Area 133 km

65 km S of Ballina (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S29 16.940 E153 12.911... Find out more

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Beardy Waters Woodland Park Area 134 km

6 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 154 km W of Grafton (L) Large grassed area well off the highway among the trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S29 43.568 E151 47.362... Find out more

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Celtic Country Rest Area 134 km

92 km N of Armidale (R) or 7 km S of Glen Innes (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 47.244 E151 43.942  ... Find out more

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Walcha East Rest Area 136 km

159 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 5 km SE of Walcha (L) Large open area just off the highway. GPS: S31 00.477 E151 38.171  ... Find out more

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Beardy Waters Rest Area 139 km

10 km N of Glen Innes (L) or 82 km S of Tenterfield (R) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and some reasonable shade.  GPS: S29 39.7 59 E151 46.509... Find out more

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Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 140 km

82 km N of Tamworth (R) or 29 km S of Armidale (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S30 41.726 E151 28.157... Find out more

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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 147 km

33 km N of Taree (L) or 87 km S of Kempsey (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 45.884 E152 40.291   ... Find out more

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Kentucky Rest Area 149 km

72 km N of Tamworth (L) or 39 km S of Armidale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 45.189 E151 23.039... Find out more

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