Explore Australia

Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve Visitors can get an up-close look at the life cycle of one of Australia's most interesting migratory birds. The wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) fly thousands of kilometres from South-East Asia each August, with large numbers settling at Muttonbird Island to breed. A walking trail winds through the burrows of the birds, which can be seen Aug–Apr. Muttonbird Island is also a vantage point for whale-watching June–Nov and is a great place for fishing and picnics. Access is via a 500 m walk along the sea wall from the harbour.

Bunker Cartoon Gallery: largest private collection of cartoons in the Southern Hemisphere, housed in a WW II bunker; City Hill; (02) 6651 7343. Legends Surf Museum: displays of classic photography, videos and equipment; Gaudrons Rd; (02) 6653 6536. Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery: varied program of contemporary art exhibitions; Cnr Coff and Duke sts; (02) 6648 4863. Tue–Sat 10am–4pm. Coffs Harbour International Marina: departure point for fishing charters, scuba diving and whale-watching trips (June–Nov); Marina Dr; (02) 6651 4222. North Coast Regional Botanical Gardens: rainforest, mangrove boardwalks, herbarium and diverse birdlife; Hardacre St; (02) 6648 4188. Pet Porpoise Pool: performing dolphins and seals with research and nursery facilities; Orlando St; (02) 6659 1900; open 9am–4pm every day. Self-guide walks: include Jetty Walk and Coffs Creek Walk; maps from visitor centre.

Big Banana large banana-shaped landmark with displays on the banana industry, giant water slides and toboggan rides; 351 Pacific Hwy; (02) 6652 4355; open 9am-4.30 every day; 4 km N.

Bindarri National Park Not for the unseasoned bushwalker, Bindarri National Park is a largely untouched forest without facilities, but amazing views reward those who make the effort. The headwaters of the Urumbilum River form breathtaking waterfalls in a remote and rugged setting. Pockets of old-growth forest are scattered across the plateau and rich rainforest protects the steeper slopes. While there are no campgrounds, backpack camping is allowed and there are bushwalking trails to follow; (02) 6652 0900; 20 km W.

Clog Barn: Dutch village with clogmaking; Pacific Hwy; (02) 6652 4633; 2 km N. Bruxner Park Flora Reserve: dense tropical jungle area of vines, ferns and orchids with bushwalking trails, picnic area and Sealy Lookout; Korora; Bruxner Park Rd, Korora; (02) 6652 8900; 9 km NW. Butterfly House: enclosed subtropical garden with live native and exotic butterflies; 5 Strouds Rd, Bonville; (02) 6653 4766; open 9am–4pm daily; 9 km S. Adventure tours: include whitewater rafting, canoeing, reef-fishing, diving, horseriding through rainforest, surf rafting, skydiving, helicopter flights, go-karting and surf schools; see visitor centre for brochures and bookings.

Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 3 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 64 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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Clarrie Hall Dam - Fishing Sub-region 205 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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Lake Copeton 209 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 49 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 91 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 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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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 139 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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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 141 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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Diving and snorkelling around Byron Bay 190 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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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 219 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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Barrington Tops National Park 246 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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Bonville Golf Resort 10 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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The Glades Golf & Spa 247 km

Ask Greg Norman’s former chief designer Bob Harrison to name one course that makes him feel proud when he sees the final result, and chances are he’ll say The Glades. Upon joining the Gold Coast golfing... Find out more

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Fiasco Ristorante + Bar

Experience the best northern Italian cuisine on the central coast at Caffe Fiasco. The proprietors are passionate about sharing their heritage and utilising the best local produce for their culinary creations, such as... Find out more

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Ocean Front Brasserie

Overlooking the jetty and one of the coast’s best surfing spots, the Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club’s brasserie more than lives up to its name, with panoramic oceanfront views. Order a seafood platter... Find out more

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Shearwater Restaurant

Perched overlooking Coffs Creek, it’s easy to see why this venue is so popular for weddings. Shearwater’s picturesque location and contemporary cuisine provide the perfect combination for a festive occasion.... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 130 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 190 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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Burleigh Brewing Company 245 km

Queensland has generally suffered from a dearth of craft breweries so the Burleigh Brewing Company is a welcome and relatively recent addition. Co-owner/brewer Brennan Fielding boasts considerable experience as a... Find out more

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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 8 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 10 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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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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Station Creek camping area 40 km

This is a popular spot in peak periods, positioned by a peaceful creek with access through the sand dunes to the beach. Bring a canoe and go for a paddle, or set out on the Corkwood and Scribbly Gum Walk (1.5 km, 1 hour... Find out more

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The Junction camping area 41 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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Pebbly Beach camping area 41 km

This is a top spot in a bay north of Station Creek Beach, with 60 campsites surrounded by banksias and horse-tail she-oaks. Sites are large and spread out behind the beach. There is a pleasant walk north to Freshwater... Find out more

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Platypus Flat camping area 42 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 44 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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Boorkoom camping area 55 km

In the southern section of Yuraygir National Park, small and secluded Boorkoom is north of Wooli near Diggers Camp. The 10 ten campsites here aren’t suitable for caravans or camper trailers; access is via the... Find out more

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Diggers Camp camping area 56 km

There are up to 26 camping sites here, tucked in among coastal banksias, only a stone’s throw from the beach. To get here, follow Diggers Camp Rd off Wooli Rd, about 12 km north of Wooli. It’s a pretty basic... Find out more

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Park Beach Holiday Park 2 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 8 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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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 9 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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Moonee Beach Holiday Park 10 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 16 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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Woolgoolga Beach Caravan Park 22 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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Urunga Heads Holiday Park 24 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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Darlington Beach Holiday Park 29 km

This popular park has very good quality facilities. It offers absolute beach frontage, a restaurant, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, outdoor bowling area and archery range. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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The Lorikeet Tourist Park 29 km

This wonderful park has excellent facilities, including a games room and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. It is easily accessible from the highway, with good access to long stretches of beach. Bookings are... Find out more

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White Albatross Holiday Centre 40 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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Breakfree Aanuka Beach

This resort is an award-winning oasis with absolute beachfront status on secluded Diggers Beach, surrounded by hectares of lush bushland. There is a wide variety of contemporary accommodation options, including studios,... Find out more

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Sante Fe Luxury B&B

Sante Fe has mastered the fine art of casual elegance with individually themed guest suites in three distinctive styles nestled on 2.5 hectares of property that includes a 13-metre saltwater pool, a huge lagoon and a... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 30 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 189 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 227 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 230 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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Cottages on the Creek 232 km

This 2-hectare establishment is managed as a Land for Wildlife property and the two, onebedroom spa cottages have composting toilets, protecting Currumbin Creek with its turtles, catfish, platypus and yabbies.... Find out more

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Woolgoolga Rest Area 22 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 40 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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Gumma Reserve Camp Area 47 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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Macksville Park Area 49 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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Glenugie Creek Rest Area 58 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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Paddys Rest Area 62 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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McPhillips Creek Rest Area 62 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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Maclean Park Area 92 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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Mann River Rest Area 96 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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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 100 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 104 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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Tabbimoble Creek Rest Area 113 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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Mulligans Hut Camp Area 113 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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Boundary Falls Camp Area 119 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 119 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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New Italy Rest Area 128 km

56 km N of Tyndale (L) or 47 km S of Ballina (R) Large shady area adjacent to the highway near the museum and cafe. GPS: S29 09.205 E153 17.930... Find out more

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Motorway Park Area 132 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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Tuckombil Road Rest Area 134 km

40 km S of Ballina (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S29 06.209 E153 20.400 ... Find out more

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Woodburn Park Area 138 km

Middle of town Parking area on the highway beside the river. Good facilities. GPS: S29 04.297 E153 20.575 ... Find out more

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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 141 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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Beardy Waters Woodland Park Area 143 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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Burrawan Rest Area 143 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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Celtic Country Rest Area 145 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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Beardy Waters Rest Area 147 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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