Explore Australia

V-Wall Breakwater Also known as the Graffiti Gallery, this rock wall gives visitors the opportunity to paint their own postcards on a rock. Mementos from all over the world are on display, including cartoons, paintings and poetry. Wellington Dr.

Headland Historical Museum: photographic history of the town and its residents, historic documents, antique farming implements and household tools; Headland Reserve. Model Train Display: miniature display models, including the Ghan and the Indian Pacific; Pelican Cres. Stringer Art Gallery: showcases local art and craft; Ridge St. Valley Community Art: cooperative of local artists and crafters with work for sale; Bowra St. Mosaic sculpture: the history of the town portrayed in a mosaic wrapped around a corner of the police station; Bowra St. Gordon Park Rainforest: unique walking trails through rainforest in the middle of urban development; between town centre and Inner Harbour. Foreshore Walk: 5 km pathway from Pacific Hwy to V-Wall with storyboards on shipbuilding yards and mills.

Valla Beach Apart from secluded beaches and rainforest surrounds, Valla Beach is a hive of activity. Attractions include an art and craft gallery, the Valla Smokehouse (specialising in smoked products), the Australiana Workshop and the Gallery of Hidden Treasures. The Valla Beach Fair is held each Jan; 10 km N.Swiss Toymaker: visitors can view wooden toys being crafted; closed Sun; 5 km N.

South-West Rocks 25 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 40 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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Lake Copeton 211 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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Port Stephens 244 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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Clarrie Hall Dam - Fishing Sub-region 244 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 11 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 40 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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Houseboating on the Macleay River 51 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 88 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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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 129 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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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 137 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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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 181 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 210 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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Diving and snorkelling around Byron Bay 229 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 242 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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Bonville Golf Resort 31 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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Matilda’s

Matilda’s is an unpretentious local favourite overlooking the Nambucca River, serving excellent food in the tropical setting of neighbouring rainforest. The freshest seafood and most succulent local steaks are... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 91 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 230 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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Trial Bay Gaol camping ground 27 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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Smoky Cape camping area 32 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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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 32 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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Bindarri camping area (bush camping) 40 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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Bush camping 47 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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Hungry Gate camping area 49 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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Platypus Flat camping area 59 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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Thungutti Rest Area 62 km

The campground at Thungutti includes gas and wood barbecues (firewood supplied). Cars have to be parked a short distance from the campsites. There are 18 sites; booking is not essential but fees apply. Firewood is... Find out more

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Park Entrance Rest Area 63 km

For those with caravans, there’s a basic camping site at Styx River, about 2 km outside the park entrance along Point Lookout Rd. Bush camping is also permitted; you must camp at least 500 m from park facilities.... Find out more

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Cod Hole picnic and camping area 64 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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White Albatross Holiday Centre 1 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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Nambucca River Tourist Park 9 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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Urunga Heads Holiday Park 16 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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Stuarts Point Holiday Park 20 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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BIG4 Trial Bay Eco Tourist Park 28 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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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 31 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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Park Beach Holiday Park 41 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 48 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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Moonee Beach Holiday Park 50 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 55 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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White Albatross Holiday Centre

For a casual, carefree family holiday, the White Albatross Holiday Centre has something for everyone. The four-star absolute waterfront accommodation at Nambucca Heads offers a huge variety of options for visitors,... Find out more

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Sacred Mountain Retreat

This lofty, romantic mountain retreat overlooks the ocean, valley and Great Dividing Range. There are three private, architecturally designed, self-contained cottages, each with 270-degree views, tucked away on more than... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 23 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 229 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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Gumma Reserve Camp Area 7 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 11 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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Paddys Rest Area 23 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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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 61 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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Woolgoolga Rest Area 61 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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Kundabung Rest Area 65 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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Halfway Creek Rest Area 79 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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Motorway Park Area 93 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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Glenugie Creek Rest Area 95 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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McPhillips Creek Rest Area 100 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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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 103 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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Burrawan Rest Area 104 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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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 115 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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Tia Falls Camp Area 125 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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Mann River Rest Area 126 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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Stoney Creek Rest Area 127 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 128 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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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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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 129 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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Maclean Park Area 131 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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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 133 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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Walcha East Rest Area 137 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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Mulligans Hut Camp Area 140 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 143 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 146 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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Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 148 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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