Explore Australia

Wingham Brush The unique brush is part of the last 10 ha of subtropical flood-plain rainforest in NSW. It is home to 195 species of native plants including giant Moreton Bay fig trees, a large population of endangered grey-headed flying foxes and 100 bird species. The brush includes a boardwalk, picnic and barbecue facilities and a boat-launching area on the Manning River. Farquar St.Manning Valley Historical Museum: housed in an old general store (1880s), this has one of the most extensive collections of historical memorabilia on the north coast. Includes displays on local farming, commercial and timber history; part of an attractive square bounded by Isabella, Bent, Farquar and Wynter sts. Manning River: picturesque waterway with several locations for swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. Self-guide historical town walk: tour of the town's Federation buildings; brochure from museum.

Tourist Drive 8 This enjoyable drive begins in Taree and passes through Wingham, Comboyne and Bybarra before finishing in Wauchope (36 km is unsealed; not suitable for motorists towing caravans). The highlight is Ellenborough Falls, 40 km N, one of the highest single-drop falls in NSW, with easy walking trails, lookouts and barbecue facilities. Red Tail Wines in Marlee (13 km N) has free tastings. Brochure from visitor centre.

Port Stephens 96 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 127 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 188 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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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 217 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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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 42 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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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 70 km

This cool coastal forest, 5 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is great for a stop and a gentle stroll, with lush rainforest extending right down to the beach. There is a 1.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible boardwalk,... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 81 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 97 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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Houseboating on the Macleay River 98 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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Birdwatching near Newcastle 130 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 139 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 139 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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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 165 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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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 188 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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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 110 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 124 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 138 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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Bonville Golf Resort 179 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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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 179 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 181 km

Throughout his playing career, Craig Parry has won tournaments around the world thanks to a mix of sound strategy, good ball-striking and a first-class short game. He brought those same key elements – golfing... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 227 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 228 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 230 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 236 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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Bent on Food

This award-winning provedore cleverly makes the most of its location between the hills and ocean to showcase the superb local produce, both at the cafe and on the shelves to be purchased. Try the chemoula chicken served... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 248 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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The Little Brewing Company 67 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 107 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 128 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 135 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 142 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more

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4 Pines Brewing Company 237 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 246 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 247 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 248 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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Farquhar Park Reserve camping area 24 km

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

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Little Plains Sports and Recreation Area 27 km

In Elands township. Suitable for overnight stays only. Firewood supplied.... Find out more

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Rocks Crossing Reserve camping area 30 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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Dingo Tops Rest Area 31 km

Previously a forest workers' camp, Dingo Tops features old forestry machinery, including a dobbie (used to haul logs), a tractor and a horse-drawn grader. There are a couple of short rainforest tracks from the... Find out more

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Crowdy Gap camping area 34 km

Turn off Crowdy Bay Rd north of Crowdy Head, and you’ll find Crowdy Gap camping area nestled behind sand dunes on the site of an old dairy farm. There are 7 tent campsites, 2 trailer/caravan campsites and 1 group... Find out more

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Swans Crossing camping area 35 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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Kylies Beach camping area 41 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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Kylies Beach camping area (walk-in camping) 43 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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Indian Head camping area 43 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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Diamond Head camping area 44 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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Dawson River Tourist Park 13 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 24 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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Beachfront Holiday Resort 27 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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East’s Ocean Shores Holiday Park 28 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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Forster Beach Caravan Park 37 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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Great Lakes Holiday Park 37 km

This is a quality park on the water’s edge. It is in a quieter area of town but just a short distance from the town centre. There is a good range of facilities and bookings are required in peak periods; a... Find out more

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Smugglers Cove Holiday Village 39 km

This is a quality, award-winning park with great holiday entertainment and a range of activities all year round. A good family park, it is set in a wonderful subtropical palm grove. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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Beachfront Caravan Park 51 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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Rainbow Beach Holiday Village 54 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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Sandbar and Bushland Caravan Parks 59 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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Wingham Motel

Wingham Motel has 16 contemporary and comfortable units on spacious grounds, complete with a swimming pool and on-site restaurant. From its central location, guests can explore Wingham at length and venture further... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 110 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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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 162 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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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 165 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 204 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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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 14 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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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 22 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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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 24 km

T/O 30 km N of Taree or 90 km S of Kempsey via Moorland Large grassed campground surrounded by forest located 5 kilometres west of the highway via Forest Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 47.330... Find out more

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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 31 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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Wang Wauk Rest Area 32 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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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 48 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 50 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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Newmans Road Rest Areas 54 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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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 58 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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Bulahdelah Rest Area 60 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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Motorway Park Area 62 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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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 78 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 79 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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Kundabung Rest Area 85 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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Station Creek Rest Area 86 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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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 89 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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Tia Falls Camp Area 91 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 91 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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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 101 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 102 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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Stoney Creek Rest Area 104 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 107 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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Ponderosa Park Camp Area 115 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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Walcha East Rest Area 118 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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Sheba Dams Camp Area 118 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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Swamp Creek Camp Area 126 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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Paddys Rest Area 126 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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Teamsters Rest Camp Area 129 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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Bowling Alley Point Camp Area 130 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large area on the shores of the reservoir 14 kilometres north of Nundle. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 21.669 E151 08.186 ... Find out more

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Pothana Lane Rest Area 134 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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