Explore Australia

Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park: Aboriginal cultural experience, including introduction to bush tucker, learning about the use of plants and throwing a boomerang; Sea St. Cultural Centre: incorporates the Macleay River Historical Society Museum and visitor centre, a settlers cottage, displays on Akubra hats and Slim Dusty, and a working model of a timber mill; Pacific Hwy, South Kempsey. Historical walks: carefully restored historic buildings include the courthouse, post office and West Kempsey Hotel; brochure from visitor centre.

Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve Showcases a beautiful coastline of heathlands, banksia and blackbutt forests. The rare rainforest of Big Hill is home to the threatened ground parrot. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing and there are camping areas with varying levels of facilities. 33 km SE.South West Rocks Attractions include a pristine white beach, a maritime history display at the restored Boatmans Cottage and the opportunity to handfeed fish at the Everglades Aquarium. The area is excellent for watersports, diving, camping and boating. The nearby Trial Bay Gaol (1886) was a public works prison until 1903 and reopened to hold 'enemy aliens' in WW I. Smoky Cape has a lighthouse offering tours and accommodation and clear views up and down the coast. Fish Rock Cave, just off the cape, is well known for its excellent diving. 37 km NE.Frederickton: 'Fredo' has beautiful views of river flats, and its award-winning pie shop boasts 148 varieties; 8 km NE. Kundabung: tiny village with Australasian bullriding titles in Oct; 14 km S. Gladstone: fishing, antiques and crafts; 15 km NE. Crescent Head: this seaside holiday town has good surfing. There is an Aboriginal bora ring (ceremonial ground) just to the north. The Sky Show with kites, flying displays and fireworks is held each June and the Crescent Head Malibu Longboard Classic is in May (the largest longboard competition in Australia); 20 km SE. Barnett's Rainbow Beach Oyster Barn: direct purchases and viewing of oyster processing; 31 km NE. Hat Head National Park: magnificent dunes and unspoiled beaches, popular for birdwatching, snorkelling, swimming and walking. Korogoro Point is a fabulous spot for whale-watching May–July and Sept–Oct; 32 km E. Bellbrook: classified by the National Trust as a significant example of a turn-of-the-century hamlet; 50 km NW. Walks and self-guide drives: nature-reserve walks and historical and scenic drives; details from visitor centre.

South-West Rocks 30 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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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 91 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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Port Stephens 193 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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Lake Copeton 219 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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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 40 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 42 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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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 91 km

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

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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 128 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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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 132 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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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 146 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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Barrington Tops National Park 163 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 193 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 203 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 228 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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Bonville Golf Resort 82 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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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 208 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 221 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 233 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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Netherby River Cafe

Netherby River Cafe is a popular spot nestled beneath a towering tangle of trees on the banks of the Macleay River. Casual, tranquil and serving great food and coffee on their huge verandah, this is definitely the place... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 42 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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Murray's Craft Brewing Company 205 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 225 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 232 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 237 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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Hungry Gate camping area 20 km

Tucked in behind sand dunes and ringed with heath and woodland, Hungry Gate is an attractive camping area just a hop, skip and jump from the ocean. It’s 5 km south of Hat Head village – follow Hungry Rd off... Find out more

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Racecourse Headland camping area 23 km

This is an unpatrolled beach, so be vigilant when swimming. It’s 1 km north of Delicate Beach camping area along Point Plomer Rd.... Find out more

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Delicate Beach camping area 24 km

This is a popular fishing spot, and a good place from which to head out for a spot of swimming, picnicking or wildlife spotting. The beach isn’t patrolled, so take care in the ocean. The camping area is 12 km south... Find out more

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Melaleuca camping area 26 km

There’s a short loop track through rainforest from the campground, which is on Point Plomer Rd 12 km south of Crescent Head. It’s a spacious area with 100 sites; bring your own drinking water and firewood. ... Find out more

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Point Plomer camping ground 29 km

This well-appointed camping ground is 5 km south of Melaleuca camping area along Point Plomer Rd. There’s bore water here, but you’ll need to either treat or boil the water before drinking or bring your own.... Find out more

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Smoky Cape camping area 30 km

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

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Trial Bay Gaol camping ground 32 km

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

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Bluff picnic and camping area 34 km

Kick back in one of 6 shady sites at this camping site, 1.4 km north of the Wild Bull Park camping area. Access is via Cobrabald Rd. Bring your drinking water and firewood.... Find out more

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Wild Bull Park camping area 36 km

Throw a line in and see if you can snag a catfish, or cool off in a deep waterhole at Wild Bull Park camping area, 42 km north-west of Wauchope along Cobrabald Rd. You'll have to park then carry your gear over bollards... Find out more

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Brushy Mountain Campground 45 km

In the eastern section of the park, Brushy Mountain Campground is accessed via unsealed Cockerawombeeba Rd or the Hastings Forest Way. The former is 4WD only; the latter only suitable for caravans and 2WD vehicles in dry... Find out more

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Crescent Head Holiday Park 19 km

This is a large beachside caravan park close to the town centre. Crescent Head is small, making it easy to walk to the shops, the bowling club or the golf club. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out more

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Stoney Park 28 km

This is a newer, very tidy park built around a couple of lakes where waterskiing is the main focus. Easily accessible from the highway and a great spot for a night or two, waterski enthusiasts in particular may well stay... Find out more

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BIG4 Trial Bay Eco Tourist Park 31 km

This is a very pleasant park located close to the historic Trial Bay Gaol. The owner operators are keen to please and offer a range of quality facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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Stuarts Point Holiday Park 32 km

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

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Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park 39 km

Only a few minutes walk from the centre of Port Macquarie, this is a large, quality park right on the waterfront. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas and Easter.... Find out more

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Nambucca River Tourist Park 43 km

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

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Lighthouse Beach Holiday Village 46 km

This is a neat park on the southern beachside approach to Port Macquarie. It is ideal for a few days or longer and is good value. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas.... Find out more

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White Albatross Holiday Centre 51 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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Rainbow Beach Holiday Village 56 km

This well-maintained park, located in the main street, is just a few hundred metres from the beach and surf club, and ideal for a beachside holiday. It is a busy park during school holidays; bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Beachfront Caravan Park 62 km

This spacious and neat tourist park offers grassy areas with plenty of shade, adjacent to the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over Christmas and Easter. Pets are accepted... Find out more

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Netherby House B&B

In the heart of Kempsey and resting on the banks of the Macleay River, Netherby House is a tranquil, casual retreat set on hectares of rambling grounds with views of the Great Dividing Range across the river. There are... Find out more

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Grass Trees Escape

South West Rocks is the Macleay Valley’s largest coastal town, brimming with pristine beaches and tropical hinterland. Nestled on lush bushland overlooking Trial Bay, Grass Trees Escape offers two architecturally... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 67 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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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 205 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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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 10 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 14 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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Paddys Rest Area 30 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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Macksville Park Area 42 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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Motorway Park Area 43 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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Gumma Reserve Camp Area 44 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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Burrawan Rest Area 53 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 53 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 73 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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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 78 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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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 81 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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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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Tia River Rest Area 96 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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Stoney Creek Rest Area 101 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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Apsley Falls Camp Area 102 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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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 104 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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Woolgoolga Rest Area 112 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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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 114 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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Walcha East Rest Area 114 km

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

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Wang Wauk Rest Area 129 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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Halfway Creek Rest Area 129 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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Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 137 km

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

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Kentucky Rest Area 143 km

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

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Glenugie Creek Rest Area 144 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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Woolbrook Rest Area 146 km

T/O 30 km W of Walcha (R) or 20 km E of Bendemeer (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre off the highway on the riverbank. Limited shade. GPS: S30 55.010 E151 18.988  ... Find out more

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McPhillips Creek Rest Area 149 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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Newmans Road Rest Areas 149 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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