Explore Australia

Minimbah Aboriginal Native Gardens: bush-tucker gardens; Gloucester District Park. Folk Museum: pioneer household relics, toys, and gemstones and rocks; open 10am–2pm Thurs and Sat, 11am–3pm Sun; Church St; (02) 6558 9989. Town heritage walk: includes Lostrochs Cordial Factory and Gloucester Powerhouse; brochure from visitor centre. Walking trails: through nearby parks, brochure from visitor centre.

Barrington Tops National Park This World Heritage–listed rainforest on one of the highest points of the Great Dividing Range (1600 metres) is enormous and has a great variety of landscapes, flora and fauna, and some snow in winter. There are some good walking trails, beautiful forest drives, gorges and waterfalls, and breathtaking views from Mt Allyn, 1100 m above sea level. The Barrington Tops Forest Dr from Gloucester to Scone has rainforest walks and picnic spots en route; brochure from visitor centre. 60 km W.Copeland State Conservation Area Easily accessible dry rainforest, well known for its gold production in the 1870s and large stands of red cedar. Walking trails that utilise the old wagon and logging tracks are open to the public; 17km W. The Bucketts Walk: 90 min return with great views of town; Bucketts Rd; 2 km W. Lookouts: amazing views of the national park, town and surrounding hills at Kia-ora Lookout (4 km N), Mograni Lookout (5 km E) and Berrico Trig Station (14 km W). Goldtown: former site of the Mountain Maid Goldmine (1876), now mostly covered with rainforest. Also a historical museum, gold panning and underground mine tours; 16 km W.

Port Stephens 78 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 162 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 187 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 220 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 232 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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Lithgow to Mudgee 236 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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Port Hacking 243 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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Barrington Tops National Park 41 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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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 81 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 102 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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Birdwatching near Newcastle 103 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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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 110 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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Houseboating on the Macleay River 132 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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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 169 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 170 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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The Great North Walk 193 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 196 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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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 85 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 97 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 101 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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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 151 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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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 151 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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Monash Country Club 198 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 198 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 202 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 206 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 208 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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Perenti

This light and airy, friendly coffee house serves a dazzling array of homemade delicacies, including condiments for sale. Opened in 2002, the decor is quite chic, with steel sculptures and timber shelving. There’s... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 220 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 221 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 86 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 99 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 104 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 106 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 106 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 209 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 217 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 218 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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Schwartz Brewery 219 km

Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out more

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Poley's Place camping area 7 km

Take the family camping on a working cattle property on the banks of picturesque Barrington River, 8 km north of Gloucester on Thunderbolts Way. Basic cabins, caravans and a bunkhouse are also available. Attractions... Find out more

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Copeland Reserve camping area 11 km

Approximately 15 km west of Gloucester along the Gloucester–Scone Rd, you’ll find this large open area near the creek. Bring drinking water, firewood, pets and your swimming costume.... Find out more

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Wards Glen camping area 18 km

A basic bush site with no facilities, Wards Glen is for self-sufficient campers only. It’s dry-weather access only for 2WD vehicles, and set in the west of the reserve off Glen Rd. Bring drinking water and firewood... Find out more

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Gloryvale Reserve camping area 19 km

Pet-friendly, close to the river and only 23 km north of Gloucester along Thunderbolts Way, this camping area has a shallow, rocky swimming area suitable for small children. Note that it’s 2WD access in dry weather... Find out more

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Bretti Reserve camping area 25 km

Less than half an hour’s drive north from Gloucester on Thunderbolts Way, Bretti Reserve has basic facilities, but it’s spacious and the river is close by so it’s good for swimming. Pets are allowed... Find out more

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Gloucester River camping area 27 km

There’s a bit of everything available here, including walking tracks, swimming holes and plenty of wildlife. One of the few camping grounds in the east of the park, it lies 38 km south-west of Gloucester on... Find out more

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Manning River camping area 28 km

You'll find this camping area just inside the park on the banks of the Manning River, on the flood-detour road off Curricabark Rd. Bring your drinking water and firewood; gas/fuel stove preferred.... Find out more

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Rocks Crossing Reserve camping area 29 km

At Rocks Crossing, 21 km north-west of Mount George Village beside Nowendoc River, you’ll find toilets, barbecues and picnic tables. The river is great for canoeing and fishing. Note: bring your own firewood.... Find out more

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Walk-in camping areas 30 km

Scattered throughout the park are established walk-in bush campsites with no facilities. These are for self-sufficient walkers carrying good topographic maps, their own drinking water and, preferably, a gas/fuel stove.... Find out more

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Coachwood camping area 30 km

This is a cracker of a campsite next to Telegherry River, with a welcoming swimming hole as well as a 2 km return walking track to Problem Creek Falls. With dry-weather-only access for 2WD vehicles, it's off Frying Pan... Find out more

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Alum Mountain Caravan Park 50 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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Dawson River Tourist Park 53 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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Great Lakes Holiday Park 54 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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Forster Beach Caravan Park 55 km

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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Beachfront Holiday Resort 55 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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Smugglers Cove Holiday Village 56 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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Lanis on the Beach 60 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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Myall Shores Nature Resort 64 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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Sandbar and Bushland Caravan Parks 67 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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East’s Ocean Shores Holiday Park 67 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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Altamira Retreat

Altamira Retreat is a family-friendly resort nestled at the foothills of Barrington Tops National Park. There’s a wide range of accommodation options to suit everyone, including Country Family Apartments,... Find out more

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Arrowee House B&B

Arrowee House is Gloucester’s longest established B&B, renowned for its spectacular scenery and homely guest rooms. There is a new family unit available as well as two queen rooms and one twin-share option.... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 73 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 128 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 172 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 191 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 219 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 231 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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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 238 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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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 240 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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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 241 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 241 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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Wang Wauk Rest Area 38 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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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 46 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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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 48 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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Bulahdelah Rest Area 49 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 51 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 63 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 63 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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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 66 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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Station Creek Rest Area 68 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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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 72 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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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 72 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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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 73 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 74 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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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 79 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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Ponderosa Park Camp Area 90 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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Burrawan Rest Area 90 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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Tia River Rest Area 92 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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Sheba Dams Camp Area 92 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 Falls Camp Area 93 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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Pothana Lane Rest Area 96 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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Singleton Park Area 97 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 97 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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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 98 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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Teamsters Rest Camp Area 99 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Secluded area by the creek 14 km south of Nundle via Crawney Road. Good shade. NOTE: Part unsealed access. GPS: S31 33.399 E151 03.390... Find out more

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Swamp Creek Camp Area 100 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Grassed area on the riverbank 4 kilometres north of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access part unsealed. GPS: S31... Find out more

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Motorway Park Area 101 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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Burning Mountain Rest Area 102 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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Aberdeen Park Area 103 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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Scone Park Area 103 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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Muswellbrook North Park Area 104 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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