Explore Australia

Forster Arts and Crafts Centre: the largest working craft centre in NSW; Breese Pde. Tobwabba Art Studio: specialises in urban coastal Aboriginal art; cnr Breckenridge and Little sts, Forster. Pebbly Beach Bicentennial Walk: gentle and scenic 2 km walk to Bennetts Head, beginning at baths off North St, Forster. Wallis Lake Fishermen's Co-op: fresh and cooked oysters and ocean fish; Wharf St, Tuncurry. Dolphin-spotting and lake cruises: bookings at visitor centre. Dolphins can also be seen from Tuncurry Breakwall and Bennetts Head.

Booti Booti National Park An ideal spot for water activities, Booti Booti National Park has beautiful beaches including Elizabeth, Boomerang and Blueys beaches, all fabulous for surfing, swimming and fishing. Elizabeth Beach is patrolled by lifesavers in season. The lookout tower on Cape Hawke offers 360-degree views over Booti Booti and Wallingat national parks, the foothills of the Barrington Tops, Seal Rocks and Crowdy Bay. The park offers a variety of walking trails. 17 km S.

Cape Hawke: steep 400 m track to summit for views of Wallis Lake, Seal Rocks and inland to Great Dividing Range; 8 km S. The Green Cathedral: open-air church with pews and altar, sheltered by cabbage palm canopy; Tiona, on the shores of Wallis Lake; 13 km S. Smiths Lake: sheltered lake for safe swimming; 30 km S. Tours of Great Lakes area: kayak, 4WD, nature and eco-tours, including bushwalks; brochure from visitor centre.

Port Stephens 70 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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South-West Rocks 154 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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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 195 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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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 216 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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Botany Bay 236 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 248 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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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 55 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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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 69 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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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 91 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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Barrington Tops National Park 93 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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Birdwatching near Newcastle 107 km

A reclaimed 45-hectare wetland area just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Newcastle has been Ramsar-listed and is an excellent spot to see up to 213 bird species, including more than 2000 pairs of breeding egrets. The... Find out more

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Houseboating on the Macleay River 126 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 157 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 168 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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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 202 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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The Great North Walk 204 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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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 89 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 102 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 128 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 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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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 159 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 204 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 206 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 206 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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Bonville Golf Resort 208 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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Pymble Golf Club 214 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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Ripples

Resting on the banks of Wallis Lake, Ripples serves elegant modern Australian cuisine to guests seated in its plush, contemporary dining room. It’s a top spot for a meal, with choices such as blue-eye trevally with... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 224 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 227 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 83 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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The Little Brewing Company 88 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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Steel River Brewery 107 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 117 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 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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4 Pines Brewing Company 213 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 223 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 224 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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The Ruins camping area 14 km

Cabbage tree palms and paperbarks surround this sprawling campground at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, next to the park office. There are a number of walks in the area, including the 7 km Booti Hill walking track,... Find out more

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Wallingat River camping area 19 km

Perched on the banks of tranquil Wallingat River, this site is small and peaceful; campers can fish, paddle, watch for wildlife and while away the hours in solitude. It’s off River Rd, via Sugar Creek Rd. Note:... Find out more

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Neranie Head camping area 26 km

Neranie Head is at the far-north end of the national park, on the north-eastern shores of Myall Lake. There’s a boat ramp nearby, and a short walk to the historic cemetery on Neranie Headland. You can get here via... Find out more

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Farquhar Park Reserve camping area 28 km

Farquhar Park is 8 km south of Manning Point, near the mouth of the Manning River at Old Bar. It’s 4WD only at low tide across Smiths Beach; alternatively, there’s boat access. Take your off-road camper... Find out more

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Yagon camping area 31 km

This is a top location, sheltered behind the dunes, close to the beach, Seal Rocks and Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, and away from the conglomeration of camping sites to the south around the lakes. To get here, turn onto... Find out more

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Shelley Beach camping area (walk-in and boat-based camping) 33 km

This is a walk-in or boat-based campsite located 10 km north-east of Bombah Point on Myall Lake. If you’re on foot, it’s an 11 km walk via the Old Gibber track, off Mungo Brush Rd. Bring your drinking water... Find out more

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Bungaree Bay camping area 36 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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Violet Hill camping area 37 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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Sunnyside (boat-based camping) 37 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) 39 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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Forster Beach Caravan Park

This council-operated park is just a 2-minute walk from the centre of town, located on the headland overlooking the estuary and town centre. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Great Lakes Holiday Park 2 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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Smugglers Cove Holiday Village 2 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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Beachfront Holiday Resort 14 km

A great quality park with good management, this place offers a range of facilities and is close to the beach. It is set in a quiet spot off the main road. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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Sandbar and Bushland Caravan Parks 23 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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Lanis on the Beach 25 km

Close to the popular Old Bar beach and suitable for an overnight stay or a family holiday, this is a neatly maintained, peaceful family park with wonderful grassy sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Seal Rocks Holiday Park 28 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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Dawson River Tourist Park 32 km

This park is on the banks of the Dawson River with sites right on the water’s edge. Recent developments have greatly improved this older style park.... Find out more

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East’s Ocean Shores Holiday Park 35 km

This is a quality, award-winning caravan park just a short walk from 14 km of unspoiled ocean beach. The park has excellent facilities for people with disabilities. It is a quiet place where a few days could slip by very... Find out more

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Alum Mountain Caravan Park 37 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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Tokelau Guest House

Tokelau Guest House is situated on the Wallis Lake foreshore, with five guest suites tucked away inside the Federation-style home (c. 1909). All suites open onto a private balcony or garden and have all the amenities one... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 102 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 152 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 183 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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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 193 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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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 243 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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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 16 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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Wang Wauk Rest Area 18 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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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 25 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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Newmans Road Rest Areas 27 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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Bulahdelah Rest Area 36 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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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 44 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 48 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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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 53 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 54 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 62 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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Burrawan Rest Area 73 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 82 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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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 83 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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Medowie Road Rest Area 84 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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Motorway Park Area 85 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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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 95 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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Kundabung Rest Area 112 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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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 116 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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Pothana Lane Rest Area 126 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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Tia Falls Camp Area 127 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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Tia River Rest Area 128 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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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 131 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 133 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 135 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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Stoney Creek Rest Area 141 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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Ponderosa Park Camp Area 143 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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Apsley Falls Camp Area 144 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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Sheba Dams Camp Area 146 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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