Explore Australia

Historical Society Museum This award-winning museum has over 20 000 items in its ever-increasing collection. It specialises in letters, photographs and documents covering convict and free settlement and the evolution of the town from penal colony to coastal metropolis. The museum is in one of the town's beautifully restored older buildings (c. 1836). Clarence St; (02) 6583 1108.St Thomas' Church: third oldest surviving church in Australia (1824–28), designed by convict architect Thomas Owen; Hay St. Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse: built in 1869, it served the community for 117 years; tours of the restored building by appt; closed Sun; Cnr Hay and Clarence sts; (02) 6584 1818. Mid-north Coast Maritime Museum: shipwreck relics, model ships and early photographs; William St; (02) 6583 1866. Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve: 50 ha of nature reserve with boardwalks and picnic area. Visit the historic cemetery nearby dating from 1842; Gordon St. Koala Hospital: Koala rehabilitation and adoption centre, the only one of its kind in NSW; Lord St; (02) 6584 1522; open 8am–4pm, feeding at 8am and 3pm. Roto House and Macquarie Nature Reserve: adjacent to the koala hospital and built in 1890, classified by the National Trust; off Lord St; (02) 6584 2180; 10am–4pm Mon–Fri, 9am–1pm Sat. Port Macquarie Observatory: planetarium, telescope and solar system display; call for opening times (02) 6582 2397; William St. Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park: wide variety of Australian and exotic wildlife with kangaroo-feeding and koala photo sessions each day; Billabong Dr; (02) 6585 1060. Town beach: patrolled swimming and surfing beach with sheltered coves at one end. Cruises: depart daily; bookings at visitor centre. Scenic walks: 9 km coastal walk from Westport Park in the town centre to Tacking Point Lighthouse; traverses beaches and subtropical rainforest with picnic spots, interpretative signs and viewing platforms along the trail; look out for the dolphins of Hastings River and a variety of birdlife; walk takes 3 hrs 30 min one way; brochure from visitor centre.

Lake Innes Nature Reserve The picturesque reserve is home to koalas, kangaroos and bats, but was once the location of the grand Lake Innes House. Unfortunately, the house was left to was left to decay, and the ruins are all that remain today. Guided tours are available; (02) 6588 5555. 7 km SW. Sea Acres Rainforest Centre: elevated 1.3 km boardwalk through canopy; tours available; Pacific Dr; (02) 6582 3355; 4 km S. Lighthouse Beach: 16 km expanse of white sand with camel rides, dolphin-watching from shore and breathtaking views up and down the coast from the grounds of Tacking Point Lighthouse at the northern end of the beach (lighthouse not open to public); 10 km S. Lake Cathie: holiday town between surf beach and tidal lake for swimming and fishing; 16 km S. Wineries: several in the area offering cellar-door tastings including Lake Innes Vineyard (7 km W) and Cassegrain Winery (13 km W). Skydiving, sea plane flights, trike tours, golf: brochures at visitor centre.

South-West Rocks 64 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 127 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 160 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 250 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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Houseboating on the Macleay River 40 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 80 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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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 110 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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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 127 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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Barrington Tops National Park 147 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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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 156 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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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 160 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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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 179 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 196 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 197 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 119 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 178 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 191 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 208 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 246 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 248 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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Bliss Restaurant

As the name of this eatery suggests, happiness is just a mouthful away. The contemporary menu gives local produce a South-East Asian twist, with Thai, Balinese and Vietnamese influences, and the result is delicious fine... Find out more

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The Restaurant at Cassegrain

French cuisine.... Find out more

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The Breakwall

Dining at the Breakwall is a must if you are in the area. The relaxed, contemporary dining room has a modern Australian menu with a good range of dishes. The coffee is excellent and the place is great value for money.... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 4 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 173 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 196 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 204 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 212 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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Point Plomer camping ground 14 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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Melaleuca camping area 18 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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Delicate Beach camping area 20 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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Racecourse Headland camping area 21 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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Diamond Head camping area 33 km

Located just off Diamond Head Rd (Coral Ville–Laurieton Rd) on the north side of Diamond Head, this spot has pride of place by the windswept beach. Take care when swimming, as beaches aren’t patrolled.... Find out more

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Indian Head camping area 35 km

Sheltered at the base of the headland, 1 km south of Diamond Head camping area is Indian Head camping area, which has no wheelchair access. Kangaroos frequent the grassy clearing here, and there are a number of good... Find out more

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Kylies Beach camping area (walk-in camping) 35 km

This is a special, secluded camping site about 200 m walk from Indian Head camping area. It’s small and basic.... Find out more

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Kylies Beach camping area 37 km

Australian writer Kylie Tennant lived and wrote in this lovely part of the world; her restored cabin can be found a short walk from this campsite. There are secluded sites tucked away under trees up to 3 km from the road... Find out more

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Swans Crossing camping area 37 km

This camping area is signposted along Upsalls Creek Rd. It's surrounded by native forest and hardwood plantations; swimming is popular in the nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek. There are toilets and an information board... Find out more

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Hungry Gate camping area 41 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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Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park

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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Lighthouse Beach Holiday Village 6 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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Stoney Park 15 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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Rainbow Beach Holiday Village 19 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 24 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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Crescent Head Holiday Park 28 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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East’s Ocean Shores Holiday Park 57 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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BIG4 Trial Bay Eco Tourist Park 62 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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Dawson River Tourist Park 64 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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Lanis on the Beach 67 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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Quality Inn HW Boutique

The Quality Inn HW Boutique is situated in an enviable landmark location on the Port Macquarie Headland overlooking Town Beach. Various River and Ocean View guest rooms are available, all beautifully furnished and with... Find out more

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Woodlands B&B

Tucked away in the hills 3 kilometres outside Port Macquarie, Woodlands stands on manicured grounds that are home to a range of native birds. From the queen-sized Verandah Room to the two-bedroom self-catering Frangipani... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 106 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 181 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 235 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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Motorway Park Area 9 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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Burrawan Rest Area 20 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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Kundabung Rest Area 27 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 31 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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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 43 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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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 43 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 49 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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Paddys Rest Area 69 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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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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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 72 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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Gumma Reserve Camp Area 81 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 81 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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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 81 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 98 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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Tia Falls Camp Area 104 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 106 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 115 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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Newmans Road Rest Areas 117 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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Apsley Falls Camp Area 117 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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Bulahdelah Rest Area 125 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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Walcha East Rest Area 130 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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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 143 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 144 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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Woolgoolga Rest Area 149 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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