Explore Australia

Bulahdelah Mountain Park A park of contrasts, with meandering walking trails taking in tall forest, rare orchids in spring and the remains of mining machinery. There are picnic and barbecue facilities and a lookout over Bulahdelah and the Myall Lakes. Meade St.

Bulahdelah Court House: museum featuring Bulahdelah's logging past, with cells out the back; open Sat mornings or by appt; Cnr Crawford and Anne sts; bookings on (02) 6597 4838.

Myall Lakes National Park The 'Murmuring Myalls', 10 ha of connected lakes, and 40 km of beaches make this national park one of the most visited in the state. It is ideal for all types of watersports – canoe and houseboat hire is available, and Broughton Island, 2 km offshore, is a popular spot for diving. Enjoy the bushwalks and campsites set in the rainforest, heathlands and eucalypt forest. 12 km E.Bulahdelah State Forest: with scenic picnic area and walking trails along old mining trolley lines, and one of the tallest trees in NSW – the 84 m flooded gum (Eucalyptus grandis); off The Lakes Way; 14 km N. Wootton: charming small town with a 6 hr rainforest walk along an old timber railway; 15 km N. Sugar Creek Toymakers: fine wooden toys and hand-painted dolls; (02) 4997 6142; 31 km E. Seal Rocks: fishing village with seals sometimes resting on the offshore rocks. Grey nurse sharks breed in underwater caves and whales pass by June–Aug. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (1875) has a lookout tower, and there are pleasant beaches and camping areas; 40 km E. Wallingat National Park: walking trails and picnic facilities. Stop at Whoota Whoota Lookout for sweeping views of forest, coast and lakes; 43 km NE.

Port Stephens 34 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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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 158 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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South-West Rocks 188 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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Botany Bay 200 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 212 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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Lithgow to Mudgee 229 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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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 249 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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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 35 km

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

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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 50 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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Cycling around Newcastle 70 km

Take a scenic two- or three-hour guided cycling our around Newcastle, nearly all on flat bike paths, with Newcastle Bike Tours. If you want to cycle around on your own, hire from Civic Bikes, near the start of the... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 75 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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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 127 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 138 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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Houseboating on the Macleay River 159 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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The Great North Walk 167 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 167 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 181 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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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 51 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more

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Newcastle Golf Club 65 km

Long before American Tom Doak became the revered course designer he is today, he travelled the world playing and studying more than 800 courses. He made notes on every one, before compiling them into what he called ... Find out more

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The Vintage Golf Club 91 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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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 120 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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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 122 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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Monash Country Club 168 km

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

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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 169 km

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

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Long Reef Golf Club 170 km

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

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Pymble Golf Club 177 km

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

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Avondale GOLF CLUB 180 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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Detours Cafe

Detours promises ‘the best hamburgers on the mid-north coast’, tempting hungry diners to drive miles out of their way to put this cafe to the test. Join the throngs to try and guess the secret ingredients... Find out more

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Myalla Magic

Myalla Magic is a cheerfully decorated, bustling enterprise with indoor and outdoor seating, and serves fantastic food to a happy stream of customers. The biggest talking point is that the inside walls of the old house... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 188 km

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

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Green Gourmet 191 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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Murray's Craft Brewing Company 46 km

But there’s a-nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. So sang the late country singing legend Slim Dusty and, more importantly, the words of the famous song were penned... Find out more

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Steel River Brewery 69 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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Bluetongue Brewery 79 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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Hunter Beer Company 92 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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The Little Brewing Company 123 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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4 Pines Brewing Company 177 km

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

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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 186 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 187 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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Sunnyside (boat-based camping) 9 km

This charmingly named camping spot can be found on the western shore of Two Mile Lake, between this and Boolambayte Lake. Bring your own drinking water, firewood and gas/fuel stove.... Find out more

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Mackaway Bay (boat-based camping) 9 km

You’ll find this site on the western shore of Two Mile Lake, between this and Boolambayte Lake. It’s a good spot to choose if it’s a windy day. Bring your own drinking water, firewood and gas/fuel... Find out more

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Korsmans Landing camping area 10 km

You’ll either need to get the car ferry across to Bombah Point from Mungo Brush Rd and continue north or come down Bombah Point Rd from the Pacific Hwy past Buladelah. Situated on Two Mile Lake, this site has... Find out more

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Two Mile Sands (boat-based camping) 11 km

Sandy beaches and shallow waters greet boaters at this camping area on the western shore of Mackaway Bay. Bring your own drinking water, firewood and gas/fuel stove.... Find out more

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Bungaree Bay camping area 11 km

Tucked away on the banks of Boolambayte Lake beneath paperbarks and casuarinas, Bungaree Bay is accessible from Violet Hill Rd, off The Lakes Way. The turn-off onto Lakes Way is 18 km past Buladelah on the Pacific Hwy.... Find out more

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Freshwater (walk-in and boat-based camping) 12 km

Freshwater is north of Joes Cove on the eastern shore of Two Mile Lake. It’s a boat-based or walk-in site, a 2 km walk here from Mungo Brush Rd – check with the parks office for track details. There are... Find out more

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River Mouth (walk-in and boat-based camping) 13 km

As its name suggests, this one’s at the mouth of the Myall River. It’s a good stopover for canoeists and kayakers on the Upper Myall River. Walkers can also access the camping area via the Rivermouth Fire... Find out more

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Violet Hill camping area 13 km

A great base for lakeside activities, Violet Hill camping area includes a boat ramp, a wharf and a smattering of boat moorings. There’s space for campervans and trailers, although the main campsite area is closed... Find out more

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Joes Cove (boat-based camping) 13 km

Joes Cove is north of Bombah Point, on the eastern shore of Two Mile Lake. Bring your own drinking water, firewood and gas/fuel stove.... Find out more

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Boomeri camping area 15 km

Boomeri is set away from the north-eastern banks of Bombah Broadwater, with a walking/cycling track to Johnsons and Shelley beaches. It’s the next campsite north of The Wells camping area, off Mungo Brush Rd. Bring... Find out more

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Alum Mountain Caravan Park 1 km

Located on the northern edge of town alongside the Pacific Highway, this is an older park with basic facilities. It is very convenient for an overnight stop or as a base to explore the local lakes and forests. Dogs are... Find out more

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Myall Shores Nature Resort 14 km

Situated on the shores of Myall Lakes, access to this park is from Bulahdelah and 10 km of the road is unsealed. Located in a picture-postcard position close to the vehicle ferry crossing, it has good facilities and a... Find out more

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Myall River Camp 26 km

This bush camp is located a few kilometres north of Hawks Nest, along a road accessible by conventional vehicles. Set on a large grassy expanse beside the Myall River, the camp has no power and limited facilities and... Find out more

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Sandbar and Bushland Caravan Parks 29 km

Some 20 km south of Forster, this park at Sandbar is tucked away in a secluded bush location on the shores of the tranquil Smiths Lake, just a short walk from Sandbar Beach. There are in fact two separate parks here, one... Find out more

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Seal Rocks Holiday Park 29 km

The Seal Rocks Camping Reserve is located in an idyllic position overlooking a popular beach. The park’s powered sites are very popular and bookings are necessary. The camp’s access road still includes 2.7 km... Find out more

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Hawks Nest Beach Holiday Park 30 km

Located just a short walk from a popular beach and the Hawks Nest Surf Club, this park is also only a kilometre from the centre of town. It has large expanses of lawn and is ideal for a family holiday or just a few... Find out more

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Halifax Holiday Park 34 km

Close to the centre of Nelson Bay, this well-maintained tourist park adjoins a busy public boat ramp on the eastern shores of Port Stephens. There are often people cleaning their catch near the boat ramp and numerous... Find out more

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Great Lakes Holiday Park 36 km

This is a quality park on the water’s edge. It is in a quieter area of town but just a short distance from the town centre. There is a good range of facilities and bookings are required in peak periods; a... Find out more

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BIG4 Karuah Jetty Village 37 km

Located in a quiet position a short distance from the Pacific Highway, this park has very good amenities and looks across the northern arm of Port Stephens. There is a long jetty, good for fishing, and a limited number... Find out more

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Smugglers Cove Holiday Village 37 km

This is a quality, award-winning park with great holiday entertainment and a range of activities all year round. A good family park, it is set in a wonderful subtropical palm grove. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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Bombah Point Eco Cottages

At this establishment you will find a high level of luxury in architecturally designed eco cottages. These stunning self-catering cottages are encased in glass and encircled by rugged bushland, and are being showered... Find out more

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Peacehaven Country 
Cottages

Peacehaven is located in 48 hectares of bushland and offers two self-contained cottages, each on their own 2-hectare plot. Tranquillity Cottage has three bedrooms, Peace Cottage has two, and both have polished... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 67 km

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

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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 115 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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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 146 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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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 206 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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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 220 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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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 223 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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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 224 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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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 224 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 227 km

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

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 228 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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Bulahdelah Rest Area 2 km

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

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Newmans Road Rest Areas 11 km

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

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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 17 km

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

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Browns Flat Rest Area 17 km

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

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Station Creek Rest Area 25 km

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

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Wang Wauk Rest Area 30 km

36 km N of Bulahdelah (L) or 36 km S of Taree (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S32 09.295 E152 19.352 ... Find out more

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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 45 km

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

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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 45 km

18 km S of Taree (L) southbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 02.987 E152 26.816 ... Find out more

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Medowie Road Rest Area 46 km

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

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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 55 km

65 km N of Bulahdelah (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 57.781 E152 27.925 ... Find out more

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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 78 km

T/O 30 km N of Taree or 90 km S of Kempsey via Moorland Large grassed campground surrounded by forest located 5 kilometres west of the highway via Forest Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 47.330... Find out more

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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 83 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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Pothana Lane Rest Area 91 km

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

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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 96 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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Singleton Park Area 99 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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Singleton North Rest Area 102 km

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

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Burrawan Rest Area 108 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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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 110 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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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 114 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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Motorway Park Area 119 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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Service Centre 121 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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Muswellbrook North Park Area 125 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 128 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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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 130 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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Scone Park Area 132 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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Burning Mountain Rest Area 138 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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Ponderosa Park Camp Area 138 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large camp area in the forest 17 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 27.817 E151 15.433  ... Find out more

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Sheba Dams Camp Area 139 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large secluded area on the shore of the dam 11 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 29.890 E151 11.843 ... Find out more

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Tia River Rest Area 140 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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Tia Falls Camp Area 140 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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